Page 17 - Spring/Summer Taste Magazine

Downtown Sarasota Dining
Kojo
Dining downtown. Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? No mat- ter where you are in the country it just seems to roll nicely off the tongue. In Sarasota the same holds true and as the late ‘Mr. Downtown’ Paul Thorpe used to say,”All roads lead to downtown.” How true a statement and he was so revered by the downtown mer- chants and locals, there is a park in his name at Pineapple and Lemon Avenue. Nice guy.
Sarasota’s downtown has grown tremendously over the 44 years I have been here, and I am sure there are a few ‘seasoned’ resi- dents who can see even more changes. Even you whipper-snappers of 5 or 10 years can see a change. Search around for some old photos of downtown or better yet tap into Sarasota Herald Tribune journalist Jeff LaHurd for his excellent articles on Sarasota’s past, he writes every so often in our local rag. Hey, do you remember when there used to be a morning and afternoon newspaper in Sarasota? Yes there was. And one of the original offices was on First Street were Sage restaurant is now. The more recent one is where the Publix Market is on US 41 and Bay Street. Due to changing times they are now in a reduced office space at 1777 Main Street...yes still downtown!
Every downtown always has a strong core of restaurants and Sarasota is no different. Variety is the spice of life here and it is very cool to see how our dining palette has grown over the years with such a wonderful selection of dining choices. Lucky us as many ethnicities are represented all doing a pretty good job I think even during these chal- lenging times...We hope you will enjoy this Downtown Sarasota Restaurant feature and don’t forget to kick a parking meter or two along the way!
Upon entering Kojo at 1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota (941-536-9717) you will immediately understand why the restaurant has became a hit, not only with locals and tourists, but also celebrities.
The food and cocktails are craveable, especially the delicate and delicious nori tacos and the world’s best Midori sour. Definitely worthy of mention are nationally award-winning drinks - Mezcalero
and Lava Lamp plus a cool Sake Bar and strong selection of Japanese Whiskies. Most popular dishes are Miso Black Cod, Kojo Sushi Roll and Pork Belly Bao Buns. If you need a sweet ending, the desserts are absolutely delicious - from light and refreshing Hawaiian Sunrise (coconut custard with fresh tropical fruit and passion fruit foam), to can’t-get-enough - Matcha Donuts, to chocolate lovers dream...we’ll just leave it there!
For Owner Natalia Levey, modern Asian cuisine is about so much more than food ... it’s about feeling. During her time in the Far East, Natalia came to savor and appreciate the multi-sensory experience that is sharing plates of fragrant, flavorful and vibrant food with the people you enjoy the most. Natalia and her husband Mark put togeth- er the favorite dishes from their travels and had their world class culi- nary team develop the recipes.
The interior is warm and inviting, and absolutely beautiful with Acacia wood tables imported from Thailand and four private booths, separated by carved out trees. Amazing! Two outdoor fire pits make for cozy cocktails and conversations. Dinner is served evenings only and they close at 11pm during the week and are open until mid- night Friday and Saturday. Make your weekends special with their lovely brunch served Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm. Kojo will become your new ritual.
Local business owner, Aniko Gulyas started her company Kürtôs Inc. Sarasota in 2015. Her small family business –featuring a tra- ditional European-style, oven-baked pastry - sprouted from an early child- hood memory and from her love of cooking and baking for her twins.
Celebrating 30 Years! Taste Dining & Travel • Spring More online at www.tasteweb.net
17