New York’s Water’s
Edge is a classic restaurant with the elegance and sophistication of days gone by, yet possessing the required creative and exciting menu a modern eatery needs to thrive. This is thanks, largely in part, to the talents of Executive Chef
Rory O’Farrell, who appeared on the first season of Rocco Di Spirito’s “The
Restaurant” and Season 2 of “Chopped.”

The landmark institution has been a Long Island City staple long before the Water Taxi Beach became
the go-to hipster destination and the Queensboro Bridge became the Ed Koch
Bridge. It garnered a boatload of media attention when Billy Joel and Christie
Brinkley chose it as their wedding venue, and just this past year it was named one of the ten best places in New York to have a catered party. The
establishment still holds the same esteem it did when it first opened its doors
decades ago.
             

Walking
through the doors, one gets the feel that this place has definitely  been frequented by some wise guys over the
years; the jovial, booming voice of someone named Uncle Frankie reverberates
against floor to ceiling windows that expose a breathtaking view of the
Manhattan skyline. And indeed, it’s the type of sophisticated upscale place that’s
just as fitting a setting for an intimate date as a family celebration.

The red
painted walls surrounding the bar are adorned with pictures of serene lakes and
sailboats. Behind the maitre d’s podium is a lounge area, complete with a
fireplace and a baby grand piano. In the dining area, a small lamp rests on
each table, providing just enough lighting to see the menu, the person sitting
across the table, and the person sitting behind me by glancing in the mirror on
the far wall. The only element that is incongruous with the elegance of Water’s
Edge, we discover, is the portion sizes. Which is a wonderful surprise.
           

The
first appetizer the waiter brings is Panko Crusted Oysters with red
pepper reduction; they are hands down the largest I’ve ever seen, and the
guacamole inside the shell gives them a creamy texture. The Crab Cake is moist
and filled with corn, and although there is only one, it would have been big
enough to split among three or four people should our party have been that
large.

The highlights of the meal were undoubtedly the Crescent Farm Duck Breast with fried apple, wild rice risotto, bourbon glaze and pecans; and the Pan Seared Diver Scallops, served with shaved fennel, citrus, roasted fingerling potatoes and a lemon-lime emulsion.

Although it’s a struggle to fit dessert, we can’t resist the Banana Pudding that tastes exactly like French Toast. 
Any place that serves breakfast as the last meal of the day is okay in my
book!

Water’s Edge has some very special events coming up including Brunch with Santa (December 18th); along with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve Dinners. The carefully selected pre-fixe menus together with one of North America’s best views is sure to provide for n unforgettable dining experience.  The complimentary ferry service to
and from Long Island City only completes the experience.

For more details visit www.watersedgenyc.com
Water’s Edge
The East River at 44th Drive • Long Island City, N.Y. 11101 • P 718.482.0033