Table for Two

Major transformations — and better than ever!

Posted

Lenox & Park Italian American Bistro
41 S. Park Ave., Rockville Centre
516-442-1299, www.lenoxandparkrvc.com

Great changes are happening at Lenox & Park Italian American Bistro: new chef, new menu and more. Cuisine has been transitioned from pub to sophisticated restaurant style. And, most importantly, award-winning Chef Tony Colombo now mans the kitchen. Naturally, the menu is revamped to reflect his dazzling creations. Credit goes to its owners, Michael Griffo and Patrick Corvetti, who have been friends since high school in Rockville Centre.

Up front is a festive bar area lined with enormous windows. Brick walls that meander throughout the dining room add warmth and coziness, accented by tiny glistening string lights against high ceilings.
Tastiness starts with homemade crisply fried pita chips and hummus. When it comes to meatballs (an appetizer) Chef Colombo’s special classic blend should be tried; they are topped with whipped ricotta, parmigiana and marina, served with hunks of garlic toast. Eggplant meatballs are another option. We adored Lobster Stuffed Ravioli, plump, filled pasta pillows dressed in sherry cream sauce with chunks of fresh lobster, garnished with pita chips, drizzled with Balsamic glaze.
For something light, go with Zucchini Linguini. Choose a sauce and a protein (eggplant meatball, grilled chicken or shrimp). We had the latter with garlic and oil…delicious and guilt-free. Shrimp Scampi Pappardelle was a luscious tangle of wide ribbon pasta, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and a sauce of basil, garlic, olive oil and white wine. We were awed by the exquisite Pan Roasted Salmon Siciliano - a generous filet in lemon butter sauce topped with a variety of huge olives, capers and cherry tomatoes, served over parmesan risotto.
Desserts span from Tiramisu and Cannoli to other favorites. Most popular are Smores Ravioli, flash fried around graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows…what could be better!
Appetizers range from $12 for Braised Rib Mac and Cheese to $18 for Mussels. Soups and salads are $10 to $14. “Little Bites,” pastas and Chef Tony’s specialties run from $16 for Zucchini Linguini to $34 for Filet Mignon and Shrimp Scampi Tagliaferri. Desserts are $10. Children can be accommodated.
The restaurant is open for dinner everyday except Monday. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4 to 11 p.m., and Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. Happy Hour ($7 appetizers, wine and some cocktails) is 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Groups up to 50 for dinner parties, and up to 95 for cocktail parties can be accommodated at the restaurant. Ask about off-site catering. Delivery is available through Grubhub. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Recommendations:
■ Lobster Ravioli
■ Chef Colombo’s Meatballs
■ Zucchini Linguini
■ Shrimp Scampi Pappardelle
■ Pan Roasted Salmon Siciliano
■ Smores Ravioli