monterey restaurant review

Monterey

20 W. Park Ave.
Long Beach, NY
516-208-8992

http://montereyny.com/

Touring Monterey Restaurant in Long Beach

By Christine Gerani

Photographer: Amanda Gerani

Nestled in the lively town of Long Beach New York lies one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever seen, Monterey. With its creamy hues and extensive moldings, this piece of heaven turns a simple night out to dinner into a full visual and tasty pleasure.

Catering Manager Lisa Villafane gave us a full tour before the start of Friday Happy Hour. “Everything is fresh,” Lisa said. “No preservatives, no msg and no food enhancers.”

The smell from the kitchen is pulling us in. We meet Executive Chef Brian and Sous Chef Jaime. Sous Chef Jaime is handling colossal-size shrimp that made my mouth water, and as I snap myself out of the shrimp obsession, I notice how organized, friendly and approachable the staff is.  

In the main dining area, you are greeted with a fireplace surrounded by candles placed within the walls.  So perfect for a night out with your partner, yet cozy enough for family get-togethers. The Captain’s Table’s elegance is fit for a Queen – Queen Christine!

The acoustic duo John Cavazza and Andy Heyman from the band Greenhouse Effect are about to start performing and a crowd is gathering near the bar.   The dining room is also filling up and Lisa has an appointment coming in soon, so she takes us upstairs to view the private party room.  This room is huge and perfect for a Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower, Engagement Party or even a Wedding. I am in awe as I notice that this dream room overlooks the main dining area and is next to the rustic wine room. “Where was this restaurant when I was getting married?” I thought to myself. 

The designs of both the Main Dining Room and The Private Party area were so well thought out.  No one would guess the surprise in the bathroom – from the raised sinks with the waterfall spouts to the antique style knockers in the men’s room even the bathrooms took my breath away.

Lisa now politely meets with her customers, a young couple looking to book an Engagement Party. She introduces us to her husband and manager of Monterey Joe Villafane. Filled with pride, he shows us a glowing Newsday review and Monterey’s incredible menu.  The budding photographer, Amanda Gerani, and I order the Sizzling Chili Calamari from the regular menu and the Crab Cakes from the bar menu.  As we wait shortly for our appetizers, I enjoy a nice house merlot.  The bar area is packed, the music sounds good and I dream of moving to Long Beach.

Our appetizers arrive at the bar and we both have an overjoyed look on our faces. The food is as good and as beautiful as the restaurant. Whoever thought to collide calamari with a general tso’s-style sweet and sour goodness is my new best friend.  The crab cakes were scrumptious and fresh.  We were happy, but sad at the same time, because we had another engagement that evening and could not stay for dinner. My husband and I will be back for a full dinner review…do you think I’ll get the Captain’s Table?

Update: September 1, 2009, Chef Heather West is now Executive Chef at Monterey Restaurant! Click here to read our interview. 

blogs Daily Deals events Features Food and Wine Music Christine Gerani, dinner, food, long beach, long island, monterey, Music, reality stars, restaurant