Mambo Italiano was apparently snakebit, so now the next act for the downtown West Palm space is a pan-Asian tapas-slash-sushi eatery, Kabuki(308 Clematis St., 561/833-6349).
The long, narrow space just west of Olive Avenue has been radically transformed from a bare-bones Italian café to a chic, thoroughly modern, earth-toned space with a gleaming bar running the length of the dining room on one side and banquettes along the other. Tile and hardwood floors, orange and yellow pendant lights and a sushi bar in back complete the new and much improved look.
The menu ranges all over the culinary map, with a special emphasis on small plates, everything from Thai-style spring rolls to empanadas stuffed with curried minced chicken to asparagus and bacon with saké butter sauce.
There’s also a wide selection of nigiri sushi and wacky-maki rolls, as well as noodle and rice dishes, curries and stir-fries. Teriyaki chicken, steak, salmon and lobster can be had off the Japanese grill, along with a handful of entrees from half a fried duck to a while fried snapper, plus fun-sounding desserts like Thai donuts with dipping sauce and green tea crème brulee.
Kabuki is open daily for lunch and dinner.
