Eric's Italian Bistro in Mineola: First bites
Shrimp-and-chorizo risotto is an appetizer at Eric's Italian Bistro in Mineola. (November 2013)
Eric's Italian Bistro is like two restaurants under one roof. It's a destination for Italian-American favorites and for creative specialties from chef-owner George Echeverria.
Echeverria has starred with local restaurants, including the now-closed Amicale in Huntington Station, Soigne in Woodmere and Andiamo in Mineola.
Here, the appeal is from old-and-new dishes, including the creamy, lively shrimp-and-chorizo risotto; branzino prepared puttanesca-style, with capers, garlic, olives and tomatoes; roasted-vegetable ravioli finished with sage and brown butter; and a pear perfectly poached in Port, with vanilla gelato.
The dining rooms are comfortable, enlarged with ornately framed mirrors and a sunny hue. There are no hard edges. And holiday lights already adorn little trees in front of the spot, which once housed L.I. Law, a restaurant and bar.
It all puts you in a very good mood.
Eric's Italian Bistro, 70 E. Old Country Rd., Mineola; 516-280-5675.
