Another day, another restaurant -- for restaurateurs like Burt Rapoport, at least.
The owner of Palm Beach eateries, Bogart's Bar & Grille, Deck 84, Henry's, and Burt & Max's, has teamed up with rising star chef David Blonsky for a new Mediterranean concept slated to open in Delray Beach this December.
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Latin for infinity, Apeiro will offer contemporary fare inspired by the borders of the Mediterranean sea.
"The Mediterranean is such fertile territory, offering up amazing flavors and ingredients," says chef/parnter Blonsky.
Spanning from Morocco and Portugal to Greece and Italy, the menu will showcase the simple and healthy fare from the region, but with a modern twist. It will be broken down into several sections.
Expect to see small plates like, crudo, cheeses, flatbreads (think eggplant flatbread with crushed tomato, olives and local ricotta or a simple Margherita), and a Greek-inspired grilled octopus with cranberry beans, red chili, olives, and aged balsamic. Burrata, accompanied by roasted apple, spiced walnut tapenade, and crispy basil is another option.
"Simplicity is key but I definitely wanted to take this cuisine a step further and give it a modern spin," says Blonsky.
Larger dishes include an array of grains and pasta, straightforward proteins, as well as meatballs and kabobs. Look for items, like baked pastitsio with zucchini, eggplant, broccolini, kale and kefalotyri cheese. Imported branzino will be served with acqua pazza and olive oil. Colorado lamb chops with rosemary-lavender rub will be served with tomato and butter bean baklava.
The Meatballs/Kabobs section will also feature a shareable "Between the Bun" plate, with three beef or falafel selections served on mini brioche buns. Soups, salads, sides and sandwiches will be offered for lighter options.
A selection of homemade desserts round out the offerings. Options will include a selection of house-made gelato, wood-oven apple crostata with salted caramel and cinnamon gelato, and sweet potato bombolini (with roasted white chocolate, brandy caramel, and raspberry sauces).
While Blonsky isn't well known in the Broward/Palm Beach scene yet, his been in the industry since the age of 16. A Culinary Institute of America and Florida International School of Hospitality Management, he's worked with some big names, including James Beard-nominee Rick Tramonto, John Colleta of Chicago's Quartino, and Top Chef Fabio Viviani.
A second, Miami location for Apeiro Restaurant & Bar is in development for a summer 2015 opening.
Apeiro will be located at 14917 Lyons Road in the Delray Marketplace.
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