Queens has many extraordinary sights, but none compares to what can be seen sitting in Long Island City’s newly-refurbished Water’s Edge Restaurant.
Under the management of professional restaurateur H. Singh, The Singh Hospitality Group — long known on Long Island for pursuing excellence in service, quality, flavor and freshness in their six venues — has added a seventh jewel to their crown, with their first venture into the city.
Located on a barge on the East River, overlooking Roosevelt Island and a spectacular swath of the midtown Manhattan skyline, Water’s Edge has provided a generation with the ultimate dining vista.
And what superb food is being served along with the expected attentive service a first-class restaurant offers. A recent lunch affirmed that Water’s Edge is once again our borough’s premier dining venue.
As soon as I walked in I was captured by the clean lines and sleek furniture flooded by the light coming through the wrap-around windows. I was immediately captured by the views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. Our party was led to a corner table with views of the city and the Queensboro Bridge. I just had to smile as I sat spellbound by the sights. The comfortable leather high back chairs and handsomely set table made me relax and feel I was in a place far away.
I began my meal with a classic Caesar salad, hearts of crisp romaine lettuce, with shavings of Parmesan cheese, shaved Reggiano in a delicate peppercorn dressing. My companion had a rich tasty lobster bisque with chunks of tempura lobster. Delicious and light even on a hot summer afternoon.
The attentive wait staff eagerly filled my water glass and offered a variety of wines from the restaurant’s extensive and fairly-priced wine list.
For our main course we chose a tasty baby artichoke crusted salmon surrounded with summer turnips on a bed of spaghetti squash awash in a tasty saffron broth. tasty and delicious combination of flavors and textures.
We also ordered a poached chicken, on the bone, that was juicy and tender. It was served with toasted gnocchi and braised escarole cooked in a thyme-infused chicken broth, perfectly prepared.
For meat lovers there are several options, and we chose the perfectly-cooked tender filet mignon. It was served with caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms au poivre, but if I had wanted it just grilled, the kitchen was willing to accommodate my request.
Of course, no meal is complete without desert and it was truly a grand finale. Some of us had the wickedly-luscious chocolate molten lava cake. Served with strawberry ice cream it can also be ordered sans. For crème brulee lovers, this rich and popular dish met everyone’s approval with words like “It’s the best I ever had!” For those light of heart there were also crispy almond biscotti, perfect for dunking in our coffee.
The renovations were also done on the top floor, where catered parties are held for groups of up to 400 people. It’s good to know there is once again an exquisite, posh place to have a celebration, dinner, lunch or cocktails at the bar overlooking our jewel of a city!
Try it, you’ll love it!
Waters edge
The East River at 44th Drive
Long Island City
718-482-0033
Prix-Fixe menu
Handicap accessible with an elevator to the 2nd floor and one step to the bathrooms and dining room.
The East River at 44th Drive
Long Island City, NY
