Hungry Customers Taking Monsoon by Storm

The first official weekend of business for Monsoon was a blockbuster, with a full house and more than 200 dinners served on opening night this past Thursday. Last weekend pulled in another 1,400 patrons and that could be the norm given how reservations are piling up.

Right now the Asian-themed restaurant/lounge is open six nights, closed on Tuesday, and can seat 200 diners. The official certificate of occupancy allows for 275.

But some concerns from residents and reports by customers to village officials have initiated a discussion between the village board and the lawyer for the Bohlsen Restaurant Group (BRG), which operates Monsoon as well as several other high-end dining places including Tellers, H2O, Prime and Verace.

Village leaders are looking into alleged reports that a DJ and live music are in play after the dinner hour, as well as a dancing area. Neither of those activities are permitted under the agreed upon covenants accompanying building use approval given last year, according to the village. Another report indicated the eatery was offering valet parking services. That activity is no longer happening, according to village officials.

Village leaders stress they're hoping to have a cooperative relationship and view the restaurant as a boon for the business district. The sentiment is shared by local workers and storeowners, many who believe it will bring new business traffic into the area.

"This is a great thing for the business area. It'll bring new people in who might not know all the great places the village has," a local bartender at another Deer Park restaurant told Patch.

And that new business will be streaming in given that Monsoon’s phone is ringing off the hook, with “many bookings in the coming weeks,” according to BRG.

“We always hold aside a few tables for those who want to drop in at the last minute, but if you have the time, be sure call us,” Michael Bohlsen told Patch. Reservations can be made by calling 631-587-4400. By mid-March diners will be able to book a table via Monsoon’s website.

The restaurant, the largest in the business district, employees 100 people, according to BRG, and the owners are eager to get involved in community events.

“As a resident of Babylon, I am anxious to get involved locally in any way we can to help our neighbors,” said Bohlsen, noting the restaurant’s management has already made plans to host a luncheon for local veterans and invited the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce in for a meal during the week of soft opening events.

“We are excited to serve our community but also to help bring new visitors from across Long Island to this wonderful village,” said Bohlsen.