: 1222977425

Gordon Ramsay is not exactly the sappy type.

The Scottish chef and star of Fox Broadcasting Company’s hit series “Kitchen Nightmares,” which takes viewers inside the chaotic kitchens and dining rooms of restaurants across the United States, is as famous for his biting critiques as he is the ability to jumpstart a struggling establishment.

But viewers got to experience a different side of Ramsay last week, when he visited Trobiano’s Restaurant, an Italian eatery in Great Neck, formerly known for its extravagant portions and early bird specials.

The young owner, Anthony Trobiano, his girlfriend Tiffany, and her family, who invested in Trobiano’s dream, were in dire need of help: overcooked food, huge portions, and a drab dining atmosphere contributed to the restaurant’s whopping $500,000 debt.

Despite their troubles, the family came across as so genuine and caring that the steely chef seemed to transform into a kinder, gentler Gordon Ramsay in their presence.

After changing their menu and enlisting a team of designers to revamp the dining room from its former blah beige to a rich, cocoa hue, he went one step further. He organized an impromptu wedding celebration for Anthony and Tiffany, which took place in the restaurant on the night of its grand reopening.

“We were totally shocked,” Trobiano said, adding that the show was a real wake-up call for him in many ways. “I’ve always liked Gordon. I’ve always respected his attitude. He’s a very intelligent man. I sat back and absorbed everything I could to make my restaurant better.”

Ramsay, who owns restaurants across the United States and Europe, and in the Middle East and Tokyo, convinced Trobiano to swap his old menu for one that focuses on rustic, homemade entrees and side dishes such as fresh mozzarella, braised escarole, mushroom risotto and fresh focaccia bread. In keeping with their traditional Italian origins, they also offer the Trobiano Tray, a family-style sampling of five dishes from the menu. The response has been great, Trobiano said. Since the restaurant’s rebirth, they have received nothing but praise from customers.

“My ambitions were always bigger, to shoot for something above and beyond the stars,” he said, admitting his biggest flaw was his stubbornness. “Gordon brought me down a notch and opened my eyes.”

For anyone worried that Ramsay has softened since his Long Island visit, Trobiano insists this is not the case.

“He seemed tame on television, but he wasn’t tame that week, believe me,” Trobiano said.

Trobiano’s Restaurant is located at 218 Middle Neck Rd. in Great Neck. For reservations call (516) 466-4100.