The recently-renovated, historic and picturesque Valentino’s on the Green, at the foot of the Throgs Neck Bridge in Bayside, is celebrating its first anniversary in style. The beautiful site surrounded by the sparkling lights of the bridge and the lush green parklands and pond adjacent to the Clearview Park Golf Course is the former home of the great Rudolph Valentino. The new owner/operators have sensitively restored the feeling of the actor’s glamorous life. The restaurant is as unique as its namesake.
The warm, inviting interior is divided into several rooms downstairs to create a relaxed and romantic environment. The handsome bar has a wood-burning fireplace that can also be viewed from the facing dining room furnished with mahogany walls and subtle lighting from antique sconces. There is also a larger dining space overlooking the pond and large outdoor terrace. Their banquet hall, attractively appointed, is perfect for catering parties of up to 220 people and offers an expanded bridal suite with its own bath.
It’s hard not to be impressed by the beautiful setting of Valentino’s but after a few visits I can also say they have taken as great care with their kitchen. In fact, owners Girogio Kolaj and renowned chef and cookbook author Don Pintabona enlisted award-winning chef Jimmy Canora, formerly of the famous Tribecca Grill and Delmonico’s, to deliver exceptional service and Italian culinary mastery.
The large menu featuring Valentino’s photo on one side offers a wide selection of chicken, meat, seafood and classic Italian dishes.
We began with a tray of luscious Blue Point Oysters. The ruby red tomatoes and homemade mozzarella cheese melted in my mouth. Outstanding was the baby beet salad.
For a main course, I recommend the tender, perfectly-prepared lamb chops and short ribs that were braised for six to 12 hours and served with a unique potato Mascarpone polenta. The jumbo shrimp scampi lived up to its name; it was served with sautéed garden vegetables and linguini with white wine, garlic and lemon sauce. We all grabbed for the not-to-be-missed skinny cut fried potatoes.
There is an extensive wine list from around the world with moderate prices. And through November 30, enjoy 50 percent off all bottled wine on “Wine Wednesdays.”
Of course we couldn’t resist the dessert choices and the empty plates proved they were truly delectable. The sugar-coated homemade zeppole were outrageous. The strawberry shortcake was a show stopper and of course everyone loved the chocolate molten lava cake.
There is something about the interior, the fine food and the warm, friendly staff that makes this a “must-go” place. Try it, you’ll love it!
Valentino’s on the Green
201-10 Cross Island Parkway
Bayside, NY 11360
718-352-2300
www.valentinosNYC.com
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday noon to 10 p.m.
Friday noon to 11 p.m.
Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.
Sunday 3 to 8 p.m.
Catering and private parties
