Visit Sergio's Restaurant

Sarava at Shaker Square



13225 Shaker Square 216.295.1200 www.sergioscleveland.com	Hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm Fri-Sat 5-Midnight Sun 5-9pm	Sarava (pronounced sah-rah-VAH) is a restaurant located on the NE side of Shaker Square.

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As Sergio stood at the host stand passing the phone to a hostess while personally greeting his guests, Megan told me all about her fun job and cool manager.

She told me about what love goes into the food and drinks and about the special little things that Sergio does to make the place nice for the guests and employees.

She said that Sergio shared the interesting diversity of Brazilian food with his employees and that she liked not only eating the food, but learning about the 'culture' of Brazil as well.

Soon Sergio joined us as Megan was pouring a Caipirinha (which she knew how to spell) for me. I was advised to take it easy with this national drink of Brazil, because two of these would get me feeling nice.

I laughed as Megan crushed the limes into the bottom of the glass. I was sure I could handle it. Sergio and Megan started talking about the Brazilian liqueur that went into the drink.

I heard something about 'pure sugarcane', something about 'aged', and soon I was feeling the sweet, smooth, and strong flavor punching me in the mouth. Now that's what I call a drink!

Who Is Sergio?

Megan went back to pouring drinks for the restaurant as Sergio and I began to chat. "Humility" is the word that came to mind as I listened to Sergio tell me a short version of his life story.

Born in Brazil, he moved here to Cleveland and later became a chef at Giovanni's five-star Italian restaurant in Beachwood. He was a chef there for many years before deciding to open his own restaurant, Sergio's in University Circle.

How modest! I had no idea that I was talking to the same "Sergio" -- the owner of a restaurant that has been raved about by everyone for years!

Sergio's in University Circle used to be THE Brazilian restaurant in Cleveland and with the opening of Sarava on Shaker Square, Sergio's evolved into a Mediterranean inspired restaurant boasting succulent seafood dishes other specialties.

Sergio told me that the restaurants have been a family effort from the very beginning. He said he wanted "a casual, fun atmosphere" and from the looks of it, that's exactly what he created. I'll add that the decor made the place look classy and sophisticated, even as the guests and staff were relaxed and enjoying themselves.

Experience Sarava

I commented to Sergio about the fact that with his background as a Chef and focus on food quality, he seemed so comfortable with giving superior service to his guests.

He said, "Cooking the food is important, but a server with a bad attitude can make the whole meal bad."

Since the staff members that I met had the same courteous and professional demeanor as Sergio, I figured that he must set a good example.

Just then Sergio called over a man in a white coat. The man came over and introduced himself with a grin and shook my hand. Willie Jackson, the Head Chef, worked with Sergio 20 years ago and inspired this Sunday's menu of Southern favorites. We all talked and laughed for awhile, but with their backs to me, they couldn't see the restaurant quickly filling up as families and friends gathered near the host stand.

Not wanting to keep them from their guests, I told the men that I had to leave and it was nice meeting them both. Before I left Sergio made sure that I had his card and menus from both of his restaurants. I've been drooling over the menus, so I know that I'm definitely going back to Sarava. And not just for the food -- but for the entire dining experience.

You can check out the menus for Sarava at Shaker Square or Sergio's in University Circle at their website www.SergiosCleveland.com.

Thanks to Sergio for putting passion into his work and for sharing it with all of us!

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