In December, Victor LaPlaca fulfilled his vision of opening his own restaurant after losing his job during the pandemic. Along with a partner, LaPlaca took over the spot of the former Nikki's Bakery in East Rockaway and opened Haviland Kitchen & Bar, an intimate restaurant serving American food in a casual upscale atmosphere.

 

According to a story in the Long Island Press, LaPlaca will be doing a lot of the cooking in the new place.

 

“I want to elevate and educate people about food, such as our lamb spareribs, which are big sellers on the menu,” he told the local news outlet.

 

According to their website the name was inspired by Joseph Haviland who built a gristmill in the area in 1688. They say that it was the first public oven in New York State.

 

“Haviland’s Old Grist Mill and the public bakery were community gathering places for two centuries,” the website says. “Inspired by Joseph Haviland’s noble efforts, the Haviland Kitchen & Bar has been established for our neighbors. A place for our community to gather and share food and drink that are crafted of the finest in-season regional ingredients.”

 

The menu includes appetizers like a crispy calamari,  with cherry pepper, roasted tomato, basil-garlic aioli ($16) or the roasted 'oysters Rockaway' with brown butter spinach and jalapeño-maple bacon ($18). They have sandwiches like the Haviland burger, with tomato-mustard, pickle, shredded lettuce, and beefsteak tomato on a sesame seed bun and includes fries ($20) or the old school steak tidbits, grilled tri-tip, toasted garlic bread, mozzarella and  bbq sauce served with fries ($21). Larger plates include the roasted Atlantic salmon, leek croquette and horseradish-chive vinaigrette ($29) and a roasted pork shank, pumpkin polenta, truffle cabbage and an apple cider glaze ($28).

 

Photo: Haviland Instagram Page.

 

The cocktail menu has some new twists on old favorites - along with some straight up old school mixtures like Pop’s Old-Fashioned, bulleit bourbon OG style and what they say is a dash of love ($16), the Haviland Mule, stoli vanilla, mint, ginger beer, and fresh lime ($14), and the  Dirty Bleu Tito, and ice cold martini with gorgonzola stuffed olives ($16). For the beer drinker, try the Haviland Pilsner, a smooth and easy drinking classic pilsner crafted specially for Haviland by South Shore Craft Brewery in Oceanside ($8).

 

On Yelp, Jay E, from Manhattan, gave it five stars.

 

“Surprisingly elevated ambiance and equally delightful menu items that range from delicious Buffalo wings to tender grilled Spanish octopus,” he wrote.

 

Jay said that it is the perfect date night spot.

 

“And they say that the menu will change frequently based on the seasonal ingredients, I just hope our favorites don't go away,” he wrote.

 

Kristin E, from Freeport, also gave Haviland Kitchen & Bar five stars.

 

“Let me begin with how beautiful it is upon walking in,” she said. “It is not a huge space, maybe 10 tables plus bar seating, very intimate. It is supposed to be an Upscale Americana style and it certainly is.”

 

She also commented on the cocktails.

 

“We sat at the corner of the bar and I ordered an Old Fashioned, my date ordered a Haviland Mule from the friendly and pleasant bartender, Patty,” she said. “Both were delicious.”

 

Location: 43 Main St East Rockaway, (516) 612-4545.