STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It's official: Sal Himani says the River Dock Cafe at the St. George Ferry Terminal will open in January 2015.
Due to concerns about staffing during "Christmas and New Year's, we're shooting for Jan. 3," says Himani, a principal in the 24-hour seafood operation.
Note: The gallery of images above was photographed a while back. The final product is being kept under wraps until opening day.
Details about a grand opening party are forthcoming, but for now he offers a peek at some of the menu items in a drafted list that does not include pricing as of yet.
On the raw bar: Blue Point oysters, Little Neck clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail and a combination thereof of seafood.
Under the "To share" section: Maryland crabcakes, "Crackling Calamari," assorted Buffalo wings, fresh mozzarella with sliced tomato and basil pesto, "Loaded Nachos," bacon cheeseburger sliders, fried mozzarella and "Rock Shrimp Tempura."
In the "River Dock Steamed Pots" section: Thai mussels, a Cajun version, a "Classic Southwest" pot with shellfish, corn and new potatoes plus the "Chef's Signature Pot" with snow crabs, clams and mussels.
Listed soups and chowders include: New England clam, lobster bisque and broccoli with cheddar.
In the salad department: Classic Caesar with assorted protein toppings plus plates in Greek and Sante Fe styles. Black and white sesame-coated fresh tuna comes over market greens, peppers and tomatoes dressed with Asian flavored ginger-soy vinaigrette.
Pasta options: Lobster ravioli in honey-chipotle cream sauce with basil, linguini Alfredo, Penne ala Vodka and Seafood Fra Diavolo.
Fish selections on the "Just Hooked" menu: Fresh Maine lobster, marinated grilled tiger jumbo shrimp, Alaskan king crab legs, Alaskan grilled salmon, pan-fried Chilean sea bass and seared tilapia, the latter with a choice of steamed veggies, mashed potatoes or polenta.
From there, expect mains that go from fish 'n' chips to surf 'n' turf to ribs and free-range chicken breast. Burgers are on tap, plus sandwiches will be made with lobster, steak and fish.
Desserts: In this preliminary look, options include crème brulee, molten chocolate cake, caramel-apple cobbler, cheesecake, red velvet cake, ice cream and a brownie sundae.
Getting hungry yet? Well, based on the history of the restaurant so far, Staten Islanders might want to keep their appetites in check. In July 2013, Himani hoped for an October 2013 opening. Later on that year, he anticipated a year-end date.
A couple of months ago, the build-out looked as if it were in its rough final stages, based on a peek at the corner venue.
"River Dock Café expects to open with in the next six weeks," said Christopher Carroll, a spokesman for the NYCEDC, in an email from September.
Requests for information on the delays from the New York City Economic Development Corp, the landlord for Ferry Dock's space, were acknowledged but not answered by deadline.
The Himanis are seasoned restaurateurs who, unfortunately, lost several waterfront restaurants in 2012, damage resulting from Hurricane Sandy. Eateries at Pier 11 and Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport, Himani explained earlier this year, "washed away."
"We had a tough time," admitted the young entrepreneur, who says the family's business is in waterfront venues in New York and New Jersey at transportation hubs, such as the Staten Island operation.
Himani works with his dad and two uncles. His family also owns ZZ's Pizza at the St. George terminal and Kwikshop Cafe and Pizza at the Whitehall Terminal.
Also the other side of the harbor: Himani and his budding restaurant operation are constructing Whitehall's first sit-down eatery: The Brass Tap.
"It's a franchise, a craft beer bar and restaurant — something unique," explained Himani. That operation, as of Nov. 11, 2014, was anticipated for February 2015.