Mother Kelly's: Pizza Is in the Building

It's just a pleasant coincidence that Syosset has two restaurants hidden away in office buildings, that are much more than commissaries for hungry workers. Coolfish has been drawing from near and far for their modern take on seafood for well over a decade.

And now Mother Kelly's, a Cedarhurst institution for red sauce Italian for more than 40 years, has taken up residence in a sprawling office building next door to an indoor play space called Ultimate GaGa. Joe Lanese and his mom Lisa, members of the original MK family, instantly upgrade the ordinary office eating experience while at the same time introducing the rest of Syosset to their interesting menu.

Definitely a must-stop for their incredibly tasty Balsamic Chicken ($15.95) covered with dark marinade, peppers and onions and served with or over pasta; creamed Spinach Pizza ($3/slice, $8/bar pie/$22/pie, ask for it well done) and soft Garlic Pinwheels (six for $2.25) that will have you forgetting about those everyday garlic knots you've been eating.

Scan the menu and you'll come across something called Burnt Broccoli ($8.95). More delicious than it sounds, it's broccoli florets sauteed with garlic in olive oil and covered with seasoned breadcrumbs. Grilled Eggplant ($11.95) plated with spaghetti squash, low-fat cheese and marinara sauce is another good option for vegetarians. Vegetables never tasted so good.

Penne ala Vodka ($8.95/$11.95) is another signature dish. Even something as simple as a Chicken Cutlet Hero ($7.95) is moist and carefully prepared with fresh mozzarella. There are plenty of daily specials and if you wander in for a late breakfast (they open at 10 a.m.) you can get egg whites in different incarnations.

Accessible by a separate entrance on the south side of the building, it's perfect for anyone in the area intent on a quick getaway with a takeout order. Workers in the building love the fact that it's open every night until 8 p.m.

As one guy in a suit leaving with a couple of slices put it, "This is going to be an interesting relationship. My favorite food is now just one floor below me."