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Become a Part of the Legacy
Russo’s On The Bay
The Russo family tradition of hospitality started over 50 years ago when the Villa Russo in Richmond Hill opened its doors. Frank Russo Sr. believed that exemplary service and exquisite cuisine combined with professional attention to detail was the best way to achieve customer satisfaction. Those beliefs were passed down to his son, Frank Russo Jr. who opened Russo’s On The Bay in 1987. We have had the honor of hosting events spanning some of our customer’s lifetimes from baptisms to Communions to Sweet 16’s to Weddings. Our senior management team has over 200 years of combined experience directing the most lavish events and parties. The most memorable of occasions calls for an exemplary standard in catering. At Russo’s On The Bay, we take pride in offering you the most elegant of surroundings. We have an award-winning, highly skilled staff, proficient in all aspects of the hospitality industry. You will find our staff to be courteous, prepared and genuinely concerned with the success of your affair. At Russo’s On The Bay, we are not only in the business of executing fine events with superlative service and exemplary cuisine, but we are here to make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Each one of our customers is treated like family. In the summer of 2010, Russo’s expanded their outside area to include a lavish garden overflowing with a variety of beautiful flowers and trellises with climbing vines along with a floating gazebo on the water; a perfect setting for picture taking. Our outstanding cuisine is prepared with great care by our chefs to guarantee sumptuous dining. With two kitchens and an in-house bakery, you are guaranteed the freshest foods along with superb quality. Our menus change seasonally highlighting the delicacies of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. In addition to personally handpicking the freshest ingredients at Hunts Point and the New Fulton Fish Market, we also manage our own import company to guarantee only the highest quality products reach our shores from Italy and many other parts of the world. At Russo’s On The Bay, our goal is to render impeccable service and graceful dining in an atmosphere of elegance. We are aspiring to build a lifetime clientele of satisfied customers that feel confident in entrusting their very special occasions to us. It is our personal promise that any occasion celebrated with us will be an extraordinary and treasured event. Russo’s On The Bay is dedicated to satisfaction and incredible service both to our clients and our employees. We create this culture of internal job satisfaction through continually nurturing a raving fan culture that inspires and fuels our organizational growth. Our unique team-based approach and focus on education and development for all employees makes Russo’s On The Bay and its subsidiaries an environment that employees and management alike can thrive. We value each piece of our entire value chain including customers, employees and preferred vendors. Everyone we touch should experience the passion and dedication that Russo’s On The Bay brings to every occasion and individual path we cross.
Vetro
Vetro Restaurant & Lounge - where a unique dining experience awaits you. From the moment you walk through our doors, you will experience service like never before as you savor mouthwatering sensations prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. World renowned Chef Michael DeGeorgio personally creates the creative and classic Italian cuisine; combining traditional offerings with exciting international inspirations. Vetro is guaranteed to change the landscape of fine dining from our exquisite cuisine and expansive wine cellar to private rooftop cocktail lounge – all with the exemplary service of any Russo’s Brand. As a restaurant, lounge, and catering venue, Vetro offers a modern, elegant setting for any event or occasion. Most importantly, you and your guests will be treated like royalty throughout your visit from your first moment of contact with one of our experienced and capable servers. Our restaurant was voted the #1 Best Restaurant in the Tri-State Area by OpenTable.com and was voted #4 for Best Service and #5 for Ambiance. As a Russo’s On The Bay brand, we exemplify the Russo’s On The Bay commitment to service and outstanding events from a simple brunch to a wedding for 100. With the opening of our private rooftop, we can accommodate indoor and rooftop events in one of our five rooms including the restaurant, lounge, Murano Room, Rooftop, and Wine Cellar.
The award winning wine list features more than 428 wines from around the world. The Wine Cellar is a perfect setting for private parties or large groups. The spacious catering room, Murano, is available for intimate weddings and any special occasions. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and late night drinks in the Blue Lounge. The elegantly decorated lounge featuring live music is perfect to relax, have a drink and catch up with friends, family or business associates. Should you prefer the outdoors, the rooftop lounge with a panoramic waterfront view of the bay would be the ideal setting. For those times when your preference is a more casual atmosphere under the sun or stars, you are invited to the outdoor waterfront dining area. Should you be out for a beautiful day on your boat and wanting to stop to have a drink or a bite to eat, Vetro’s marina is available to you as well.
Vetro 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-843-8387 www.vetronyc.com
Giardino Giardino by Russo’s On The Bay is a restaurant located in Douglaston, Queens. Owned by Frank Russo, Jr., Giardino is proud to indulge you with delicious food and a warm, friendly ambiance in an atmosphere of casual but elegant dining. Frank Russo, Jr. truly believes the most treasured memories are those shared with family and friends. Whether stopping in for a quick lunch with friends or business associates, an intimate dinner for 2 or spending a night out with a large group, Giardino is guaranteed to have just the right menu choice for everyone. We have something for everyone from the most savory menu selections to family style offerings. Choose between bringing the children for a family affair or opt for a romantic evening for two; whatever your desire, Giardino’s is the place for you. The Chefs’ innovative recipes are sure to entice taste buds, offering hearty portions at reasonable prices. You can feel confident our recipes are prepared using only the finest quality of food. We have an award-winning, highly skilled staff, proficient in all aspects of the hospitality industry. You will find our staff to be courteous, prepared and genuinely concerned with the success of your affair. The staff is cordial, helpful and caring in the overall goal of serving our customers. It is Giardino and Frank Russo, Jr.’s personal assurance that your dining experience will surpass even your highest expectation. There is a restaurant and two catering rooms which affords the opportunity to have an intimate dinner for 2 or a larger celebration of 100. The restaurant has just a touch of Italy with the beauty of hand painted murals, accentuated by a glass enclosed ceiling which covers the main dining room. As a Russo’s On The Bay brand, we are committed to the same standards of excellence in catering and all that we do. Our outstanding cuisine is prepared with great care by our chefs to guarantee sumptuous dining. Our menus change seasonally highlighting the delicacies of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. In addition to personally handpicking the freshest ingredients at Hunts Point and the New Fulton Fish Market, we also manage our own import company to guarantee only the highest quality products reach our shores from Italy and many other parts of the world.
The private dining rooms at Giardino are located in the midst of our warm, modest atmosphere. Our rooms can accommodate an intimate gathering of 25 guests or a larger celebration of up to 100. For small gatherings of 25-40, our Patio Room offers warmth and elegance fit for any type of occasion; while our Italian-inspired Tuscany Room offers a larger space for any type of affair. We offer a choice of multi-course, eloquent menus where you can decide what best fits your occasion. Giardino 44-37 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11363 718 - 428 - 1090 www.giardinos.com
The Future of Russo’s Russo’s Modern Traditions The Russo family tradition of hospitality started Introducing Russo’s Modern Traditions Magazine, a new publication produced by Russo’s On The Bay that focuses on food, family, lifestyles, and – of course – events and special occasions. Our readers will enjoy cooking tips, wine advice, local family activities, event planning expertise from our team of seasoned professionals, while bringing our favorite recipes from Russo’s and Vetro home with special features from Chef Michael DeGeorgio. Russo’s Modern Traditions is a great way to bring the Russo’s experience home and to share the Russo’s experience with everyone you love. Remembering and celebrating our core family values with a hint of modern twists is the real essence of Russo’s Modern Traditions.
A New Russo’s Web Experience Our clientele is intelligent, classy and sophisticated. They are educated and want to know more about planning the perfect party, food, wine, corporate events, and lifestyle tips. Because they associate quality with value, the new RussosOnTheBay.com Web site was designed to help our clientele experience the service of Russo’s On The Bay virtually. From expansive photo galleries to educational information, you can rely on RussosOnTheBay. com as the ‘go-to’ resource for all of the information you need when planning an event or hosting a party.
The Future of Russo’s Preferred Vendor Program Our Preferred Vendor Program has existed for some time, with Vendor Concierge, Kelly Greco, handling all of Russo’s Brides’ vendor coordination efforts. As Vendor Concierge, Kelly researches, tests, and spot checks each and every vendor that is part of Russo’s Preferred Vendor Program. Most importantly, when having your event at Russo’s On The Bay or Vetro Restaurant & Lounge, using one of our Preferred Vendors provides you our courtesy guarantee that if you are unsatisfied with the service of a Preferred Vendor, our team will guarantee your service with them. We do this because we know the risk of choosing just anyone to assist in your wedding plans and we believe in the strong relationships that we have with our vendors.
Perfect Backgrounds for Photography By 2014, Russo´s On the Bay will have 26 rooms with glass roofs for picture taking all year round.
25th Anniversary Menu As we begin our 25th Anniversary, we have updated our Wedding Menu to allow our newly engaged couples a customized affair that they will never forget. The 25th Anniversary Signature menu includes an updated cocktail hour, an appetizer course, pasta and risotto combination, intermezzo or salad course, our signature 11-choice entrée selection, and an elegant customized cake from our in-house bakery. The 25th Anniversary Signature Menu also allows each bride and groom to customize their wedding from linen packages to ambient lighting to truly make it the “royal” affair they have always dreamed of.
News
Iconic Local Establishment Launches a Year-Long Celebration to Commemorate 25 Years in Business During Tough Economy, Local Icon Russo’s on the Bay Still has 25 Reasons to Celebrate August 26, 2011; Howard Beach, NY; In the fall of 1987, Frank Russo, Jr. opened the doors of Russo’s on the Bay and since that time, Russo’s on the Bay has become a landmark in the Borough of Queens, New York, fueling careers and giving many their start in life. Today, the company officially announced the launch of its 25th Anniversary celebration, beginning September 1st, 2011 and culminating on the 25th anniversary of the company’s launch. The 25th Anniversary Celebration will continue throughout the next twelve months and include the launch of a loyalty and referral programs for customers, several community programs, an exclusive cocktail party event for new brides, and several surprise announcements. The future of this Queens icon is limitless. In fact, while many close their doors and lay off employees, Russo’s on the Bay is planning “further expansion.” The recent launch of Vetro Restaurant and Lounge and the View at Vetro is a testament to that, as is the company’s first ever Hospitality Job Expo which began with a pool of over 600 applicants and provided 60 new jobs within the community. When asked to elaborate, Russo stated, “Our most important commitment has always been and will continue to be to our community. We built the company on traditions and food, but as the landscape of our community and industry changes, we want to grow and change with it…” Further stating, “It’s not enough for any company to continue to do what it has always done. The landscape and industry changes, we must be innovative, thinking beyond our clients current needs and anticipating what they will want. There are huge announcements in the works, and all we can say is that it’s going to be a very big year.” For over 50 years in the Borough of Queens, the Russo name has been synonymous with excellence in service and exceptional cuisine. From the day that Frank Russo, Sr. opened the doors of Villa Russo over fifty years ago, the family has built a strong, loyal following of customers who appreciate the service, traditions and values that one would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Since its launch in 1987, the catering hall has been providing exceptional quality in all that they do from the service and food delivered at each event, to the charitable and community endeavors that make the company a community landmark. Founder and vision behind the company, Frank Russo, Jr. stated, “I’m sure we would have opportunities if we wanted them, but I don’t see selling the business to anyone as an option. This is my family’s legacy – our name. We have one of the most incredible, talented and customer-service oriented teams in the business and each one of us at Russo’s believes that our clients deserve nothing but the best. It would be difficult to find anyone with the kind of commitment we have to that service. We want to be here for another 25 years, growing and expanding to provide the same service and quality to future generations.” Frank Russo, Jr. opened the doors of Russo’s on the Bay and since that time, Russo’s on the Bay has become a landmark in the Borough of Queens, New York, fueling careers and giving many their start in life. Today, the company officially announced the launch of its 25th Anniversary celebration, beginning September 1st, 2011 and culminating on the 25th anniversary of the company’s launch. The 25th Anniversary Celebration will continue throughout the next twelve months and include the launch of a loyalty and referral programs for customers, several community programs, an exclusive cocktail party event for new brides, and several surprise announcements. The future of this Queens icon is limitless. In fact, while many close their doors and lay off employees, Russo’s on the Bay is planning “further expansion.” The recent launch of Vetro Restaurant and Lounge and the View at Vetro is a testament to that, as is the company’s first ever Hospitality Job Expo which began with a pool of over 600 applicants and provided 60 new jobs within the community. When asked to elaborate, Russo stated, “Our most important commitment has always been and will continue to be to our community. We built the company on traditions and food, but as the landscape of our community and industry changes, we want to grow and change with it…” Further stating, “It’s not enough for any company to continue to do what it has always done. The landscape and industry changes, we must be innovative, thinking beyond our clients current needs and anticipating what they will want. There are huge announcements in the works, and all we can say is that it’s going to be a very big year.” For over 50 years in the Borough of Queens, the Russo name has been synonymous with excellence in service and exceptional cuisine. From the day that Frank Russo, Sr. opened the doors of Villa Russo over fifty years ago, the family has built a strong, loyal following of customers who appreciate the service, traditions and values that one would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Since its launch in 1987, the catering hall has been providing exceptional quality in all that they do from the service and food delivered at each event, to the charitable and community endeavors that make the company a community landmark. Founder and vision behind the company, Frank Russo, Jr. stated, “I’m sure we would have opportunities if we wanted them, but I don’t see selling the business to anyone as an option. This is my family’s legacy – our name. We have one of the most incredible, talented and customer-service oriented teams in the business and each one of us at Russo’s believes that our clients deserve nothing but the best. It would be difficult to find anyone with the kind of commitment we have to that service. We want to be here for another 25 years, growing and expanding to provide the same service and quality to future generations.”
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Russo's On The Bay 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, New York 11414 (P) 718-843-5055 - (F) 718-641-7537 www.RussosOnTheBay.com
Russo’s on the Bay Kicks off 25th Anniversary Celebration with the “Most Exclusive Bridal Event of the Year” During Tough Economy, Local Icon Russo’s on the Bay Still has 25 Reasons to Celebrate August 24, 2011; Howard Beach, NY; On August 23rd, 2011, Russo’s on the Bay officially announced the launch of its 25th Anniversary celebration, beginning September 1st, 2011 and culminating on the 25th anniversary of the company’s launch. In honor of the 25th Anniversary Celebration, Russo’s on the Bay is inviting 250 newly engaged couples to attend an exclusive bridal event to be held on October 4th, 2011. The invitation-only event will be held at Russo’s on the Bay and be hosted by the exemplary team of catering professionals that make Russo’s unique. This unique event is unlike most expos and bridal shows in that it is invitation only. Founder of Russo’s on the Bay, Frank Russo, Jr., explained the vision behind the event, stating, “We would love to have every bride in the tri-state area, but we want this event to be special. To truly experience the Russo’s brand level of service, we have to keep the event smaller and more exclusive. You can sample our incredible cuisine at Vetro Restaurant and Lounge or at Giardino, but until you’ve attended a private catered affair at one of our locations, I think it’s hard to understand the difference. We want to showcase what an event should be.” This exclusive cocktail event features food, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Educational speakers and guests will advise brides on planning the perfect wedding, picking the right dates and adding value at every turn in the planning process. “The most important part of this event is what the brides will leave with,” stated Russo, “It comes down to educating and protecting the consumer. There are a lot of options in the wedding industry and we want each and every bride who attends to leave with the education they need to plan the perfect event.” Brides and their guests will experience the service, luxury and royal treatment that made Russo’s on the Bay a legacy. Brides can attend with one guest and each pair will receive: •
Champagne and Hors D ’Oeuvres
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Entertainment
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A private bridal fashion show presenting today’s latest wedding trends
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A gift bag with amazing surprises for each newly registered bride
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A directory of resources for now and after the wedding
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Special offers by all of Russo’s family of venues (Russo’s On The Bay, Giardino, and Vetro) exclusive only
for attendees •
Educational Material
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Wedding Planning Advice
Brides are invited to “Tell Their Love Story” via a simple online form to be entered into the contest. Only 250 lucky brides will attend and only one lucky bride will win the grand prize giveaway at the end of the night. Contest submissions will be accepted through September 22nd and invitations will be distributed within two weeks of the event. The event is invitation only and selected brides will be notified via Email and USPS of their invitation. One of the fortunate brides who attends the event will be crowned the Grand Prize Winner and receive a luxury grand prize to be announced on October 4th. To enter, visit www.GetMarriedAtRussos.com and click on the “Submit Your Entry Now” button.
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Russo's On The Bay 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, New York 11414 (P) 718-843-5055 - (F) 718-641-7537 www.RussosOnTheBay.com
Russo’s On The Bay Kicks Off its 25th Year of Business By Announcing a New Anniversary Wedding Menu for Newly Engaged Couples Brides-to-Be are Invited to Experience the Excellence and Receive Free Event-Planning Education at Russo’s On The Bay in a Private Cocktail Party Setting and Be the First to Taste Russo’s New Wedding Menu selections September 12, 2011; Howard Beach, NY: Since its doors opened in 1987, Russo’s On The Bay has become a landmark in the Borough of Queens, New York, exemplifying a standard of luxury that was once reserved for only the royal. On August 23rd, 2011, the company officially announced the launch of its 25th Anniversary celebration, beginning September 1st, 2011 and culminating on the 25th anniversary of the company’s launch. In honor of the 25th Anniversary Celebration, Russo’s On The Bay has several major announcements including an exclusive bridal event October 4th, 2011, to experience a ROYAL evening at Russo’s On The Bay. This exclusive cocktail event features food, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Educational speakers and guests will advise brides on planning the perfect wedding, picking the right dates and adding value at every turn in the planning process. Brides and their guests will experience the service, luxury and royal treatment that has made Russo’s on the Bay a legacy. Brides can attend with one guest and each pair will receive – Champagne, Hors D ’Oeuvres, Music, Educational Material, Wedding Planning Advice, Gift bags featuring, Wedding Planners, Luxury Brand Giveaways, Samples, Discounts and Special Offers. Russo’s is also proud to announce the launch of its new and improved Anniversary Wedding Menu. “As we begin our 25th Anniversary, we have updated our Wedding Menu to allow our newly engaged couples a customized affair that they will never forget,” states Mr. Russo. He describes the menu as an updated cocktail hour that highlights new, popular additions, such as our “Seafood Station”, “Peking Duck Station”, and “Steak House Station”; to name a few. This menu modernizes Russo’s traditional menu, and incorporates the a-la-carte style which we so elegantly provide at Vetro Restaurant and Lounge by Russo’s On The Bay. In keeping with this restaurant-style theme, the menu offers: an appetizer course, pasta and risotto combination, intermezzo or salad course, and our signature 11-choice entrée selection. And, because Brides deserve the very best on their special day, the package comes with a selection of the most elegantly decorated wedding cakes prepared in Russo’s very own in-house bakery by award-winning pastry Chef Marco Valencia. The announcements don’t stop there as Russo’s also includes in its 25th Anniversary Menu the option for the bride and groom to customize their wedding to truly make it the “royal” affair they have always dreamed of. Each couple will be able to select: Butler-style Cocktail Hour items; a selection of dining room, dais, and cake tables dressed with sophisticated linens fit for a King and Queen; chair covers with embellishments; damask, satin trimmed and Wilshire napkin changes throughout the evening; a signature drink created and named after the bride and groom; superior ambiance lighting; a specialty dessert chosen by the bride and groom; and much more.
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Get the Full Scoop in Russo’s Modern Traditions - Ask About it in December 2011!
What Makes Vetro Executive Chef Michael DeGeorgio the Hottest Chef in New York???
Standing in the kitchen with Executive Chef Michael DeGeorgio can easily be compared to watching DaVinci create a masterpiece. While many people frequent restaurants and everyone loves to eat, tasting something that DeGeorgio creates for you is certainly a different experience. He exudes passion and intensity as he effortlessly floats around the kitchen, spouting recipes and instructions as a grade school teacher reciting the alphabet. As he speaks, he blends ingredients into the perfect combination to create dishes that simply melt in your mouth. Chef DeGeorgio’s food, which combines traditional Italian and Greek influences with modern twists, creates an irresistible cuisine rarely found in most Italian restaurants. It’s as though you can actually taste the expertise, the passion and the love that each dish was so carefully prepared with. As a wouldbe chef and passionate ‘foodie’, it’s easy to admire the skill and elegance that goes into each perfectly presented plate.
Be Inspired
Italian Recipes
Embrace your passion for food and wine. Learn the Secrets of Classic and Modern Italian Dishes, the best Food and Wine Pairings and so Much More! Education at Vetro Restaurant and Lounge January 25th, 2012 “Soups and Minestras” February 29th, 2012 “After Valentine’s Romance” March 14th, 2012 “Introduction to tasting and White Wines of Italy” March 21st, 2012 “Red Wines of Northern Italy” March 28th, 2012 “Red Wines of Central and Southern Italy” March 31st, 2012 “Brunch Signature Favorites” April 4th, 2012 “Great Wines of The United States” April 11th 2012 “The Wines of Bordeaux” April 18th, 2012 “The Wines of Burgundy & Other Regions of France” April 25th, 2012 “The Spring Fling”
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Vetro Restaurant and Lounge 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-843-8387 www.VetroNYCcom
Tell Us Your Love Story - The Most Exclusive Bridal Event Of the Year
A Royal Affair at Russo’s
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Read All About it in
Russo’s Modern Traditions Magazine!
162-45 Cross Bay Blvd. - Howard Beach, New York 11414 (P) 718-843-5055 - (F) 718-641-7537 www.RussosOnTheBay.com Visit Our Site View Upcoming Events
164-49 Cross Bay Blvd. - Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-843-8387 www.VetroNYC.com Visit Our Site Make a Reservation
44-37 Douglaston Parkway - Douglaston, NY 11363 718 - 428 - 1090 www.Giardinos.com Visit Our Site Make a Reservation
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Upcoming Holiday Events at Russo’s, Vetro and Giardino Thursday, November 24, 2011 Thanksgiving Dinner at Giardino’s & Vetro
Saturday, December 31, 2011 New Year’s Eve Celebration at Giardino’s and Vetro
Saturday, December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve at Giardino’s and Vetro
Thursday, February 9, 2012 Carnevale at Russo’s
Every Sunday in December Brunch with Santa at Giardino’s
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Saturday, December 31, 2011 “Psychedelic Flashback” New Year’s Eve Party at Russo’s
Seating is Limited, Reserve TODAY!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance at Russo’s Sunday, April 8, 2012 Easter Celebration at Russo’s, Giardino’s, and Vetro
www.RussosOnTheBay.com/Events or call 718-843-5055