Italian cuisine is always full of comfort and romance, but one restaurant on Long Island is upping quotient.
Calagero’s in Garden City has been a neighborhood mainstay for eight years, which is an amount of time eateries don’t earn with just run-of-the-mill red sauce and pasta. Calagero’s atmosphere plays a big role in its popularity – couple that with great food at reasonable prices and you’ve got repeat customers and word-of-mouth business.
The perfect meal starter at Calagero’s has to be the pan roasted fresh mozzarella, served on a bed of arugula salad with roasted peppers, grilled tomatoes, aged balsamic and basil olive oil. The mozzarella is lightly breaded with panko breadcrumbs – so lightly breaded that the mozzarella isn’t covered, but rather sprinkled, providing just the right about of texture without overdoing it.
Other classic starters are available at Calagero’s – however, all of them are treated to a fresh take, ensuring a new experience for any eater. The beautifully fried calamari is served with marinara and a roasted pepper aioli dipping sauce. The aioli brightens the calamari’s natural flavors, which are fresh tasting and not hidden by the breading.
The baked clams oreganata are another must eat appetizer. The clams are kept whole and they are served with a white wine and lemon sauce that sops up perfectly with crusty Italian bread. Mussels are also available at Calagero’s; as is a pan seared rare tuna, shrimp cocktail and a Portobello mushroom napoleon.
Save room for entrees because Calagero’s pasta dishes are flavorful and perfectly prepared. The linguine with white clam sauce is incredibly fresh, affordable and filling. The dish is served with chopped clams, but also has five whole, in-shell clams resting on top. The garlicky, white wine sauce is so mouthwatering, it should be bottled.
Try the veal Florentine for an eloquent dining option. Tender and light, the veal rests on a bed of spinach with prosciutto, fontina cheese and white wine sauce. It is served with potatoes and a sautéed vegetable medley.
Other entrée options include pan roasted salmon, grilled sliced flat iron steak, chicken sorrentino and more. Everything is quite affordable, too – especially when quality is considered.
Cross over the border to the edge of Long Island for a taste of comfort and romance at Calagero’s. Specials are offered every day and evening. Also, if you are in the mood for a nightcap, stop in and order your favorite drink from their fully stocked bar.
Calagero’s
919 Franklin Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
Tel: 516-294-2922
Fax: 516-294-2915
www.calageros.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, 4 – 11 p.m.
Sunday, 3 – 9 p.m.
Take Out: Yes
Reservations: Recommended for Weekends
On and off premise catering available
Full Bar
Extensive Wine List
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
