FIRST LOOK – Tzeva
Palm Avenue gets a tasty new resident
Sarasota’s vibrant dining landscape is colorful. So maybe it’s appropriate that one of the newest faces on the Sarasota restaurant scene has a name that carries that meaning. Tzeva (zee-va) translates to color, and their cuisine reflects their unique name.
The Art Ovation Hotel has long been a place to gather on the rooftop, drink delicious cocktails with friends, and enjoy the views of Sarasota. Now tucked away on the first floor is a new face in our food community. Located right at the bottom of that elevator ride, Tzeva is positioned to be that “go-to” spot once the sun has set and it’s time to dine.
Tzeva (1255 N. Palm Ave. (941) 413-7425) opened in February and has been delighting diners with a menu of Israeli-influenced Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s take a FIRST LOOK at one of the newest residents of Palm Avenue.
I LOVE ethnic cuisine (OH, I love our American dishes, too!). There’s just something special about experiencing a style of cooking and ingredients that aren’t part of your personal past. Every dish has the potential to be a discovery.
Cooking techniques often define a region. Sometimes it’s just as simple as the way some flavors are highlighted over others. It’s all a part of what makes tasting new and different things exciting and unpredictable.
Being located in a hotel can come with a unique set of challenges. The first and most obvious is defining your own character separate from that of your host. In this case, Art Ovation. It can be a challenge. But one that’s not insurmountable if you’ve got the goods. Tzeva is well on its way to making a name for itself on its own terms.
They’ve got two pretty distinct dining spaces. Outside, streetside…
And indoors, under air…
Executive Chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin has constructed a menu that shines in a way that makes it distinctive. Mediterranean cuisine is certainly nothing new to the Sarasota area. But Chef Lumpkin’s take on the style certainly is.
Let’s have a look at a couple of examples, shall we?…
Hummus is a crowd-pleaser all over the world. But this Chicken Hummus takes things in a different direction. It’s topped with pulled Moroccan chicken, mixed with pickled corn and pineapple amba. But it’s the shiso chimichurri that puts this version over the top!
Skewers are easy and popular. Plus, they’re also perfect for sharing (just like the hummus). This Lamb Loin Shashlik is full of flavor. But it’s the Indian-influenced biryani-style rice that completes the sentence.
They offer some sandwiches, aka, Handhelds. The Moroccan Chicken Club is a star. It’s a BIG sandwich that oozes flavor and character in every savory bite. There’s a lot going on here, but the roasted red pepper aioli ties it all up in the most delicious way possible.
Let’s take a pause for a palate cleanser, shall we? 📝At the moment, they don’t serve cocktails during lunch. They do have Mimosas and Bloody Marys. For dinner, they do offer a creative craft cocktail menu.
It is SO hard to pass on dessert. So, let’s not do that. 😊
There’s a tasty Baklava that’s served with Espresso Frozen Yogurt. OR, you could go straight for the winner of the dessert menu, the Black Sesame Brulée! 😯
Here are two words for you: Chantilly Cream. We probably don’t have to say anything more about this, do we?? But just in case, I’ll leave you with this about that. The black sesame on the bottom of this dessert adds a truly indescribable taste. It has to be sampled to really be understood.
BOTTOM LINE: Yes, Tzeva is tricky to pronounce (but fun once you get the hang of it!). After sunset on the rooftop, this is the perfect place to enjoy some unique cuisine expertly “colored” by Chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin. Sit outside for a “Big City” al fresco dining feel. Or sit inside for something upscale and a little more traditional. Don’t skip dessert! 🍨
🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD EVENTS 🗓️
Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. (If you have an event, send us the details! (EMAIL IT)
WEEKLY POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS – 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop
FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH – Cheese & Wine – Mademoiselle Paris (Downtown)
MAR 21 – DAOU Wine Dinner – Michael’s Wine Cellar
MAR 28 – Masterworks Dinner – Sarasota Orchestra
MAR 23 – Porter Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner –Café Gabbiano
MAR 31 – SPARCC Runway Fashion Show – INFORMATION
APR 1 – Wine Brunch & Charity Auction – Florida Winefest & Auction
APR 8 – 35th Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
APR 9 – Easter Buffet Brunch – Mattison’s Forty-One
APR 9 – Easter Brunch – Duval’s, Fresh, Local, Seafood
APR 9 – Easter Brunch – Element – Reservations
APR 9 – Easter Brunch – Harry’s Continental Kitchens
APR 12 – Social Club Wine Tasting – Michael’s Wine Cellar
APR 13 – Stag’s Leap Wine Dinner – GROVE Restaurant
APR 15 – Food Trucks, Tunes, & Brews 5 – INFORMATION
APR 22 – Saturday Wine Tasting – Michael’s Wine Cellar
APR 20 TO 24 – Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival – INFORMATION
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO 🧑🌾
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT – RADD Night Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
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