The Carltun, Palm Court Restaurant, Perhaps the Best on Long Island!!
Written: Mar 31 '05 (Updated Apr 08 '05)
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Pros: A gorgeous restaurant with fine service.
Cons: Prices reflect its high marks yet some good deals can be had.
The Bottom Line: I believe this is the premier restaurant of all Long Island. No one has yet showed me better.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: The Carltun |
I have been to the Carltun, that is nestled in a lovely setting in Eisenhower Park, a number of times. This relatively new Long Island landmark that is centrally located in Nassau County features The Grand Ballroom that is absolutely gorgeous. The ambiance is top notch and this is where many who want the best on Long Island have their affairs. President Bush held a reception here after ground breaking ceremony of the 9/11 Memorial in Eisenhower Park last year. Unfortunately I was not invited.
The Gallery
The building also houses The Gallery which is a large, finely furnished room that has Jazz music and Cigar Smoking on Friday and Saturday nights. This is where you can enjoy very comfortable, romantic and relaxed surroundings after a fine dinner in one of the restaurants. You will find a mix of ages here from 30 and up.
The Havana Cigar Club
Speaking of cigars, the Carltun features The Havanas Cigar Club that is a private club open to the general public. Here's what they say about it.
The Club has a private dining room, the Cuba Room, which accommodates up to 80 guests; a separate bar area featuring our translucent Portugese marble which is backlighted to illuminate the bar creating a very sophisticated gathering spot; a billiard room; an oyster bar dining area; a lounge which includes a large screen television and the "A" frame lounge designed for every type of private or confidential gathering.
The club is specially ventilated to remove all smoke creating a very pleasant environment. The most extraordinary feature of the Havanas facility is its walk-in cedar humidor. With 250 individually personalized locked cigar storage boxes provided to the members in a glass-enclosed room which is sealed to maintain temperature and humidity at optimum storage levels.
My wife and I have been shown around these fine rooms upstairs but have never joined the club. I have never seen any place that is as posh and comfortably cozy at the same time. The club area is open Tuesday-Saturday 4PM till Midnight. Later on Friday and Saturday. Just a note, I was amazed that there is no unpleasant cigar odor in the club area.
The Wine Cellar
Downstairs below the main rooms is the The Wine Cellar, a fine restaurant that has tasting dinners and can accommodate 60 people. The Carltun is noted for having one of the best cellars in all the world. The room is glassed in on three sides by 40,000 bottle of world renowned wines. Here are their words about the Wine Cellar. Carltun's special wine-tasting dinner consists of an six course dining experience with wine paired to compliment the extraordinary fare prepared by our internationally-acclaimed chef. From appetizers to desserts, each course is sure to please the most discerning diner.
Amongst the wines included in our wine-tasting dinner are champagne, white Burgundy, Chardonnay, a French Bordeaux or California Cabernet Sauvignon followed by a dessert wine, all of which are carefully chosen by our Sommelier and selected weekly.
The Tap Room
The Tap Room on the main floor features a gorgeous bar area and seating for 35. Each of these rooms I have introduced you to are stunning in their decor. I know of no other like place anywhere else on Long Island. My wife and I have sat here in the Tap Room with friends while waiting for a table in the main restaurant. It has a wonderfully elegant atmosphere and the drinks are prepared top notch with top shelf product.
Another elegant room that is used for small meetings and cocktails before entering the main Ballroom is The Drawing room. I've been in this room a number of times as well as the Grand Ball Room on the service end bringing in events for Bar and Bats Mitzvahs. I have trouble trying to describe the beauty of the room. It is spectacular and the service they provide is top notch.
There is also The South Loggia a very open and airy room that looks out to The Formal Gardens that are beautifully designed and maintained from spring till fall. During the summer months the Carltun has Caribbean Music nights and cocktails outside on The Patio under the stars.
All these rooms have the same elegance that flows comfortably from room to room. Even the rest rooms are something to talk about. Now let me tell you about the Carltun's premier restaurant, the Palm Court. This is a room everyone must experience at least once in their lives. Fortunately we have been here a couple of times before and hopefully we will be here again next month. More on that later.
The Palm Court
First I'll introduce you to this outstanding restaurant using their own words.Palm Court, the main restaurant at The Carltun has been acclaimed by Zagat's Restaurant Guide to be the most beautiful restaurant on Long Island and one of its most romantic, coupled with the Wine Spectator magazine's recognition of its wine list as one of the "...most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world," our diners have the best atmosphere conceivable for an extraordinary dining experience.
The Carltun has received the "Best of Award of Excellence" from the Wine Spectator for the years 1998 and 2000 thru 2004.
The Palm Court has received favorable review from The New York Times critic Joanne Starkey and Newsday critic Peter Gianotti.
The Palm Court decor features our famous flying monkeys, reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, painted with oils on canvas and mounted on our ceiling, they are surrounded by acoustical French fabric panels.
Ha, those flying monkeys certainly did catch our eyes the first time we were there. Believe me this room, monkeys and all, is quite beautiful with its Greek columns, lush palm plants, white wood trim, pleasing art that is easy on the eye, indirect lighting and fine comfortable furniture. Soft music fills the air. A marble top bar enhances the room too. I should also mention the fireplace that adds its special charm in the cooler months.
The service is perfect here, unobtrusive yet very attentive.
The Menu
The menu that has some changes daily is superb. Entrees are priced $30-$55 and dinners are served ala cart. Meat dishes like Long Island Duck, Grilled Filet Mignon, Roasted Veal Chops and my favorite "Herbal Encrusted Rack of Lamb in a Guiness Stout Garlic Au jus" are perfectly presented and cooked to perfection. Even the portions keep this big guy content.
Long Island is known for its fish and the Carltun prepares it well featuring local catches and fresh fish from the city markets. Roasted Halibut, Macadamia-Onion Crusted Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass in a Port-Jerez Reduction, and a Trio of South African Lobster Tails with Broccoli Rob are some examples.
Pasta dishes are also available. One dish I would like to try some time is the LI Lobster, Sea Scallops and Baby Clams over Spinach Ravioli in a Champagne Tomato Broth. Also tempting is the Cajun Style Rigatoni Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Audouille and Chili Flakes.
Palm Court Prix Fixed
We have taken advantage of this the first time we were at the Palm Court. It's really a wonderful deal. that is served Tuesday-Friday 4:30-10:00PM and Sundays 4:30-8PM excluding Holidays.
A choice of Soup Du Juor or Lobster Bisque is the first serving that is followed up by one of two fine salads. A choice of an entree that offers Free Range chicken, Black Angus steak, a vegetarian selection, or Salmon is offered. This is all topped with the Pastry Chef's Dessert Special, all for just $32.00. Drinks and coffee will pad the bill but for the atmosphere it's still a great value.
The Palm Court also has a Sunday Brunch 11:00AM-3:00PM. It's a sit down four course spectacular that includes a Bloody Mary or Mimosa and coffee or tea at $34.95 plus tax and Gratuity.
More Specials
I was hoping to take my wife out for a special occasion at the Carltun on Wednesday Night. Due to other obligations we will wait till next month. Every four weeks or so they have "Opera Night". Professional singers stroll throughout the dining room singing opera and show tunes. This is a Prix Fixed three course dinner at $55. I was looking forward to the Braised Lamb Shank Ossobuco that was on the menu that evening. Oh well, next month.
I was looking through their Spring Planner Menu that included specials for Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day. These are brunches that reflect the busy days they are offered are priced at $50-$60 adults and $30 for children 3-10 years old.
On June 22 you may want to try the Carltun Hawaiian Luau Cigar Party for just $115 per person. Reservations are suggested.
Last Thoughts
Though experiencing affairs through business and the couple of times going out with my wife and friends at the Carltun I have received a good taste of what this place offers and that happens to be excellence. The place was just built in 1995 yet has a reputation like any fine restaurants that have been around for many years. Though at lunch time the dress is a neat casual, people do tend to dress up for dinner. Having said that, I do not believe their is a dress code as far as ties and jackets for gentlemen. Call ahead and ask when making a reservation.
Be sure to spend time just looking around the different rooms and the property. Perhaps you'll join the public Havanna Club if you take a walk up the stairs.
I'm looking forward to next month's Opera Night.
The Garden City Hotel Check Out their dining rooms for more of Long Islands Best
Wyndham Watch, LI Fine hotel, poor service
Marriott Hotel LI Great Location
Sheraton Hotel,LI Recommended
Borrelli's Italian Restaurant Good Eats across the street from the Marriot Hotel
Eisenhower Park Home of the Carltun Restaurant, Three Golf courses, A 9/11 Memorial and so much more. It's an incredible park that offers so much.
Long Island Some Love it, Some Don't
Nautical Mile Restaurants and Attractions
The Crab Shack
Cafe by the Sea Good menu and great desserts. Fun entertainment too!
RACHEL'S Waterside Grill Fine Fare on Freeport's Nautical Mile
Otto's Sea Grill On the Nautical Mile. Right on the water.
Bracco's Clam and Oyster Bar
Water Lilly's Waterside Cafe
Montana's Pizzeria and Restaurant Good Italian food near Nautical Mile
A few NYC Restaurants reviewed by popsrocks
Pig'n'Whistle, a great Times Square Pub
Ollies, Broadway
Tony's Family style Italian In Times Square
The Carnegie Deli Just down the street from the Stage Deli
Stage Deli just down the street from the Carnegie Deli
Uptown
Tavern On the Green Romantic Dining in Central Park
The Boat House More romantic Dining in Central Park
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Be sure to take a walk upstairs to the Havanna Rooms. It''s well worth the few steps it takes to get up there.
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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