Chef Tamás Benkovics and business partner Eva Katz opened Sunnyside Café in 2014, an absolutely charming neighbourhood restaurant, focused on bringing fresh and delicious homemade recipes to Sarasota, featuring traditional American cuisine and Hungarian specialties served with European flair, an homage to the owners’ heritage — Tamás is from Budapest and Eva is from the Hungarian part of Slovakia. Located on Tamiami Trail south of the Sarasota Airport, an area better known for budget-friendly motels than haute cuisine, this delightful Hungarian restaurant has become an avid foodie destination thanks to fabulous food prepared in the open kitchen of Chef Benkovics.
He takes pride in selecting the freshest and finest ingredients from local farmers markets and vendors whenever possible, and preparing everything from scratch in-house daily, providing delicious meals to patrons no matter their dietary restrictions or preferences, catering to vegans and vegetarians alike. Chef Tamás even published his own cookbook in 2018, 'The Big Hungarian Cookbook', available through Amazon and written for a broader audience than just Hungarians, using ingredients easily available in North America.
Arriving for dinner before going to see 'Dial M for Murder' at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, I began with a glass of Prosecco as Eva explained chef Tamás' specials for the evening including their famous Beef Wellington, however the Burrata with Prosciutto and Melon had already caught my eye, as well as the Pork Chop Milanese with Arugula Salad, Grape Tomatoes and Parmigiana. Having indulged in this signature Milanese dish a few times while in Italy last autumn, I must admit that chef Tamás' version was sensational, as was the Burrata, and the entire staff, who made the evening very special. Open for breakfast and lunch, Sunnyside also serves dinner Tuesday to Saturday. A hidden gem, this lovely restaurant is one truly worth exploring when you're in Sarasota.
Exterior of Sunnyside Café with gorgeous Bougainvillea
Chef Tamás in the kitchen
Sunnyside Café Burger with Bacon and frites
Pork Chop Milanese with Arugula Salad, Grape Tomatoes and Parmigiana
The Sunnyside Café was conveniently located just minutes from the Asolo Theatre,
where I went to see Dial M for Murder
No comments:
Post a Comment