New Businesses: Mezzanote Moves to Cedarhurst

The owners of Mezzanote recently found a new home for their Italian restaurant in Cedarhurst, taking over the site of the former Harvey’s Lounge jazz club.

It’s the restaurant’s third Five Towns location in about 15 years, with previous sites in Hewlett and Lawrence. In addition to a new locale, Frank and Robin Cristo also have a new partner: Harvey Sobler, the owner of the storefront at 477 Chestnut St., decided to go into business with the couple instead of selling or renting it to them.

“Harvey had trouble establishing his place as a restaurant, but my name is worth a lot, so we worked something out that is good for both of us,” said Frank, who has known Sobler for years. “I told him, let’s do this — we’ll have some fun and make some money.  I told him that if I put my name on here, this place is going to do well. The name Mezzanote is worth gold.”

In addition to Harvey’s Place, Sobler previously ran two other businesses out of that location — the Chestnut Street Grill and Cedarhurst Café. When he closed down in the fall, Sobler said that he would consider relaunching with a new partner if the right situation presented itself.

Besides finding a like-minded partner, the Cristo’s also chose Sobler’s place because of its move-in condition. Sobler put a lot of money into the business in recent years, including a high-end sound system, six televisions and new air conditioning.

The Cristos, of North Woodmere, only moved in about two months ago, but they are already planning to expand the store and its hours. They expect to take over an adjacent storefront in a month or two in order to accommodate parties and enlarge the bar area. Also, a move from a dinner-only schedule will soon include lunch and brunch.

The menu features pasta, seafood, steaks, chops and popular Italian entrees, including both traditional and progressive recipes. According to Frank, several of the restaurant’s best dishes are made with liquor, including seafood cooked in Sambuca and tilapia made with Limoncello liqueur.

The eatery also features a nice selection of family-style entrees that feed at least two people. The dessert chef prepares fresh handmade favorites each day, such as Napoleons, bread pudding, tiramisu.

In keeping with Sobler’s love of music, the owners will host live music at least once a month, featuring popular local bands. 

“Our live music nights will bring an extra something special to our place,” Robin said. “We also try to keep the prices very fair during this economic climate — you get a good bang for your buck. Many of our old customers are coming back, and we’re continually gaining new ones, which is great."

She added, "We’re all in this together to bring good people together where everyone feels like part of the family. We want to bring a little magic and fine food to the Five Towns.”