Local restaurant featured on Food Network reality show

After the filming, Dispirito, center, poses with the family. From left, Kathy Rodonis, Michael,, Jessica Rodonis, Dispirito, Samantha Rosenthal, Michael, Jr., and Gail Rodonis.

Courtesy Rodonis Family

Celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito, the star of the show, seated left, with the chef and some of the guest judges provided by the show.

Courtesy Rodonis Family

Rodonis

Courtesy Rodonis Family

Porthole owner Michael Rodonis stands outside his Oceanside restaurant after the filming of

Howard Schwach/Herald

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Restaurant owner Michael Rodonis, who has owned the Porthole in Oceanside for five years, was heartened when a woman called him and started to ask questions about his eatery and what it went through during and after Hurricane Sandy.

I figured that she wanted to book the restaurant for an affair or an event,” Rodonis said. “When she asked me if I ever thought of changing the Porthole’s menus, however, I got a little confused.”

Rodonis, whose son Michael, Jr., is the chef at the Porthole, had been considering adding new fare to the traditional waterfront restaurant, so, intrigued by the question, he said that he had indeed thought of that question.

The women then introduced herself as a staffer for a new Food Network show to be called “Restaurant Divided,” hosted by famed chef Rocco Dispirito.

The premise of the show would be that the show would divide his large back room into two parts, two food concepts. On one side, the restaurant would serve its traditional seafood menu while on the other it would serve an Italian menu designed by Dispirito.

Two weeks ago, the crew of 30 moved in and put a taped line across the back room. The show brought in guests to enjoy the two different menus and Rodonis was allowed to bring in guests as well.

Celebrity judges from Peoplesmag.com and a food blog writer who also owns a Manhattan Italian restaurant were brought in. On a Friday night, after two days of testing and prepping, 100 guests were treated to appetizers, drinks and dinner. Most were from the show, Rodonis said, but a number of regular customers were invited on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Rodonis enjoyed the experience.

“It was interesting to watch the crew work and I really enjoyed having them and the help and advice I got from Rocco,” he said.

Which food concept won?

Rodonis was not allowed to reveal that secret, so the answer will have to wait until late November or early December, when it airs.

The series begins at 10 p.m. on Oct. 24 on the Food Network.