If it's authentic European style cuisine that you are craving, your first stop for a great plate date is the Chalet Alpina. Your hosts Lenny and his partner Zelko will welcome you into their cozy "chalet" for a meal that's pure comfort food that will tempt your palate.

The Chalet Alpina has been a Forest Hills destination point for over twenty-eight years. Lenny and Zelko have owned the restaurant for the last four years, bringing their lifetime of restaurant experience to you.

Plate date starter recommendations include the Ungarische Goulasch soup or the salty and succulent clams casino. Another savory appetizer choice is the Goat Cheese Pouch. Creamy mild goat cheese wrapped up with spinach and wild mushrooms baked in phyllo dough topping baby field greens in a balsamic dressing. Mmmm!

Try some of the signature dishes such as the Manchner Sauerbraten, which is a marinated pot roast in a sweet and sour sauce, or the Weiner Schnitzel done in the traditional style of pounding a veal cutlet very thin, breading it and then sautéing it to a golden brown perfection. The Bavarian Plate is a popular favorite of diners at the Chalet Alpina. The Bavarian Plate is a combination of smoked pork tenderloin, smoked sausage, and roast loin of pork. Entrees come with two side dishes. Spaetzle and creamed spinach just like you remembered are two recommended choices.

Two irresistible desserts that rate high on the plate date scale are the apple strudel and the chocolate torte. The freshly baked apple strudel is a blend of granny smith and red delicious apples, plump white raisins in the lightest of puff pastry topped with whipped cream. The dense, not overly sweet chocolate torte with a buttery chocolate cookie crumb crust is purely decadent way to end your meal.

Lenny and Zelko are true wine connoisseurs and their wine list is excellent. By the bottle or by the glass many of the wines are gold medal winners and Lenny or Zelko will be happy to help you choose a perfect wine to compliment your dinner. Of course this European style restaurant features great beer. The beer selection here spans many countries including Germany, Belgium, Mexico and the United States, with five beers on tap.

Sunday the Chalet Alpina is open for lunch from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and offers a great plate date deal. You get soup or salad, any entree, selected desserts and tea or coffee all for the price of just your entree. Try holding your next party in one of two private party rooms available for up to 30 people. The catering menu is only $24.95 per person for a three-course meal.

So don't hesitate to make a plate date at the Chalet Alpina and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere and the hearty European food at reasonable prices.