Peach House offers a peek at 'intentionally secretive' menu for mid-June public opening

A popular Lakeland dining spot has gotten a bold, fresh makeover featuring a bright, fresh coat of peach paint that hopefully will serve as a reminder of its new name.

The Peach House, owned by Jeannie Weaver Lopez and Ryan Lopez, has been hosting invitation-only soft opening dinners this week at 733 E. Palmetto St., opposite the Main Branch of the Lakeland Public Library. It's the second downtown business venture for Jeannie Weaver Lopez, who also operates the vintage Prohibition-themed cocktail bar Revival.

Jeannie said she wasn't necessarily looking to open a new business, but took this new opportunity on when it fell into her lap.

"I've always loved this space," she gushed. "I live in the historic Lake Morton area, and I've always loved this space, the patio, the energy of this old house."

Fresh pop of peach

The building was constructed in 1927, according records at Polk County Property Appraiser's Office. While it has 2,284-square-feet under its roof, only a little more than half is indoors, giving it the generous porch and front dining area the location is known for.

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"I don't think there are too many places you can go where you are actually eating in an old house," she said.

On the outside, Ryan said there's been an effort to break up what was a solid concrete patio by planting some trees, including crape myrtle and fiddle leave figs. With time, he said he hopes the trees will grow to offer a canopy of shade for diners.

The home's once-dark interior has been repainted a peach hue with darker peach trim that gives the space a warm, inviting feeling — and serves as the inspiration for the restaurant's name. The interior is decorated with an eclectic mix of items that Jeannie designed to offer a "funky, kitschy" vibe.

Keep a lookout for two murals by Georgia Lynn Dean that feature a Florida's own legend, a two-headed alligator, who is dining alongside a feral cat.

Secretive menu revealed

One of the best kept secrets to the Peach House has been the new restaurant's menu. Other sources reported that it's based on New Orleans, but the final menu is more Mediterranean and "Old Florida" style, Jeannie said.

"We've kept it intentionally secretive," she said.

The menu is themed around sharing dishes, with smaller plates for the individuals. There's a variety of seafood available, including raw or broiled oysters, Prince Edward Island mussels or shrimp cocktail.

Shared dishes include KFG, that's Kentucky fried gator, of course, with "11 secret herbs and spices." Then there's the lighter whipped ricotta toast that puts together a local bread, whipped ricotta, last year's peaches, hazelnuts and basil.

For those looking for sandwiches and handheld bites, a "between bread" section offers a buttered shrimp roll, chicken pita, smashburger and a take on avocado toast.

Jeannie described the cocktail menu as "fruity and refreshing" with various drinks that include yuzu, passionfruit and red guava. It's still been worked and refined, she said, and subject to change. Diners may find it more playful in the future as she said there may be tiki drinks or even a slushee machine — something that won't be found at Revival.

Diner keep a look out

The couple plan to open the new restaurant to the public during the week of June 17, Jeannie said.

There won't be any big grand opening celebration. Rather, she suggested patrons keep an eye out for a "we're open" sign or sandwich board.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on X @SaraWalshFl.