Simply Fondue

Okay, so my first restaurant review is not of a restaurant in NYC but out on Long Island, Great Neck, to be specific. Simply Fondue of Great Neck. Let me start of by saying how much fun this was... well for the most part (Not having the best fine motor skills does pose a bit of a challenge during the fondue experience). But the basic idea is there is pots of cheese, chocolate, etc... and you dip various kinds of food in the dips. The dipping part was not too bad, it was getting the food on the skewer that would sometimes pose a challenge, but that is what good friends are for. In terms of the seating and table arrangements, it was pretty accessible. I have a pretty tall chair and I sit on a tilt, so I did have to lower my chair a bit so I could comfortably roll under, but since the table was fairly steady I was able to comfortably lean on the table. My friend who was in a manual chair was able to roll under the table without a problem, however, she did sometimes have trouble reaching over to some of the pots, this is where able bodied friends really came in handy.




Aside from the question of can I get inside into particular locations, my other other major concern is if the bathroom is accessible or not. Simply Fondue's bathroom is fairly simply accessible (Sorry! Corny I know). It would have been a bit nicer if the bathroom door swung outward. It did take a bit maneuvering to get my chair past the door but once I was in I was okay. The toilet was of average height; not too low not too tall and the grab-bar was just in the right place. Since there was nothing underneath the bathroom sink, I was able roll under, although I did have to get someone to help me reach the soap.

I probably should have started with information about the entrance earlier but here it is. There is a wooden ramp that seems to have been built over a couple of stairs, it seems to be ADA compliant as it was not abnormally steep or anything. Then there is a set of glass doors you have to open (there is no push button) which is fine if you are with someone but may be problematic if you cannot open doors and you are alone because the restaurant is upstairs and so there isn't people around to help with the door. Once you get past the door you walk a couple of feet and there is the elevator that takes you upstairs. Simply Fondue is a fun place to have cheesy, chocolately goodness that is accessible to all.




Simply Fondue of Great Neck
www.simplyfonduelongisland.com
24 Great Neck Road
Great Neck, NY 11021-3305
(516) 466-4900


Ironic

Notice anything ironic about this photo?

Introduction to Wheels in the City

I want to start this blog by introducing my self and explaining my purpose. My name is Toni and I am a native New Yorker and one of the things I love about living in New York is the many different things to do and try. Having a physical disability changes how you go about deciding what to do, where to go, and how to get there. There are so many reviews of restaurants and activities to do in NY, but never do they mention accessibility. And of course we all know that calling and asking someone if their establishement is accessible doesn't always help ie; You call and ask if something is accessible, you get there and it turns out that there is a bunch of steps. What accessible means to some does not always mean the same for a wheelchair user.

Well, here is a place that does. I plan to review places, not so much for the typical stuff such as price and tastiness but for accessibility (Bathrooms, doors, tables and overall wheelchair maneuverability)

As always feel free to comment :)