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Restaurant: Polo Grill
Address: 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, Fla., 34202
Phone: 941-782-0899
Website: http://pologrillandbar.com
Lunch guest: Maurice Opstal, president, Stellar Development. The Lakewood Ranch-based construction firm, which grew revenues 1,255% from 2007-2010, made Inc. magazine's list of the nation's 500 fastest-growing companies in 2011. With 2010 revenues of $4.6 million, the firm was ranked 255th on the list.
Reservations: Not required, but accepted.
Parking: Restaurant shares ample parking with Lakewood Ranch Main Street, a mix of independently owned shops and boutiques with a few national brands. Lakewood Ranch Main Street stores include Starbucks and Chico's.
One-hour lunch test: Pulled pork sandwiches with side Caesar salads came in less than 15 minutes. In and out in an hour.
Staff sincerity: Waiter greeted us quickly, took drink orders and reappeared soon after to take food orders. He steered us away from the soup of the day, potato leek.
Teatime: Iced tea refills came frequently. Table was stocked with a variety of sweeteners.
See and be seen: Lunchtime crowd is a mix of young professionals, executives and retirees. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is across the street, along with several large medical practices. The Lakewood Ranch corporate park is less than two miles away. Several local Realtors and real estate attorneys celebrate closed deals at the restaurant.
Privacy: Tables are placed sufficiently apart for conversations. Several sections of tables are split off. One section faces a courtyard and outside seating. Another section sits opposite the restaurant's extensive wine collection.
Ambiance: Setting is elegant, a mix between casual and high-end. The crowd is lively. On the day we were there, several tables held parties of at least five people in a business meeting. The wait staff wears white shirts and dark ties, which adds to the chic appeal.
Food: Lunch menu is diverse. It's split between seven choices for starters; eight sandwiches; six salads; six pizzas; and six entrees. Within those categories is an eclectic mix of seafood and meat items. Options include tuna tartar wonton tacos for $8; the Rosas Farms organic burger for $12; and hand cut filet mignon served with gratin potatoes, spinach, merlot-braised wild mushrooms and fizzled leeks for $16.
There's also the Power Lunch, which is half a sandwich and a choice between chips, fries, soup or a side salad.
Ownership: Jaymie and Tommy Klauber, who come from a family of well-known local hospitality entrepreneurs, own the Polo Grill. The Klaubers also own the Fete Catering and Ballroom operation, which Jaymie Klauber says is a big part of the overall Polo Grill business.
The Klaubers opened Polo Grill in November 2007. Jaymie Klauber says after the initial rush that year, lunch business took a hit in the recession, especially in 2009 and 2010. She says the lunch crowds have recently started to come back.
Review date: August 2011
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