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Craft cocktails and upscale brunch menu aim to revive former Don Ricardo’s spot
Brunch is coming to Babylon Village, with a taste of the French Riviera landing on East Main Street. And if all goes as planned, Babylon moms will only have to wait a few weeks into the school year before they can sip mimosas after drop-off.
Following a presentation at the Aug. 12 Babylon Village public hearing, the Board of Trustees approved Robert Mathews’ application on Aug. 27 to open Millie’s Mimosa House & Eatery at 94 East Main St. Mathews said he expects a soft opening in the second week of September, pending approval of the restaurant’s liquor license. Plans for a grand opening celebration haven’t been finalized.
“There’s been a lot of buzz already,” Mathews said.
Hours and offerings
At the hearing, Mathews revealed Millie’s hours of operation will be 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
He described the concept as a family-run brunch restaurant created to bring “something special” to Babylon Village.
“Millie’s is a family-run brunch restaurant created to bring something special to Babylon Village — an elevated brunch experience that feels both refined and welcoming,” he said. “Our menu features high-quality, chef-inspired dishes made with fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients.”
Beverages will include fresh-pressed juices, specialty coffees and mimosas made with premium sparkling wine and champagne.
“Brunch without mimosas is just, sadly, breakfast,” Mathews quipped during the meeting, earning laughs from the board and attendees.
He went on to explain the difference between a Bellini and a mimosa — the latter uses champagne while the Bellini is made with Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine.
“You can mix anything, though,” he added, pitching the idea of a tequila, champagne and fruit juice cocktail. “We’re looking to do more outside the lanes of everybody else.”
Mathews’ easygoing personality and sense of humor pair with years of experience in fine French cuisine at top restaurants from Manhattan to the East End.
Greater Long Island has previously outlined some of his credentials.
“[Millie’s brings] that high-end flair into brunch food,” he said.
Potential pickleball partnerships?
Next door to Millie’s is another project in the works: Courtside Sport & Social. While the canopy at 96 E. Main St. still reads “Long Island Pekin,” renovations are underway on the 3,000-square-foot space.
Together, the two spots could transform the block into a weekend destination — starting with pickleball, followed by prosecco, and maybe a midday stroll through the village shops.
“I love doing collabs with people,” Mathews said at the suggestion.
A community focus
Ultimately, Mathews said his goal is to bring life back to the iconic building.
“At Millie’s our goal is simple: to be a positive addition to Babylon Village, to be a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great food, warm hospitality and a sense of community,” he said. “We’re committed to operating responsibly and in a way that reflects the charm and character of this village we all care about.”
Top: Top: Don Ricardo’s as it appeared in 2019 at 94 E. Main St. in Babylon, before it closed after a 30-year run. (GLI file photo)
