A combination that works!

La Cucina

1241 Broadway

Hewlett

(516) 837-0475

The trio behind La Cucina — owner, manager and chef — is a team merging decades of expertise. After only a month, the place was bustling and people were waiting for tables. It was clear that many were repeat customers, which tells a lot. Experienced management, a lovely setting, and delicious food creates a formula designed for success.

To clear up any confusion, La Cucina’s owner, Luigino Muto, opened Alfie’s II Pizzeria in 2009. His father founded the original Alfie’s in Ozone Park 38 years ago. He later took over the storefront next door, renovating and turning it into La Cucina — an upscale restaurant totally separate from Alfie’s II (including a different kitchen). Running La Cucina is Kenny Kotchek, the original owner of The Porthole, who then managed Corbin & Reynolds and Sole. Executive Chef Peter Curcio, previously of Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton, creates cuisine that is innovative and beautifully prepared.

Décor is chic and sleek, with modern fixtures and a waterfall partitioning the bar from the dining room. Vibrant abstracts line the walls, painted by local artist, Christopher Sciarrotti. Servers are well trained and eager to help.

Fresh warm breads joined humus and herb-infused olive oil. Cannelloni filled with shredded meat from short ribs were capped with smoked mozzarella and creamy herb tomato béchamel. Risotto croquettes, crisp on the outside, offered an inner delight of provolone, smoked ham and white truffle aioli. Stuffed Portobello mushrooms were layered with spinach, prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes and fontina. Roasted beet and Gorgonzola salad, with arugula sprinkled with pine nuts, was dressed in pomegranate vinaigrette. Spiced poached port wine pear salad was a tangle of frisee and arugula, dotted with goat cheese and candied pecans.