A new chapter for a beloved Glen Cove chef

For more than three decades, Chef Jeanine DiMenna has been a staple of Glen Cove’s culinary scene, serving up not just delicious meals but also a sense of community. Her restaurants have long been gathering places for locals, and through them, she has built lasting relationships with customers who have become family. But in 2023, uncertainty loomed over DiMenna’s future in Glen Cove when the city issued a Request for Proposals for the Glen Cove Golf Course restaurant space—home to her beloved View Grill for over a decade. The decision sparked controversy, an outpouring of support from the community, and an online petition titled Save The View Grill, yet the city moved forward with the RFP process.
After the dust settled, DiMenna found herself at a crossroads. For the first time in 30 years, she woke up without the responsibility of running a restaurant. “It was a relief in a lot of ways,” she admitted. “The stress of the whole situation was taking its toll on me, so I was kind of relieved to just be away from it.” But stepping away wasn’t an end—it was the beginning of something new. She soon found herself drawn to a space at 242 Glen Cove Avenue. “The parking was really good. I could see what I wanted in the place,” she said. “The landlord was really nice and willing to work with me.”
In October 2024, DiMenna officially opened Jeanine’s American Bistro, a cozy and inviting restaurant that blends comfort with culinary craftsmanship. Despite technically being in the Town of Oyster Bay, the restaurant’s Glen Cove address ensured that she remained connected to the community she loves. The transition was bittersweet, but DiMenna embraced it wholeheartedly. “I had a lot of time to just decompress and think and really get myself excited about a new chapter,” she said.
The bistro’s concept is deeply personal, reflecting DiMenna’s passion for hospitality and community. “I always wanted to keep things neighborhoodly—affordable and a good experience,” she said. The restaurant’s interior design was inspired by one simple yet meaningful detail: bricks she found online. “I got a sample, and I just carried everything around the bricks,” she said. Her husband, Fred, even helped install the brick walls, while her brother selected the artwork, making the space truly a family effort.
DiMenna’s longtime friend and fellow restaurateur, John Zozzoro, joined her to handle the restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas, a feature that has quickly gained rave reviews. “He’s just knocking it out of the park,” she said. In addition to the highly praised pizza, Jeanine’s American Bistro serves an elevated take on classic American fare, offering dishes like Bone-in New York Shell Steak with fried Brussels sprouts and a truffle-scented five-grain blend, Poached Salmon with cucumber dill butter sauce. The menu is designed to be both comforting and refined, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors at the forefront.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I can’t even begin to tell you how overwhelmingly beautiful it is for me,” DiMenna said. Longtime
Longtime customer Sheree Valeo said she frequents the bistro a few times a week.
“We love her, she’s an angel,” Valeo said. “She helps people, takes care of people, and pitches in for the community.”
Valeo said she recommends the popular Onion Crusted Chicken.
As Jeanine’s American Bistro continues to grow, so does its role as a gathering space. The restaurant hosts community meetings, cooking classes, and senior citizen trips. In 2025, outdoor seating will be added, further expanding its capacity.
For DiMenna, retirement was never an option. “Some people say, ‘Why would you start a business at 60?’ And I say, ‘Why wouldn’t I?’” she said. “I still have a lot of living to do.”
With the warmth of her cooking and the love of her community, Jeanine’s American Bistro is not just another restaurant—it’s a homecoming.