My continued desire to improve my culinary knowledge led me to work at several restaurants on Long Island and Manhattan. While trying to do both careers I sustained injuries which caused me to leave boxing in 2015. This allowed me to take all my energies and focus on my other passion. I am French trained and it has been my distinct honor to have worked with world renowned Michelin Star Chefs: Michael Psilakis, Italian born Chef Michele Brigioni (Armani Ristorante), and celebrity Chefs Michael Ginore and Bobby Flay. Working with these stars inspired me to go out on my own.
In late 2016, my mother and I discovered the current location of BabaluNY. This was exactly what we were looking for! That same day, we agreed upon a lease and on April 2017, we opened our doors! In October 2019, we closed for 5 months for the renovation and expansion of the restaurant. On February 27, 2020, BabaluNY v2 re-opened and I couldn’t be prouder and more honored. We also added a wonderful and tranquil patio and courtyard seating. A little oasis in the middle of Huntington Village. But, like any journey, it has taken a village to get here.
Along with the expansion of the restaurant, we were also able to obtain our own food truck “Babalu Bites”. We are so excited to have this part of our growing business! It is available for corporate and private parties, breweries, business complexes, neighborhoods, and many other special locations and celebrations.
We couldn’t have done it without the support of our extended family, our friends and customers. And I couldn’t have done this without my partner, my mother, Leticia Gotay.
My food brings back memories of family, grandparents (Cuban & Puerto Rican) and the home cooked meals we used to enjoy. I love creating dishes that are simple, elegant, delicious and with a twist. And, of course, I sometimes like to create last minute surprises. Our menu is fresh, mostly gluten free and house made daily.
Come join us at BabaluNY and become part of our family, our “Little Havana” in Huntington Village.
Chef Alan Gotay