Veranda Restaurant & Café
208-01 Northern Boulevard
Bayside, NY
Telephone: 718-281-CAFÉ (2233)
Hours: Monday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday Brunch served until 4 p.m.
Credit Cards: All majors accepted.
Web site: www.veranda-restaurant.com
Email: Veranda.restaurant@yahoo.com
Fax No: 718-281-2234
Since my office is in Bayside, I frequently pass the new Draga building on Northern Boulevard, near the Clearview Expressway. I watched with interest as a new restaurant evolved with a large veranda in front. My guess is that is how the family-owned locale got its name.
Recently, I brought a group of friends with me to sample the food. The owners call it an American bistro with a Mediterranean twist. And indeed their description is accurate. But, as with many restaurants, the food is only one part of its success. Here, the wait staff and maître d’ outdo themselves with attentiveness and professionalism, adding to the whole dining experience.
The large open space, with tablecloths and candles on every table, has a bar on one side and a space that can be used for private parties on the other. There are many tables on the windowed wall and I’m sure in summer the outdoor seating will make the cafe a “must go” destination.
The evening we were there, we sampled many dishes but I must give accolades to the outstanding – best I ever had – grilled octopus. It was cooked to perfection with roasted peppers, red onion, dill and twelve-year-old balsamic vinegar. I savored every bite.
We also sampled a platter of dips of eggplant spread, tzatziki, hummus and garlic spread. The baked goods are all made on the premises and the pita came warm out of the oven. There was also, my favorite, a seven-grain, tasty roll and Italian bread slices that were soft on the inside and perfectly crusty on the outside. All irresistible.
We also had as an appetizer a large portion of mussels made in a spicy Thai sauce and coconut milk. I would have ordered that as a main course it was so good.
Since there is a distinct Greek influence on the menu, we added a Greek salad and were impressed at the plentiful chunks of feta cheese, cucumbers and sweet, deep red tomatoes.
Somehow, we were able to continue on to our main courses – what a selection, from whole grilled fish to veal and lamb chops, succulent steaks and a wide variety of pasta dishes.
What pleasantly surprised me was the selection of burgers and panini sandwiches. Veranda offers something for everyone and at every price point.
Of course, we also sampled desserts and were impressed with them. The crème brûlée fans amongst us raved about it. I loved the black forest cake since I’m a chocolate lover.
It is a great place to go for lunch, dinner, drinks and appetizers or just dessert
Bayside is fortunate to have another winner of a restaurant, in a neighborhood that has built a reputation for great dining. Try it, you will love it!
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