Seasonal flavors, warm hospitality at Oak & Vine

Glen Cove welcomed a new culinary hotspot on May 2 with the grand opening of Oak & Vine. The eatery promises to be more than just a restaurant. It’s envisioned as a gathering place where hospitality, unity and exceptional culinary experiences will converge.

Helmed by brothers Rehan and Adan Alam, and co-owner Billy Figaro, Oak & Vine boasts a menu that celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and use of natural elements like wood and stone is a welcoming space that invites guests to unwind and indulge.

Rehan owns Red Lion on Bleecker Street, a live music venue, and Tara Rose, a cocktail bar in midtown along with two other restaurants in Manhattan. With Figaro’s extensive background in the hospitality industry, the owners are bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Their culinary prowess, honed through years of family gatherings and cultural influences, adds a touch of creativity and innovation to the menu.

Rehan said one of his major influences to venture into the food industry began at home where he and Adan had a culture of hospitality instilled into them. With their father already a restaurant owner, they learned food is a great way to bring people together.

“Happiness begins in the table,” Alam said. “Food, drinks, music, these are the common language of people from different backgrounds and culture. It’s that first bite that brings a smile to your face.”

The trio said they saw many places in Manhattan before they came to Glen Cove, but at first sight, they knew the city was the perfect fit for their new American cuisine. Their decision was driven by a desire to be part of a close-knit community where warmth and camaraderie thrive.

The menu at Oak & Vine reads like a culinary journey, offering a range of dishes from succulent steaks to homemade pastas. Signature steaks such as the Oak & Vine Ribeye and filet mignon are sure to tantalize taste buds, while options like the bourbon burger and tuna steak offer creative twists on classic favorites. Appetizers like the ahi tuna crisp and grilled octopus showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.

“The overall push of the menu was just for it to be approachable to everyone,” Figaro said. “Not just on the dinner side, but also on the kids side as well. We felt that lots of restaurants might not cater to the children as much as our menu. We have a menu where the kids can draw at the table, be a little bit creative to preoccupy themselves while the parents are at the table enjoying one another’s company.”

In addition to its regular menu, Oak & Vine will also offer a Sunday roast chicken special starting in May. Priced at $120 for two and available by reservation only, this family-style feast includes all the trimmings and a complimentary bottle of wine, making it the perfect way to end the weekend.

Central to Oak & Vine’s ambiance is “The Symphony Room,” a private event space featuring a grand piano and dedicated programming ranging from live music to cultural performances. This space, along with the restaurant’s multiple elegantly designed sections, offers guests the opportunity to create bespoke experiences tailored to their needs.

Glen Cove residents Antonio Lopes and Jenifer Pena said they were eager to try the city’s new hotspot as they saw renovations to the building in previous months. The couple learned about the restaurant’s opening on its Instagram page. Lopes said he enjoyed the crispy Branzino dinner plate course, while Pena said she enjoyed the gnocchi. The couple said they’d rate their experience a 10 out of 10 rating, and plan to frequent the restaurant as often as they can.