Capturing the Essence of Bon Appétit

Rockville Centre's reputation as a premier restaurant destination has broadened its canvas with the recent addition of what's being regarded as the village's first French bistro, Aperitif.

Under the umbrella of the Sage Bistro Restaurant Group, Aperitif is the fourth French restaurant rolled out by partners Peter Oktas and Executive Chef Julio Velasquez, who co-own Sage Bistro of Bellmore, Sage Bistro Moderne of Woodbury and Brasserie Persil of Oceanside.

"Though Rockville Centre has always been known for its large restaurant base, I couldn't help but notice that it is heavily populated by Irish bars and Italian restaurants," Oktas said. "I thought it would be a nice compliment if we were to add Aperitif's French cuisine to the line-up."

Putting its own unique spin on French food, Aperitif fuses French recipes with Mediterranean and Asian flair, thus presenting patrons with an eclectic dining experience that's packaged within a comfortable and modern atmosphere. With the feel of a Manhattan lounge, Aperitif is elegantly furnished with New York City-style chandeliers, burgundy leather ottoman stools and blue velvet lounge sofas.

Reflecting the architecture of Paris, Aperitif's floors are comprised of an authentic classic French Brasserie pattern, and its lounge area is fitted with luminescent photographs of the Eiffel Tower and Pont Alexandre III Bridge.  Aperitif's prides itself on its signature dishes, and all of its menu items were originated by Chef Ismet Saz. Among the perennial favorites are its mussels, duck, white bean artichoke dip and lamb dishes, as well as such savory desserts as Tarte Tatin.  

While it can seat approximately 80 people at any given time, Aperitif caters to either full-course meals or samplings, which are both available through its regular dinner menu and specialized small plate Tapas menu. 

"Since there is a new trend going on in today's restaurant circuit where more and more people are looking to taste new things,  we created a smaller version of our regular menu, which offers smaller portions of our main dinner plates," explained Oktas.  "In having this small plate menu available, our guests don't have to feel that they have to choose one dish over another. They can have the opportunity to sample a little bit of everything."

With a wine bar stocked with French and domestic wines, Aperitif offers it by the glass as well as in flights. In addition, Oktas said Aperitif is the only bar in Rockville Centre — and among only a few on Long Island —  that is equipped with a high-tech wine cuvenee system, which stores opened bottles of wine at appropriate thermostat setting to preserve quality and taste.

"Whenever you open a bottle of wine, it usually has to be consumed within a day in order to maintain its natural flavor," Oktas said. "With our wine cuvenee system, our wines' flavors remain authentic with every sip because we are preventing oxygen from entering the bottle, which typically compromises and kills its integrity."

Oktas said he is optimistic about Aperitif's new home within the heart of Rockville Centre's restaurant row. "When we designed Aperitif, we were committed to bringing good food and service at a competitive price," he said. "I am hopeful that people will embrace us and that they keep coming back."

While Oktas has high hopes for his newest French bistro, The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce is excited to have Aperitif as a new member of the community.

"We are happy whenever any business chooses Rockville Centre as their place of business," said Chamber Vice President Paul Cronen. "Its French cuisine is a unique offering to our area and is sure to attract more traffic and business our way."

Aperitif is currently only open for dinner, but will open for lunch in the coming weeks. As each new weekend draws near, the restaurant transforms into an alternative source of entertainment for Rockville Centre's popular nightlife scene, converting into a hip, city-style lounge on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights after 9 p.m., featuring music mixed by Aperitif's house DJ.