Lighthouse on the Hudson Has Eats, View

Piermont's is located on the site of the historic Fort Comfort Inn. But over its decade-long run in the village, the eatery itself is becoming a part of the the area's culture.

And, it’s not just about food. When I had visited the proprietor of Tappan Zee Marina , he told me, "Nothing beats sitting on their deck."

I’ll elaborate. The titular "on the Hudson" means you-know-where: the Hudson River. I’ve dined many times on the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow side, and I can vouch for the fact that there is nothing that matches the view of the bridge and the greenery from the western side, too.

"The Lighthouse has a spectacular view of the Hudson River, whether you are dining inside the restaurant with its wall of windows or outside on the magnificent deck," explained Donna DeStefano LaValle Grasso, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Mario. The Grassos—he also owns a construction company, she's also an art teacher at Tappan Zee High School—have owned the Lighthouse for 10 years. Mario oversees every dish that exits the kitchen, whether it is a favorite steak, chop or rib entrée, as well as the most popular dish, the Chilean Sea Bass.

"I think what makes the restaurant a popular spot is the Tiki bar," added Grasso. "The bartenders are known for their high energy and friendliness. Friday nights is a pretty big singles crowd. Saturday it's mostly couples. Later on in the evening the bar tends to get crowed again. There is a Tiki bar menu that is different from the dining menu. Wings, burgers, veggie wraps and pizza are favorites. You can view the menu at www.lighthousehudson.com.”

And you can arrive by car or boat. If the latter, Tappan Zee Marina as a courtesy allows usage of its temporary slip at a gas dock next door. And there’s a regular crew here who gets to know your name. "The staff returns every year," Grasso explained. "Most of the wait staff are college students. They are like family, and it's really wonderful to watch them grow and evolve into fine young men and women."

The Grassos and their staff are also big supporters of the Piermont and Rockland County community. They support the Rockland Policeman's Benevolent Association, Rockland County Sheriff's Department, South Orangetown Central School District and a hadful of local merchants.

"Piermont is a friendly town and all we all try to support each other by frequenting each other's places of business," Grasso said.

And is there any more romantic spot the Lighthouse on the Hudson? “The Lighthouse is a popular place for surprise engagements," Grasso said. "We frequently have a nervous suitor call to ask for a special table by the water so they can propose to their loved one. It is very exciting for us and our staff to watch the event unfold. Once the question is asked—and of course a 'yes' is responded—we send over a complimentary bottle of champagne."

--

Lighthouse on the Hudson, 701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, (845) 365-1986, www.lighthousehudson.com