Mona Lisa Re-opens at new location

Just across the street you can find the new Mona Lisa (Under same ownership) but full of changes which were very confusing for some.
Mona Lisa has a new phone number, Changes to their hours of operation, New Address and a New Menu:

Check out Mona Lisa Restaurant Menu Here

Vola Cafe

Grand opening in Dongon Hills brings us Vola Cafe, by DaNoi.  A modern flavor with the wooden style floors to remind the patron that it is DaNoi.   The outside is attractive, with bright orange and a neat open to leave for outdoor dining.
You can view more photos of the Restaurant on WhereYouEat’s Restaurant Page ‘Vola Cafe Restaurant Page‘

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Cucina Di Napoli Walk-Around

Grand Opening has occurred in October, Cucina Di Napoli is the new restaurant sitting on Rocky Toto’s previous location.  The Restaurant Design has remained similar but we still need to do a Walk-Around.

Beige and Green “Free Standing” building with a large private parking lot offers plenty of dining space, private party room can be made, casual dining experience in the front and also a large bar with plenty of seating.

Entering the Building we have the bar on one side and a dining area on the other.  One middle slide room which a few Large Round tables and regular squares.  This room has curtains surrounding it and is probably using for private parties.  On the outside of this room we have another dining area almost right next to the kitchen.

The best part is entering the last room which is actually horizontal to the first just seperated by a wall and a walk-way.  Very neat and unique design.  This room features large mirrors and very nice decor on the other side of the wall.  This room can also be closed off and offers mostly square tables.

View the Menus and Photos of Cucina Di Napoli

Buddha Lounge Grand Opening Walk-Around (Modern Japanese Cuisine)

Buddha Lounge, the newest Japanese opening on Staten Island brings us an amazing atmosphere in a very unique location (On the 3rd Floor).  From the outside, it is barely noticeable sitting on top of a Sleepie’s and Dunkin Donuts there are two signs stating “Buddha Lounge ” which is easily overlooked.   One would never think how finely designed it could be inside until they decide to take the elevator to the third floor.

The Walk-Around: Walking into the Restaurant shines a nice dark crisp atmosphere with two Buddha’s sitting on the opposite sides of each other surrounding the lounge couch which you can relax on if waiting for somebody. Continuing straight ahead we pass a Buddha Stone Wall and a huge Wine Cellar.  Soon after planning our entrance to the dining room, we realize how magnificent and thoughtful this place was built, since it sits on a corner the rooms go diagonal from each other while leaving room for another dining area and sushi bar in the middle.  The full establishment features Glass with ultra modern designs (metal strings?)  separating each room.
Right Diagonal Room: Offers around 8 – 9 Booths separated by entrance or exit to this side’s outdoor dining area.  The booths sit on the opposite side of the Bar which has (Eat at Bar Feature) 8 seats. The bar has a very neat and clean design which places a few Buddha’s behind the bar to give the restaurant a bit more flavor while branding their “Buddha Image”.  Moving forward to see the outside which inter-vines a few chairs, tables with a Lounge Area on each end of the outside and overlooks the shopping center.
Left Diagonal Room: This side is designed similar to the other side but the bar is replaced with more dining area.  There is also an outside area (each side is disconnected from each other), but this area is a lot more simpler (Probably not fully furnished yet).
Center Room:  Has the Sushi Bar a large round booth style table and another dining area spanning the full room.

The kitchen is located in the back of all the rooms, there is no walk around since the ends of each room is where the kitchen is attached.

The Menu, Photos and Details for Buddha Lounge

Vinnie Pastore and Nico’s Relationship

Nico’s of Richmond town has finally been re-opened after a renovation and a new business partnership with a very famous actor.   On a special invitation for WhereYouEat.com to be part of the Grand Opening of Nico’s, we were welcomed on Tuesday Evening by the new interest in owner Vinnie Pastore to finally open the doors to the new “Nico’s”. 

The Location: Nico’s Restaurant Menu and Photos

A restaurant that has a great decorated dining room with a stage for the live band/singers and jazz nights to add relaxation to any given evening was already in progress on the grand opening.  We had met many new people  during this grand opening and the owner (Barbara) seems to be very interested in running the business and promoting it right.  Nico’s features a separate take out pizzeria (Separate and Single Entrance Available).  Authentic style Italian Cooking and a few very famous actors with great interest in the business (We were told Vinnie is now part owner of Nico’s).

 

The Grand Opening has featured what seemed to be mostly friends of the owners but the food that we have seen looked simply delicious, I have not really felt comfortable taking photos of people’s food while they were eating, so there are no food shots yet, but will be in the near future.