Long Island Has Taste

River Caf� Alumni Open American Bistro in Heart of Garden City
New York - May 25, 2007 - Taste, an 80-seat bistro located in the heart of historic Garden City, has opened its doors, giving Long Island restaurant goers a new choice in casual dining.
Developed by former River Caf� sous chef Ed Witt and general manager John Cantwell, Taste melds American comfort cuisine with Chef Witt's passion for seasonal local ingredients to create a menu that stimulates all of the senses.
First, Chef Witt tempts the palate with a selection of "Small Tastes," ranging from house-made liverwurst with horseradish mustard to Newsom ham stuffed mini peppers. Guests can also select from a variety of American meats and cheeses, or sample from the restaurant's shellfish bar.
The dining experience continues with an offering of first course "Tastes," featuring stewed shrimp with andouille and okra, smoked tuna tartar stuffed squash blossoms with pickled ramps, and cherrywood smoked pulled pork sandwiches with cucumber slaw, among others. Main courses include selections such as pan-roasted snapper with crab dumplings and red pepper sauce, a grilled pork chop with cheese grits and collard greens, and house-made ramp pasta with braised artichokes and chanterelles. The journey concludes with a selection of "Sweet Tastes," from brioche and Knob Creek bread pudding with lemonade ice cream to sweet potato pie with dried cherry ice cream.
Taste also offers an eclectic wine list focusing on regional American wines in addition to classic hand crafted cocktails and an extensive beer list featuring both seasonal and regional specialties. The "Taste" logo and uniforms were created by acclaimed fashion designer and food aficionado, Marc Ecko.
Ed Witt's 15 years of varied experience includes California's Rubicon and Jardiniere and New York's own Daniel, where he played a pivotal role in the restaurant's reopening. He also worked at Nicole's and Il Buco, as well as the River Caf�. Chef Witt attended the Culinary Institute of America.
John Cantwell's culinary career began in earnest after graduating New York's French Culinary Institute, when he became the General Manager at the highly successful Match. John then signed on with Buzzy O'Keefe to manage front of the house operations at the legendary River Cafe.
More recently, John has worked with Dean Philipis of Piccolo of Huntington and The Mill Pond and Jerry Scotto of The Westbury Manor and Zeffirino, Las Vegas. John is also a member of the American Sommelier Society.
Taste is located at 660 Franklin Avenue, Garden City. For more information or reservations, please call 516-663-5140. Images available upon request.