Lorenzo’s, which has been serving upscale cuisine to Island residents for nearly 15 years, debuts new modern Italian and American dishes

by Jessica Jones-Gorman

When the Hilton Garden Inn opened its doors in Bloomfield almost 15 years ago, Richard and Lois Nicotra created an upscale restaurant within their hotel lobby so that guests would have a proper place to eat. Named after their now 16-year-old Maltese, and nicely appointed with soft lighting and modern décor, the chic dining area quickly became more than just a quick bite for businessmen on the go. Soon, cabaret entertainment filled the continually expanding room and lavish Sunday brunches lured Islanders from both the North and South Shores. Now, after more than a decade of serving up superior food and entertainment, the Nicotras have given the restaurant a makeover.

“Lorenzo’s has been a staple since we opened the hotel,” noted Nicotra. “So when we remodeled both it and our Lobby Lounge last year, completely redesigning with new furniture, lighting, wallpaper, and carpeting, we decided to revamp the menu as well. We took all of our traditional Italian dishes and kicked them up a notch, creating a more modern focus…redefining the classics that everyone already knows and loves.”

Adding more entrees, pastas, and specials, and eliminating some of the more casual sandwiches and paninis, the new Lorenzo’s menu is best defined as a combination of Modern Italian and American.

“We wanted to keep with the Italian roots of the restaurant, but add a bit of American comfort food so that there was something for everyone,” added Peter Bereza, Lorenzo’s executive restaurant chef. “So, in addition to a beautiful Tuscan Rib-Eye steak, guests can order a hearty Turkey Pot Pie or Herb Roasted Chicken. Instead of just the classic Calamari, we choose to offer Calamari Padella; it’s tossed in a sweet chili soy sauce and is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.”

A lineup of regular weekly dinner specials is one of the Lorenzo’s most significant menu changes.

“I witnessed a trend that focused on fixed specials, meaning guests could count on the same dish being offered each Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday,” Nicotra said. “And I know many people return to their favorite restaurant simply to order a favorite dish, so now there’s no guesswork. Braised Short Ribs will be offered every Tuesday…Seafood Pescatore will be featured every Friday. You can always find the dish you want; it’s never hit or miss.”

So, diners can look forward to that hearty Turkey Pot Pie each Monday, with savory chunks of turkey, mushrooms, sweet peas, and Vidalia onions in a flaky pie crust; an herb roasted chicken with Portobello mushrooms and artichoke hearts on Wednesdays; on Thursdays there’s lamb chops—herb marinated and grilled; and on Saturdays the special is a pan seared veal chop, deglazed with marsala wine and capers, served with roasted asparagus and crispy potatoes.

And at the urging of Borough President James Oddo, who recently challenged Island restaurateurs to place more heart healthy food on menus, Nicotra added a number of healthier options to the lineup, ranging from appetizers and pastas to salads and entrees.

“We’ve also added an ancient grain, Farro, which is great tasting and good for you,” Nicotra said. “There is a host of healthy choices on our menu.”

The restaurant’s cabaret is still a monthly mainstay, as are weekly traditions like the Sunday Brunch and Sunday night Italian Dinner Buffet. Space can also be reserved for private events, both large or small, in private dining rooms.

“It’s a wonderful, small, intimate setting, perfect for dinner and a great show,” Nicotra said. “I wanted to keep that feeling of the old Copacabana—a place where you can sit, have a great meal, and listen to some wonderful, live music.”

Lorenzo’s
1100 South Ave.
718.477.2400 / lorenzosdining.com