We wrote about KASA Tapas and Raw Bar back in May 2013 and now, this week, KASA is ready to open its doors and welcome guests into its newly renovated restaurant at The Plaza in downtown Orlando.
They are open this week as part of a soft opening and our good friend Michael Cho of ImpressInk.com visited last night to give us a preview of the menu choices and overall vibe at KASA.
Kasa opens to the public November 14 at 8pm. Starting November 15, Kasa will be open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks from 11am to late-night.
His thoughts and photos follow:
Upon entering KASA, one is immediately drawn to the vibrant and delicate ambiance that is not found in any other downtown Orlando establishment.
KASA Tapas and Raw bar sets itself apart by offering a unique menu full of tapas style dishes (small shareable plate portions) and a small number of full portion entrees for the hungrier customers.
The tapas serving style creates an opportunity to sample multiple dishes and flavors on the menu without over stretching one’s appetite.
KASA centers itself on the concept of combining global flavors from Asian and Latin flavors to more, and this is apparent in the ingredients of their menu items, featuring different culinary cultures to create the plates.
“Hickory Smoked Duck Drumettes” with a ginger maple glaze
Hamachi Ceviche
KASA signature corn
Spanish Spinach
Panko crusted Pork Belly, glazed with syrup and dipped into egg yolk
Shrimp a la plancha
Tuna Carpaccio Pizza
“Tamarind Grilled Rack of Lamb”
Grilled Clams
“Wrecked Apple Pie Roll” – thin slices of granny apple with soy paper, tempura battered and served with salted caramel ice cream
What’s interesting to note is that here at KASA, unlike other restaurants, there is a whole section of the menu dedicated to different types of ceviches, like you would find in Peru at a cevicheria.
KASA seems to be a versatile restaurant that welcomes both casual diners and those out on the town looking for a place to eat before heading out to experience the downtown Orlando night club, bar, entertainment scene.
We’ll have a more comprehensive review and visit soon!
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Official Press Release
The Bento Group Announces The Official Grand Opening Of Its Newest Innovative Dining Concept “Kasa Tapas & Raw Bar” In Downtown Orlando November 14
Beginning November 14, onlookers on Orange Avenue will finally be able to step inside and experience the highly-anticipated, original dining concept “Kasa Tapas & Raw Bar” from The Bento Group. Featuring a creative and delectable menu comprised of small plates with global influences and a raw bar with fresh oysters and seafood, Kasa serves up a truly exciting and innovative dining experience pioneered by Executive Chef Sean Kaplan and “Food Network Star” alum Josh Lyons. Open for lunch, dinner, drinks and brunch coming soon, Kasa will raise the bar in the Downtown Orlando dining scene combining exceptional service in a cool, comfortable and contemporary atmosphere with a memorable meal that satisfies all the senses.
“We are extremely excited about the official opening of Kasa next month,” says Co-Owners of The Bento Group David Yu, Jimmy Tung and Johnny Tung.
“Kasa is the culmination of months and months of development and thought into creating and offering something really different and memorable that the Downtown dining scene has been craving. From our original menu packed with incredible flavor combinations to our delicious drinks and relaxing, modern atmosphere, we are proud to open Kasa’s doors for everyone to enjoy, experience and return to time and time again.”
Kasa is The Bento Group’s first full higher-end casual dine-in restaurant. Originating in Gainesville, FL with concepts also in Orlando and Jacksonville, The Bento Group focuses on restaurants, hospitality and nightlife concepts and is now comprised of Bento Café, Hiro Asian Sandwich Bistro, SushiChao, Simon’s Nightclub, My Mochi Frozen Yogurt, VAiN Nightclub, Avenue Gastrobar and Ghost Bar and Lounge.
Kasa opens to the public November 14 at 8pm. Starting November 15, Kasa will be open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks from 11am to late-night.
Restaurant guests are welcome to dine, drink and relax inside Kasa’s modern tranquil atmosphere or enjoy the extended outdoor patio space, which will feature many special events in the coming year. Kasa is located at 183 S. Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando. For more information, call 407-985-5272 and visit www.kasatapas.com and www.bento-group.com.
