Burt Rapoport, one of Florida’s most successful restaurateurs lauded for his innovative dining concepts, announced today plans for his latest venture: Clematis Social, located at 233 Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach. The 4,800-sq.-ft. project will feature an extensive menu of affordable small plates, a fast-growing nationwide trend that fosters sharing and social interaction over a selection of multiple dishes and ethnic flavors throughout the meal. Clematis Social is slated to open in the Fall of 2008.
“I’ve wanted to open a concept like this for a long time, and Clematis Street is the perfect location,” said Rapoport, president of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Rapoport's Restaurant Group, Inc., which owns and operates Opus 5, Bogart’s Bar and Grille and Henry’s. “There’s a strong urban energy here, and a hip, young culture. Restaurants are increasingly focusing on the shared dining experience in cities across the country such as L.A. and N.Y.C., and it seems to especially appeal to young professionals. We’re eager to bring this innovative concept to Downtown West Palm.”
With more than 160 seats and a 30-seat bar, Clematis Social will offer patrons a comfortable, yet stylish atmosphere – think chic neighborhood restaurant – that will be designed by Adolfo Galvez and will include hardwood, oxidized metals, and trendy, black-colored appointments. Galvez designed Rapoport’s acclaimed Opus 5 in Boca Raton as well as Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, a popular new Mexican restaurant on Clematis Street.
Open every day for lunch and dinner through the late night, the menu will be broad, offering patrons an international array of dishes at affordable price points. Menu items include chicken lettuce wraps, chicken satay with peanut sauce, crispy popcorn shrimp and sesame-seared sashimi-grade tuna, plus special sections of small plates devoted to fresh-baked flatbreads, an assortment of sliders, “breads, spreads, chips and dips,” and an eclectic range of eggs Benedict dishes. Rapoport, a third-generation restaurateur who orchestrated the opening of My Martini on Clematis Street in the late 1990s, said the average lunch tab will be about $12 and the average dinner tab $19.
“Burt has incredible vision and foresight in recognizing the right space for the each of his concepts. Clematis Social is a dynamic addition to the District’s distinctive merchant mix, which makes him eligible for one of Downtown’s business incentive programs,” said Melissa Wohlust, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. “The DDA’s incentive programs are a vital funding source to help attract quality businesses like Clematis Social to the District and further enhance a vibrant community for residents, patrons and out-of-town guests.”
Clematis Social is one of 31 new businesses that have opened, or are scheduled to open, in the Clematis District during the past 18 months. New restaurants and nightlife destinations include Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Dr. Feelgood’s Rock Bar and Grill, Forté di Asprinio, Island Vibes Restaurant, Club Cocoon, Pistache, and Phat Sandwiches and More. New retailers include This N That of West Palm Beach, Afrocenter Ltd., Maine Cottage and Uomo Fashion.
For more information on Clematis Social or Rapoport's Restaurant Group, Inc., visit www.rapoportsrg.com. For more information about Downtown West Palm Beach and the DDA’s incentive programs, contact the DDA at (561) 833-8873 or www.westpalmbeachdda.com.
