1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely diced
1/2 green pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup pimento, finely diced
1/2 large onion, finely diced
Inspired by Natalia and Mark Levey’s world travels, Kojo’s modern Asian menu, cocktail list and premium sake collection has attracted sophisticated diners since opening in 2021. "We’re thrilled to offer a splendid space and an exceptional menu that will become an integral part of Sarasota’s dining scene," says Levey. "We want our food, cocktails and hospitality to provide guests with a unique and memorable experience. Our team created this space because connection, especially right now, is more important than ever. KOJO is a place where patrons can come, relax, have fun and enjoy family and friends." Designed by BLOK Design Group and driven aesthetically by the concept of nature, all furniture, fixtures, and finishes were thoughtfully procured. Natural elements such as the Acacia wood imported from Thailand, cherry blossoms, greenery, and white oak all go into what make this space so unique and special.
However, it's Tojo's food that takes top billing with an inspired menu that includes Chasu Braised Pork Belly Baos, Shanghai Noodles, Shrimp and Pork Gyoza, Crispy Nori Tacos, Wagyu Steaks, an extensive nigiri and sashimi menu and entrĂ©es that highlight flavours from China, Japan and Korea, all skillfully prepared and artfully presented. Being raised in a traditional Japanese household, Chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin’s take on age-old recipes comes with a worldly perspective to make the ordinary come alive. Friendly and attentive, the service is excellent, the ambiance warm and welcoming, and the cuisine sensational — Kojo is definitely one of the best new restaurants in Sarasota.
What was once a service station at the north tip of Longboat Key, is Whitney's, an amazing laid back bodega & bar. Overhauled in 2020, the building still resembles a 1950s-style service station, with nostalgic Americana details and fresh off the beach vibe. Partners James Brearley, David Benstock, Jose Chichande and Joseph Chillura saw its potential. The former gas station's roll-up garage bay door have even been incorporated into the design, and with Longboat Key simply being one of the loveliest places in Florida, "this is the kind of place where one can find peace. Peace being fish tacos and a boozy beverage, of course. But with chirping birds, lush greenery, live music, a fire pit nestled into seashells, and that salty Gulf breeze on your skin, I’d say Whitney’s qualifies as a type of sanctuary."
And the food is delicious. Everything on the menu is sensational, from their Fish Tacos to their signature Burger made with short rib, brisket and ground beef, topped with American cheese, grilled onion, garlic aioli, lettuce and tomato with mound of fresh made frites to their exceptional Shrimp Louie and Grouper Reuben. Even their cocktail list is exceptional. Their Margaritas are legendary, made with Blanco Tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice, as well as their FrosĂ©, a frothy pink delight made of frozen rosĂ© that is my sister-in-laws favourite tipple. With fabulous food, friendly staff and walking distance to the beach, Whitney’s is just a beautiful place to be.
My favourite restaurant on St Armands Circle is Blu Kouzina, a truly wonderful Greek taverna run by co-owners Chef Effie and Dennis Tsakiris, "founded from our family’s love of sharing our native Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with family and friends,” says Dennis. “We want our guests to feel like they are in Greece, but most importantly, we want them to feel like they are entering an extension of our family home." The interior, drawn from the traditional blue and white palette of a beach taverna, is detailed with whitewashed furniture and nautical accents. Serving traditional and modern Greek dishes and using the freshest seasonal ingredients, the menu features Moussaka, Souvlaki, and Roast Lemon Chicken in addition to lighter tapas-style dishes like spanakopita, zucchini fritters and dolmades and entrĂ©es including fresh grilled Greek sardines, octopus and a selection of grilled whole fish. By marrying the owners passion for the food of their native Greece, and their warm welcoming hospitality and personalized service, Blu Kouzina is like a bold breeze off the Aegean Sea — a little gem on Sarasotas's culinary scene.