Family tradition carries on at Swiss Tavern

Swiss Tavern
100 Ocean Ave.
Lynbrook
(516) 599-2700

Three years ago, the Engelke's sons, Bob and Norm, along with Terry Ferguson, reacquired ownership.

They gutted the building, which underwent a two-year renovation. On Thanksgiving weekend of 2009, Swiss Tavern re-opened as a restaurant and bar, boasting a sleek yet cozy Manhattan flair. Flat screen TVs were strategically placed.

They hired Executive Chef Ray Camacho, who puts a deliciously unique twist on their global cuisine. Servers are all local residents, if not family. It's a true neighborhood labor of love.

With specials aplenty, the menu is forever changing to add the clientele's new favorites. Appetizers start at $8 for Cajun new potato frites to $12 for buttermilk fried calamari. Salads run from $6 to $18, and sandwiches, wraps and burgers, which come with fries, are $9 to $14. Entrees range from $10 for meatloaf or chicken pot pie, to $21 for New York strip steak. Desserts are $6 to $7. Kids' meals, which include a beverage, are $12. "Dinner in the Neighborhood" - soup or salad, an entrée, dessert and coffee for $16.95 - is offered every Sunday through Tuesday night.

We started with zucchini frite, a heaping plate of extremely light strips drizzled with tomato and horseradish coulis. Flat bread pizza was generously topped with mushrooms, tomato, bacon and cheese. Served on skewers, jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon were superb with sweet chili sauce. Shrimp risotto, quite creamy and flavorful, was laden with whole shrimp and grape tomatoes, and garnished with dollops of basil aioli.

Blackened pork chop, which was thick, juicy and glazed with honey chipotle sauce, was served with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh broccoli. Pasta Fagioli was a sumptuous non-soup version, comprised of cheese tortellini, mushrooms, beans, and broccoli rabe.

Save room for dessert. Ample for sharing, apple crisp was piled high on a plate, served warm with mounds of whipped cream. Equally yummy and generous, chocolate chip bread pudding was drizzled with coffee English cream. Chocolate lovers will adore their chocolate cheese mousse cake, or the Swiss chocolate with top cream, served in a martini glass.

Swiss Tavern is open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch, served 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., includes a breakfast entrée, coffee, juice and unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Marys, for $15.95. Happy Hour is 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Starting in March, the second Wednesday of the month will be "German Night," featuring Ilse's authentic specialties.

Private parties for up to 70 people can be accommodated. Outside dining happens in the warmer months. Reservations are suggested, and there is on-site parking. Facilities are handicapped accessible.