CityView Magazine

Cit yV iewN C.co m | 43 W e totally expect Guy Fieri, the host of "Diners, Drive- Ins and Dives" on Food Network, to fling open the door and shout, "Give me the Western omelet, some hash browns, and throw in a side of country ham!" New York Restaurant is that kind of place. Pure diner heaven. No pretenses. No fuss. Just soul-satisfying food and familial hospitality in a modest building that's pretty much sandwiched between the "Jesus Car Wash" and Fuller's BBQ on Eastern Boulevard. Turn into the parking lot at the big blue-and-white sign. Don't worry if it's full – there's overflow in the back. Inside, the waitresses buzz about, delivering bargain platters of bacon and eggs and keeping coffee cups filled. is is "Breakfast in America," with all forms of humanity represented in the red leatherette booths. A mish-mash of art on the white-paneled walls includes a large calendar from a dedicated customer's nearby business, a tribute to the movie "Casablanca," and a vintage photograph of when the restaurant was called the Village Diner. Sometime in the 1960s, it switched over to New York Restaurant aer the original diner by that name closed following a long run on Hay Street. Nikolaos "Nick" Drakos bought the 48-seat eatery 30 years ago with his wife, Selena. eir daughter, Maria, was only about four months old at the time, so she has literally grown up in the business. With a Greek accent as thick as honey, Nick makes conversation with regulars and first- Far left: The Drakos family are owners of New York Restaurant. Pictured are Nikolaos "Nick" Drakos with his wife, Selena, and their daughter, Maria. 910.868.5131 | 3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 | www.fayacademy.org Fayetteville Academy Fayetteville Academy admits qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religion in the administration of admissions, educational policies, financial aid, athletic programs, or other activities. Preparing students for college and beyond CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE! RANKED #1 IN THE NICHE.COM 2020 BEST PRIVATE K-12 SCHOOLS IN THE FAYETTEVILLE AREA The 35 members of the Class of 2019 were offered more than $3.2 million in college scholarships and grants. 76 percent of AP exams taken resulted in a score of 3 or higher. Chromebook and iPad programs | Grades 4-7 LEGO ® Robotics Team Middle/Upper School STEAM SmartLab ® | Lower School SmartLabs ® opening Fall 2020 More than $500,000 in need-based financial aid awarded annually to qualified applicants. FayTV.net

• Cover