P lum Restaurant and Bar's first anniversary celebration was a "smash hit", literally, as they safely recreated an incident that happened a year ago. Just when they were about to open, an out-of-control vehicle smashed through the front glass windows of the brand

new restaurant. Fortunately, no one was

harmed, and last week, a replica of the car was safely parked at the front door of the restaurant while live music played inside for all to enjoy. In addition to the talented, five-piece band, free hors d'oeuvres and drink specials flowed all night long to a lively crowd of well-wishers and steady customers.

Plum is nicely situated on the corner of Bell Blvd. and 48th Avenue with a curved glass facade that exposes the sleek, European interior with its sinewy walls, imported tiles, pistachio colored leather banquettes and rich wooden floors. The split-level dining room exudes warmth and luxury, with tones of terra cotta and rich plum, while the impressive, modern bar was designed to resemble a waterfall, with thousands of ice blue tiles undulating down a curved wall. Owner Kostas Kantlis and his lovely wife Maria, are residents of the neighborhood and greet all their guests with a smile. The food and service are excellent, with contemporary American cuisine with influences from the Mediterranean, Asia and all over the world.

A nightly Happy Hour from 5-8pm offers $5 house martinis and mixed drinks, $3 beers and $4 glasses of wine, a nice way to start your evening before you sit down for a memorable meal. The Plum Passion martini and the fresh berry mojitos are very popular and make you feel as if you're on vacation.

The menu changes periodically to offer new and exciting dishes to steady patrons and to reflect the season's bounty. The seafood ceviche, made with black cod, tuna and shrimp has been marinated in citrus juice and spices for a fresh, lively starter. Satays of beef and chicken are grilled to perfection and served with peanut sauce for dipping. Something we always order are crispy spring rolls filled with shredded, barbecued short ribs of beef and green scallion ($10). The accompanying soy dipping sauce made this appetizer an unexpected treat that you won't find elsewhere. Escargots are prepared in a fricassee with roasted tomatoes, spring garlic and Pernod liqueur. Two or more people will delight in Plum's Euro Sampler featuring grilled octopus salad, house made hummus, eggplant dip, tzatziki and caviar dip ($18). Spread onto warm bread, these dips will whet your appetite for the main course. The salads are bright and flavorful, and include Mediterranean chopped salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, chick peas, feta cheese and olives.

For your entrée, there are plenty of fresh fish dishes to choose among, including Plum's spicy tuna with Asian seasonings, Mediterranean seabass (Lavraki), tsipoura (porgy) and red snapper. Pan roasted sea scallops are quite popular at Plum, served with a fricassee of vegetables.

Grilled hanger steak, prepared with a reduction of balsamic vinegar and shallots remains one of our favorites as this juicy steak comes cooked to your liking, then sliced and arranged atop a mound of garlic mashed potatoes and Portobello mushrooms ($19). You could also try one of the most popular dishes at Plum; seared filet mignon served with purple skinned potatoes gratin in a peppery brandy sauce ($28), well worth the price for its flavor, texture and beautiful presentation. Thalassa ravioli are filled with seafood, topped with a lobster sauce ($22). Nothing tastes better than a perfectly roasted chicken, covered in herbs and served with garlic roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed spinach and a house made sauce for extra flavor.

Desserts are as spectacular as the rest of the courses, so don't miss out on decadent hot chocolate soufflé, créme brulee, New York cheesecake or a healthy fresh fruit salad. A host of specialty coffees and after dinner liqueurs put the icing on the cake at this unique eatery. Plum is open seven days a week for dinner and cocktails from 5pm. A new Sunday brunch has begun offering classic eggs Benedict, eggs royale with smoked lox and a spanakopita omelet with spinach and feta cheese. If you're really hungry, the "Ultimate Brunch" includes a starter, brunch entrée, coffee and unlimited brunch cocktails. Plum even makes their own specialty Plum Champagne to enjoy.

There is live entertainment (Knapper Time band) every Thursday from 9pm- ?, DJ every Friday and Saturday night and much more entertainment in the near future. (i.e.: comedy nights and '70s & '80s night). Food and drink specials for the month of September.

Visit Plum Restaurant and Bar soon, open seven days a week for dinner and cocktails at 5pm and Sunday Brunch from 10am - 4pm. Fine food, friendly service and a gorgeous interior make this restaurant a "plum".