What Makes A Great Long Island Restaurant?

James Williams Monday, January 28, 2013

One of my favorite things to do is try out new restaurants and diners along the many communities on Long Island. The very moment you walk into a new place you begin to set your impression of the place. Everything from the aromas, the decor, the energy, and the service gives you an overall impression of whether or not you are going to like the place. So, what does it take to be a great Long Island restaurant?

While coming up to a new restaurant, like La Notte in Huntington, one of the things that strikes me is the way that the restaurant represents itself from the sidewalk, or outside. Many times I walk into the building without really noticing anything. There are a few times, though, when I am struck by the windows, the door, the outside trim, and the overall look. I then walk into the place with a sense of realizing this is going to be different.

Once you enter in the door two things must hit you at once. The smells of the food cooking and the energy of the people in the place. The amazing aromas of the different cuisines mixing together is really the deciding factor as to whether or not you will enjoy your experience. If it is "off" then I may just leave. If you look around the restaurant and see people relaxing, enjoying time together, laughing and look like they feel at "home", then you know it is a special place. However, if people are uptight, uncomfortable and talking in hushed tones it can be seen as a warning sign.

One last measure of a great Long Island restaurant is in the service itself. It has been often said that great service will trump mediocre food anytime, but bad service will never compensate for really good food. I have seen this played out many times as I try out new Long Island restaurants. if the service is really very good, and I enjoy their company then I can overlook a mediocre meal. But, if I do not like the service, a great meal just doesn't seem to great.

Thinking about opening a new restaurant on Long Island? Think about how your place will live up to these expectations.

jamesw@longislandyellowpages.com

Appears In: Restaurants & Food

 

 

• Business News
• Education
• Entertainment
• Jobs & Careers
• Local Events
• Local Steals, Deals & More
• Press Releases
• Restaurants & Food
• Sports & Recreation

Columnists John M.   Show all Columnists