Original Cafe Angelica Owner Opening New Garden City Steakhouse

This article was posted by Geoffrey Walter. It was written by Carisa Giardino.

The original owner of Café Angelica in Garden City Park is set to open a new steakhouse in Garden City this summer.

"Revel will provide a dining experience with a focus on creative American cuisine inspired by global influences," Jim Doukas said of his new restaurant located on Franklin Avenue. "Revel allows our chefs to showcase their creativity and put a 'twist' on dishes with their knowledge and appreciation of global flavors."

A grand opening is expected between June 15 and July 15 at 835 Franklin Avenue, former home of Viking Culinary Center.

Lunch, dinner and the weekend brunch menus will all offer "casual with a touch of comfort yet sophisticated dishes," according to Doukas, who adds that a special section of the menu will offer prime and dry aged steaks.

"It is important to emphasize that our focus is to provide the community with the freshest quality and culinary innovation with a commitment to hospitality and exceptional value," he said. "We are a moderately priced social restaurant for all."

Doukas said that whenever possible premium and local products will be used. Much of the restaurant's produce comes from Long Island and Sullivan County, NY, including fresh whole milk with 4.2 percent butterfat and eggs delivered that are less than 24 hours old, he said, adding that all seafood on the menu will be from the Clean Fish Alliance as well as local sources while brand name meats will include Freebird and Gianone Chicken, Du Breton and Fudge Farms Pork and Aspen Ridge Angus Beef. "Think healthy yet indulgent," he said.

Raised in New Hyde Park, Doukas is a 1967 graduate of Herricks High School and owned Cafeé Angelica before it became Ecco and now Uncle Baccalas. He said he chose the Garden City location because of the "wonderful reputation" the community has a whole.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of Garden City's business community," he said. "I was the original owner of Caffe Angelica in Garden City Park. I'm happy to be back 'home' on Long Island."