The next time someone tells you to “own it,” talk to Kevin Sullivan — excuse me — Executive Chef de Cuisine Kevin Sullivan. After nearly 20 years in the restaurant industry, he got his just desserts as part owner of Tsunami restaurant.
Sullivan is a homegrown Memphian. An honor graduate of Northside High and the University of Memphis, he began his career at a popular midtown restaurant, Tsunami, as a dishwasher in 2002. Curiosity put him in every part of the kitchen where he has spent the last 19 years honing his craft. His culinary degree was earned the old-fashioned way, by apprenticeship. He is a graduate of what Sullivan calls the “Tsunami Institute of America” under the tutelage of Chef Ben Smith.
To celebrate, Sullivan is throwing a birthday party for his 19th year on the culinary scene. A five-course dinner and wine pairing planned for Sunday, June 13th, has sold out, necessitating a second birthday dinner on Monday, June 14th. Better hurry up and secure your seat.
“This is a great event for Kevin,” says Chef Ben Smith. “This is not ‘Tsunami presents’; this is all about visibility for Chef Sullivan — being sure people get to witness how he puts talent and inspiration into action.”
Sullivan’s dishes are his own, a blend of his family’s traditional vegetable-forward recipes, featuring Southern influence sauteed with worldwide flavors. Try his creative menu at the birthday dinners. If you miss both birthday events, you can still wish Chef Sullivan a happy birthday and try his fare at the Chef’s Market on Tsunami’s patio. Prepared dishes are sold alongside Chef Smith’s soups and spreads most Saturdays.
Chef de Cuisine Kevin Sullivan’s Birthday Dinner, Tsunami, 928 Cooper, Sunday, June 13-Monday, June 14, 6 p.m., $145.