The Family Restaurant...Since 1974
110-80 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, NY • 718.520.1123
by Teresa Barile

Begun as a modest pizzeria in 1974, The Family Restaurant is considered a landmark in its Forest Hills neighborhood. So many locals consider The Family Restaurant their "home away from home" and eat many of their meals here with family and friends. In fact, three local gents, Robert Webb, Gary Shillet and Tom Swider, took over the restaurant from the Sacino family just about three years ago and invite you to continue to enjoy all that made The Family Restaurant famous, as well as some new and exciting creations. The full dining room is evidence that this legendary restaurant continues to serve the finest, freshest Italian dishes, all at reasonable prices.

The ebullient Rosa is still there to greet everyone at the door, and remembers most customers by name. The wait staff is so polite and attentive, and the warm, cozy dining room makes you feel very welcomed. Start with a cocktail or a fine glass of Chianti as we did and let the courses begin.

There are so many tempting antipasti choices on the menu as well as nightly special appetizers, so it can be difficult to decide on just one. The special artichoke hearts Francese are simply delightful, tender hearts of artichokes in a light, lemony Francese sauce that was a real treat. Another good idea would be the hot antipasto for two, which includes savory stuffed mushrooms, baked clams, shrimp oreganata, sweet peppers, stuffed with ricotta cheese and extraordinary eggplant rollatini, a specialty of The Family Restaurant ($14.95). Fresh mussels posillipo can be prepared in an aromatic white or red wine sauce that must be soaked up with the house made focaccia bread brought to your table. Grilled Portobello mushrooms are seasoned with herbs, and grilled with melted cheese. Two can even share a pasta special as a first course. That evening, tender cheese-filled ravioli were topped with savory shredded sausage, diced tomato and a touch of provolone cheese for a wonderful combination of flavors. If by chance, you don't see some "special" dishes on the menu, just ask and the expert chefs will do their best to prepare exactly what you want. Cold appetizers include fresh mozzarella and tomato, drizzled with olive oil, jumbo shrimp cocktail or prosciutto with melon, an Italian favorite. Nothing will warm you up quite like a steaming bowl of stracciatella, or their delicious pasta e fagioli.

The Family Restaurant prides itself on serving a wide variety of pastas, priced from $11.95 for generous portions. Family's lasagna recipe is a well-kept secret with its many layers of fillings that keeps everyone coming back for more. Al dente linguine or spaghetti is served with juicy white or red clam sauce, or topped with meatballs, marinara sauce, mushroom sauce, or sausage. Penne Siciliana is served with a slightly spicy sauce with fresh eggplant, zucchini and cubes of mozzarella that melt into gooey goodness. Pasta with filetto di pommodoro sauce is perfect in its simplicity. Manicotti are made in house and filled with fluffy ricotta. Pasta dishes can also be shared by two as a first course, or a "primo piatto", as they say in Italy.

For your main course, or "second piatto", The Family Restaurant has the finest fresh fish, has the finest fresh fish, chicken, veal and steak. A special of the evening was chicken portobello, sautéed lightly with Portobello mushrooms in a brandy cream sauce. Veal and chicken Rossina layers these tender cutlets with spinach, cheese and melted mozzarella in an aromatic mushroom sauce. Chicken scarpariello can be prepared on or off the bone, with or without sausage. The flexible kitchen staff aims to please. Even the diet-conscious will enjoy the grilled chicken served over a large Caesar salad with your choice of dressing. A hefty veal chop Valdostana, with prosciutto and melted cheese, will satisfy even the biggest appetite. The grill also renders juicy sirloin steaks and thick cut pork chop. All meat and seafood entrées are served with salad or pasta.

Your waiter will tell you about the fresh catches of the day, like Chilean sea bass fillets, prepared marechiara style with tomato and onions, oreganata style, or sautéed in white wine and butter. A new and popular dish on the menu is scrod "ago dolce", which means sweet and sour. The combination of flaky fish and the tangy sauce married nicely on the plate, and was served with fresh arugula.

The Family Restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and offers an "Early Bird" special Monday through Thursday from 3:00 till 6:00 p.m. During those times, a complete dinner costs only $16.95 and includes soup of the day, salad and a choice of entrée, dessert and coffee or tea.

The Family Restaurant is the perfect spot for your next rehearsal dinner, engagement party, shower or other private event, with accommodations for 50 people. They will even cater an event for you. Enjoy lunch here as well, and don't forget about the tender, crispy pizza, from where it all started some 34 years ago. Desserts are special too, with house made tiramisu and creamy Italian cheesecake. Everyone gets a cordial called "Angel Kiss," to end things on a sweet note.

With consistently delicious Italian cuisine, combining old standards and new favorites, excellent service and a comfortable atmosphere, make The Family Restaurant your home away from home. Delivery is available through Take Out Connection.com (718) 894-8888.

www.thefamilyrestaurant.com