George Echeverria of Eric’s Italian Bistro, Roberto Herrera of La Casa Latina, both formerly of Bryant & Cooper’s Steak House, have teamed up to provide high quality food, excellent service, and a wide variety of gourmet and staple selections at the Park at East Hills. They are collaborating to run all the facilities at the state-of-the-park Grille, Theatre, Village Hall and all other facilities at the park.
Without raising last year’s prices, Echeverria and Herrera will be bringing exciting new Continental-Latino dishes to the Grille, including daily specials and the highest quality beef and fresh-from the-sea fish lunches. They also will keep the comprehensive luncheon options of crisp salads, hamburgers and healthy foods for children.
When asked about their reason for entering into new venture and submitting the winning request for proposals, Echeverria and Herrera stressed their love for the Long Island community, the people in East Hills, and the challenge to ensure a family friendly, unsurpassed restaurant experience. Roberto is a resident in East Hills.
“Both of us agree that success means quality, whether it is through the service we provide, the products offered, or the hospitality and respect given to the residents,” said Echeverria.
Echeverria began working in the restaurant business by washing dishes to support himself. At the time he was studying pre-med at Stony Brook University. Soon he became enamored with the restaurant industry, particularly fine dining, where he decided to switch his career path. Over the years his restaurants have consistently been highly rated by local newspapers, including Soigné, which was the first restaurant on Long Island to receive top mention in two Zagat categories: Continental and French.
Roberto Herrera, like his partner, believes in the importance of creating a high-end, moderately priced dining experience for families, and is anxious to bring upscale Latin-fusion cuisine to Long Island. Originally from El Salvador, he appreciates attentive staff, cleanliness and an inviting ambiance.
Herrera came to the United States when he was 14 years old. Being alone, he was forced to mature at a very early age. Herrera entered the restaurant industry while on his first job in the United States, where he fixed elevators and dishwashers at a large restaurant in Manhasset. He learned cooking by staying after hours and helping the chef in return for learning the culinary arts. Eventually, when the line cook left, he assumed the position. Now, Herrera has been cooking high quality food in America for over 28 years. On the personal, humanitarian side, Herrera works as the executive chef for Meals on Wheels at the Senior Center in New York, which he has been doing for 25 years.
“There is nothing better than having people come to you and thank you when you are enjoying what you do,” he said.
Mayor Michael Koblenz said he is enthusiastic about bringing the new joint business venture to the Park.
“George and Roberto are both extremely talented professionals and are devoted to continuing the high quality food and friendly service they have provided in the past,” he said. “I feel confident that their blend of extensive experience and their established skills will offer a new and dining experience at the Park.”
