Putting his money where his mozzarella is, restaurateur Burt Rapoport and chef-partner David Blonsky are planning a December unveil for their modern Mediterranean restaurant, Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, in West Delray’s thrivingDelray Marketplace.
Apeiro (Latin for “infinity”) will go beyond the usual definition of Mediterranean, which usually means Italian with a little added feta, and incorporate influences from countries ranging from Morocco to Greece to Portugal. On your plate that will include dishes like octopus with cranberry beans, chili, olives and aged balsamic; spiced lamb kabobs with tzatziki and tabouli; and wood oven-roasted apple crostada with salted caramel and cinnamon gelato.
The extensive menu will be broken into easily digestible categories: Small Plates, Grains & Pasta, Grilled-Roasted Proteins, Sandwiches, Soups and Salads, and others. The chef in charge of executing all these (that would be Blonsky) has an impressive resume, having worked with the likes of Rick Tramonto, Barton G and Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani.
Manhas Designs is doing the restaurant proper, which will seat 160 indoors and out, along with a 40-seat private dining room and an indoor-outdoor bar lounge. Also featured will be a wood-fired oven faced with Mediterranean tile, smoked glass and stainless steel chandeliers and ceiling beams made from reclaimed wood. Apeiro is Rapoport’s second restaurant in the Marketplace, joining Burt and Max’s.
