The latest rumors had Sarasota's Selva Grill seeking a new location for it's kick-ass fancy Peruvian cuisine. The truth is so much better.
Selva is negotiating a location for a brand-new restaurant. According to chef/owner Darwin Santa Maria, "we're working on a whole new concept." No details until he closes on the property, hopefully next week, but the place will definitely be downtown.
According to Santa Maria, the restaurant could open in as little as a month, which is way too quick if there is going to be much of a remodel. Maybe an existing place? Let's start the guessing with – the old Munroe's/DJ's? Just noticed this morning that there is a Leased sign in the window. That would give us back the clubby upstairs bar area, but likely with a South American twist.
If that's the case, Selva might need to start worrying about the massive complex St. Pete's Ceviche will be opening on 1st Street in just a few months.
This article appears in Jul 25-31, 2007.