Arts & Eats has been the dream of Chef Jim Copening and Artisan Donna Slawsky since they first visited the Village of the Arts in 2009.  They were living in New York City’s Greenwich Village at the time and found inspiration from the thriving creativity and colorful bungalows in the Village of the Arts.   In 2012 their 1925 

chartreuse bungalow was transformed from a charming residence to a restaurant and gallery with tin ceiling, golden walls, a sea-themed dining porch, front yard dining, and a fabulous backyard “park” with a huge banyan tree and shade all year round.

Chef Jim’s food is inspired by the ethnic flavors he experienced on the streets of New York City.  He is passionate about bringing international flavors to Bradenton and Sarasota.  The menu includes Indian curry crepe with pineapple chutney, French onion soup, Thai shrimp curry, local fish with miso sauce, homemade garlic goat cheese ravioli and much more.  All foods are prepared in-house, including the rosemary garlic bread served with an Egyptian hazelnut dip and flatbreads with peppadew hummus.

Donna and Jim call their style “affordable elegance.”   The restaurant is casual yet elegant, with art on the walls from local artists and Donna’s own mosaics and jewelry.   Both Donna and Jim are also musicians, so music is always on the calendar, including an open mic every Wednesday night from 6-8pm.

Arts & Eats is available for events.  We cater at your spot or ours.  The backyard is the perfect wooded setting for a wedding or birthday party.  You can even rent out the whole restaurant for a personal or business event.  And you know the food will be amazing!  We can customize the menu for your guests.