STEVE AND COOKIES ON THE BAY

9700 AMHERST AVENUE

MARGATE, NEW JERSEY

 

609-823-1163

WWW.STEVEANDCOOKIES.COM

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We drove about 20 minutes from Atlantic City to this very personable restaurant. I loved it immediately, its large but intimate, They have an upper dining room with a view of the bay, and then another dining room that is warm and cozy with a fire place, also a bar area with tall booths so you can sit and relax and have that " we are here alone" feeling. There was an excellent piano player in the bar area, playing all the greats of the 40's 50's and 60's, this was very enjoyable. The menu is basically America with a flair. I found it a  drop hard to find what I wanted, but because they are so accommodating they made my fish "plain naked" as I like. In general the menu is all recognizable food, but with an interesting twist. All the products are fresh and locally grown.

I was impressed that Cookie stopped at each table to chat and make sure we were happy, the wait staff were all more than pleasant and welcoming. The wine list was excellent. It was a really nice change from the usual AC crowd . This was more of an upscale local crowd or people that are repeats as its their comfort zone, for a place they like to dine in when they want to escape Atlantic City.  It has a bit of New England charm. The people were dressed nicely for going out to dinner, and there was a dress code, I would say at least business casual. Dessert choices were wonderful, and prices were higher than most local places, but certainly not NYC prices, I am going back for sure, Beware of a parking situation, I recommend going on the later side. 

TRATTORIA L'incontro

21-76 31st Street

Astoria, Queens, New York

1-718-721-3532

 

Absolutely a must do and worth going over the bridge for if you live in Manhattan. The restaurant is  traditional looking but warm and cozy feeling, with lovely art work and Italian background music as well. On most Wednesday nights, Mary is in the smaller side room playing Italian love songs, while you are sipping wine and feasting on divine dishes.

 

I have never heard of a list of specials of the evening that is so long, and each dish is prepared from scratch with the finest ingredients from either local farmers or special imports. The Owner/Chef  Rocco Sacramone is a true food artist, each dish is presented beautifully and made lovingly.

 

Even for starters they present you with a sundried tomato puree with great flat bread for dipping, they keep bringing it to you as it goes down so smooth and easy.   The salads are great and the mista salad I love is loaded with interesting olives. The choices of fishes is unlimited, as are the various pasta dishes and meats.  As an example one dish they pride themselves on is

Mezza Luna, which is a  half moon shaped ravioli filled  with mascarpone cheese and pesto with added  asparagus, brandy and a  walnut sauce. It gets better, trust me. You can also eat light, with simple grilled fish, or a flatbread pizza.

 

The prices are more than fair and its a total dining experience. Vinnie the GM is wonderful and really knows his customers and just so warm and friendly. There is also free valet parking as well.  Also very close to the N & Q trains. Don't miss this dining experience...