Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Coming to The Shops at Midtown Miami this fall – Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, the wildly-successful Mediterranean restaurant and bar from rising star chef/co-owner David Blonsky. Opened in Delray in early-2015, the restaurant has won critical acclaim and raves for Blonsky’s rustic yet progressive cookery, inspired by the many regions that encompass the Mediterranean, as well as its lively atmosphere and gorgeous design. The Miami opening, slated forOctober 2015, will signal not only the concept’s expansion to Dade County but the return of Burt Rapoport, an iconic restaurateur and co-owner of Apeiro restaurants.

In the works for close to a year, the arrival of Apeiro Miami couldn’t be timelier as Miami seems to be in the midst of a Mediterranean restaurant renaissance, with local foodies rediscovering the sublime simplicity that is a hallmark of the region. No doubt, they will find, in the new Midtown location, a Mediterranean Mecca. Apeiro (Greek word for “infinity”) spans the Mediterranean highlighting dishes and flavors spanning from Morocco and Italy to Greece and Spain. For ease of ordering and to better facilitate sharing, the menu is broken down into a wide range of sections –Small Plates, Soups, Crudo, Salads, Sandwiches, Flatbreads, Grilled & Roasted, Housemade Pasta and Kabobs. No two meals at Apeiro will be alike and diners can craft their culinary journey any way they please. Apeiro devotees will, happily, find signatures such as the Moroccan Spiced Lamb Ribs with rosemary-fig BBQ sauce and pistachio yogurt; Double-Cut Pork Chop with apple mostarda, roasted carrots and Tuscan kale; and house-made Orecchiettewith saffron cream, spiced lamb merguez, arugula and pecorino. Other standouts include Bay Scallops Crudo with spiced green apple, toasted coriander and basil; Prime Rib Gyro, a spin off the classic with spiced lamb and prime rib off the rotisserie, tzatziki sauce, onion, tomato and shredded romaine; and Smashed Beets Salad with local ricotta, pickled radish, baby arugula, candied walnut and truffle-beet vinaigrette. In development are a number of dishes that will be unique to the Miami location.

The mix-and-match menu structure is perfect for pairing with wine, beer or cocktails. Apeiro will double as a bustling bar scene, complete with a creative craft cocktail menu. The 30-seat indoor/outdoor bar will surely become a local hotspot for happy hour, featuring a chic design and a special small plates bar menu available into the wee hours.

Designed by Manhas Designs, one of the region’s leading restaurant & hospitality design firms, the 6,129-square-foot restaurant will seat 320 with ample seating options available both indoor and on the covered alfresco patio overlooking the lively streets of Midtown. The restaurant will showcase a dynamic mix of traditional and modern design elements with hand-painted Mediterranean tile and solid wood, stained tabletops paired with sleek, contemporary white seating. The illuminated circular bar is central to the restaurant’s design, offering ample seating both inside and outside, and bringing in the vibrant energy from those in the alfresco patio – sure to become a stage for those who want to see-and-be-seen.

An Illinois native and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and Florida International School of Hospitality Management, Chef David Blonsky has been cooking in commercial kitchens since age 16. Throughout his career, he’s worked with some of the country’s biggest names in food, from chefs Rick Tramonto and master caterer Barton G to Shawn McClain of Las Vegas’ ARIA Resort & Casino. Prior to partnering with Rapoport for Apeiro, Blonsky worked with Chef Fabio Viviani at Siena Tavern.

A visionary, third-generation restaurant aficionado, award-winning restaurateur Burt Rapoport has led an impressive legacy in the South Florida restaurant scene for over three decades. As President of Rapoport’s Restaurant Group in Boca Raton, Florida, he is revered for his dedication to providing high-quality cuisine for a good value, a warm and welcoming ambiance, and attentive service at all of his restaurants. Known for providing superior cuisine and impeccable service, Rapoport’s collection of restaurants include Bogart’s Bar & Grille; Henry’s; Deck 84; Burt & Max’s; and Max's Grille in Mizner Park, which he co-owns. Under the Unique Restaurants Concepts banner, Rapoport launched the careers of some of the nation’s top chefs, including a number of which – from Mark Militello and Johnny Vinczencz to Kerry Simon and more – instrumental in putting South Florida on the national map as a serious food town.

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, slated to open in October 2015, will be located at 3252 NE 1 Avenue, Suite 101 in The Shops at Midtown Miami. Dinner served nightly; lunch and brunch will be introduced at a later date. www.apeirorestaurants.com.