50-Year-Old New York Family-Owned Institution Declared Momentous Part of New York History

On April 19th 2010, In honor of Queen’s premiere seafood restaurant, London Lennies,’ 50^th Anniversary, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall and New York City Council Members Elizabeth Crowley-D and Daniel J. Halloran-R presented proclamations and declarations to restaurant owners Leslie Barnes and Joan Barnes, officially marking April 14^th as London Lennie’s Day in both New York City and the Borough of Queens.  The restaurant was also presented with a proclamation from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and a letter of congratulations from Governor David Patterson, who were unable to attend Wednesday’s 50^th Anniversary celebration.

In a speech dedicated to the Barnes Family, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley called London Lennie’s “the quintessential American dream” and went on to thank Joan Barnes for decades of support to the borough of Queens, including positions with the Queens Museum of Art and Flushing Town Hall.  Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall also honored Joan Barnes by leading everyone in song to wish her a happy birthday.  Current owner Leslie Barnes expressed his gratitude to patrons and staff by honoring a list of London Lennie’s strongholds who’d been “members of the family” for 18 years or more.  The list included Sous Chef Domingo Arevalo, who has spent 30 years rising from a dishwasher to the kitchen staff’s second in command.  Assistant Commissioner for Queens Parks Estelle Cooper, claimed to be London Lennie’s longest supporter, frequenting the restaurant for over 40 years.

Additional New York City notables in attendance included New York City Council Member Karen Koslowitz-D, Queens Borough Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism Terri Osborne and Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski.  Also in attendance were NYPD Chief of Department Joseph J. Esposito, NYPD Deputy Inspector Keith Green and NYPD Borough Commander of Patrol Borough Queens North Diana Pizzuti.

Over 400 guests graced the red carpet and celebrated at this festive affair, which featured the famous dishes synonymous with London Lennie’s, delectable deserts by Amanda Smith Caterers and a custom designed cake from Christine Jeohn of Cakes by Christine and the Cascon Baking Company. Sparkling wines from Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Samuel Adams beers were raised in a toast to Queens’ “First Family of Fish.”  

ABOUT:

Owned and operated by the Barnes Family since 1959, London Lennie’s has evolved from a quintessential fish n’ chips shop to Queens’ premier seafood restaurant.  Famous for the best in fresh, local seafood, selected daily at the world-famous Fulton Fish Market, London Lennie’s hosts the area’s finest raw bar. The leading seafood restaurant was recently featured in the New York Times and honored with the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Wine Enthusiast “Award of Distinction” and 2008 and 2009 Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”  Their eclectic wine selection pairs perfectly with London Lennie’s “catch-of-the-day” menu.  London Lennie’s is open for lunch and dinner Monday – Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and for dinner Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call (718) 894-8084 or visit www.londonlennies.com.