CIAO BELLA

CIAO BELLA- originally operated under the LIRR train tressle in Valley Stream. NY has re opened in Hewlett on West Broadway & is just as good, if not better!

Freddy, the Chef has taken over this restaurant with his charming wife Dena and made a lovely warm dining room, larger bar and a fabulous menu.

As always, everything is cooked to order & all made from scratch.

The pastas, all fabulous and cooked al dente- especially the linguine with vongole clams- a perfect broth of extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes and italian parsley- mouth watering. A perfect starter!

The osso bucco was all sold out by the time we arrived, (late) but everyone who was there was raving, so next time!

I had the veal "elephant ear" a huge lightly golden breaded milanese style with a chilled arugula salad w/ red onion & chopped tomatoes. My husband had the grilled veal chop- excellent as well. The entrees all come with a fresh vegetable and potato.

Every dish that came out looked amazing! The table next to us had dessert- we were too full, but homemade cheesecake & tiramisu! YUM!

The place is not huge- about 45-50 seats, so do make a reservation on the weekend!

A great new place to go! Mangia!

Cafe Picasso in Long Beach, NY

A new restaurant has opened in Long Beach- Located on Park Ave. in the center of town is Cafe Picasso.

Outstanding! In addition to an extremely well priced menu PLUS a mid week Prix fixe (4 courses for $19.95!) No kidding !! ,

the menu is versatile, traditional with a few interesting nightly "specials" and the food is excellent.

The first time we were there, I had the fish special- red snapper filet with clams & shrimp in a light tomato sauce- excellent. my husband had the veal osso bucco- wonderful- tender & fall off the bone perfection.

The start you with their "complimentary" home made polenta- filled with cheese & topped with a nice rich tomato sauce. The tri color salad was huge & served just the way I love- a chilled salad plate! The vongole clams over linguine for an appetizer was delicious!

Last night, we had the double cut veal chop- grilled to perfection with large chunks of mushrooms, onions & peppers, served with a large potato cake & sauteed veggies.

I had the whole Branzino (sorry) I like it what can I say- boned table side & served with two sauces- a light beurre blanc & also some fresh garlic in olive oil w/ lemon- great!

Desserts are all homemade- cheesecake, tiramisu, and cannolis- of course and one of the BEST & largest Cappuccino' s I have ever had- very good!

SInce there are only a small group of 'GOOD' dining choices in Long Beach (in my opinion) this one is worth the trip!!!