Third Culture Kitchen opens in Titusville, offers "global fusion" of flavors

Meet Third Culture Kitchen. 

It's a taste of "global cuisine" and you can find it in ... Titusville? It's true. 

Replacing what was once a brand new Bagel 13 on State Road 50 is the kind of restaurant many in North Brevard aren't used to, at least not yet. 

Words like "lumpia," "yuca az'atar" and "bao" sprinkle the menu, along with a cornucopia of flavors the rocket town has never hosted before. 

Third Culture Kitchen officially opens to the public Tuesday at 11 a.m.  A soft opening for friends and family took place over the weekend. 

The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. It features a host of small plates for sampling, salads, skewers, tacos and a number of items many may struggle to pronounce. Phones out, because this menu may require some Googling. However, serving staff is trained to answer any questions that arise. The restaurant also features a full liquor bar, innovative cocktails and local craft beer. 

"As the world gets smaller and smaller, food gets overlapped and we’re trying to represent that spirit," said Dave Greenwell, who operates the restaurant and helped create the concept. " ... . We’re maybe a little bit ahead of where Titusville might be palate-wise right now but we’re in a position where we can turn people on to some fun, new stuff."

It's also a very inclusive menu, said Greenwell, with something for everyone. Menu items offer both healthy and hearty options, and vegetarian and vegan choices are available as well. Prices range between $2.50 and $10 for small tapas selections, and $7 to $18 for entrees. Menu items can also be adjusted for children. 

"There’s no reason why you can’t just make it a way that everyone can enjoy," said Greenwell, noting many of the recipes can easily accommodate vegetarians and vegans. 

Shawn and Jessie Landry, who own the Bagel 13 chain, along with former county commissioner Robin Fisher came together with Greenwell to "really give Titusville something it doesn’t have," said Fisher. The idea for the fusion restaurant was born and inspired by a similar restaurant in Oregon called "Spork." 

The building, which was constructed in May 2017, was a Bagel 13 until December when the group announced plans to close the location and open something new in its place. It just didn't make any sense to have a Bagel 13 wedged in between two other locations: Garden Street in Titusville, and U.S. 1 in Port St. John, said Fisher. 

More:Titusville Bagel 13 to close, make way for new Asian-Latin fusion restaurant

Within just a few months, the group completely transformed the facility into what is now a full-service restaurant. Where guests once ordered bagels at a cash register is now a full bar. The former drink station is a server alley. Partitions separate sections of the dining area and a mural with colorful and ornate scenes splash the walls. An outside eating area was also constructed, complete with market lighting. 

Greenwell said feedback has been "pretty much across the board that we’re doing something right," but the restaurant is prepared to adapt its menu as people "diversify their palate." 

"Cuisine is right on trend with what’s happening in large cities — small plates, shareables, fusion of cultures, specialty drinks, lots of flavorful and colorful veggies," said Teri Delgado of Titusville who was at the soft opening. I'm hoping they’re very successful. I loved their food." 

And even though the cuisine is new for the area, the whole idea is to try something different, said Greenwell. 

"Our mission statement is 'Welcome, try this," he said. "The point is to get you to try things you aren’t necessarily familiar with."

The restaurants hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is located at 1000 Cheney Highway in Titusville. 

Contact trends reporter and columnist Jessica Saggio at jsaggio@floridatoday.com, 321-242-3664 or follow her on Twitter @JessicaJSaggio.