Three New Restaurants Make Their Mark in Kings Park

Three new eateries have opened within the past month in the heart of Kings Park, replacing spots previously occupied by Don's Meats Plus, Ciro's and Hokey Pokey's. Each new establishment has its own unique style and menu.

"The three restaurants are very close to each other but they have all different styles and foods. I think it's going to be great for the community," said local resident Denise Gilliard.

At the intersection of Main Street and Pulaski Road is Cafe Red, which opened December 19. It appeared following the move of previous occupant Ciro's, which relocated a few hundred feet east on Main Street. The upscale restaurant offers New American cuisine with an Italian influence. Pastas and desserts are homemade, while all meats and vegetables are organic. Some notable dishes include seared sea scallops and pork osso buco.

"The goal of [owner and chef] Nino Antuzzi is to relate his passion for food to the people of Kings Park and the surrounding area,"  said restaurant manager Francesco Di Maio.

Across the street from Cafe Red is Mrs. Brown's Kitchen, which was transformed from Hokey Pokey's in about one month's time. Open since the end of December, co-owner and long-time Kings Park resident Donny Brown wanted to see a family-friendly restaurant in Kings Park.

"I've been living here for 40 years and it's very hard to go out with a family of four and get a good bite to eat," Brown said. "Everyone goes to Commack, Northport or Smithtown. There wasn't a lot of places to choose from so we decided to do something here."

The kitchen is led by Matt Hudson, a former chef at the popular Maureen's Kitchen in Smithtown. Aside from their many breakfast options, some popular meals include chicken with asparagus, peppers and eggplant and the fresh turkey with homemade stuffing.

Plum Crazy Gourmet Kitchen, located just west of Main Street on Pulaski Road, replaced Don's Meats Plus and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Popular morning meals include the iron man and Denver egg breakfast wraps, while lunch and dinner features the notable blackened bleu 1/2 lb burger, which is topped with cajun spice and gorgonzola. They also make their own pizza and pastries.

"I want it to be an experience when you come here," owner Mark George said of Plum Crazy, which opened December 16.  "We tap into so many different areas. We have pastas from Italy and homemade sauces you can take home. We want you to get that Manhattan feel."

Kings Park residents have been showing a positive response to the changes in town.

"Hopefully it will get Kings Park a little revitalized," Jill Petrucci said.

Check back soon for reviews on these three new eateries.