Katerina Ristorante Italiano to Open in Great Neck

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New York City Restaurateurs Antonio Cerra and Executive Chef Alberto Argudo bring more than 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry in New York City are now taking their talents to Great Neck, Long Island to provide guests modern Italian Cuisine. They are joined by 1st time Restaurateur Kathy "Katerina" Cerra! "Italian Cuisine," explains Cerra, who travels extensively through Italy, "has changed through marketing and perception." But there is one thing that hasn't changed; whether it's Burrata flown in from Campania, Pasta Di Gragnano, or Bistecca Fiorentina, start with the finest ingredients and don't over-complicate them. Cerra explains that, being born in the Italian culture, it's very important for him to know that what leaves the kitchen is of the highest quality- only what he would serve his own family.

Chef Alberto Argudo started his career at the original Il Mulino in Greenwich Village and has seen enormous changes in his kitchen. "I buy ingredients for my dishes based on seasonality, and when I started," Argudo says, "we couldn't get many products flown in from Italy." It's much easier to get ingredients today. And with the connectivity we have now, its also easier to get to know your farmer, trust his instinct and knowledge, and feel confident that the best possible product is leaving the kitchen.

Signature dishes include Crespelle Anfonio (Sicilian baby eggplant stuffed with bufala ricotta in fresh tomato sauce), Pappardelle Piemontese (homemade, wild mushrooms with a shaving of Piemontese truffle cheese over the top of the dish), and The Veal Chop, A Pat Lafrieda signature grilled, Milanese, or Parmigana, "the finest chop, you will eat."

Katerina Ristorante Italiano will feature cheeses from Ideal Cheese, owned by the Binetti Family in New York City. The wine program will offer 29 wines at 29 dollars. Cerra explained that to narrow it down to 29, they tasted close to a thousand wines! "We want people to drink wine and share the beauty of a meal with company they enjoy- the true picture of La Tavola Italiana (the Italian Table)."

The wine list will include bottles from every price point and will highlight wines from Italy as well as California, Washington State, Oregon, New York State, and Canada.

The decor will feature modern lines with the colors of Italy in a modern interpretation of design and culture chosen by designer Nicole Monzon.

Katerina Ristorante Italiano has an anticipated opening date of March 8th and will hold lunch hours Tuesday through Friday and dinner hours Tuesday through Sunday. The space seats 92 guests and can accommodate up to 150 guests for cocktail parties.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact:
Cary Rosner, Palate Communications at 646-623-3018.

SOURCE Katerina Ristorante