Ordinarily my partner and I visit restaurants in the evening. But, with the increasing popularity of Early Bird specials, we decided to sample the offering at Anthony’s, one of our favorites for fine Italian cuisine, where there is a fixed price special at $13.95 starting at noon. On Mondays through Fridays, this special is available until 4:30 p.m. so you can have either a late lunch or an early dinner.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Fabio - whom we have known for over 10 years - escorted to our table and served a basket of hot, rubbed-in-garlic Italian bread, which we enjoyed along with a glass of port wine ($6). Also available from the wine list are wines by the glass (Pinot Grigio @ $7) and by the bottle (Pinot Grigio Campanile @ $18).
There are ample selections on the early bird menu: five appetizers, eight entrees, two desserts and coffee or tea. (Other desserts and special coffees are available for an extra $2.)
My partner, the fish lover, chose the Baked Mussels - a dozen nicely breaded and baked in their shells. I went with the eggplant rollatini - tastily presented with tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella. Also available were fried zucchini, soup of the day and a colorful mixed greens salad.
The salad is an especially interesting combination of greens and finely cut vegetables tossed with a house special dressing featuring Balsamic vinegar.
The entrees offered are some of the more popular Italian-American dishes featuring pasta, fish, chicken and veal. Since veal is a favorite of mine, I selected veal parmigiana - a large breaded cutlet served with a goodly portion of spaghetti and tomato sauce. My partner, staying with seafood, had the broiled filet of sole accompanied by steamed fresh vegetables - thinly sliced carrots and zucchini and roasted halved small potatoes all attractively presented and served by our waitperson Juan.
Owner and Chef, James Blanchi was still preparing one of the items on the menu, Veal Cacciatore when we arrived early. Therefore, as we were leaving, Chef James presented us with a take home order of his delicious version with a peppers, spices, mushrooms and wine sauce over fettuccini.
From the dessert offerings of Jello or rice pudding, we chose the latter to accompany our coffee.
If you want an early dinner in a pleasant setting with white tablecloths, linen napkins and attentive service all at a reasonable price, Anthony’s is the place!
Anthony’s has, with its spacious seating, live piano music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and its large separate party room is also a great place for gatherings, celebrations and other events. Call early to book your reservation.
Anthony’s Restaurant
222-02 Union Turnpike
Bayside, NY 11364
718-468-6020
CUISINE: Italian
HOURS: Open 7-days-a-week. Early Bird Special Monday to Friday from noon until 4:30 p.m.
PRICES: Reasonable with fixed price Early Bird Special @ $13.95.
PARKING: Curbside in residential area.
CREDIT CARDS: Yes, major cards.
