Anthony’s: 222-02 Union Turnpike, Bayside, 468-6020

Cuisine: Northern Italian

Open: 7 days at varying hours

Anthony’s is one of those Italian restaurants you’d probably hear about in a Billy Joel song, if only it were located in Tribecca or some other trendy spot in "the City." Instead, it’s right here in Queens for the convenience and pleasure of people like me.

And that’s where I took my family for dinner one recent evening. Located a hop, skip, a jump and two blocks down from Springfield Boulevard, we were there and parked within ten minutes.

Upon our arrival, we were struck by the beautiful interior with live music from an adept piano player. Greeted by co-owner, Richard we were immediately seated in the elevated area of the dining room and served with a basket of warm, homemade breads with butter packets on the side.

As I ate I was struck by the first edition oil paintings hung along the length of the room and illuminated by special lighting in addition to the beautiful chandeliers hanging at various points throughout the room. The restaurant is a mere two years old under its present management.

"It used to be a kind of fast food place where Anthony and I liked to get a burger," explained Richard. "Neither of us had ever been in the restaurant business before. I had my own retail business and Anthony was in the real estate business but we liked the place and we bought and completely remodeled it."

And what a job they’ve done!

They opened up walls allowing for the flow of natural lighting all over. The huge main area was separated with chest-high, ornamental glass dividers conducive to privacy for parties, while remaining open, light and airy. So much so, in fact, that President Clinton’s last fundraiser for the First Lady in Queens was hosted there.

But back to my own dining experience.

Our dinners arrived piping hot, served with flair by friendly wait staff. I had the swordfish with linguini sprinkled with freshly ground pepper and freshly grounded cheese. It was awesome! And to add to the pleasure, the prices are competitive and time permitting, the staff will prepare special dietary requests at no special cost; and they frequently run specials such as the current week-day lunch menu (12 to 5 PM) of appetizer, entree, dessert, coffee or tea for $12.95

The rest of my party had the same reaction to their paella and chicken, respectively and as we ate, the resident musician sang American standards as well as Rock ‘n’ Roll classics such as Elvis’ "Love Me Tender and the baseball anthem, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Stuffed as I was, however, I forced myself to try the dessert. Richard recommended the tiramisu, a light taste of heaven in stemware.

Made from biscuit, coffee liqueur, chocolate mousse and whipped cream among the ingredients, it was one of those moments where you close your eyes and wax poetic. And with each delectable spoon I declared in the interest of my waist, it would be the last but before I realized it, there was none left.

I cannot sum up Anthony’s any better than my three year-old son did when he declared at the end, "This is a great restaurant!"