Village Considers New French Restaurant

At last night's public hearing at Babylon Village Hall, the latest potential addition to the downtown's dining scene was discussed. Opening where Bistro 111 closed, Nocture, a French-style restaurant, would be a family effort of the Hrisho family from Holbrook. Mark Hrisho, a graduate and chef at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, hopes to serve a seasonal, classical French-inspired menu with housemade pastas, sausage, charcuterie plates. Nocturne would offer a rotating list of daily specials, wines, craft beers and specialty drinks.

Hrisho told the board that he was hoping to open as soon as possible. His wife Susan and son would also work in the restaurant, and they are currently renovating the interior. Hrisho hopes to have outdoor seating on the back patio when weather permits.

"We will offer another layer of options in the village," Hrisho said. "Our type of cusine will fit nicely into what's currently here."

Mayor Ralph Scordino questioned the applicant's request for late weekend hours, noting that he thinks "a bar is a bar and a restaurant is a bar." Hrisho asked for a 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday night closing time, and midnight during the week.

Hrisho, who was a career changer with a background in retail management, said he wanted to open a restaurant, not a bar, but wanted to also be able to serve patrons at a full bar.

He also noted that because of his connections to the New York City culinary school, sous chefs and interns from the institute would be on hand, and possible joint events with the school might happen in the future.

The Board of Trustees reserved their decision on the application.