By Jan NorrisLots of activity in local restaurants. Star chef Michelle Bernstein has left The Omphoy as restaurateur. Official word from her publicist didn’t elaborate beyond saying she’s leaving effective Feb. 1 and that, “She and husband/partner David Martinez continue to own/operate Sra. Martinez, Michy’s and Crumb on Parchment in Miami.”
Unofficially, she and her chef Lindsay Autry, who’s competing in this season’s Top Chef show on Bravo TV, weren’t happy about treatment from The Omphoy’s new owner, Jeff Greene. The billionaire and once Senate candidate has moved into the hotel with his family while his Palm Beach home is being renovated. According to a report on Forbes’ website, he treated the restaurant staff as his “domestic servants,” and not in a kind way, the report says. The spa, Exhale, which also operated as an independent service at the resort, will also close this month.
Chef Roy Villacrusis has exited Kapow! Noodle Bar in Boca Raton after creating the menu for the new spot from the Rodney Mayo and partners (Dada-Delray Beach) group in Mizner Park. Villacrusis left amicably after the partners decided to change the concept and menu. He’s now “carefully” looking, he said, for a partner with a unique food interest that matches his own to open elsewhere.
Glen Manfra also has picked up his toque and moved on. The chef who first started the Pop-Up restaurant on Delray’s Atlantic Avenue, which later morphed into the all-day SpoonFed to favorable reviews, is a free agent.
Manfra said he and the AEG Group, which also owns Buddha Bar upstairs, had different ideas for the restaurant. “I really like this area, and it’s a shame it didn’t work out, but I wish them well,” Manfra said. He said he’s exploring several other venues locally and out of state.
Bar Italia (formerly Apicius Ristorante) in Lantana has changed hands and is now called Tapas. It appears that the small-plate concept with a more wallet-friendly menu will replace the Italian “enoteca” high-end menu at the original restaurant.
We learned at presstime that Dolce Vita, the wine bar in Lake Worth, has closed — a loss to downtown Lake Worth. No word on why the doors are shuttered or if they’ll reopen elsewhere.
Delray’s Cugini will go more clubby once another Italian/new American, 75 Main Restraurant and Lounge, soon takes over. The Southhampton, N.Y., import comes from former Nello (New York) manager Zach Erdem. The Hampton’s version of 75 Main, set on a main shopping avenue with outdoor seating, is similar to Delray’s site.
Park Tavern is now open in Worthing Place on Delray’s Atlantic Avenue. It’s from the restaurateurs behind Cut 432, the steakhouse.
Brandon Belluscio, one of three active partners, says, “It’s an American tavern, focused on farm fresh, local and sustainable foods whenever possible.”
On the menu are prime rib, spaghetti and meatballs, salmon tartare, Maine lobster pot pie and other moderately-priced diner favorites, he said. Another partner, Anthony Pizzo takes the lead in the kitchen, he said. “We have a beautiful front yard,” Belluscio says – it faces Worthing Park.
Belluscio’s name may ring a bell with Boca Raton diners — he and his father were behind the splashy Catch 22 on Federal Highway.
Jan Norris writes about food and restaurants at www.jannorris.com
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