BY PEARL ADLER
I waited and watched for months as the new restaurant on 39th Avenue off Bell Boulevard developed. I can happily report that it’s a winner and a welcome addition to Restaurant Row, otherwise known as the Village of Bayside.
Aperitif is a French bistro created by partners who have several similarly themed locations on Long Island. Welcome to the neighborhood!
It was a stunning space. The new team took advantage of the long, handsome bar in front and gave it a bistro look. The dining room retained the raised platform now featuring subtly lighted murals. Perfect for me, since the lighting throughout is subdued, but seated here I could easily see the menu — and what a varied and well-priced menu it is.
Having been to Paris I did feel transported into a French bistro. It was a great makeover using the bones of the previous establishment.
We were met by a friendly hostess who took us to our table, where we were greeted by our waiter. There is a full bar and extensive wine list. I chose a Syrah after trying a sample of another choice. I appreciated their willingness to accommodate my wine tasting before I made my decision.
There are many selections for appetizers, and there was my favorite — tuna tartare and mussels. The tuna was as tasty as it was pretty, with the blend of freshly ground tuna and avocado. Perfect!
There was a unique filet mignon beef Wellington and also crisp zucchini pancakes not to be missed. Another special dish included scallops crushed with pistachios over apple parsnip puree — delicious!
To make the salad special, they served it with a Champagne vinaigrette with truffle oil. Wonderful!
For my main course, I chose a perfectly prepared petite filet mignon, and my friend had a grilled salmon cooked to our request.
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. And they have many delectable choices.
We had a luscious caramel cheesecake, rich but not too much — it was sprinkled with extra caramel sauce. For chocolate lovers, there is a warm chocolate cake to die for topped with vanilla ice cream and sour cherry coulis.
Aperitif’s service matched the quality of the food. Try it. You will love it, too!
Aperitif Bistro
213-41 39th Ave., Bayside
718-215-6470
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