Al Fresco Dining in Garden City

It's that time of year again.

The village of Garden City kicked off its fourteenth season of al fresco dining April 1. A true sign of spring in the village, local restaurants are sprucing up their seasonal menus and outdoor furniture.

The English translation of al fresco means "in the fresh" (air). Years back, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce requested the village change its code to allow for outdoor dining by permit.

Officials believed the project was an effective way to encourage shopping in Garden City's downtown, serving as an enhancement for businesses on Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road.

In May 1997, the feature was officially implemented.

To date, 24 Garden City restaurants have secured permits and are going al fresco:

• Seventh Street Gourmet, 100 Seventh Street (280-3001)
• Waterzooi Belgian Bistro, 850 Franklin Avenue (877-2177)
• Novita, 860 Franklin Avenue (739-7660)
• Wild Fig Mediterranean Grill, 829 Franklin Avenue (739-1002)
• Seventh Street Café, 126 Seventh Street (747-7575)
• Gallery Pizzeria, 52 New Hyde Park Road (354-6102)
• Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 165 Seventh Street (248-4417)
• The Burger Spot, 150 7th Street (746-6100)
• Walk Street, 176 Seventh Street (746-2592)
• Leo's, 190 Seventh Street (742-0574)
• Cold Stone Creamery, 984 Franklin Avenue (742-3656)
• Kinha Sushi, 988 Franklin Avenue (877-0888)
• Mumon, 1300 Franklin Avenue (747-3388)
• Grimaldi's Pizza, 980 Franklin Avenue (294-6565)
• Garden City Pizza, 670 Franklin Avenue (294-2929)
• The Cupcake Corner, 61 New Hyde Park Road (328-2253)
• Natural Food Market, 140 Seventh Street (742-0090)
• Riesterer's Bakery, 96 Seventh Street (741-0030)
• Kings Super Market, 870 Franklin Avenue (739-5559)
• Starbucks, 184 Seventh Street (741-8295)
• B.K. Sweeney's Uptown Grille, 636 Franklin Avenue (746-3075)
• Public House 55, 55 New Hyde Park Road (328-8326)
• Key Food Market Place, 157 Seventh Street (742-2713)
• My Three Sons Bagel Cafe, 974 Franklin Avenue (280-9210)

Patch will add to this list as more local eateries secure permits.