The Elephants in Elmont: How Come We Don’t Have More ‘Healthy Food’ Restaurants?

“What happens, however, when we crave a wholesome meal of lean meats and vegetables? A couple of upscale cocktails followed by small plates? A powerful smoothie and a fresh sandwich for lunch?” Alexandria Harvey writes. [Read more.]

Written by Alexandria Harvey*

Most morals succumb to the craving for fast food—even if this desire is literally and metaphorically fed on rare occasion. Fortunately, for those of us living in Elmont, obtaining the object of our taste buds’ desire often does not involve much more than a walk around the block or a fast drive to one of the major neighborhood roads.

What happens, however, when we crave a wholesome meal of lean meats and vegetables? A couple of upscale cocktails followed by small plates? A powerful smoothie and a fresh sandwich for lunch? If you are like me, you have to venture to either Franklin Square or Floral Park. While traveling to either locale requires very little effort—and generally ends in a pleasing meal—I want to have more options in my own community.

That isn’t to say Elmont is completely void of such sustenance; I am a devoted diner of King Umberto’s and yearn to see more such establishments in the community.
I’ve heard that other restaurants exist, and when I attempt to find their websites or social media sites, they are often non-existent. In other cases, I cannot tell if the establishment is still open because so few recent posts appear. Many of today’s consumers digest information in this way; they assess when they want to patronize a place based on its menu, its happy hour deals, its ambiance, and its open hours.

In other cases, I cannot tell if the establishment is still open because so few recent posts appear. Many of today’s consumers digest information in this way; they assess when they want to patronize a place based on its menu, its happy hour deals, its ambiance, and its open hours.

I hope that extant Elmont eateries can meet these needs. Another closed business in Elmont is not what I want to see. Infusing a broader range of food options can help to fill some of those empty storefronts.

With Hempstead Turnpike and a number of other busy roads, cutting through the area, the lack of business is shocking.

How to draw more restaurants to the area is an obfuscated process for me, and I encourage your suggestions and assistance. More restaurants can also, of course, bring in more jobs for residents of the area.

Plenty of dining establishments host events—whether they are game nights, 2 for 1 drink specials, or psychic readings—that gather members of the community together.

When appealing restaurants appear in Elmont, we then have to play an important part and frequent them. Not only do we have to eat there, but we must invite and encourage relatives and friends to do so as well.

Chances are that you’ve checked out a dining establishment in a thriving part of Long Island with your own peers, so ask them to do the same. While this concept may seem simplistic, consider the communities on Long Island that are popular among individuals seeking new dwellings. These areas are loaded with places to have a meal and a beverage.

You’ve likely heard the platitude that the kitchen is the hearth of the home, which is why the inclusion of more eateries is so important. These developments provide a space for locals to mingle and perform as members of the community, and they also help to paint a more attractive mural for our neighborhood.

Alexandria Harvey is a pseudonym.*

Keep your eyes peeled for Part Four of our brand-new original series, “The Elephants in Elmont,” with Contributing Writer and Elmont resident Alexandria Harvey.

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