I felt like a fairy princess as we rode through the gates and up the circular driveway to the valet parking at the NYIT de Seversky Mansion/Catering Hall/Restaurant.
It was my daughter Elizabeth’s and son-in-law Spencer’s birthdays. When I read that the NYIT de Seversky Center was having a wine tasting dinner with a different wine to match the four-courses, I immediately made a reservation for us because Elizabeth is an oenophile! The dinner lived up to our expectations!
In a stunning wood paneled room was a trio of musicians that added to the ambiance. Since it was an Argentinian-themed dinner all but one of the wines - a dessert wine from Chile - was from Argentina.
We began with Amuse Bouche (small tasting) of lobster on a puffed cracker - delicious.
The appetizer was an extraordinary “Delicate Shrimp and Sweet Potato Cake” served with chaote slaw and chipotle sauce. The spices exploded gently in my mouth. Later in the evening the chef, Matthew Brewi, came to our table and shared the exotic flavors he used to make the dish so uniquely special. A Los Cardos Malbec Ros/ was poured to accompany the appetizer.
Some members of the attentive, well-trained staff are students at NYIT. The de Seversky Center is on the campus and benefits from the youthful synergy.
We continued our dining experience, which I appreciated, since I do not get to have dinner with all my children that often. Elizabeth and her husband Sam now live in Chicago but come in for Passover and her birthday.
The pre-set meal then offered a crisp heart of palm salad enhanced by blue cheese and beets accompanied by Broquel Chardonnay. Good textures together in a light vinaigrette dressing. I hate it when the dressing overpowers the salad and this one was perfectly blended. If you wanted a heavier hand, the accommodating wait staff would bring more dressing.
We were served a wonderful warm crusty bread - soft in the middle and crusty outside. I restrained myself, even though it was the last time for eight days I would be able to eat bread, but my kids went crazy having as many as four pieces!
It did not deter them from enjoying our main course - a barbecued carne asada of pork, sirloin steak, and spiced paprika sausage grilled Argentinian style. Each meat was topped with grilled provolone style cheese. It was presented with vegetables and crispy baked and then fried potatoes. Again, another wine - Graffigna Malbec Grand Reserve - enhanced the combination of meats.
We could not resist the dessert - a warm guava empanada served with de leche ice cream - the attractive presentation made it irresistible to sample, and once tasted; to devour! The gentle Chilean wine - Concha Y Toro Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest - added to the flavors.
The building is right off Northern Boulevard about a mile east from Glen Cove Road.
The NYIT de Seversky Center is open for brunch, special dinners and is offering several Cabaret Club evenings beginning May 8 in its elegant surroundings for $45 per person including dinner. Call for their schedule 516-686-7645 or visit their website, www.nyit.edu/deseversky/restaurant.
Try it, you’ll love it!
NYIT de SEVERSKY CENTER
1 Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, NY
Phone: 516-686-7675
Catering: On and off premises.
Capacity: Mansion can accommodate up to 400 for events
Menu: Can be customized.
All special occasions may be celebrated here.
