Michael LaHara is the face of Valentino’s on the Green – an ambassador, if you will – for the newly-opened restaurant and catering facility.
“We want to open our arms, welcome people and let them share the facility as their own home,” said the general manager.
LaHara was born into a restaurant family, learning directly from his father, who owned two restaurants on Mulberry Street in “Little Italy.” He still treasures his opportunity to serve Robert Kennedy during a San Gennaro Feast.
As LaHara set out on his own gastronomic journey, he decided to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the premier cooking school in the country. There, he graduated with honors on the Dean’s List. During his time at the CIA, he had the good fortune to pair up with a study partner by the name of Don Pintabona. The two remained friends for decades and are now reunited, forming the core opening team at Valentino’s on the Green in Bayside.
Over the course of Michael’s 30-year career in restaurant management, his focus has always been New York City. He has lent his expertise to many of Manhattan’s trendiest restaurants, including Balthazar, Pastis, Rue 57, Tavern on the Green, and Patrick Swayze’s Mulholland Drive Café.
“The owners’ vision [for Valentino’s] is to create a level of dining comfort that will keep Bayside on the map,” he said. “All of the management careers – and if you add it all up, the team has over 100 years experience – have been in Manhattan, but based on the vision, we felt that Queens is the next frontier. We want to lead the way.”
Emphasizing that Valentino’s is perfect for mid-week dining, after-work drinks or any special occasion, LaHara noted that “it takes a tremendous team” to achieve success.
“Michael represents the face of Valentino’s on the Green,” said managing partner Giorgio Kolaj. “The ownership is confident in entrusting him with being that face – the first and last that patrons see. His experience in the fine dining industry and the industry as a whole, especially as a graduate of the CIA, make him a perfect ambassador.”
Valentino’s on the Green is open for lunch, beginning September 20 Monday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m.; late lunch until 5 p.m.; and dinner from 5 p.m. to midnight, depending on the day. Saturday dinner is served from 5 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday supper is from 2 to 10 p.m.
The bar, for after-work drinks or cocktails on the patio, is open until midnight Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday until 1 a.m.; and Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m. There is a late-night menu available.
Open all year, book your holiday dinners or functions by calling 718-352-2300 today. Reservations for weddings, banquets, and corporate events are now being accepted.
