Italian restaurant opens in Lexington

Sapori Italian restaurant opens in Lexington today at 407 N. Lake Drive across from Lexington Elementary School.

The restaurant is owned and operated by Lexington resident and artist Karen van Heerden, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, who moved to the Midlands seven years ago after living in Italy for 22 years. van Heerden planned to open Sapori on Aug. 15 but the opening was delayed due to a water pipe leak in the ceiling of the men’s restroom.

After making jewelry for several years at her Esihle Designs jewelry boutique at 121 E. Main St., van Heerden decided earlier this year to consider a new venture--one that utilized her skills garnered managing two Italian cooking schools and a culinary tours travel company during her years living in Italy.

"I have always had a great passion for food and wine," van Heerden said. "We decided to open our own Italian restaurant, Sapori, as a family to have the opportunity to share with the people of Lexington all the tastes and passions of Tuscany."

Sapori--which is Italian for “flavors” or “tastes”--will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and for dinner Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 10 p.m.. The restaurant will be closed on Sundays.