NAPA & SONOMA STEAKHOUSE
15-01 149th Street
Whitestone, NY, 746-3446

HOURS: Open 7 days a week for dinner from 5-10pm. Lunch 6 days a week from 12-3:30pm.

PARKING: Street/curbside parking

SPECIAL ATTRACTION: Large comfortable bar

CREDIT CARDS: All major

The newly opened Napa & Sonoma Steak House is a good addition to Queens fine dining. On the former site of The Rafters (a popular long-time neighborhood bar and restaurant) the interior has been completely redone and reflects the name with light and space synonymous with the state of California.

Owners Frank and Nat Terzo are natives of Whitestone and have brought their interest in fine wines and dining to fruition at Napa & Sonoma. We were delighted to renew acquaintance with ebullient Matre ‘d Tommy De Bona who we met when he hosted at The Rafters years ago.

The young Executive Chef, Richard Riley, is a Culinary Institute of America graduate and is putting his many European experiences to fine use.

On the night we dined, one of the appetizer specials was Medallions of Fresh Lobster in fennel flavored sauce attractively presented. The appetizer menu included Napa & Sonoma Crabcakes with capers and fresh herbs Remoulade ($8), classic Oysters Rockefeller ($12) and a Wild Mushroom Fricassee ($7).

The entrees include a variety of grilled steaks from a 16 ounce Sirloin ($26) served with Napa & Sonoma Rice or roasted potatoes to a 22 ounce T-Bone ($29). We chose a medium rare King-Cut Filet Mignon ($28) that was cooked to perfection.

From the Napa & Sonoma Classics on the menu we chose Vinters Pork Chop, a very large portion, double, center-cut pork chop topped with an excellent fruit chutney along with a medley of cubed fresh veggies and roasted small potatoes ($25). Don’t miss the refreshing mixed green salad with the lightest of house dressing. The classics on the menu also includes Beef Wellington as well as Rack of Lamb, several chicken dishes and the popular Surf & Turf.

Do enjoy one of the fine wines from California’s famous valleys or an imported wine from the lengthy and comprehensive listing. Frank Terzo is a wine expert and has created an impressive wine cellar.

Our choice of dessert was the incredibly rich and satisfying Ebony & Ivory, a combination of dark chocolate over chocolate mousse topping cream cheese cake.

This newest restaurant is sure to attract lovers of good food and wine; not only for its important features but also because of the ambiance and service. We hope to celebrate many of their future anniversaries at Napa & Sonoma.