Ticket Editor: New York Jewish deli opens in downtown Sarasota in ‘preview mode’
The owners of two of downtown Sarasota's best restaurants, including one that debuted in April, have opened another highly anticipated eatery.
Chef Natalia Levey and her local Hi Hospitality Group recently started welcoming guests to Palm Avenue Deli, which shares prime real estate in the theater district with their other outstanding restaurants, Kojo and Bar Hana. A couple weeks ago, I praised Bar Hana as the best restaurant to open this year in Sarasota-Manatee.
Unlike Kojo and Bar Hana, though, which both share pan-Asian influences, and Hi Hospitality Group's Speaks Clam Bars on St. Armands Circle and in Lakewood Ranch, which are informed by Italian culinary traditions, Palm Avenue Deli lovingly reflects Levey's Eastern European heritage. Additionally, it pays homage to the Jewish delis that thrived in New York City during the mid-20th century, complete with a jukebox playing beloved songs from that era.
Restaurant News: Top-ranked U.S. steakhouse, seafood destination to open waterfront location in downtown Sarasota
10 best restaurants in downtown Sarasota from fancy to casual
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
Palm Avenue Deli in downtown Sarasota features cherished family recipes
Take for instance, the syrniki, which on the menu appears as Natalia's Syrniki. A popular breakfast or dessert dish in Russian and Ukrainian cuisine, they are described as "farmer's cheese pancakes with raisins, served with condensed milk and raspberry preserves."
"It's something my parents used to make for me for breakfast since I was a little girl," Levey told me via text. "(It's) a staple. I've carried on making them and introducing them to people throughout the years."She also shared with me the story behind Millie's Blintzes, which are described on the menu as "crepes filled with sweetened farmer's cheese, served with sour cream and raspberry preserves."
"Palm Avenue Deli (in) downtown Sarasota is featuring my mom Millie’s amazing blintz recipe on their menu!" shared Francine Kashuk Rosenberg to the Facebook group Sarasota Foodies on June 24. "Tears came to my eyes as I saw this for the first time! I know my mom is smiling from heaven as she is given the ultimate honor of having her own Millie’s Blintzes for all to savor!"
Levey sent me a screenshot of the post and wrote that a friend and Kojo regular "gifted her mom's recipe."
"So many dishes carry deep meaning and memories," Levey said. "I hope people connect."
Best waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there!
Palm Avenue Deli in downtown Sarasota open in 'preview mode' for breakfast only ahead of adding lunch and dinner
Palm Avenue Deli opened briefly for a soft opening and plans to reopen "full steam ahead" on Monday, July 3, said Robert Castellon, Director of Operations for Hi Hospitality Group when I spoke to him on Wednesday, June 28. The deli will serve breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily until about mid-July, when they plan to start offering lunch as well. Dinner should be added shortly thereafter, followed by a limited late-night menu. The plan is for Palm Avenue Deli to eventually operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"This concept (Palm Avenue Deli) is the most emotional for our family," Levey wrote in a social media post June 23."Honoring so many family recipes from mine and my husband (Mark Levey's) families. The complexity of culinary techniques, the technology — after two years of planning and testing and building and sleepless nights — it all came to life today."She added, "Our incredible team worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. For the next couple of weeks we will be in preview mode for breakfast only 7-11 a.m., then will be adding lunch and dinner."
For now, though, there is plenty to nosh on at Palm Avenue Deli. Begin by ordering one of the various coffees, teas, egg creams, Dr. Brown's sodas, or perhaps a Bellini that will be made next door at connecting Bar Hana. Next, peruse the massive food menu divided into egg plates, smoked fish platters, caviar, "healthy & hearty" items, sweets, bagels and sandwiches, sides, dessert, and then there's also a kids menu.
You will find everything from Natalia's Syrniki and Millie's Blintzes to avocado toast and blueberry buttermilk pancakes. Yes, there are lots of options. And I look forward to trying as many as possible in the near future before indulging in the lunch and dinner feasts at Palm Avenue Deli.
Palm Avenue Deli is at 1297 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-263-3742 or visit palmavenuedeli.com.
Who lives here? Most famous celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Bradenton area
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New York Jewish deli opens in downtown Sarasota on Palm Avenue
