David Blonsky Leaves Apeiro Kitchen & Bar; Affordable Lunch Goes On

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar opened this past October in Midtown Miami, bringing one of Delray Beach's most popular restaurants south. The eatery, named for the Latin word for infinity, offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu by South Florida restaurateur Burt Rapoport and executive chef/partner David Blonsky, featuring cuisine from the coasts of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey while keeping it firmly grounded in Florida with the use of local produce. 

Now, two months into the Miami location's tenure and just shy of the Delray Beach location's first anniversary, David Blonsky is no longer with the restaurants. Blonsky left Apeiro yesterday, with the remaining Apeiro owners simply issuing the following statement: "David Blonsky is no longer associated with Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, Delray Beach or Midtown Miami. We wish David the best. Delray Beach chef de cuisine Anthony Sitek will be overseeing the kitchens at both Apeiro locations." 

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and Florida International University's School of Hospitality Management, Blonsky worked with chefs like Rick Tramonto and Shawn McLain. He came to South Florida from Chicago where he helped open Fabio Viviani's short-lived Siena Tavern.  

Chef Anthony Sitek is also from Chicago, where he was sous chef at Public House before joining Apeiro Delray Beach in July 2014.

People change, but restaurants go on. The Miami locale, under the watchful eye of sous chef Eric Lopez, was seemingly unfazed by any internal changes that were brewing. During weekday lunch service, the restaurant was busy as people converge on Midtown for their mid-day meal — office workers, shoppers, locals, and tourists alike.

Apeiro offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The white dining room is accented with greens and blues of the sea, and the large patio is especially inviting now that comfortable weather has arrived in Miami. The best feature of the restaurant, however, is its prices. Not one lunch item is over $15 and 10 selections are priced at $10 each. Even adding tax, tip, and beverage it's likely your total check won't tip the $20 scale.

Apeiro owner Burt Rapoport felt that offering an affordable lunch was an important feature. “We thought it was a perfect addition for those who want a delicious lunch away from the office but who don’t want to blow their budget. There’s something for everyone." Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The lunch menu also offers a host of shareable options, perfect for friendly get-togethers or informal business meetings. A trio of spreads includes hummus, eggplant caponata, and pistachio yogurt is accompanied by a warm, pillowy house-baked pita ($14). 

Flatbreads start at $10 and are a more than generous size. A margherita flatbread featuring oven-roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil is $10, but splurge on the forest mushroom with parmesan cream, taleggio, truffle oil, and parsley ($14), which can easily be shared by two people for a light lunch or ordered as a started for a group. 

A prime rib gyro is a heartier version of the Greek classic sandwich. Tender slices of beef, onion, and tomato and shredded romaine are tucked into a pita and generously topped with tart tzatziki ($14).  Vegetarians can opt for crispy eggplant in a pita ($10). Each option is served with fries.

Poultry lovers can opt for a chicken pita, stuffed with Calabrian yogurt, hummus, roasted peppers, and onions ($14). The overstuffed pita is served with fries, but you can substitute a salad. Apeiro also offers a curry chicken pita with toasted almonds and golden raisins if you're craving something sweet and spicy ($10). If you're opting out of sandwiches, a chicken kabob with koshari rice and sofrito or a beef sirloin kabob with mashed potatoes are $10 each.

If you're looking for a light lunch, a smashed beet salad is served with local ricotta, pickled radish, baby arugula, candied walnuts, and truffle-beet vinaigrette ($12). 

With the money you've saved, allow yourself a splurge. Apeiro makes its own gelato ($4 per scoop) in a variety of flavors including classic chocolate and vanilla.

If you'd rather indulge in a cocktail, try the Drunken Frenchman made with Death's Door gin, elderflower, fresh lime, and rose petals ($13).