Farmingdale's 317 Main Street Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary

FARMINGDALE, NY — The owners of 317 Main Street were joined by local officials on Thursday as the restaurant celebrated its one-year anniversary in Farmingdale Village. Having opened last year, the American gastropub has spent half of its tenure staying afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. Still, co-owner Joe Fortuna is pleased with how the first year played out.

"Despite the curveball of COVID, things have been great," he told Patch. "The community has been overwhelmingly supportive. We couldn’t ask for more. It’s a new business. We could not have asked for a better year despite the obstacles."

The food menu was meticulously assembled by executive chef Eric LeVine, a champion of The Food Network's "Chopped." Offerings range from the traditional — burgers, tacos, steak, seafood — to the seasonal. Drinks include cocktails hinging on the time of year, craft beer and imported wines, while available desserts are carted over to your table.

Fortuna had nothing but good things to say about working with LeVine.

"He’s great," he said. "He’s a team player. He puts out fantastic dishes. The way he speaks to all the customers and says ‘hello.’ He’s just a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful chef. We couldn’t ask for a better person to lead this business."

The restaurant has a large front dining room prominently featuring a chef's table overseen by LeVine. The back room, which houses a stage that was used for live performances until the COVID-19 outbreak hit, has instead served as a second dining area.

The eatery's first year celebration was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony where Joseph Garcia, president of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, announced Fortuna as the chamber board's Small Businessperson of the Year.

"The amount of hard work and creativity this year that every small business had to come up with and execute; we could’ve given it to anybody, but we didn’t think anybody exemplified it better than Joe and everything he’s been doing," Garcia said. "So, congratulations and thank you. We’re here if you need us."

Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand echoed the sentiment, saying the Village will help 317 Main Street every way possible. Ekstrand then cited Fortuna and LeVine's penchant for giving back to the community.

"You’re always there," Ekstrand said. "The Dalers need a meal? The underprivileged need a meal? You always, always, take care of them. It’s just amazing how you got the money for St. Kilian’s Outreach. That just shows me you have the foresight and the intuitiveness to do these things and give back to the community. And for that, we applaud you."

Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay supervisor, said Farmingdale Village's businesses are awesome and needed.

"Farmingdale happens to have among the best business leaders that can be found anywhere in New York state," Saladino said. "You’re all consummate professionals. Joe [Fortuna], you’ve been amazing. Your chef puts together meals that are the best of the best. The food is delicious, you’re always courteous, and you’re an amazing friend. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. We love you, and continue on."

Fortuna also owns The Nutty Irishman, which is mere feet away from 317 Main Street. Both restaurants are open outdoors and indoors, with indoors being at 50 percent capacity due to a state mandate.

317 Main Street can be reached at 516-512-5317 and shares an address with its namesake. Food can be ordered online, as the restaurant offers delivery and curbside pickup.