Al Fresco Dining Kicks Off in the Village

The village of Garden City kicked off its fifteenth 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.

In November 2010, the village board unanimously agreed to grant merchants the chance to offer their patrons al fresco dining no matter what season. Prior to the vote, the European-style dining was offered in Garden City, via village permit, April 1 through Nov. 30.

To date, 20 Garden City restaurants have secured outdoor dining permits:

• Seventh Street Gourmet, 100 Seventh Street (280-3001)
• Taku Asian Bistro, 100A Seventh Street (516-877-9776/8)
• Food for Thought, 154 Seventh Street (747-5811)
• Leo's, 190 Seventh Street (742-0574)
• TCBY,741-5132)
• Garden City Coffee Shop, 653 Franklin Avenue (516-746-9322)
• Culinary Heights, Inc., 174 Seventh Street (294-2937)
• Kinha Sushi, 988 Franklin Avenue (877-0888
• Grimaldi's Pizza, 980 Franklin Avenue (294-6565)
• Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 165 Seventh Street (248-4417)
• Walk Street, 176 Seventh Street (746-2592)
• Key Food Market Place, 157 Seventh Street (742-2713)
• Waterzooi Belgian Bistro, 850 Franklin Avenue (877-2177)
• Novita, 860 Franklin Avenue (739-7660)
• Gallery Pizzeria, 52 New Hyde Park Road (354-6102)
• My Three Sons Bagel Café, 974 Franklin Avenue (280-9210)
• The Burger Spot, 150 7th Street (746-6100)
• Seventh Street Café, 126 Seventh Street (747-7575)
• Starbucks, 184 Seventh Street (741-8295)
• Village Deli (formerly Hoffmann's location), 180 Seventh Street

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

Where's your favorite place to go al fresco in Garden City? Let us know in the comments section below.