AS FEATURED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES ON JANUARY 9, 2010
V.F.W. of Columbia
Mr. Baker and a number of other veterans hang out a few times a week at Haakon’s Hall, a new restaurant across the street from campus that has become a de facto V.F.W. hall. The owner, James Lenzi, hosted a dozen veterans stuck on campus on Thanksgiving, giving them a free lunch. He did the same on Christmas.
The paternal relationship evolved as the restaurant was about to open in May and the veterans were looking for a place to hold an event.
“I know the miseries of war,” Mr. Lenzi said. “My father and 12 uncles fought in World War II and Korea. I’m working-class, and they are the only ones who talked to me.”
While the veterans get free pitchers of beer and V.I.P. treatment, Mr. Lenzi reaps the benefit of their varied skills: fixing the wireless network, hoisting barrels of beer, updating the Web site, even doing plumbing work.
“It’s like ‘Cheers,’ ” Mr. Baker said.
Mr. Lenzi, in his own way, looks out for the veterans, too.
“What time is your class tomorrow?” he asked Kevin Stendal, a former Marine, on a cold night last month.
“14:40,” was the reply.
After mentally converting the military time to 2:40 p.m., Mr. Lenzi assented to another pitcher of beer for their table.
“I just don’t want them to be hung over,” he said. “They’ve got finals.”
FOR FULL ARTICLE FROM NY TIMES, PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/nyregion/09gis.html?scp=1&sq=HAAKON'S%20HALL&st=cse
FOR AUDIO SLIDE SHOW FEATURING CAMERON BAKER & HAAKON'S HALL RESTAURANT, PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/01/09/nyregion/veteran-columbia/index.html
As seen on TastingTable NYC
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Subdivisions
Upscale, partitioned comfort food at Haakon's Hall |
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When cold weather settles in, the body needs comfort food more than ever.
Those seeking such nurturing can head to James Lenzi's Morningside Heights restaurant, Haakon's Hall.
Every day of the week, the former Café des Artistes chef offers what he humbly dubs the "TV dinner," served on a partitioned ceramic plate made by Lenzi's son (and restaurant namesake), Haakon.
The self-contained specials ($13.50) feature centerpieces like pot pie, pork loin, fish 'n' chips and turkey--and come with all the trimmings, including salad and dessert.
Parts of the Lenzi's globe-trotting menu are a nod to his Norwegian wife; for instance, an ice cream sandwich ($5) clamps warm waffles around ice cream and lingonberries. The restaurant, which opened in May, also houses a Norsk "country store", which sells staples like crispbread, cloudberry jam, Solo orange soda and caramel-colored gjetost cheese.
The mood at Haakon's grows pensive only on Sunday evenings, during the heated trivia competition. Afterward, the spirited (and spirit-fueled) conversation carries late into the night.
Haakon's Hall, 1187 Amsterdam Ave. (between 118th and 119th sts.); 212-300-4166 or haakonshallny.com
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10/11/2009
- Service was outstanding (they treat you like family)! I'll be back"
From Zagat, July 22, 2009
- "This snug spot near Columbia University provides comfort in both its atmosphere and its food, with a home-like setting and a menu which includes TV-style dinners created by the owner's son."
From MetroMix.com, June 3, 2009
- "Their beer selection is amazing and it's great that the area has a real nice bar hit late night
From Citysearch, July 27, 2009
- "Quirky restaurant in the Columbia area offers random melange menu that includes a Saturday TV dinner special"
From nyc.com, July 27, 2009
- "Local watering hole with surprisingly ambitious hearty fare"
From Not for tourist.com, July 27, 2009
- Best dang BBQ Pork Loin in the city that never sleeps the atomsphere is lively and the service is phenonmenal.
From the Village Voice, July 30, 2009
- It's a great location, Offering free WiFi and Haakon's Hall even features gluten-free items on its menu."
Posted by Michael Hickins, Jully 22, 2009 to Digital Life Blog, Information Network
- National Attention has been given to Haakon's Hall by Marian Burros & Julia Moskin in the New York Times Dining section following the opening of the Haakon's Hall.
Featured article in the Norwegian Times, May 17th, 2009 and the Bergen Tidende (Norway's Leading Newspaper)
One of his Norwegian entrees, Kjoh-Akaker, tastes like an embellished version of a meatball, prepared with red wine sauce, vegetables, potatoes, and lingonberries. Thankfully, a crunchy garlic bread accompanies the dish—ideal for dipping in the delicious sauce while cleaning up the plate.To further complement the extensive menu, the fare is easy on the wallet and the portions are rather generous. Plus, there is the added student bonus of free wi-fi. Haakon’s Hall may just become Max Café’s biggest competition by day, and Campo’s by night.
Just like eating at home, if your home was in Norway and your mother was a great cook. The atmosphere is homey, with welcome touches from Norway. But the food is better by far than the usual home fare -- the Norwegian fish selections were served in an equisite garlic, citrus, butter blend with wilted spinach, and both dessert and the appitezer were great. Service was outstanding (they treat you like a guest)! I'll be back!
by Columbia Spectator- New York, NY
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1/9/2010 |
| Email: |
jrhanc@gmail.com |
| Full Name: |
Joseph Hanc |
| Address: |
3011 W. George St |
| City: |
Chicago |
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IL |
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60618-7608 |
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7733158052 |
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| Subject: |
nytimes articles |
| Message: |
Mr Lenzi: As an alum (college '76) I was thrilled and pleased to hear that Columbia was the higher education choice of many veterans. I hope their Columbia experience is as good as mine. (And thank you for your contribution to that good time.) If it's not too intrusive, I'd appreciate it if you'd pass a question along to your veteran regulars. I'm assuming GS students are required to take the core curriculum, and I would like to know what they think of the Iliad. Their experience gives them a unique perspective, and I'd appreciate their insight. Thank you; best wishes and good fortune for 2010. Joseph Hanc PS my father is a GS graduation. |
| Location: |
Haakon's Hall |
| Submit Date: |
1/9/2010 |
| Email: |
brendanwilliamlake@gmail.com |
| Full Name: |
brendan lake |
| Address: |
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| Message: |
Mr lenzi, just read the great NY Times article about the military vets. i live in philadelphia and will make an effort to get to Haakon's hall the next time I'm in the city. i like what you're doing and appreciate the fact that you're helping the miliary vets. keep me on your email list as well. |
| Location: |
Haakon's Hall |
| Submit Date: |
1/9/2010 |
| Email: |
afoxtrot@maine.rr.com |
| Full Name: |
Alicia Fagan |
| Address: |
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| City: |
Portland |
| State: |
ME |
| Zip: |
04103 |
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| Subject: |
Thank you |
| Message: |
Just read about you in the NY Times and how you're really going out of your way to help the student veterans at Columbia. Thanks. Keep up the great work. Best of luck to you and your business. |
| Location: |
Haakon's Hall |
| Submit Date: |
1/9/2010 |
| Email: |
Mike.jnelson.1@gmail.com |
| Full Name: |
Michael Nelson |
| Address: |
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| City: |
Prior Lake |
| State: |
MN |
| Zip: |
55372 |
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| Subject: |
Thank you |
| Message: |
Mr. Lenzi, Thank you for taking care of our veterans. I just read the NY Times article about veterans enrolled at Columbia University and how your establishment has become their spot. Way to go. Next time I'm in NY I will be sure to stop in. |
| Location: |
Haakon's Hall |
| Submit Date: |
1/9/2010 |
| Email: |
ambrosenikilynn@hotmail.com |
| Full Name: |
Nicole Ambrose |
| Address: |
712 W. 176th Street, Apt. 5G |
| City: |
New York |
| State: |
NY |
| Zip: |
10033 |
| Phone: |
347-482-4577 |
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| Subject: |
NYTimes 1/9/10 |
| Message: |
Mr. James Lenzi, I read about your establishment and it's relationship with the Veterans from Columbia University in the New York Times today. I am deeply touched; thank you so much for the kindness and compassion you share with these heroes. I am pleased to know they are being well-taken care of. Sincerely, Niki AMbrose Washington Heights |
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