UPCLOSE: Halston American Kitchen and Bar of Melville

400 Broadhollow Rd., Melville | 631-755-5777
thehalstonrestaurant.com

Anthony Scotto, serial entrepreneur, and innovator of many well known restaurant brands like Insignia, Blackstone, and Rare 650 has once again met the demand of the consumer at large. Welcome the all new Halston American Kitchen and Bar of Melville. Located on the main level of The Rubies building, this lavish space is humming with excitement and for good reason.

Today’s informed diners want options and plenty of them. Once taking a peak at their online menu, I was ready to go find out what all the buzz has been about. Halston’s menu is diverse that appeals to a broad spectrum of foodies who want everything from a delicate cut of fish to a bountiful NYC tavern style burger. When I go out to dine, I have my mood swings and that is exactly what Halston American Kitchen and Bar caters to.

I dined at The Halston recently and would like to share with you what we experienced. To start, the Spinach & Artichoke dip is not your typical pub style app. The spinach was incredibly fresh with the right balance of mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese served with homemade tortilla chips. The fried calamari and cherry peppers with its tempura coating delivered a nice crispy texture and with a chipotle aioli, it was simply addictive.

Following suit before our entrées we shared a dish of Halston’s Rigatoni alla Vodka. A tomato-based vodka sauce with a generous helping of parmesan cheese gives this trendy dish that savory comfort food feel with a gorgeous-silky finish.

For our entrées, my partner opted for the parmesan encrusted broiled cod. Served with green beans, almonds, and cherry tomatoes, it was artfully presented, perfectly cooked and not over seasoned, that allowed the flavor of this delicious fish to come through. Contrasting my partner’s choice, I was all in for the whiskey & truffle burger. A good size, 1/2-pound patty with a hint of whiskey was topped with cremini mushrooms and caramelized onions. At a perfect medium rare with its rich beefy flavor, it was everything you would expect from a top shelf NYC steakhouse.

Though we had our fill, The Halston PB&J dessert was calling and with that we decided to go in. A rich, peanut butter mousse chocolate cake with layers of raspberry and strawberry jam was accompanied by a scoop vanilla. One word…Wow!

From their signature salads, handhelds, burgers, and tacos… to the sushi, seafood and pasta you will not tire of Halston’s diverse menu. Delivering a refreshing and creative menu, the all new Halston American Kitchen and Bar is ready to satisfy whatever mood you’re in.

Private dining rooms are available for social or corporate events. During the warmer months the outdoor terrace is the perfect setting for evening cocktails and alfresco dining under the stars.

PS. Next time, I’m going for the brown butter warm lobster on a warm brioche roll umm … see you there!!