The NYCB Theatre at Westbury (or the Westbury Music Fair to purists), is the comfortable concert venue that Long Island audiences have utilized for an astonishing 60 years. The dining options surrounding the theater are as diverse as the performances through the years.
Azerbaijan Grill
1610 Old Country Rd., Westbury
www.azerbaijangrill.com
Serving authentic Persian and Turkish cuisine, Azerbaijan Grill is a quick 10 minute drive from the theater. Azerbaijan opened in 2005 and serves a Mediterranean menu that includes sambuse, a crispy dumpling stuffed with vegetables and chick peas; sigara borek, pan-fried phyllo rolls stuffed with feta and herbs; an array of kebabs, lamb chops, and of course, the ubiquitous Persian rice.
For a dynamic entrée, try the brook trout which is char broiled whole and butterflied, served with lemon-garlic sauce. The flame-kissed kebabs are a must, including the jujeh kebab, with cornish hen marinated with lemon and Iranian saffron.
Cafe Baci
1636 Old Country Rd., Westbury
www.cafebacirestaurant.com
Cafe Baci’s unique facade has stood as a landmark at the corner of Old Country Road and Post Avenue for more than 25 years. And in that time, the Italian eatery has garnered a reputation as the perfect spot for a first date, a quick lunch or numerous special occasions. It’s also a great place for a pre-concert meal.
All of the Italian favorites are here and the huge portions ensure gourmet leftovers for days. The Pollo “Baci” is a favorite and features chicken breast covered with melted Italian white cheeses. Eaters also recommend the Ravioli Riviera, stuffed with lobster in a pink cream champagne sauce with baby shrimp and diced garden vegetables. For dessert, save room for the tiramisu.
Gyrolicious
24A Jericho Tpke., Jericho
www.gyroli.com
A few storefronts down from Frank’s Steaks is Gyrolicious, a family eatery known for its recipes straight from grandma’s collection. The gyros are unequaled, with cuts of prime meat, spiced, stacked and sliced by master cooks and served in a pita or as a platter.
Classics are available, including pasticcio with spaghetti and mince meat in tomato sauce with a top layer of ethereal cream, along with grilled octopus and spinach pie. The decadent bacon-wrapped chicken souvlaki provides a taste of something different, while the chicken lemon soup with orzo delivers warm comfort in a bowl. Don’t leave without sampling the baklava for dessert.
Frank’s Steaks
4 Jericho Tpke., Jericho
www.frankssteaks.com
Zagat-rated for more than 20 years thanks to its artistry with primal cuts, Frank’s Steaks has established a reputation as the carnivore’s go-to spot. Large portions dot the menu, with the Romanian skirt steak, 44-ounce Porterhouse steak and 25-ounce bone-in strip steak slabbed as some of the best cuts money can buy.
Beyond steak, Frank’s reels in quality seafood from the Fulton Fish Market, including salmon filet and tuna steak entrées. Add to that creamed spinach and a mountain of homemade mashed potatoes, Frank’s is a tremendous choice for concert night dinner.
Pollos El Paisa
989 Old Country Rd., Westbury
www.polloselpaisali.com
Only five minutes from the theater via the Wantagh State Parkway, Pollos el Paisa is a family-style restaurant serving authentic Colombian dishes. Rows of glistening rotisserie chickens beckon to pollo fanatics, as the birds emit a mouthwatering aroma from this hidden gem eatery that has transformed into a destination.
Other favorites include skirt steak, the jumbo shrimp in garlic sauce, fried whole red snapper and the chicharron, fried pork belly served as a crispy and fatty strip. On the sweet side, customers rave about the restaurant’s flan, which is light and creamy.
