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Five Things to Know About: Avant

Something different: Delrayโ€™s thriving cultural scene finds a culinary complement with the arrival of Avant, a collaboration between Society 8 Hospitality Group and Nxt Big Thing. The 4,600-square-foot space, formerly home to SoLita and Mastino, has been reimagined as a hip, inviting ode to the social aspect of diningโ€”and a celebration of art in its many incarnations.

Cool cocktails: The restaurantโ€™s vibe extends to the โ€œShakenโ€ cocktail menu with 10 names that, when read from start to finish, complete a sentiment about the craft offerings. Highlights among the artfully presented cocktails include: Influence (Bulleit bourbon, blackberry, sage and lemonade) and Comes & Goes (Casa Noble tequila, watermelon, agave, lime and sour).

 

Picture this: The eclectic array of artworkโ€”including a 3-D wall installation made of walnut, metal and mirrorsโ€”echoes New Yorkโ€™s guerrilla art movement of the early 1980s, which helped to inspire the decor. A different Delray artist will be featured each month in the lounge behind the front bar; all local works are for sale.

 

We are the world: Society 8โ€™s Steven Dapuzzo describes the small plates and entrees as a โ€œgreatest hits menuโ€ that spans the globe when it comes to influences. Think mini tacos, Korean barbecue short ribs, truffle lobster grilled cheese (right), coffee-rubbed hanger steak, Green Goddess salad (left) and the eggplant stack (a holdover from the SoLita days). โ€œYou want traditional? We have a filet mignon,โ€ Dapuzzo says. โ€œYou want something fun? Try the charred octopus (in cauliflower puree with tomato pancetta).โ€

 

The last word: โ€œDining has become very mechanical, almost chain-like,โ€ Dapuzzo says. โ€œWe wanted to give people something to talk about, something that speaks to sociable dining and not about having a quiet tablecloth dinner. Thatโ€™s a thing of the past.โ€

Avant

Where: 25 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach

Phone: 561.921.8687

Website: society8.com

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