AKA West Palm announced the opening of The Blind Monk, the West Palm Beach wine bar known for its dishes and wine offerings. The Blind Monk at AKA West Palm will be an evolution and expansion of the culinary concept from wine bar to all day bistro. The Blind Monk stands as the latest addition to the expanding array of amenities at AKA West Palm, offering an elevated dining experience for Palm Beach locals and AKA guests.
While preserving its distinctive features, such as the natural wine list, artisanal cheese program, and attentive service, The Blind Monk serves breakfast and brunch and is debuting an expanded dinner menu beginning in early May. Additionally, the enhanced beverage program features a full bar with a curated cocktail list.
“The debut of The Blind Monk at AKA reflects our commitment to crafting memorable experiences for both guests and neighbors,” says Larry Korman, CEO of AKA in a statement. “In the search for a culinary partner for AKA West Palm, we specifically sought a restaurant with deep roots in the West Palm Beach community. The Blind Monk naturally stood out as the perfect choice.”
The Blind Monk is inspired by fresh flavors and ingredients. The menu emphasizes seasonal vegetables and local seafood. Many dishes are crafted for sharing, inviting diners to experience a range of recipes around the table. The Blind Monk favorites such as their classic Cheese Boards, Charred Cauliflower, and Chicken Liver Mousse are featured on the menu, and new dish highlights of the dinner menu include Grilled Swordfish Skewers with black lentils and Mussels Escabeche with fried green plantains. Additionally, The Blind Monk is a new gathering place for breakfast in Downtown West Palm, featuring their Sour Cream Pancakes, Shakshuka, and Avocado Toast.
At the bar, The Blind Monk maintains its natural wine list and a new cocktail menu with riffs on the classics. A few include the Stubborn Jenny, an aperitivo with Pineau Des Charentes, ginger and lime, and the Day Tripper, made with tequila, lime, grapefruit, paw-paw, and prickly pear.
The space features a comfortable dining area, a stylish bar, and a cozy outdoor wine garden. Upon entering, guests may also notice a subtle music theme, as they are greeted by classic rock from the 60s and 70s, and the menu design is inspired by The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.
“When I first opened The Blind Monk, I aimed to create the place I wanted to come home to,” says Ben Lubin. “The new Blind Monk reflects how I have evolved over the past thirteen years. It is the neighborhood restaurant I want, and I hope it is the neighborhood restaurant you do, too.”
AKA West Palm opened in November 2022 offering modern hospitality in the city’s central business district. The addition of The Blind Monk rounds out the hotel amenities that also include, AKA Pet Spa (powered by D is for Dog), a new Palm Beach post of Body+Beauty Lab that opened in April, as well as a new concept coming later this spring, a.market on Olive, that will offer gourmet specialties, and Après AKA, which is a curated selection of AKA gifts.
