Sapore Sale Still Rumored

Sapore di Mare will be closed until spring, after several winters of opening on weekends.

The decision to close, combined with a confusing message on the answering machine, have apparently revived the lingering rumor that the restaurant was sold and that Ronald O. Perelman, whose estate, the Creeks, is nearby, was the buyer.

The Post's "Page Six" reported his "rumored takeover" on Monday.

Pino Luongo, the owner of Sapore di Mare, was in Florence this week on business. The staff in his Manhattan office said they knew nothing about any sale but would certainly be in the loop if there was any truth to it.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Luongo also said the answering machine message had been changed so would-be patrons would understand the eatery was only closed for the season and not for good.