Table with a View

Table with a View- by Barry Kay, 

2015 has been a high speed roller coaster ride for the hospitality field as government oversight, rising food and labor costs combined with increasing rent and overhead have challenged even the most iconic venues. The market continues to move toward mass market, less expensive restaurants. The classic fine New York restaurants are being pared down to a precious few who cater to the top 1% of the population and tourists, who can still afford to spend $300-$750.00 for dinner in New York City.  The dining public is younger, time pressed and more reliant than ever on references, reviews, and guides for their choices. We now live in an era when Trip Advisor,Yelp, Google Plus, and Blogs are key references for diners.  It is also an era where awards for Excellence i.e. Michelin, and Star Diamond offer great credibility and branding for restaurants, hotels, spas, resorts, and services.

The cost of dining on long island, westchester and the boroughs has forced the average middle class family to re-evaluate their choices of restaurants. With today's lackluster economy many family's are also choosing to dine on prepared food, delivered by Fresh Direct, Peapod, and their competitors. Trending is  healthy  farm fresh foods,  This is the age of the Millennial, and their emphasis is on health,  family, lifestyle and lack of glitz and glamour.

 Family's who want an affordable night out are finding that diners are fast becoming an endangered species. There was a time when dinner at a diner would cost 25-30% less than a neighborhood restaurant.  There are fewer diners and the average tab for two people can easily run $50 to $75.00 for dinner. Given the choice of good diner food at those prices versus a quality restaurant for 10-15 dollars more, has meant the  dramatic loss of local diners.

Given the new reality of getting the biggest bang for your buck, these are some of my favorite selections from among hundreds of really fine dining establishments.

Fun Food at a reasonable price:

Burgers and Such. 'Shake Shack" The new version of McDonnell's, Burger King and Wendy's!  Fresh food and healthy ingredients combined with friendly and efficient service. Clean tables, fast delivery, and young and enthusiastic help. I enjoyed the hamburgers with special sauce, the fries and shakes. Certainly not a four star restaurant, but a cut above the average fast food franchise. Try the Roosevelt field shake shack.

Barbeque - Bobby Ruben's  I originally found this restaurant in Florida and when it migrated to Bayside and beyond, quickly reacquainted myself to some of the most delicious pork and beef ribs on Long Island. Sloppy, noisy and lots of food and fun at affordable prices.

 Mexican Food- "Green Cactus" - Super fresh Mexican food , with friendly service, and pricing that can't be beat!Two people can eat for under $15.00 and still feel satisfied.  Terrific Burritos, Tacos, Salads, chips, fresh salsa, guacamole and hot jalapeno peppers.  I have been a big fan of "Green Cactus" on Willis avenue in Roslyn for years, and always came away satisfied.  Very well run and managed by Joaquin and his staff.

Pizza- Although there seems to be a pizza parlor on every block in Nassau and Queens, I have found two that really make great pizza:  Bocconcini in Douglaston- a small generic looking store front that uses excellent ingredients and offers fast delivery and realistic prices. They also have terrific italian food dishes like lasagna, pasta, veal and chicken dishes and heros. The owner manager Dav, is friendly, outgoing and wants his customers to be totally satisfied. A great place for pickup or home delivery.

My other favorite pizza store Ralph's is in Bayville, long island,  a 30 minute drive from my home. The Pizza and italian fare they serve are simply terrific and worth the ride. Gennaro and his family have been serving fabulous pizza for over 50 years.  The prices are honest, fair and perfect for family's on a night out. They do a tremendous catering business, and they are busy all day long and all season long.  Bayville is a quirky seaside town and terrific during the summer. Ralph's is an iconic venue with a charming family that stays involved in the community. 

Inexpensive Restaurant Dining

Italian- Vincent's - An amazing three ring circus type of atmosphere where Bobby Marisi, the owner presides. Gi-normous portions of pasta, salads, chicken, veal, fish all served in a festive loud and fun restaurant. Terrific young wait staff , that offer friendly helpful advice. Great place to celebrate a birthday for kids and or adults. Terrific house baked desserts, cannoli's, terra misu. Another long island must see! 

My favorite  restaurant Dining

Pan Asian - Pearl East in Manhasset- One of Long Island's Best!- Presided over by the owner Cathy who is certainly one of the most charming hosts. Exciting pan asian cuisine offering
sushi, sashimi, chinese dishes with sculpted fruits and vegetable in the shape of birds, bears,
trees, flowers etc. Beautifully plated and totally delicious.  One of the best places to be for a Chinese New Year feast and celebration. Dragon dancers, music and an upscale clientele. Cathy has built up a fabulous catering business and is generous with her time and food for charity's and non profits. A Star Diamond recipient.

Il Bacco- Douglaston Queens-  A gorgeous 3 story italian palazzo with a gorgeous downstairs dining room, a second floor for events and affairs, and a 3rd floor Roof top outdoor casual dining. The roof top is awesome in the warmer months with wonderful views of the skyline and the sunsets. They recently put in a retractable roof for all weather dining. Gracious dining, beginning with a plate of cheeses, peppers, and italian deli.  Wonderful veal, seafood and chicken dishes. Managing Partner Joe O, is a dapper, charming and delightful host who makes everyone feel at home.

Stresa Italian Ristorante- The ultimate in elegant fine dining in Manhasset. Giorgio and Tony 
are terrific partners and hosts who consistently offer the finest italian food all week long.
Elite clientele and a beautiful venue similar to dining at a private dining room in a mansion.
Love their Caesar Salad, Risotto, Chicken, Salmon Oregante, and house made dessert tray.
It just doesn't get any better. A Star Diamond recipient for excellence in dining!

Crabtree's Restaurant - Floral park has been the home to this diminutive store front restaurant that serves some of the best mediterranean and continental food on long island. Yanni and his family came here from Greece and for over 50 years have built a loyal following and one of the best restaurants in any borough.  Terrific food, excellent service and amazingly reasonable pricing.  Recently Yanni has successfully transferred the everyday managing of the restaurant to his son Demitri. These is a tremendous variety of food and specials to try on any day of the week.
They also offer one of the best and most reasonable brunches anywhere.
My favorite dishes are their crabcakes, salmon, steaks, and chops as well as their generous portions of vegetables.  A Star Diamond recipient!

Ocean- in Bayville, Long Island. fabulous sushi, seafood, served in a gorgeous seaside venue.
The sunsets at the restaurant are breathtaking and make for a romantic evening of fine dining.
Matt the managing partner is a hands on manager,with a long family history in the catering and fine dining arena. Ocean offers a great catering facility for weddings, anniversaries and special occasions. During the summer it just doesn't get any better than a seaside wedding.
Lobster nights and special sushi nights are out of this world delicious and reasonably priced.
Highly recommended even with 30 minute ride to the restaurant from great neck or douglaston.

Steaks & Chops- Long Island offers a number of fine steakhouses on Northern Boulevard and Jericho Turnpike.

Bryant & Cooper- Voted number one among steakhouses on Long island by many top reviewers. It is a big, country club style dining room with wooden beams, a large bar and tvs.
The steaks are large, perfectly prepared, with terrific side dishes including an awesome creamed spinach, and a gorgonzola salad that is out of this world. A diversified menu with steaks, chops, chicken, and seafood. All steak restaurants are expensive, but this one is well worth the price.

Rothmann's - East Norwich, Long Island A big sprawling elegant steakhouse in an historic old world building.Excellent steaks, chops, sushi, and side dishes. Great for party's and festive occasions. Excellent service, ambiance and food. Expensive, but worth it.

Peter Luger's- Great Neck- The original greatest steakhouse in New York. Some of New York's finest clients have dined at Luger's for years. I personally have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries in their great neck restaurant. Amazing steaks, chops and lobsters, and who can resist their fabulous potatoes and creamed spinach.  Iconic, hectic, and awesomely delicious food.

Frank's Steakhouse in Jericho- A renowned steakhouse that offers top steaks and chops, large portions, excellent side dishes. Noted for their skirt steaks, creamed spinach and fabulous desserts.
Great for catering, parties and special occasions.  Good Value but still pricey. 

Honorable Mention- Ruth Chris in Garden City, Capitol Grill in Roosevelt Field

Greek/Mediterranean

Kyma-  Roslyn, Long Island One of Long Island's newest and most popular "face places". Run by Franco with a skilled hand. The Greek food is excellent the indoor/outdoor bar is a community favorite in Roslyn and the greek food outstanding. Beautifully designed to look like an authentic greek eatery in Greece. Fabulous fresh and delicious Seafood from the Mediterranean accompanied by Pita bread , hummus, and assorted side dishes.  Where the beautiful people can be found.

Chinese
Moonstone- Great Neck
Tommy the owner/host is a dynamo, and is hands on,overseeing the kitchen, greeting guests,
and making sure every dish is perfect. Authentic chinese menu with Moonstone's take on Fried Rice, Wonton Soup, Spare Ribs, egg rolls, peking duck, steak and fish. Spectacular decor, elegant wait staff and delightful food.

Modern Italian/American - Porto Vivo, Huntington
What happens when you combine a young, dynamic executive chef .with a world class entrepreneur and media mogul- Porto Vivo offers the exciting decor and styling of Joy Mangano whose storied rags to riches success story will be featured in movie theaters on XMas Day.
Joe Balbo is the creator of some of the best tasting and plated dishes on the north shore.
After apprenticing in Europe as a personal chef, Joe has made his mark on Long Island with the opening of Porto Vivo.  Porto Vivo is exciting, new age modern 3 levels of dining and imbibing.
All of Joe's dishes are new takes on some italian favorites! Pasta, fish, and desserts are worth the price of admission. Joe is young and is on his way to becoming one of America's favorite chefs.

Hotels and Spas- As our population becomes more  diverse, taking care of body and soul have become more important for Americans and visitors from Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

The Tri State Area is the home to many perfect stay-cation hotels and spas.  My favorite hotels 
are:The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, The Short Hills Hilton, and The Viana Hotel in Westbury.

The Iconic Waldorf offers elegance from a bygone era with their fabulous lobby with spectacular turn of the century clock, and spectacular dining at the Bull and Bear Steakhouse, and Peacock Alley. Great place for celebrity sightings, and to view lifestyles of the rich and famous. 

The Waldorf Towers is also home to Guerlain's world famous Spa. Guerlain's Spa offers the ultimate in luxurious spa facilities. The spa is a vision in white leather couches, intimate and spacious massage rooms with lockers, showers, fragrances, and expert aestheticians. Men and women are accommodated with special treatments for face, body, nails,hair and makeup. The Spa also has the ultimate pampering gift to give to the woman or man in your life. Elegantly wrapped gift certificates for a day of beauty!  Fabulous staff skillfully managed and directed by Angela Portella, the Spa's director. 

One of my favorite local resort/hotels is the spectacular Short Hills Hilton in the famed uber luxurious town of Short Hills New Jersey. This sprawling but elegant hotel offers amenities for families, corporations, catering and sports. The exquisite marble tiled lobby with a priceless hand made crystal chandelier is simply spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful. The upper level suites offer magnificent views of the wooded acreage around the hotel and the indoor outdoor pool.  Short Hills Hilton offers, luxe dining, the Eforea world famous spa, indoor/outdoor swimming pool. tennis, state of the art gym, and a world class office facility for faxing, emails, internet, and secretarial services.  The hotel is noted for its fabulous catering facilities for weddings, events and business events. Walking distance to the world famous short hills mall with upscale shopping and dining. A perfect hideaway less than 30 minutes from New York City. Highly recommended.  Great service, staff and management head by Jan Larsen a gracious host and and manager.

Locally on Long Island, The Viana Hotel and the Marco Polo Restaurant in westbury, offers state of the art facilities eco-friendly facilities. Beautifully appointed Feng Shui designed and authenticated rooms and facilities.  First class boutique hotel with all the amenities of top nyc hotels.
Renowned spa facilities and state of the art gym. Dining at the Marco Polo restaurant is a treat as the chef will custom make dishes when given advance notice. Interesting and diverse Pan asian menu. Perfect place for small wedding parties and events as well as business meetings.
One of long islands top hotels and a member of the small luxury hotel group. Walking distance to fabulous shopping and entertainment as well as close to major parkways.