Last week I made a wonderful discovery! I rediscovered Steve Karathanos! You remember Steve. He was the originator of Steve's Pier 1, the beautiful Bayville restaurant on Long Island Sound.

When you entered the restaurant you walked over that little bridge and looked down into the sea-water pool filled with huge lobsters, crabs and assorted sea creatures. You knew immediately you were in a great restaurant. Steve would greet you warmly and take you to a table with a great view of the Long Island Sound. The land in the distance was Rye, NY in Westchester County.

When my friend and I decided to meet in Manhattan for supper he chose the Metro Fish Restaurant on 36th St. (between 5th Ave and Madison Ave). As I entered the restaurant I rediscovered Steve.

We hugged and it was great to see him again. As we reminisced he filled me in on his new restaurant. "I could not stay retired because I am not yet ready for the Old Rocking Chair."

Steve is still a Long Islander. He lives in Locust Valley and he drives into Manhattan every day.

The food was delicious at the Metro Fish. As soon as you sat down the waiter came in with a dish of large marinated olives and marinated mushrooms in olive oil. The bread was fresh and tasty.

The Metro Fish offers international and regional cuisine from around the world. The freshest seafood, live lobsters, crabs and prime steaks are on the menu.

The prices compare favorably with other fine seafood restaurants and there is plenty of curbside parking after 7 p.m. It also features late elegant dining. There is usually a complete $25 price-fixed dinner on the menu.

If you are using the Long Island Rail Road Metro Fish is within walking distance from Penn Station.

The service is warm, friendly and exact, just like its owner Steve Karathanos. Go visit Steve he will make you comfortable and serve you the freshest seafood in Manhattan.

As for me, it was heartwarming to rediscover an old pal.

Metro Fish Restaurant

8 East 36th Street

New York City 10016

Tel: (212) 683-6444