It’s nearly Valentine’s Day: time to think about chocolates, flowers, and a special meal. Whether you celebrate with your one true love or with family and friends, there are many options to choose from. Here are some suggestions to make your Valentine’s Day extra-special.
La Strada
Follow the path to your sweetie’s heart at La Strada in Merrick. Designed to look an Italian sidewalk café, the five year-old La Strada (which means “the street” in Italian) is a labor of love for owners Eva and Guy Saraniero. Ambiance is warm and charming, with wrought iron, exposed brick and street-like lanterns.“It is decorated to look like you are outside on a street in Italy,” said Saraniero. Her extensive menu features Northern Italian classics, from pasta to seafood, veal, and just about everything else – including wraps, paninis and brick oven pizzas prepared by Saraniero’s husband, Guy.
For Valentine’s Day, choices include specials such as Surf and Turf, along with the regular menu, accompanied by the restaurant’s vast wine list. Heart-shaped raviolis in a choice of sauces – butter and sage, marinara, cognac – are among the restaurant’s popular items. “These are very big with the customers,” Saraniero said.
La Strada is open for lunch and dinner on Valentine’s Day, from 12-11 p.m., with a set seating schedule after 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Gift certificates are available and for those who prefer a romantic dinner at home, the restaurant will offer its full take-out menu that day.
La Strada is located at 2100 Merrick Ave., Merrick; (516) 867-5511/5488 or visit www.lastradaofmerrick.com.
Alfie’s La Cucina Ristorante
Alfie’s La Cucina, which bills itself as a “casual modern eatery” is the new hot spot in the Five Towns. The Hewlett restaurant, only six weeks old, is bustling with excitement and booked every weekend.
Experienced management, a lovely setting, and enticing food creates a formula designed for success. The new restaurant has a serious pedigree and a commitment to fine cuisine.
La Cucina’s owner, Luigino Muto, opened Alfie’s II Pizzeria in 2009. He later took over the storefront next door, renovating and turning it into La Cucina – totally separate from Alfie’s II (including a different kitchen). Running La Cucina is Kenny Kotchek, the original owner of The Porthole, who then managed Corbin & Reynolds and Sole. Executive Chef Peter Curcio, previously of Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton and Corbin & Reynolds, creates innovative cuisine.
“We are not a traditional Italian restaurant,” said Kotchek. “We want to be thought of as an Italian bistro.” Décor reflects that approach. The restaurant is chic and sleek, with modern fixtures.
The intimate, cozy eatery, with 12-13 tables, is an ideal setting for that romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. The menu features such items as pistachio-crusted organic salmon, swordfish in a basil marinade, rosemary roasted half chicken, seafood lasagna made with lobster, along with veal and steaks. Popular appetizers include grilled baby octopus, risotto croquettes and shredded short rib cannelloni, along with a roasted beet and gorgonzola salad. Desserts are all homemade, with cheesecake a favorite. along with chocolate mousse cake and a pistachio cannoli Napoleon, among other creations.
As if that is not enough, the special Valentine’s Day menu offers a spinach and roastedartichoke dip with focaccia bread sticks, a baby arugula salad with pine nuts in a pomegranate vinaigrette, Chilean sea bass with escarole and lobster béchamel, and a Surf and Turf featuring a 5 oz. filet mignon with three crab stuffed shrimp, among other items.
The restaurant will be open from 5-10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Reservations are suggested. A private party room is also available. Alfie’s La Cucina is located 1241 Broadway, Hewlett; (516) 837-0475.
Giardinetto Ristorante
Savor some elegant Italian cuisine with your significant other at Giardinetto Ristorante. The charming restaurant – thought of as a hidden gem by its loyal patrons – is tucked away in Inwood and known for its warm, friendly staff and northern Italian specialties. The menu features a wide array of selections, from homemade pasta to fresh fish and what owner Rame Kurtaj says is “the best veal chop in town,” along with homemade desserts. There is something to please every discriminating palate, according to Kurtaj.
Located in a residential neighborhood, the restaurant is cozy and homey with an upstairs lounge, where patrons can relax with drink if they wish.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone feel like they are at home,” said Kurtaj, who has over 25 years experience in the restaurant business. “We have been here for 12 years and have enjoyed every bit of it, we love our customers – they are more like family to us.”
Valentine’s Day diners can choose from special items, along with the regular menu. Valentine’s Day offerings will include heart-shaped ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, homemade crab cakes, and breast of chicken filled with asparagus, shrimp and roasted peppers in a light white wine sauce with a touch of champagne.
“We are giving a complimentary rose to all the women for Valentine’s Day,” Kurtaj added. “If you have never been here, please try us out.”
Giardinetto has special seatings for Valentine’s Day, at 6 and 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant is located at 233 Doughty Blvd., Inwood; (516) 371-0200.
Borrelli’s
This East Meadow mainstay has fed many Long Islanders over the years. A tradition since 1955, when three brothers from Naples, Italy opened the doors to the restaurant for the first time, the Borrelli family continues to serve the surrounding community and beyond. Borrelli’s Restaurant, – now run by Frank Borelli Jr., his wife Beth, sister Angela and their children – continues to provide classic Italian cuisine enjoyed by new and longtime patrons.
From pizza to pasta and seafood, the extensive menu has it all, appealing to families who want a quick casual meal to couples who want to linger over a romantic evening out. “We are a big couple’s place,” said Borelli. “Many first dates have taken place here over the years.”
Borrelli’s was remodeled two years ago, and now offers Karaoke on Friday nights and live music on Saturdays. Favorite dishes include baked clams, homemade manicotti, shrimp scampi and lobster fra diavlo, and, of course, pizza.
On Valentine’s Day, Borelli’s will serve its regular menu, along with a prix fixe menu for $29.95. The prix fixe special, offered Feb. 10-14, will include a choice of appetizer, pasta, entrée, and dessert. Also, a guitarist will entertain dinners with romantic songs throughout the evening.
Reservations will be accepted on Valentine’s Day. Borrelli’s is located at 580 Hempstead Tpk., East Meadow; (516) 794-0190.
Mezzanote
Bring your special someone to Mezzanote Restaurant for an evening that emphases fine cuisine with romantic flourishes.
The restaurant, which moved from its long-time home on Broadway in Hewlett to the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club last year, is “your kitchen away from home,” according Robin Cristo, who owns Mezzanote with her husband Frank.
“We serve fresh Italian cuisine that includes innovative and traditional dishes,” said Cristo. The varied menu is served family-style in portions designed for sharing, adding to the Valentine’s Day experience. Exquisite veal dishes, Chicken Mezzanote, the restaurant’s unique Chicken Scarpariello, fresh fish, a variety of pastas, and homemade desserts appeal to the restaurant’s loyal clientele. Popular starters include baked clams, and calamari – fried, grilled or Asian-style.
Begin your meal with a special Valentine’s Day cocktail or choose from the comprehensive selection of cocktails and wine. And ending on a sweet note, Mezzanote will add some Valentine’s Day touches to it’s signature desserts, including the homemade Napoleon and tiramisu.
The warm and inviting restaurant offers views of its lush surroundings – the golf course and waterfall – that set the tone for an enjoyable meal. “We are all about the dining experience,” said Cristo. “When you are here, you become part of our family.”
Mezzanote will be open for dinner from 5-10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Reservations are recommended. It is located at 101 Causeway, Lawrence; (516) 374-0627 or 792-1560.
