Billy Joel Syosset inspiration Christiano's in transition
Christiano's in Syosset, thought by many to be the inspiration behind Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," has closed for good. Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
The question of what’s happening at the recently closed Christiano’s in Syosset — debated to be the inspiration for Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” — became all the more intriguing when a Craigslist ad surfaced recently, saying that the place was for sale for $385,000.
A call to Harendra Singh, president of the Singh Hospitality Group, which originally owned the property, elicited the response that the ad was “a mistake.” A call to the realtor, Graceful Park Realty in Bayside, substantiated that the restaurant is no longer for sale.
These days, though, the place has come under the ownership of Gold Coast Hospitality, which has, as its president, Singh’s wife, Ruby Singh. Both Singhs said that they are renovating the property. “We’re planning something really amazing” was all she would say. When asked what her company's connection to her husband was, Singh said, “We’re a team; we’ll always be a team.“
Another multiple real estate listing for a Singh Property, Poco Loco in Roslyn (which is still up and running), gives the asking price of $1,800,000. “If somebody made an offer, I’ll sell it,” said Harendra Singh. “Everything is for sale in our business. I would sell my house if I find a buyer.”
Another Singh restaurant, Fuego Picante in East Meadow, closed in February.
