Oct. 29, 2016 Staff Report
The leaves are changing, and so are the seating options and menu items at Soleluna, an Italian restaurant on 40-15 Queens Blvd. that opened its doors in May of 2015.
The restaurant, owned and operated by longtime Sunnyside resident Valerio Marchi, his wife Michele, and his two sisters Gina and Francesca, installed five outdoor tables and 10 seats which run alongside their 40th. St. exterior earlier this month.
Photo Courtesy of Soleluna
The owners originally brought their application for the outdoor cafe to Community Board 2 in early June. Although they received the board’s approval, the advisory nature of the Community Board’s decision meant that the restaurant still had to wait for to go-ahead from the Department of Consumer Affairs. Due to the delay, the owners couldn’t install the outdoor area for the Summer season as they had originally hoped. Nevertheless, Valerio said he is happy to have it available for fall and next spring.
“I think it will be nice. The weather will be brisk and refreshing for most of the season, and on Halloween, people can sit outside and look at all the different costumed children walk around the neighborhood to collect candies,” Marchi said.
In addition, Soleluna has updated its menu items and specials since their grand opening.
With oyster season in full swing, the restaurant now offers $1.25 Blue Point and $2.50 Kumamoto oysters every Monday after 4:00 pm.
“A lot of people like oysters, but some don’t know that there is a difference between them,” Valerio explained. “Kumamoto is the best oysters you can find, and are small, sweet oysters from the west coast. Blue Point oysters originate from the east coast, but both are received at Soleluna by Monday afternoon after they have been freshly delivered to the fish markets.”
Meanwhile, the Italian restaurant continues to serve its authentic homemade pastas with whole wheat and gluten free options. Their specials on meat and fish times differentiate every day, as well as a rotating list of homemade desserts.
Hours of operation are:
Monday to Friday – 8 am to 10 pm (open until 11 pm on Friday)
Saturday – 10 am to 11 pm
Sunday – 11 am to 10 pm
Soleluna’s brunch menu, that includes pancakes, poached eggs, rice balls, beef meatballs, salads and salads, are served during the following hours:
Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday – 11 am to 4 pm
Reservations can be made on their website at http://solelunanyc.com, or by calling (929) 296-3942.
Brunch Menu (click to enlarge)
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Please note: Soleluna is an advertiser with the Sunnyside Post
