Oyster Bay: Farewell Fiddleheads; howdy Jack Halyards
"Silk hankies" at Jack Halyards in Oyster Bay Credit: Newsday / Joan Reminick
What, no more Fiddleheads? Fans of the popular Oyster Bay fish house needn’t panic. Chef David Glatzerman is still in the kitchen at the same address, which is now known as Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill.
“Halyards are lines that pull up sails,” explained co-owner Bernie Del Bello (the “Jack” part of the name is more random). A nautical theme informs the premises, decorated with seafaring art.
These days, the mood is more casual, the prices a bit lower than at the former Fiddleheads. The menu also features small-plate options as well as sandwiches, salads and entrees.
At dinner recently, I was pleased with a salad of fresh figs, baby spinach, radicchio, Gorgonzola and candied pecans in a blessedly not-too-sweet black currant vinaigrette. Also commendable was a dish called “silk hankies” – pasta squares tossed with shrimp, tomatoes and goat cheese in a lemon basil sauce (although the dish would have been even better minus the goat cheese).
I did, however, encounter a problem common to all too many restaurants. Prices of specials were neither posted nor given during the table-side recitation. This is in violation of Nassau County law, which requires restaurants to post all specials in writing, either on each table or on a "prominently displayed" blackboard or whiteboard. There are monetary penalties for violations.
On a more positive note, the restaurant just expanded into an adjacent space, creating a separate room for parties. Good to know.
Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill is at 62 South St., Oyster Bay, 516-922-2999, jackhalyards.com
"Silk hankies" at Jack Halyards in Oyster Bay
