Life is a party at Laterna Restaurant where the new décor and great food always make for a pleasant dining experience. Whether you're planning a wedding, anniversary or engagement party for 200 guests, or an intimate dinner for two, Laterna creates a wonderful atmosphere in which to enjoy delicious Greek and Mediterranean fare.

There are two rooms available: one for private parties and the second room with a fireplace. Enjoy live, soft music every Tuesday thru Sunday. Bring your friends and family and enjoy all kinds of Greek/American Delicacies.

Behind French doors, relax in the newly redecorated front dining room featuring warm, peach-colored walls, tables dressed in linens and a glowing fireplace for the chilly nights ahead. A guitarist serenades with romantic music weeknights and a full band entertains the crowds in the main dining room with Greek music and dancing. The owner, Andy Moshopoulos, congenially invites everyone to come and enjoy the music and atmosphere, whether they come for appetizers, dinner, or just dessert and coffee. He loves to see people enjoying life as much as he does.

Laterna's extensive menu features the best in fresh fish and seafood, meats, pasta and Greek specialties. A bottle of red or white wine is de rigeur with any Greek meal, though the fully stocked bar can also make your favorite cocktails. Start with one of the hot appetizers like the mezedes, a selection of hand made veal sausage, and keftedes (charbroiled meatballs). Try the mouthwatering, pan-fried cheese called saganaki, and scordalia, a creamy dip of potato and garlic. The grilled octopus in tangy balsamic vinRestaurant

Of The Week

By Teresa Barile

Laterna Restaurant Celebrates Lifeegar dressing is tender and tasty. The cold eggplant dip, called melitzanosalata, besides roasted eggplant, held onion, red pepper and parsley is not mixed with mayonnaise like most others ($4.95). The result is a light and flavorful dip that allows for savoring every morsel, especially when heaped atop the round, brick-oven-baked bread that is served piping hot. The avgolemono soup, a traditional chicken soup with chunks of vegetables in a zesty lemony chicken broth, will take the chill out of a cool autumn night ($2.95).

Only the freshest fish and seafood is purchased daily for Laterna, so indulge in the sautéed shrimp with fresh tomatoes, garlic and herbs in a delicate sauce, topped with crumbled feta cheese ($14.95). From the charcoal grill comes a whole red snapper, striped bass or porgy, prepared simply with lemon oil and the finest olive oil and cooked perfectly so that the white, flaky fish is juicy, delicious and comes easily off the bone. Halibut is prepared with onions, peppers and mushroom in a light sauce. The grilled shrimp are naturally delicious, with lemon juice and olive oil.

Meat and fowl entreés range from the simple to the sublime including a tender, juicy chicken or lamb shish kebob, marinated and skewered with fresh tomatoes, green peppers and onions ($11.95). Ortikia, whole quails, marinated in herbs are char grilled until crispy ($12.95). The experienced grill chef prepares fine meats, featuring filet mignon, aged shell steak and tender, baby lamb chops. All entrees are accompanied by fresh sautéed vegetables and a choice of rice or divine lemon potatoes that are crisp and golden brown outside, touched with a hint of lemon. Sautéed specialties have been added to the menu, including the Francese combination, featuring tender cutlets of veal, chicken and jumbo shrimp, all prepared in an egg batter, then sautéed with lemon, butter and white wine. Served with a medley of fresh vegetables and seasoned rice every bit melted in my mouth.

One of my favorite traditional Greek dishes is the giouvets (pronounced yoo-vet-see). Two tender lamb shanks are stewed for hours and served with orzo in a lightly seasoned tomato sauce ($12.95). Of course, moussaka and pastitsio are as good as ever.

Besides being a lovely restaurant with top notch Greek and Continental cuisine at reasonable prices, Laterna is well known for its elaborate catered banquets and live entertainment. The pretty and spacious dining areas can accommodate up to 300 people for all occasions including showers, engagement parties, christenings and weddings. A bandstand accommodates the musical entertainment for any private affair and the professional staff will decorate the room with coordinated linens and ornaments to suit any taste. Reserve now for an upcoming occasion. Laterna Restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and makes any occasion special.

Laterna Restaurant

47-20 Bell Blvd.

Bayside

423-1245