Chamber cuts ribbon for Island Panda debut
The island community welcomed another food and beverage outlet on June 4 with a ribbon-cutting at the Island Panda in the Tahitian Gardens shopping center on Sanibel.
Owner Eve Alves said the new takeout restaurant specializes in sushi, poke and hibachi.
“We welcome Eve back to the dining scene on Sanibel, where she operated Tipsy Turtle prior to its destruction in Hurricane Ian,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “She returns to fill a gap for Asian specialties and build-your-own bowls that islanders and visitors have been clamoring for.”
Alves and her husband, Alex, moved in 2003 from Florida’s East Coast to Sanibel, where she opened The Jac Sanibel Island Bar and Grille. It later transitioned into the Tipsy Turtle Restaurant & Bar.
At the Island Panda, talented, sought-after chefs hand-make each sushi roll using the highest quality seafood delivered daily. The house favorite — the Island Panda Roll — wraps tempura shrimp, cucumber and krab inside of tuna, avocado, tempura flakes, eel sauce and spicy mayo.
Fresh tropical fruits add character to the poke bowls, and grilled veggies mingle with a variety of proteins in the hibachi dishes.
Alves said she is working on other menu additions, including desserts, and invites the community to stay tuned and stop in often for food on the go or a quick meal on the patio.
“The chamber has always been the backbone for my businesses on Sanibel,” she said. “Their community strength and support are invaluable assets for any local business.”
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Island Panda is at 2003 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.