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For details
on
Selva Grill, click here. Kyle Dixon
party of 3 had dinner at Selva Grill in downtown Sarasota, FL
and rated the Swordfish, and Salmon excellent because, "prepared
precisely to the expectations of my party's wishes.
Presentation, punctuality," and writes on February 14, 2007, "It
was a gloomy Florida winter evening and only exciting,
adventurous food would take our hunger. And if you live in the
Sarasota-Bradenton area, only one name rings synonymous; Sleva
Grill. I dined in that evening with my mother and her business
associate, Patrick. We were quickly seated and shown their wine
list for the evening as we took a moment to review their already
memorized menu. We started off with a few appetizers.
Antichuchos for me, chopped salads for my mother and Patrick. I
can honestly say that I've ordered this dish every time that
I've come, but they had never tasted as sweet and fresh as they
did then. My mother and Patrick, both, could not stop raving
over the salad until our main course actually came. I ordered
the Swordfish. The presentation was absolutely beautiful with
the fish in the center, resting on fried yuca frita, and topped
with sweet grilled peppers. The flavor, however didn't match my
expectations or the the plating. It was a good catch I might
say, but I had never had Swordfish, and I think I was not
expecting such a mild fish. Selva may not be at fault. I
probably wouldn't order that dish again, but it most certainly
wouldn't stop me from returning. My mother ordered the Tuna. Her
meal was prepared with exceptional care as the stack in the
center of the plate didn't even have a morsel dripping off of
it. I usually have to watch my mother eat after I've long
finished, but on this evening, she finished hers along with
mine; which means more than I could ever write. Patrick ordered
the Salmon. This plating of this dish I would say is one of
Selva's best. Two, four ounce salmon fillets lie a top each
other on the left of the plate drenched in sweet chili sauce,
accompanied with maki crab rolls on the right. The salmon was
cooked medium, just as he ordered, and I had the pleasure of
trying one of the maki rolls, and I can truthfully say that was
among the freshest I've ever tasted. I think that the only thing
that Selva could use improvement on is service. It was more than
adequate, however, my drink went 5 minutes at a time without
being refilled, and the chimichurri sauce I ordered with my meal
was only brought after the second request. Even then, small
things are practically ignored when you are captivated by the
BEST, in my opinion, in all of Sarasota. Overall I rate this
experience with the highest star available, with food a half a
star behind, and service another half behind. So we'll say 5
dinner, 4.5 food, and 4 service. I can't wait to go back and try
another one of chef Darwin Santa Maria's Latin Fusion
Creations."
Service Rating: 2
Ambience Rating: 1
Wine List Rating: 1
Cleanliness Rating: 1
Kid Friendly Rating: 3
Value Rating: 2
Overall Experience: 1 Anonymous
party of 2 ordered sea bass, Ceviche, banana flan and rated the
food excellent because, "The flavors were delightful. The food
was fresh and healthy." and writes on January 31, 2005, "I rate
this restaurant excellent because although I didn't have a
reservation I chose to eat at the bar. From the moment I walked
in to the bar, I was greeted with a pleasant bartender who
accommodated me instantly. The bar was busy, however she found a
chair and allowed me to sit.
I started with a Raspberry Martini, her recommendation...chilled
perfectly and served with fresh raspberries...WOW
Although, I have never eaten Peruvian food she recommended some
of her favorites. She explained the menu items with such great
detail. It was hard to decide. So, I allowed her to choose my
meal. First came the Selva Ceviche, what a great choice. The
fish was fresh and there was a perfect balance of cilantro and
lime. For dinner she chose the Mirin Roasted Sea Bass served
with a corn flan, it truly melted in my mouth.
I was sold on dessert, having the banana flan. This was the best
meal I have ever had in Sarasota and I owe my experience to the
the lovely bartender. This will be a weekly dinner spot for me.
Kudos" Janon
Furlong Zordan party of 4 ordered Shrimp Ceviche, filet and
rated the food excellent because, "the presentation was
wonderful and the selections creative and tasty" and writes on
January 3, 2005: "We had a lovely meal at The Selva Grill. The
restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the open wall to Main
Street provided a wonderful view and enjoyment of a mild evening
in Sarasota. The service was friendly, yet restrained.
Chef/Owner Darwin Santa Maria made a stop at our table and made
us feel so welcome.
The menu was adventurous. Not familiar with Peruvian food, I
relied on my companions to guide me. The house salad was very
tasty, and my friend gave me a taste of is shrimp Ceviche. I had
been hesitant to order my own, as I believed I would not enjoy
shrimp that was not flame cooked. I was mistaken. Next time, I
get my own! My filet was tender, nicely cooked as desired, and
accompanied by Peruvian veggies. Such a treat!" |
