Nestled in the heart of Long Island, Westbury, New York, is a charming and vibrant community that perfectly blends suburban tranquility with urban convenience. Whether you're drawn to its picturesque parks, bustling local shops, or diverse dining options, living in Westbury provides an unparalleled quality of life.  

Convenient Living with Easy Access

Living in Westbury puts you in the center of all the best things that Nassau County, Long Island, and the New York City metropolitan area have to offer.  

Westbury provides a serene suburban lifestyle while being just a short commute away from the bustling energy of New York City. The village is centrally located in the heart of Nassau County, with easy access to New York City via the Long Island Railroad Westbury Station. You will be within minutes of all the major Highways including the Northern State Parkway, Long Island Expressway and Southern State Parkway for easy East West access.  The Meadowbrook Parkway is within minutes providing easy North South access. 

Explore the Rich Attractions and Amenities in Westbury 

Westbury offers proximity to the tree-lined trails and rolling green fairways of the 930-acre Eisenhower Park, world-class golf courses at Bethpage State Park, The beautiful gardens trails and events at Old Westbury Gardens, the museums at Museum Row (Long Island Children’s Museum, The Cradle of Aviation Museum, The Fire Fighters Museum, The Jet Blue Sky Theater Planetarium) and the white sands of ocean beaches at Long Beach and Jones Beach State Park.  

Acclaimed boutiques and shopping at Roosevelt Field Mall, the renowned Miracle Mile Americana Manhasset and Garden City are close at hand.  World-class dining, sports and entertainment venues like Belmont Racetrack, Nassau Coliseum, UBS arena, and Jones Beach Theater can also be found nearby. 

While visiting on vacation or attending local events and attractions you can stay in the luxury hotels offered by The Beechwood Hotel Collections.  Find current rates here: https://www.beechwoodhotelcollection.com/ 

You also have access to amazing universities like Hofstra University, Adelphi University, CW Post University, SUNY Old Westbury, New York Institute of Technology and more. In addition, being near NYU Langone, Northwell Health and Winthrop Hospital gives you amazing access to top-notch healthcare.  The County seat is minutes away with the government courthouse and offices in Mineola and Garden City. 

What is the Cost of Living in Westbury, New York

Easy access, amazing amenities and world-class healthcare and universities will be at your fingertips as a resident of Westbury.  

To embrace all that Westbury has to offer consider living in our Luxury Rental communities.  There you will find all the at home amenities to enrich the amazing experience of living in the heart of the vibrant village of Westbury even further. 

Contact us for more information:

The Shed, Westbury

If you're a breakfast all-day kind of diner, and live in (or near) The Selby apartment building in Westbury, you're in luck: The Shed, which has restaurants in Plainview, Huntington and West Sayville, opens later this year on the ground floor to serve oversize omelets, bowls, burgers and more.

Read the full article below or here.

Are you ready to indulge in the pinnacle of luxurious living during your extended stay in Long Island? Look no further than The Selby and Vanderbilt, two of the most prestigious residences in Westbury. Whether you're a snowbird looking for a summer stay, a traveling nurse, or a visitor in need of temporary accommodations, The Selby and Vanderbilt offer the perfect blend of executive convenience and the comfort of home.

Treat yourself to the ultimate luxury experience and head to Long Island for a stay in one of its many world-class hotels. From luxurious spas, fine dining, breathtaking views, and top-notch service, there are countless reasons why you should consider staying at a luxury hotel on Long Island.

Stay at Westbury’s Most Distinctive Residences

The Selby and Vanderbilt welcome you home to our boutique collection of meticulously curated residences. After experiencing the unparalleled comfort and sophistication of these fully furnished, residential-style suites, you’ll never want to leave. Among the most refined rental residences in Long Island,  The Selby and Vanderbilt are designed to foster a sense of community and enhance your daily experiences. Whether you're looking for opportunities to improve your health and wellness, entertain guests, relax and unwind, or pursue professional endeavors, you'll find everything you need at these unique residences.

Luxury stays like these are the perfect solution for the snowbirds out there seeking a temporary summer home,  medical professionals in need of short-term housing near hospitals, a potential resident looking to explore Long Island before settling down, looking to downsize, or for those hosting visiting family and guests. Our high-end extended stay residences provide a level of service and amenities that go beyond what standard hotels can offer.

Executive Convenience with the Comfort of Home

As soon as you step through the doors of these stunning extended stay residences, you'll be struck by the careful attention to every detail. The Selby and Vanderbilt are more than just places to stay – they cater to an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort.

Each executive suite is spacious and well-appointed, featuring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, designer baths, and custom wood features. Whether you're staying for a season or several months, you'll feel right at home with laundry on-site, and dry cleaning services just a dial away. You also get the option of choosing a kitchenette or full kitchen depending on your stay needs.

But the amenities don't stop there. The Vanderbilt also offers an on-site restaurant, bar service, and a poolside menu for your dining pleasure. Visit The Selby’s on-site restaurant after the summer season! And if you need to get some work done, the business center, conference rooms, and club rooms provide the perfect setting to stay productive. During the warmer months, take a dip at the terrace pool near the fire pits and soak in the sun. The amenities are simply unmatched.

Location is Everything

Of course, location is everything when it comes to an extended stay, and The Selby and Vanderbilt are perfectly situated to take advantage of all that Long Island has to offer. Just 25 miles from New York City, you can find yourself in the city just minutes from your doorstep. The residences also offer easy access to transportation including the Westbury train station, as well as world-class dining, shopping at Long Island’s largest mall, Roosevelt Field, and entertainment options, all within a short drive. Plus, with close proximity to the 930-acre Eisenhower Park, you'll have access to endless opportunities for recreation and outdoor activities like golf.

And don’t forget about the picturesque beaches of Long Island just a short distance away. And if you consider yourself a foodie, you’re in for a treat. Westbury boasts a worldly, inspired culinary scene. Trendy new restaurants, old-time diners and local favorites provide an array of experiences from breakfast to late night dinner.

Whether you're visiting Long Island for work or pleasure, The Selby and Vanderbilt by Beechwood Homes are the ideal home away from home. With exceptional amenities, personalized services, and a central location, these extended-stay residences offer the ultimate luxury living. Book your stay today and experience the very best that Long Island has to offer. 

Juniper (990 Corporate Dr., Westbury)
Once the domain of Tom Schaudel’s Kingfish, this year-old New American eatery is still a bit under-the-radar, perhaps owing to its location on the ground floor of the Vanderbilt, a high-end apartment complex. But Restaurant Week is about new adventures, and this chic spot (monochromatic look, blond wood accents, potted juniper trees, the latter native to LI) is worth seeking out. Entree highlights include roasted Cascun Farms half-chicken and Faroe Island grilled salmon, while the wild mushroom flatbread makes for a fine and substantial appetizer. And while we haven’t tried them, the desserts, especially the Tahitian vanilla cheesecake with brown butter crust, certainly sound like they're worth saving room for. More info: 516-820-1200, juniperlongisland.com

Read the full article on https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/long-island-restaurant-week-2022-u6rt4qkd

BY: SEBASTIAN MORRIS 7:00 AM ON OCTOBER 17, 2022

Occupancy has begun at The Selby, a 237-unit apartment complex at 695 Merrick Avenue in Westbury, New York. The complex is the latest residential development from The Beechwood Organization, a Long Island-based developer that has built nearly 10,000 homes since the 1980s.

The Selby sits on a 5.87-acre parcel next to the town’s Eisenhower Park and golf course. The complex itself measures 582,000 square feet and includes 210 rental apartments, 27 long-term stay executive suites, and a 6,000-square-foot restaurant.

Tenants also have access to a 85-foot-long outdoor pool with lounge areas, a 20,000-square-foot terrace, an indoor lounge and club room, fitness center, spa, library, game room, children’s playroom, business center, and a private dining room with a prep kitchen. There is also an enclosed parking garage with electric vehicle charging stations.

“We created The Selby to reflect the most refined tastes in sophisticated apartment living to be found east of New York City,” said The Beechwood Organization co-founder Steven Dubb. “These are Long Island’s nicest residences, with the nicest lifestyle and in the nicest location, across from Eisenhower Park in central Nassau County.”

Upon entering the building, tenants are greeted by a two-story lobby outfitted in custom millwork, a jeweled chandelier, and etched brass accents. Each home features 10-foot ceiling spans, open floor plans, oversized windows to maximize the flow of natural light and views of Eisenhower Park, and designer fixtures and appliances.

Designed by Ismael Leyva Architects, The Selby is described as French chateau-style revival inspired by the prewar residential buildings along Central Park West in Manhattan.

Homes at The Selby are priced from $3,200 per month for a studio apartment to $9,500 for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home.

Click here to read the original article.

The 237-unit building features units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, and tons of amenities.

WESTBURY, NY — The Selby, a new luxury apartment complex in Westbury, opened earlier this year, and is currently accepting residents.

The Selby, located at 695 Merrick Ave. in Westbury, is a 237-unit building. The six-story building sits on 5.87 acres directly across the street from Eisenhower Park. It is managed by the Long Island-based Beechwood Organization, and was designed by Ismael Leyva Architects.

“We created The Selby to reflect the most refined tastes in sophisticated apartment living to be found east of New York City," said developer Steven Dubb, principal at The Beechwood Organization. "These are Long Island’s nicest residences, with the nicest lifestyle and in the nicest location, across from Eisenhower Park in central Nassau County. We are delighted to present The Selby and to welcome our new residents.”

The Selby features many amenities for its residents, including a 75-foot outdoor pool and 20,000 square feet of recreation space. There is a grand salon, club room with indoor/outdoor bar, fitness studio with a yoga room, a tranquility spa, an on-site library, game room, children's playroom, business center and a private dining room. A restaurant is also in the works for the building.

The apartments range from 500-square-foot studios to 2,200-square-foot three-bedroom units. Rent starts at $3,200 a month and goes up to $9,500 a month.

Beechwood also manages The Vanderbilt, located on Corporate Drive in Westbury.

“Those who live in our luxury residences enjoy a high standard of living. They are young couples or professionals with dynamic lifestyles who want turn-key living outside of, but not too far from, New York City," Dubb said. "They want to stay or live on the Island but are not ready or looking to buy. They may also be empty nesters who relish the space, comfort and privacy of a long-held family abode but not the responsibility of owning it. Whether year-round or part of the year, our residents want a new, well-constructed home with resort amenities and concierge services reflective of their coveted quality of life."

Click here to read the original article.

Architect Ismael Leyva, FAIA, has designed the new mixed-use property known as The Selby, located at 695 Merrick Ave. The architecture firm was retained by The Beechwood Organization to design the project. The Selby is open for occupancy according to Steven Dubb, principal, The Beechwood Organization.

The development contains 386,000 s/f of residential space and stands six stories. Included in the design are 237 residences, which include 210 rental apartments and 27 long-term stay hotel suites, a 6,000 s/f restaurant, and retail space. A full complement of amenities for tenants include a library lounge area, a club room with indoor-outdoor bar, children’s playroom, fitness studio, 75 ft. outdoor swimming pool and 200,000 s/f terrace, storage and private parking with electric charging station.

“We are thrilled to have worked with The Beechwood Organization on this exciting development,” said Leyva. “In designing this development, we wanted to create a functional yet modern structure with a design reference to the French chateau facades that you often see in the surrounding fine residential areas of Westbury and this region of Long Island. We designed the modern residences for those who desire to have an array of luxury amenities at their fingertips, but also within a design envelope which is a tribute to the historic charm of Westbury.”

The Selby is located on six acres with views of Eisenhower Park, just steps from the front doors of the residences. The interior design of The Selby is in a Refined Traditional Style. A contemporary design interpretation combined with traditional elements, materials and details, that create a balance between comfort and sophistication from the lobby, library and club room to the grand salon, pool terrace and each residence ranging in size from studio to three bedrooms.

“The building has a majestic feel, with unparalleled amenities in a location which maximizes views of Eisenhower Park. The stately and beautiful design captures much of the architectural vernacular seen across Old Westbury, and is reminiscent of the Gold Coast’s Gilded Age estates, as well as New York City’s grand historic co-ops overlooking Central Park,” said Dubb.

“I am grateful to Steven Dubb and The Beechwood Organization who engaged us to design this iconic new residential structure in the heart of the Long Island Gold Coast. We are thrilled to bring this level of luxury design and amenity to future residents of The Selby,” said Leyva.

Ismael Leyva, FAIA, is a Manhattan based architect, known for his iconic residential design projects such as The Greenpoint in Brooklyn, The Alyn in the Upper East Side, and the residences at 15 Hudson Yards, and numerous other developments throughout New York City and the metropolitan region.

New York City based Ismael Leyva Architects, is an internationally recognized architecture, interior design and urban planning firm with offices in New York City and Central America. The firm is recognized by the development and construction industry for its uniquely creative, iconic and practical design. Since the establishment of the firm, Ismael Leyva Architects has built a portfolio of diverse award winning projects featuring responsive designs that address technical, social, and aesthetic requirements. Ismael Leyva Architects is known for the design of prominent buildings such as Icon, The Greenpoint, The Alyn, Hudson 36, The Charles, BKLYN Air, 66 Rockwell, Hilton Garden Inn New York/Midtown Park Ave, Place 57, Oro, Yves and also the design of the luxury residences at Time Warner Center, 15 Hudson Yards and the Zaha Hadid Building.

The Selby, 695 Merrick Ave., is a 237-unit apartment building overlooking Eisenhower Park with 210 rental apartments, 27 long-stay executive suites and an array of amenity-rich spaces for relaxation, fitness, entertaining and recreation. Among these are a 75-foot outdoor pool and terrace with 20,000 s/f of recreation space, great room with garden views, club room with indoor-outdoor bar, fully equipped fitness studio with yoga room, tranquility spa, library, game room, children’s playroom, business center and private event dining room with prep kitchen. In addition, there is private parking with electric car charging and a 6,000 s/f restaurant is in the works. Located in central Nassau County, it is 25 miles from New York City, a short distance to air and commuter friendly rail transport, and minutes from local shopping, dining, sports venues, arts and entertainment centers, and picturesque beaches. Created by The Beechwood Organization, Long Island’s top residential builder, and designed for Beechwood by Ismael Leyva Architects, PC, The Selby opened for occupancy August 2022.

The Beechwood Organization ranks at the forefront of privately-owned and award-winning residential builders nationwide and on the East Coast, is one of the largest developers of single family and multifamily housing in New York State, and is the largest homebuilder and developer of sophisticated lifestyle communities on Long Island. Since 1985, Beechwood has built more than 9500 homes and 70 communities across the New York metro area with new ones on the map in New York City, Long Island from Westbury to the East End, Upstate New York in Saratoga Springs and North Carolina in Charlotte and Chapel Hill. Averaging 3.9 million s/f in new developments year-on-year since 2017, Beechwood transitioned from local builder to national leader ranking #58 of 245 Housing Giants by Professional Builder Magazine in 2020. Long Island Business News cites Beechwood as “the most prolific home builder on Long Island” and honored it as the region’s Top Multi-Family Developer for three years running in 2022, and Residential Developer of the Year for five years to 2018. Development brand names include Arverne by the Sea, Bishops Pond, Country Pointe, Harbor Pointe, Lakeside Pointe, Marina Pointe, Meadowbrook Pointe, Oak Ridge, The Latch, The Selby and The Vanderbilt.

Click here to read the original article

Westbury, NY Award winning architect Ismael Leyva, FAIA, has designed the new luxury mixed-use property known as The Selby, located at 695 Merrick Ave. The architecture firm was retained by The Beechwood Organization (beechwoodhomes.com) to design the project. The Selby (theselbyli.com) is now open for occupancy announced Steven Dubb, principal, The Beechwood Organization. 

The development contains 386,000 s/f of residential space and stands six stories. Included in the design are 237 residences, which include 210 rental apartments and 27 long term stay hotel suites, a 6,000-s/f restaurant, and retail space. A full complement of amenities for tenants include a library lounge area, a club room with indoor-outdoor bar, children’s playroom, fitness studio, 75-foot outdoor swimming pool and 200,000 s/f terrace, storage and private parking with electric charging station.

“We are thrilled to have worked with The Beechwood Organization on this exciting development,” said Leyva. “In designing this development, we wanted to create a functional yet modern structure with a design reference to the French chateau facades that you often see in the surrounding fine residential areas of Westbury and this region of Long Island. We designed the modern residences for those who desire to have an array of luxury amenities at their fingertips, but also within a design envelope which is a tribute to the historic charm of Westbury. 

The Selby is located on almost six acres of land with views of Eisenhower Park. 

“The building has a majestic feel, with unparalleled amenities in a location which maximizes views of Eisenhower Park. The stately and beautiful design captures much of the architectural vernacular seen across Old Westbury, and is reminiscent of the Gold Coast’s Gilded Age estates, as well as New York City’s grand historic co-ops overlooking Central Park,” said Dubb. 

“I am grateful to Steven Dubb and The Beechwood Organization who engaged us to design this iconic new residential structure in the heart of the Long Island Gold Coast. We are thrilled to bring this level of luxury design and amenity to future residents of The Selby,” said Leyva.

Read the original article here https://nyrej.com/ismael-leyva-architects-designed-the-selby-now-open-for-occupancy

The Beechwood Organization has opened its new $125 million, 237-unit luxury apartment building in Westbury. 

Called The Selby, the 582,000-square-foot, mixed-use development is on 5.87 acres at 695 Merrick Ave. across from Eisenhower Park. The residential portion of the development has 210 rental apartments and 27 long-term stay executive suites, and a 6,000-square-foot commercial space will be home to a future restaurant. 

Among the amenities at The Selby are a 75-foot outdoor pool and terrace with 20,000 square feet of recreation space, grand salon, club room with indoor-outdoor bar, fitness studio with yoga room, tranquility spa, library, game room, children’s playroom, business center and private event dining room with prep kitchen. The property has parking for residents with electric car charging.  

Monthly rents at the Westbury complex range from $3,200 for a 500-square-foot studio apartment to $9,500 for a 2,200-square-foot apartment with three bedrooms and three baths. 

“We created The Selby to reflect the most refined tastes in sophisticated apartment living to be found east of New York City,” Steven Dubb, a Beechwood principal, said in a company statement. “These are Long Island’s nicest residences, with the nicest lifestyle and in the nicest location, across from Eisenhower Park in central Nassau County.”  

The Selby is 40 percent leased and the first residents moved in last month. 

Manhattan-based Ismael Leyva Architects, which has designed several luxury apartment buildings including the Residences at Time Warner Center, Fifteen Hudson Yards and the Zaha Hadid Building along the Highline, worked on the architectural and interior design for the Westbury project.  

“The Selby is designed as a French chateau-style revival building that pays tribute to the charm of its neighborhood with the comfort of modern living homes and an array of luxury amenities,” Ismael Leyva said in the statement. “I am grateful to Steven Dubb and The Beechwood Organization who engaged us to design this iconic new residential structure in the heart of the Long Island Gold Coast. Although these will be luxury rentals at six stories across from Eisenhower Park, they do harken back to the spacious fine high-rise luxury buildings designed along Central Park West in Manhattan by the renowned architects of the mid-twentieth century, Emery Roth and Rosario Candela. We are thrilled to bring this level of luxury design and amenity to residents of The Selby.” 

The development of The Selby follows Beechwood’s luxury rental building called The Vanderbilt, also in Westbury, which opened in 2018. Within six months of its opening in 2018, the 195-unit Vanderbilt, which has 178 apartments and 17 long-term stay executive suites, was fully leased. 

“Those who live in our luxury residences enjoy a high standard of living,” Dubb said in the statement. “They are young couples or professionals with dynamic lifestyles who want turn-key living outside of, but not too far from, New York City. They want to stay or live on the Island but are not ready or looking to buy. They may also be empty nesters who relish the space, comfort and privacy of a long-held family abode but not the responsibility of owning it.” 

Read the original article here.

About the Wine Spectator Award
After two challenging years, during which many customers took a long hiatus from dining out, restaurants are developing innovative ways to attract diners back, no matter their preferences. From wine flights to creative, quality “mocktails” and more, restaurants around the world are pulling out all the stops with their beverage programs to enhance the full dining experience, giving all wine lovers a reason to be excited about going out again.

For example, take a look at our newly revealed list of nearly 3,200 restaurants that have earned Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards in 2022. This year's winning restaurants, each offering outstanding wine programs, hail from all 50 states and more than 70 countries and territories. The awards are given across three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. We are excited to honor all of these restaurants for their hard work and dedication.

Explaining why the awards matter so much to restaurants, sommelier Jason Ferris said, “When guests see that [Wine Spectator] plaque, or that logo on your menu, it gives them confidence that your wine program stands out among its peers.” The restaurant where he works, the Park Inn in Hammondsport, in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, was upgraded to Best of Award of Excellence this year.

Read the entire article https://www.winespectator.com/articles/wine-spectator-reveals-2022-restaurant-award-winners-1

Find Juniper here https://www.winespectator.com/restaurants/6331/juniper

To read the original article, please visit https://www.longisland.com

Juniper is already making a name for itself with its combination of delicious cuisine and fine décor.

Hailed as a “hidden gem” among Long Island’s competitive restaurant scene by their many ecstatic customers, Juniper at the Vanderbilt is a newer entry to the local eatery scene, but is already making a name for itself with its combination of delicious cuisine and fine décor, nestled in the center of the Vanderbilt By Beechwood Homes apartment complex in Westbury, New York. One of the four restaurants and event space venues under the umbrella of the Civetta Hospitality group – which also includes Amali in New York City, Calissa of Water Mill, and Bar Marseille of Rockaway Beach – Juniper at the Vanderbilt is the company's newest venue, having opened their doors for business just over one year ago on May 20 of 2021…smack dab in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening during the worst of the pandemic presented a unique set of challenges amid the various restrictions and lockdown measures that were in place at the time. However, Juniper not only managed to stay afloat during those very troubling times, but according to General Manager John Nicoletti, business has consistently increased month-to-month ever since they first opened. “It was definitely a war of attrition, surviving the spikes around the holidays,” he said. “Where we were and where we are, we've shown steady growth, and secretly, we've become a great destination for events that are under 100 people. We really do a fair number of events on the weekends, such as smaller weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, retirement parties.” 

 “I love when I read the reviews and I see the words ‘hidden gem’ and ‘secret spot,’” Nicoletti continued, referring to Juniper’s off-the-beaten-path location within the Vanderbilt. “The biggest hurdle we really face is getting people up the driveway at the Vanderbilt. We're in the middle of the building so we don't really have street frontage, so it's become more of a place for those that know about us. We rely on the buzz of people spreading the word.” Executive Chef Chris D'Ambrosio – trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie – categorizes Juniper as an American grill, but one diversely influenced by his many personal experiences while traveling abroad for a number of years. “We have a lot of different steaks and seafood, but I come from an Italian-American household and I've traveled the world, and what is America but a melting pot of ethnicities and cuisines? So I like to include those experiences in the menu as well,” he said. “So we have influences from Asia, Europe, and all the different places that I’ve visited. So our menu is sort of the story of my past, if you will.” D'Ambrosio noted that the restaurant offers a chef's seasonal menu, highlighting different products throughout the course of the year based on a lot of locally-sourced meats, fish, and vegetables. 

 “From the East Coast here we get oysters, halibut, sardines, and a lot of other local items that are very fresh and delicious,” he said.  Juniper at the Vanderbilt is deceptively spacious, Nicoletti said, able to accommodate up to 176 patrons if need be, and offering both indoor seating and an outdoor patio overlooking the Vanderbilt's pool, if weather permits. “The restaurant has a very natural resort-style feel to it, with lots of glass facing the outside, very high vaulted ceilings, good usage of natural light, and a lot of things that essentially highlight the space itself,” he said. “We use a lot of white marble, and it's a very beautiful space, it truly is. And the building itself...Beechwood Homes, the developer, always does a magnificent job, and they spare no expense. The quality of craftsmanship is second to none, and it really has helped us with wedding bookings as a venue.” Nicoletti boasts an extensive history in the restaurant business, having worked in it since the tender young age of 13; as time went by, his reputation grew and he began to hold a number of high profile gigs. 

 “As a Northport native, I started as a prep cook at the Shipwreck Diner in Northport, and later went to college while moonlighting as a bartender. But I started really getting into fine dining when I was working for the Bohlsen Restaurant group,” he said. “I was a long-time head bartender at Tellers Chophouse in Islip, and then became the corporate head bartender for them for many years.” From there, Nicoletti went on to Anthony Scotto Restaurants, initially hired to be the Director of Bar Operations. However, when the COVID-19 hit, things changed significantly, but while many employers laid off many of their workers during the worst of things, Nicoletti noted that he was treated about as well as could possibly be. “They were great to me, and they ensured that I would have a position,” he said. “So when they rebranded One North to Opus Steakhouse, they made me Assistant General Manager. Then I met the partners at Civetta Hospitality, and it was almost an instant connection. That's when I went over to be the General Manager at Juniper. It was just a no-brainer.” The decisively kind and empathic treatment he has experienced while employed by Civetta, he said, was outside of the norm of his involvement in the restaurant business throughout the years. 

 “It should be noted that for an industry that typically tends to be pretty thankless, the way that Civetta operates is really impressive. They treat their employees very well...we have every major holiday off, and they try to focus on kindness and understanding in a way that I've never experienced in this business,” he said. “Ultimately, the hospitality industry as a whole doesn’t really offer good quality-of-life, but Civetta really focuses on it and it's hard not to appreciate that.” Ultimately, Nicoletti said that he's found his time heading up Juniper at the Vanderbilt to be incredibly rewarding, and he relishes the opportunity he's had to continue build it from the ground-up into one of Long Island's premier eateries, combining ambiance, atmosphere, fine accommodations, and a unique take on popular American cuisine. “There are definitely more gray hairs on top of my head than when I started, but I wouldn't change a thing about it,” he said. “It's a pleasure to work with Chef Chris, and we have a small staff here that are incredibly hard-working, and a lot of them have been with me through multiple restaurants. I love to note that, because the success of this restaurant really has nothing to do with anybody but them. That's the truth.” To find out more about Juniper at the Vanderbilt, please call 516-820-1200 or visit https://www.juniperlongisland.com.

Chris D'Ambrosio (Photo by Ed Shin)
Some chefs find themselves in the restaurant business by accident or ending up there while they were planning on a different career. But Juniper at the Vanderbilt’s executive chef Chris D’Ambrosio says the culinary arts found him at an early age.
“I grew up in an Italian household, with a big family around the table that always seemed to be eating,” recalls D’Ambrosio, whose memories include growing tomatoes and eggplant in a garden in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn from the age of 5. He also recalls early inspiration working at an old Italian deli, serving classic dry cured pork cuts such as prosciutto and capicola.

He explains that he didn’t pursue culinary arts until high school, when he had an opportunity to participate in a vocational program with study options to become an electrician, a plumber, or a chef. “Cooking suited me best. It kind of found me,” he says, adding that his instructors were mostly culinary school graduates.

D’Ambrosio would go on to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie before landing a formative job at New York City venue Bouley, where he would spend nearly a decade working under the tutelage of acclaimed chef David Bouley.
“I firmly believe that to become the best, you have to work with the best,” says D’Ambrosio, adding that while at Bouley he was constantly “growing and evolving” as a chef.

“We used the finest ingredients and sourced both locally and globally. It never got boring.”
D’Ambrosio explains that his goal was to be able to “cook without a recipe,” relying solely on his palate for guidance and inspiration. “Everything at Bouley was feel and taste,” he says, adding that his philosophy was to not follow a recipe.
Still in his 30s, D’Ambrosio has packed a lot of culinary punch into his years, having discovered new cuisines in Japan, Italy and France during internships with chefs to expand his creative horizons.

While at Bouley, he did several Anthony Bourdain-style trips abroad over a few years to learn cultures and cuisines.
“The idea all along was to bring the experiences back to Bouley,” recalls D’Ambrosio. Following Bouley’s closure in 2017, he spent a couple of years at the Bedford Post Inn in Westchester, a gourmet restaurant and inn co-owned by actor Richard Gere.
“At Bedford, I sourced produce, such as radishes and tomatoes, directly from local farmers. Many of the recipes were seasonal.” He recalls getting produce from Union Square Market in Manhattan.

“That style of cooking is spontaneous, where Mother Nature determines the menu.”
After a brief stint at Manhattan’s Le Bilboquet, D’Ambrosio says he was laid off due to Covid before taking over at the new Juniper restaurant at the Vanderbilt hotel and residences in Westbury.

Juniper, which opened in late May, is the latest venue from restaurateur James Mallios and the Civetta Hospitality Group. Civetta also operates Amali in Manhattan, Calissa in the Hamptons and Bar Marseille in the Rockaways.
At Juniper, D’Ambrosio says he wants to help build a “destination that’s different.”
He says he plans to continue sourcing from local farms, including everything from fresh herbs and fruits such as strawberries to vegetables including peas and cucumbers.

“Sustainability governs everything we do at Civetta, including the meat, fish and produce we purchase, the wines we pour, and our labor practices,” says Civetta partner Kylie Monagan. “We choose to focus on long-term business goals because we believe they benefit our local community and the larger ecosystem, supporting family farms, fisheries, and winemakers and providing job stability for our team.”
D’Ambrosio aims to integrate sustainability into “food he likes to eat,” and that, he says, is how he writes his menus.
For example, one of his favorite dishes is the birria-style short ribs, influenced by Mexican birria herbs and stewed for hours, “like a deconstructed taco.”

He adds that he’s procuring seafood directly from Montauk fishermen, such as blue crude marinated in tomato and cilantro.
Monagan adds that the menu offers classic comforts including Cascun Farm Market fried chicken, six-cheese mac, and wild mushroom flatbread. Other specialties include hay-roasted oysters, Long Island Crescent Duck breast with Juniper honey, and Caraflex cabbage steak for vegans.
A well-stocked bar features gin-inspired cocktails and classic wines including Sancerre, Chablis, and Napa chardonnay.
D’Ambrosio, who has been cooking for more than 15 years, says his future will revolve around food, but he’s not sure he wants to own a restaurant since knows how much work and money go into successful ventures.

He says, “You have to find a balance in life between making money and enjoying what you’re doing. That’s the secret.”
Juniper at the Vanderbilt hotel and residences is located at 990 Corporate Dr. in Westbury. It can be reached at 516-820-1200 or juniperlongisland.com.

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