Jamaican American entrepreneurs Annette and Noel Runcie have brought a unique style of dining to the heart of Rosedale, Queens, offering a special Euro Soul cuisine that fuses rich Caribbean and Moroccan flavors, served in an upscale ambiance.
Pa-Nash Restaurant, Bar & Lounge officially opened its doors on April 11, 2014, although there was a soft opening in November 2013 at 144-14 243 St., to rave reviews by patrons who relax in a Manhattan type dining within their own neighborhood.
The 300 sq ft. project, costing well over $1 million, has a seating capacity of 150. In addition to a sit-down area, Pa-Nash also has a 25-foot long bar with two flat-screen televisions.
There is also a downstairs lounge for live entertainment, including belly-dancing and comedy. Pa-Nash is very much a labor of love for the owners.
Proprietor Annette Runcie spoke excitedly about the flare and cultural mix that includes one of the restaurant’s favorite appetizers, “fig- glazed chicken wings,” pepped up with Caribbean seasonings and hot chili sauce.
Like its tagline that say “Live life with a “Dash of Pa-Nash,” owners take pride in creating a workplace culture that promotes respect value and appreciation.
Runcie says the restaurant provides high quality food, exotic drinks and live entertainment.
While customers savor Jerk Salmon Gravlox with Melon and Red Onion Salad, or Roasted Eggplant and Sweet Pepper Bruschetta, they can at the same time, enjoy the sounds of local musicians.
The restaurateurs gave top executive chef Alex Askew the authority to bring his tasty menu to every plate. The smack is exotic because of the North African, Mediterranean and Caribbean influences.
The eatery serves up mouth water entrée of Toasted Coconut & Almond Crusted Salmon over Buttered Cabbage, Euro Soul Ti-Kabob, Pistachio Crumbed Lamb Chops with Rosemary syrup and Israeli Couscous, just to name a few.
No stranger to quality food and service to the community, Runcie was praised for opening the one and only Golden Krust restaurant that has been a staple on Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village for the last 10 years.
She calls it the Marquee of Golden Krust standard.
Someone who is passionate about a stable and upstanding community, Runcie’s aim is to give back, and as such, she provides a creative space for painters to showcase their colorful works of art.
“I believe strongly in giving back to the community, that is the reason we support positive programs. One such is the youth initiative where training in work etiquette prepares young people for a disciplined life as they share their skills with the community,” said Runcie.
For more information, visit www.panashnyc.com.
Photo by Jose Galletti
