Nirvana’s New Chef & Music Scene

Nirvana Modern Cuisine & Libations has been serving Pacific Northwest and Global cuisine since last fall when it changed from an Indian restaurant. "Our guests at Nirvana really enjoyed the variety of Indian cuisine we offered" says co-owner Rohit Sharma "but now Nirvana satisfies more people’s tastes with a wide variety of regional and global dishes".
 
Carly Ward is the chef at Nirvana now and she is very enthusiastic about the new summer menu. "Nirvana is a very unique restaurant in Vashon’s dining scene and I’m happy Ro and Shivali have given me the opportunity to create a fun and interesting take on traditional favorite dishes. We serve dinner every night and breakfast on weekends."
 
With a degree in Culinary Arts, Carly began working professionally at a Seattle catering company, was a cook at McCormick & Schmick’s and Chez Gaudy in Seattle, and most recently was a chef at The Hardware Store Restaurant on Vashon. With her mother, Carly grows fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables at Vashon’s Humble Bumble Farm and enjoys preparing dishes with fresh Island produce when it’s available. You can find a variety of delicious eats on the menu including calamari, prawn skewers, baby back ribs, and even pho. They also have what many people in town are saying is the best burger on Vashon called ‘The Weary Traveler’ due to its Wisconsin origin. Local fruits and veggies are also incorporated into the specials, which change from week to week on the fresh sheet.
 
Rohit Sharma comes from a family with extensive restaurant experience. "My family and I have run restaurants in the Los Angeles and San Jose areas for many years and have been successful at creating lasting relationships and an atmosphere where families love to dine. We feel this is happening now at Nirvana on Vashon."
 
Rohit, who has lived here for a couple of years with his wife Shivali, "loved meeting and talking with so many warm, wonderful people here. Vashon has been very kind to us, and when we are away we miss it like an old friend."
 
Speaking about Nirvana’s goal, Shivali says "Exceptional food, beautiful atmosphere and wonderful service are the keys. Beginning last fall, we envisioned a cool place on the island for a great meal, creative cocktails and live music. We brought in a new chef, remodeled the bar and now, with Carly Ward as chef and Pete Welch at Vashon Events booking some awesome music acts, our vision is complete."
 
Nirvana is open Monday through Friday 3 pm to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 10 pm. Check out the menus and make reservations at NirvanaVashon.com.