3 things you didn’t know about Hunki’s Pizza

If you live in the Five Towns region, and especially West Hempstead, I bet you think you know everything there is to know about Hunki’s Pizza. After all, Richie Austein has been operating Hunki’s at 338 Hempstead Ave. for 28 years, and nearby for seven years before that.

Wednesday night delight

But did you know that on Wednesday evening, Hunki’s is transformed into a white tablecloth dining experience? There’s softer lighting, waitress service, and a $16.95 three-course fish dinner with seatings from 5 to 8 pm (the restaurant closes at 9). Austein has even been known to include a glass of wine on occasion.

In addition to homemade soup and four types of fresh salad, diners choose from seven fish entrees like Honey Mustard Pecan Encrusted Salmon Filet, or Flounder Rollatine rolled up with spinach and mozzarella cheese. There’ll be two side dishes as well, but beware — it’s tough to pick among all the different types of blintzes, quiches, vegetables, pastas, and potatoes on the menu. Among the more succulent sides are Eggplant Rollatine, Fettuccine Alfredo, Rice Pilaf, and Spinach & Swiss Quiche. If you prefer a less fancy meal, grilled or pan-seared filet of salmon, sole or flounder, along with grilled or steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes would be just the thing.

With tax and tip, you’ll walk out paying around $21 per person for a fine, fresh dairy meal, in a semi-formal atmosphere, with items that will appeal to everyone in your party. Where else in the area can you possibly do that?

(Typically, Wednesday night dinner is served during spring, summer and fall. During the winter, patrons should call before coming.)

Ackerstein Catering

Here’s the second thing you didn’t know: The other side of Hunki’s is Ackerstein Catering. Mountains of beautifully prepared, fresh food can be delivered to your bris, bar/bat mitzvah, festive holiday buffet, informal shul gathering or meeting, with everything deliciously different and impeccably prepared. 

“Customers will always deal with me, Richie, the owner, when they place their catering orders,” Austein says. “I personally plan things out with them and oversee the whole job. People know they can rely on me, that I’m a fair an honest businessman. I am be a bit rough around the edges, but I am a man of my word, you never need to worry about something if I say it will be done.”

Even if he can’t help, that’s an important thing to know up front.

“If I already have three or four catering jobs booked on the same day, I’ll tell a customer from the outset that I can’t take on an additional job,” he says.

Austein insists he will not serve anything he himself would not eat, and he is persnickety about using the highest quality ingredients.

If you happen to prefer a fleischig affair, Wing Wan Chinese (of which he is a minority partner — bet you didn’t know that either!) can fill the need.

Being based in West Hempstead for so long, Austein is thrilled that the town has become such a hot destination for young observant couples and families. “Rabbi Kelemer has been a longtime pillar of our community, HANC’s elementary school is located right here, the LIRR and Southern State are close by, and the affordability of housing makes for a great place to live,” he says. “It’s a heimish, low-key kind of community, with a great deal of closeness. The shuls all work together, everyone is there to help each other; there are no cliques in West Hempstead.” 

Hunki’s name

Thirdly, how did Hunki’s acquire it’s unusual name? When they started in business 35 year ago, Austein’s partner Milton played on the Yeshiva University basketball team with two other Miltons. His nickname was … you guessed it … Hunki.

“Much more memorable than Richie’s Pizza or Milton’s Pizza,” Austein quips.

Hunki’s Pizza, 338 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead, 516-538-6655, HunkisKosherPizza.com