Clearview Park Golf Course

The Daily Plant : Thursday, September 9, 2010

New Parks Concession Valentino's on the Green

On September 7th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Valentino’s on the Green in the former home to both Rudolph Valentino and Mayor Fiorello Laguardia, located at 201-10 Cross Island Parkway in Bayside, Queens. More than $4 million in improvements have been made to this historic location which is located at the Clearview Golf Course. This fine dining Italian restaurant and banquet hall opened to the public on September 8th.

On hand to speak and celebrate were Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Assistant Commissioner for Revenue & Marketing Betsy Smith, Valentino’s on the Green Managing Partner Giorgio Kolaj and Chef Partner Don Pintabona, as well as tennis legend Martina Navratilova on behalf of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. A silent auction was held to raise funds for the group. Navratilova will also climb Mount Kilimanjaro with other tennis stars in December on the foundation’s behalf.

Additional attendees included Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, Chazz & Gianna Palminteri, Cardinal Edward Egan, NY Senator Frank Padavan, NY Senator Joseph Addabbo, NY Senator Toby Stavisky, City Council Member Dan Halloran, City Council Member Peter Vallone, City Council Member Peter Koo, NY Congressman Peter King, and NY Comptroller John Liu.

Valentino’s on the Green has made a commitment to running a green operation, including the use of a greenhouse where they hope to grow approximately 80 percent of their raw materials.

Chef Don Pintabona, who also launched Tribeca Grill with Robert De Niro, heads up the culinary artisanship at Valentino’s on the Green. Joining him are Queens natives Chef James “Jimmy” Canora, formerly of Tribeca Grill and Delmonico’s and Pastry Chef Lauren Ragone, formerly of Hotel Plaza Athenee. Wine Director Don Castaldo oversees a collection of over 250 wines. Managing Partner, Giorgio Kolaj also brings decades of experience to the business. To learn more about Valentino’s on the Green, please visit www.valentinosnyc.com.
Clearview Park and Golf Course was founded in 1925, and is bounded by the Clearview Expressway, 23rd Avenue, 202nd Street, and Bell Boulevard. Originally named the Clearview Golf and Yacht Club, the establishment served as an exclusive retreat for New Yorkers. One notable member was the renowned New York State Governor Alfred E. Smith (1873-1944). Landscape architect Willie Tucker designed the golf course, which lies on gently rolling terrain. The course is located by Little Neck Bay and is aptly named for its views of the East River and the Long Island Sound.

Today, Clearview Park and Golf Course is a public 18-hole course located about 15 miles from midtown Manhattan. The somewhat hilly course contains both straight, open fairways as well others lined with trees and forest. It is designed for beginner to intermediate level players, and par ranges from 3 to 5 strokes. The course’s signature hole is #17, which is a 395-yard, par 4 hole offering spectacular views of the Long Island Sound and Throgs Neck Bridge. The course’s longest hole is #2 at 473 yards. The facility includes such amenities as a pro shop, lessons, clinics, a clubhouse, lockers, a snack bar, a lounge/bar, and a snack cart roaming the course.