One of my favorite hotels in Queens is the Crowne Plaza LaGuardia. I always feel like it is a home away from home, mainly because my dearest friend Dolly DeThomas is the public relations person and the beautiful Kathleen Petit, the sales manager, an “Energizer Bunny” of a person who is passionate about her hotel.
The pair invited me to enjoy a meal in their newly-redesigned Pavilion Grille restaurant.
The hotel has always had a large welcoming “destination bar,” but had decided to renovate the dining room. They brought in a new Executive Chef, Michael Smith and catering sales manager Andrea Scalise. The interior and exterior space for their restaurant has been totally redone. The makeover is very impressive.
I was greeted at the door and taken to a table in the rear where there is a private space for up to 30 people.
It was impressive to see the warm inviting colors used for the carpets, walls and tablecloths. I particularly liked how they created outdoor space for dining al fresco.
But most impressive of all is the new chef’s background. He comes to Queens after working at the famous River Caf/ at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. Their kitchen is considered one of the best in the city.
Now we have Michael. His presentation and preparation are first class. Not only did he excite my palate, but he also delighted my eyes.
Since the newly-named restaurant features dishes from the grill, I sampled several.
The Kobe beef burger was tender and juicy. The Wagyu NY strip steak was presented with fingerling potatoes and shitake mushrooms on a bed of saut/ed baby spinach - grilled perfectly. There were also several fish and chicken dishes available.
Chef Smith has a filet mignon “of the evening” offering special creative preparation. I loved the fried calamari done with apples, mango and pickled ginger -adventurous and unusual. The roasted crab cakes were done with a spicy mustard sauce and delicious. There are two onion soups and several salads from which to choose. I loved the thin crusty pizzas offered with different toppings - not to be missed!
Of course no meal is complete without a grand finale of great desserts. I sampled a few and each one was better that the last!
As you can tell, I was very impressed with newly-designed restaurant under the masterful hand of Chef Smith. Try it -you’ll love it!
PAVILION GRILLE
Crown Plaza LaGuardia
104-04 Ditmars Boulevard
Reservations: 718-269-1722
Open 7 days a week and
Sunday brunch
