DIVA
No secret to enlightened diners
By Sandra Kirkland
 Since opening September 5, 2000, Diva’s goal, according to owner Jim Zaleski, has been “to fill a void in the marketplace.” The restaurant has complete amenities and was designed with style to last through the years. It’s hip and chic without being over the top.
From the large portrait of a diva by Dennis Wojtkiewicz hanging over the chrome-topped bar to two curved silver leaf baffles hanging from the dining room ceiling, the look is big city sophistication. The main level has seating in the bar, on the banquette, at tables in the middle or in high-backed booths for more intimate dining.
Art is everywhere: the abstracts of painter Donald King and Sai, the glass and rust sculpture of Albert Young, and works by other artists are cycled through. The Society Gallery on the lower level is the site of many artists’ receptions. It’s also available for private dining.
Mr. Zaleski took the best of his dining experiences in major metropolises domestic and abroad to create a dining experience that pleases every palate. Executive chef Michael Putnam worked at Charlie Trotter’s, a five-star restaurant in Chicago, and sous chef Michael Hawk worked in top Manhattan eateries.
Chef Putnam calls the cuisine “nouveau midwestern with hints of Asian influences.” He says that the menus change with the seasons so they can use fresh seasonal produce and fish. Chef Hawk refers to his divine desserts as “traditional with a flair.” They’re known for their creme brule but don’t ignore the chocolate soufflé – well worth the 10-minute wait.
“Everything is homemade. Everything!” declares Diva’s owner proudly. He adds, “We’re building our wine selection while focusing on vintages from smaller boutique vineyards.”
Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday. It’s the best-tasting lunch for the money with entrees from $7 to $13 — $10 on average. Try the cornmeal-crusted chicken breast served over tarragon rice pilaf and melting artichoke hearts finished with lemon oil for $11. Many organizations, groups and corporations reserve the upper level for working lunches. Office workers and friends come in for lunch to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
Dinner entrees range from $18 to $28. The most expensive item on the new menu is wild mushroom dusted South Dakota bison tenderloin, with caraway scented potato mousse and baby carrots with gold raisin reduction, at $29. Your taste buds will thank you.
“Our clientele is mindful, down-to-earth and a pleasure to serve,” according to manager Therese King. “Around five in the afternoon business people from Fifth Third Bank, Talent Track and other offices stop in after work for a little relaxation. Around six o’clock, we ease into the dinner crowd. They come from all over Toledo and enjoy our complimentary valet service.
Two or three times a week, pharmaceutical companies host dinners on either the upper or lower level.”
 Diva is the ultimate party place whether it’s just you two, a table of four, or a private or corporate party. There are three floors to accommodate anywhere from 75 seated upstairs with a private bar to 30 guests in The Society Gallery on the lower level.
Sometimes Diva presents tasting menus for a party of ten that include seven courses served in sample sizes. The idea is not to gorge, but to dine leisurely and actually taste each flavor’s subtlety.
Another event that Diva offers is having celebrity chefs in to develop a five-course dinner with accompanying wines to benefit charity. In the past, the Toledo Opera has hosted such a dinner.
Every weekend there’s something going on. They book original music, touring bands and acts that are driving through Toledo. “Blue Dahlia,” a group with a very good sound from Kalamazoo, and Jenna Mammina, a torch singer from San Francisco, plan return engagements.
Diva’s new creative gambit is to have deejays playing house music for dancing. Mr. Zaleski says, “We try to have music as often as possible. We’re picking up on the downtown vibe.
The bar is open until 2:30 a.m. on the weekends.”If you’re planning to have a light meal or dessert after an event or the theatre, please make reservations. Actually, dinner reservations are smart. Call 419-324-0000 and someone very polite and pleasant will accommodate you.
A while ago, Diva began “Girl’s Night Out,” for women to enjoy free food, a cash bar, and support local businesses. It is very successful. Everyone who comes has a lot of fun. So far, they’ve had fashion shows from boutiques, jewelry shows, book signings, and demonstrations of skin care and make-up by area salons.
“The idea,” Mr. Zaleski explains, "is to introduce our customer base to local shops. We’ll be continuing ‘Girls’ Night Out’ throughout the summer on the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month.
“When you’re competing with national chains with multimillion-dollar advertising budgets, you’ve got to be very creative.”
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