Aperitif Bistro Lounge Wine Bar Open on Bell Blvd

Aperitif Bistro Lounge Wine Bar opened at 213-41 39th Ave. Bayside, NY 11361 mid-November 2014. The lively French Bistro moved into the space formerly occupied by Bentley’s Off Bell. It is the second of its kind by owners Peter Oktas and Julio Velasquez and is the fifth restaurant of Sage Restaurant Group based on Long Island, New York. Chef de Cuisine Cevail Sarac heads the kitchen preparing French cuisine infused with a Mediterranean and Asian flair at approachable prices. Aperitif Bistro Lounge Wine Bar serves dinner daily and will also serve lunch and brunch in the next few weeks. The restaurant’s beverage program features creative cocktails, as well as an extensive wine list.

Designed by Dallago Associates, the 148-seat restaurant spans two floors and is connected by a sleek spiral staircase. Upon entering, guests will find a secluded bar and lounge area with a European-style red, white and blue tiled floor. Intimate cocktail seating lines the windows overlooking the sidewalk. The design elements throughout the space create a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of an authentic Parisian bistro with café-style chairs and antique mirrors. Wood-paneled walls and wood beam ceilings complement exposed brick accents and rustic wood chandeliers with golden pendants enhance the ambiance. Half booths and stand-alone tables in the dining room are all topped with delicate firefly candles. The walls are adorned with charming backlit artwork of women dancing and photographs of popular landmarks in Paris. A focal point of the space is an impressive floor-to-ceiling, lit-up display showcasing a variety of wine bottles.

Sarac brings more than 18 years of culinary experience to Aperitif Bistro Lounge Wine Bar. He began his career in Turkey and decided to move to New York to further his experience. He climbed the culinary ladder in several kitchens before joining Sage Restaurant Group in 2013 as chef de cuisine. The culinary team at Aperitif has crafted a menu that features an array of flavors. In the salads and appetizers section, look for duck confit and mushroom strudel with apricot truffle jam ($12); a classic tuna or steak tartare ($12) and a shrimp and avocado tower salad with hearts of palms and Frisée in a lime vinaigrette ($13). Entrées include the signature fricassee of scallops and shrimp with sautéed leeks, butternut squash purée and a truffle cream sauce ($26); traditional steak frites with grilled sirloin in a red wine sauce served with French fries ($27) and Magret de Canard featuring seared duck breast with apple parsnip puree, sautéed asparagus and a fig jam sauce ($26). Decadent desserts include profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce ($6); gluten free white chocolate cake served with vanilla bean sauce and whipped cream ($8) and apple walnut raisin pie with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce ($7).

Aperitif Bistro Lounge Wine Bar is now open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Lunch and brunch will soon be available.