In its quiet, unassuming way, Jonathan’s Ristorante has become one of the best eating places in Huntington Village, a Long Island culinary hot spot. Even in Huntington, a magnet for outstanding establishments, Jonathan’s relaxing ambience and refined food has garnered wide spread notice. The man behind this accomplishment is owner Roberto Ornato. The Turin, Italy-born Mr. Ornato accurately describes Jonathan’s as “Easy and sophisticated, a low key spot, you don’t need to dress up for.”
The food, a combination of
contemporary and traditional Italian fare is prepared by Executive Chef Tito Onofre who hails from Lima, Peru, where he earned a degree in culinary arts. Both Mr. Ornato and Mr. Onofre have frequently been recognized for their efforts. The Zagat Survey picked Jonathan’s as one of the 1,000 best Italian restaurants in the United States and recently the Huntington spot received its 5th Wine Spectator award. No doubt Mr. Ornato’s wine philosophy helped mightily to achieve it. He believes, “Wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good.” Jonathan’s wine list reflects his outlook. The restaurant’s temperature controlled wine cellar, mainly contains bottles from small, less known vineyards in Italy, California, Australia and France, all of which are poured into Riedel glasses as are 15 by-the-glass offerings.
Mr. Onofre was promoted from sous chef to the number one spot a few years ago, previous to that he worked in Peru, New York City, Long Island and South Beach, Florida. Presently he created new lunch and dinner menus that feature dishes like free range chicken with lemon and rosemary sauce, risotto with wild mushroom and truffle oil and house made spinach tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce. Desserts too are all house made by Mr. Onofre and his kitchen crew. Mr. Ornato’s favorites include pumpkin ravioli and all things Roman especially dishes that feature baby artichokes that are served at Jonathan’s with shrimp and scallops. Although he has owned and operated Jonathan’s since 1994 (it opened in 1983) Mr. Ornato started out in the record business in NYC before drifting to Arqua in Manhattan’s Tribeca and Barolo in Soho.
His outlook is simple, “Make the customers happy, treat them as you’d like to be treated.” To do that, three years ago he added a handsome new bar where black and white Italian movies are shown on a TV screen and where many customers now prefer to eat. Among them celebrities like Tim Russert and Newt Gingrich. CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENTS
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