Verde in Deer Park: First bites
Cod puttanesca is served at Verde restaurant in Deer Park in February 2014. Credit: Newsday / Peter M. Gianotti
The dining room of Verde is decorated with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel image of the almost-touching hands of God and Adam.
And the busy, friendly, something-for-everyone restaurant is quite a creation itself.
Verde in full is called a wine bar and ristorante. It's also a catering establishment. Situated opposite Tanger Outlet in Deer Park, the place doubtless balances all three roles many times.
As a restaurant, it succeeds with a broad menu that takes in everything from lasagna to a cheeseburger, pizzettes to cod puttanesca, assorted Parmigianas to elemental stuffed and roasted chicken.
That lasagna is husky stuff. And the cod puttanesca is a full-flavored treatment. Also good are the "Sunday" cavatelli with braciola, sausage, a hefty meatball and house-made ricotta.
Prices for main dishes go from the mid-teens to $30.
Verde Wine Bar and Ristorante, 450 Commack Rd., Deer Park; 631-242-8902.
