The English translation of "al fresco" means in the fresh (air). And what better way to dine during these long, sun-filled summer days? In Garden City, residents, visitors and even shoppers to the village's bustling downtown have plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Outdoor dining, which kicked off its 11th season April 1 in Garden City, has gained popularity in recent years, with eateries like Calageros on Franklin Avenue recently making renovations to accommodate this type of dining.

Many others are joining the bandwagon too. This season, there are a total of 28 restaurants in Garden City offering this relaxing outdoor dining experience.

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the outdoor dining project as a strategy to encourage shopping in Garden City's downtown. The chamber requested that the village change its code to allow outdoor dining by permit. In May 1997, the feature was officially implemented.

According to Garden City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Althea Robinson, al fresco dining is "greatly looked forward to by both residents and visitors to the village, serving as an enhancement for businesses on Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road."

Often times in his weekly mayor's column, Mayor Peter Bee encourages residents to let Garden City's merchants know they appreciate their efforts and enjoy the fine tastes of Garden City.

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins (165 Seventh Street)

Seventh Street Café (126 Seventh Street)

Leo's (190 Seventh Street)

Walk Street (176 Seventh Street)

Grimaldi's Pizzeria (980 Franklin Avenue)

Kings Supermarket (840 Franklin Avenue)

Starbucks Coffee Company (184 Seventh Street)

Guido's Pizzeria/Gallery Rest. (52 New Hyde Park Road)

Garden City Pizza (670 Franklin Avenue)

Hoffman's Deli (180 Seventh Street)

Upper Crust Café (931 Franklin Avenue)

Key Food Marketplace (153 Seventh Street)

Sushi Ya (949 Franklin Avenue)

Riesterer's Bakery & Café (96 Seventh Street)

Fianci's Paninoteca Italiana (150 Seventh Street)

Novita (860 Franklin Avenue)

Waterzooi (850 Franklin Avenue)

Taste (660 Franklin Avenue)

Garden City Bistro (662 Franklin Avenue)

Garden City Sandwich Shop (653 Franklin Avenue)

Uptown Grille (636 Franklin Avenue)

Mahalo Health Spa & Teahouse (927 Franklin Avenue)

Coldstone Creamery (984 Franklin Avenue)

Food For Thought (154 Seventh Street)

TCBY (158 Seventh Street)

Calagero's (919 Franklin Avenue)

Culinary Heights (174 Seventh Street)

Wild Fig (829 Franklin Avenue)