Calogeros Italian Restaurant: Cookin' it Right

If you are looking for a super dining spot with sensational Italian food and an awesome atmosphere, Calogeros Restaurant in Garden City fits the bill!

A small, local restaurant with limited seating and a sophisticated "city" ambiance, Calogeros was always one of my go-to places since it first opened in 2002.  

Whether a girls' night out, romantic evening or out with couples,  for dinner or lunch, I have never been disappointed.

Much to my surprise, I became aware that Calogeros recently underwent an expansion and full renovation.

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Rebecca and Mom

While contemplating where to spend Mother's Day this year, Calogeros seemed the perfect choice for our party of eight.  Centrally located for my family and my parents, we opted for a late afternoon reservation.

Now I don't know about you, but I have found holiday dinners out to be hit or miss when it comes to the quality, meal preparation consistency and service attention.  Large parties, busy crowds and extra demands on the kitchen can result in less than favorable dining experiences than the average Friday or Saturday evening.

And generally speaking, price-fixed meals can be iffy, especially with the varying tastes of family members.
 

Penne Alla Vodka prosciutto, onions (but I ordered mine without the prosciutto)

Transformed from a small Tuscan atmosphere, the new Calogeros is a welcoming, open space with white decor.  The bar, which was formerly in the front, facing the main road, is now a large focal point located at the back, opening up to a private, outdoor dining patio.

Chicken Parmigiano with bucatini pomodoro

Lobster Tail with asparagus

Papardelle Con Carne short rib ragu, ricotta cheese

Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes and asparagus

Let me start with the menu...included in the price fixe 3-course meal, was a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert including coffee and tea.  This is typical and nothing less than expected. The price ranged from $34 to $49, depending on menu choices. I thought this was reasonable for the food options and portion sizes.

I was particularly hungry as I did my best to minimize my food intake till our 4:30 dinner time, since I had all intentions of partaking in bread and pasta - my two favorite food groups!!

My mom with my two little princesses

The Dad's eager to start eating

Me and my Mother in Law Ethel (92) celebrating her special day

The bread was DEE-lish!  I don't really want to advertise how much I ate, but, I continually dipped piece after piece in the pesto-infused olive oil, which was a meal in itself! As our whole crowd loves bread, we did get a few refills before the appetizers were served!


I started with the Pera mesclun greens, poached pears, prosiutto di parma, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, port wine vinaigrette (without the prosciutto and cheese - I know, I change everything).


I'm usually not a huge fan of mesclun greens, but these were fresh and yummy.  The port wine vinaigrette was light and mixed well with the greens.


Sorry folks, I dug in way too fast and didn't grab a photo of my salad.

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At first glance at the Mother's Day menu, I knew, there was something for everyone, and the array would make it a true "choice" rather than the "only alternative" which is often the case with many price-fixe menus.

Tartufo - mmmm

Creme Brûlée

My crowd has a variety of tastes and each person was able to order accordingly.  Me, my Mom and the two little ones went for the pasta.  Gianna and I chose the Penne Alla Vodka and was it a great choice. One of my biggest pet peeves when eating pasta out is when it is served overcooked and tastes pasty.

This was not the case at Calogeros!  My penne was cooked to perfection and utterly delectable and I was happily accommodated with no prosciutto. Kelsey, 8, was happy that her request for penne and tomato sauce (not on the menu) was gladly fulfilled.

Mom went for the Papardelle Con Carne short rib ragu with ricotta cheese, which she completely savored.  We also had some carnivores in the crowd with Tedd and Rebecca selecting the Filet Mignon.  I was told by both that their meat was cooked exactly as requested - not an easy feat on a busy holiday.  I was impressed!

Outdoor seating in the back courtyard

My mother-in-law had a number of modifications to her Lobster Tail dish - leave this off, add more of this, etc.  Each and every request was fulfilled in spite of her confusing description of what she wanted.  

Now, my Dad is never happy with his meal.  He always has a complaint or an issue and so if he is happy, we know the restaurant is good!  He was quite satisfied and happy with his Chicken Parmisiano. 


Dessert was decadent and devine.  Tartufo and Creme Brûlée were the popular ones at our table. However Rebecca and I went for the Tiramisu.  Yes, it's a pattern here - Elisa eating too fast to snap a picture - but, I think it tells you something when there are no photos!!!  It was luscious!  I left nothing on my plate.


You know, my overall impression at the end of this absolutely enjoyable Mother's Day meal, was how everyone's request was fulfilled and presented as expected on such a busy holiday.  


Kudos Calogeros!

For Your Reference
Calogeros Restaurant
919 Franklin Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
 
Phone:516-294-2922
Email:info@calogerosgc.com
                                       www.calogerosgardencity.com
Menu

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