Jewel, Tom Schaudel's latest and most glamorous restaurant venture, opened in Melville to a great deal of fan fare. The restaurant was at the base of rubie plaza, a gorgeous hi-rise office built by the phenomenally successful rubie costume company who have dominated the popularly priced holiday costume business for years. Ultra modern, utilizing green hued glass, steel, and fabulous lighting, in many ways reminiscent of the wonderful, whimsical world of the wizard of Oz. Jewel is like a beacon of light seen from both the Long Island Expressway and Route 110 in Melville. The restaurant, at its opening offered the very best of Tom Schaudel's cuisine, a gorgeous luxe interior, a comic relief bathroom, a large open air kitchen, a spectacular bar and a wall of fine wines. Jewel was created to make a statement: "Here we are" and it most definitely has accomplished its mission.
It is always interesting to go back to a restaurant after it has settled in and established its real vibe. To this end, I was excited to once again enjoy Tom's unique brand of cooking and entertainment. Tom is a terrific talent, easy going guy with the instincts of a showman.
A year after our first introduction to Jewel, I came away with an entirely new perspective about the restaurant. Jewel, although still Vegas style glam upon first look, has enhanced its focus, while adding a new layer of clients. Jewel is still a place to go for a special occasion, but it is now also a place where you need not be overwhelmed by its exterior charms. The clientele remains upscale but more inclusive, and more casual in their attire and demeanor. The kitchen and the "laugh out loud" mens room all fit seamlessly into the still beautiful decor. The food, as always is excellent and reflects Schaudel's emphasis on "treasures from the sea" and farm to table ingredients.
Our dinner that evening was a cornucopeia of neptunian delights:
Appetizers--
Tuna Tartare- a delightful pink colored mound made with red ginger, chilis, soy, and avocado
Moroccan Spiced Hummus- made with Banana Peppers
Risotto Balls- Each Ball filled with short rib center, reggiano, and tomato sauce
Entrees-
Sea Bass- a spectacular, amazingly tasty plate of fish with lobster sauce, spinach, and smoked tomato relish
Lobster- An irresistable full sized lobster butter poached, with lobster risotto, mushrooms, leeks and white truffle oil.
After dinner we were served two special desserts:
Toffee- A sticky pudding/ made with pecan brittle/banana, and butterscotch.
Pistachio -pistachio gelato, chocolate, pistachio cake/root beer float
Our evening was a superb combination of great cuisine, fine service, and a delightful atmosphere of casual elegance.
Kudos to Tom Schaudel and his fine staff for bringing another exciting new restaurant to long island, with Tom's unique presentation and panache.
telephone: 631-755-5777
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