Flip Flop

Well folks, summer is almost over and we're as upset about it as you are. Luckily we found this pair of hotflops at Main Street Florist in Huntington. These hot little numbers cheered us up on the spot! To get rid of your end-of-the-summer blues, check out hotflops.net and then head over to Main Street Florist to find your own favorite fabulous flip flops.

STORE, FLORIST and NURSERY LOCATION:

475 West Main Street

Huntington, NY 11743

Nursery: 631-549-4515

Florist: 631-271-0160

Landscaping: 631-351-0184

mainstreetnursery.com

Sculptures by the River

Next time you're in Riverhead visiting Atlantis Marine World or the East End Arts Council, stop at the Peconic Bay Riverwalk. To get there, you'll have to go back to Main Street and head toward the bay.  

Although the Peconic can be seen directly behind Atlantis, the Riverwalk extends beyond the aquarium fence. That is why you'll need to walk a little further to fully enjoy the area. 

The walk is both relaxing and mysterious. There are approximately eight (maybe more) carved, wooden sculptures, which can be seen along the dock. Nobody seems to know who made the carvings, but they definitely make for some interesting conversation with the locals. 

Coffee Break

THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

If you like little secrets then you might like Tillie's Eatery. Located in one of the alleys off of Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor, this hidden coffee shop is a good place for a break on a sunny day. Sit under one of the umbrellas outside and enjoy tea, coffee and a snack.

We've heard that Tillie's is owned by Trattoria Grasso's Restaurant (which is more prominently located along Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor). While this coffee shop does serve breakfast and lunch, seating is very limited. We've only had the coffee and tea (Green Mountain Coffee and assorted bagged teas from other vendors). For a more serious meal, we suggest going to nearby Huntington. But, if you're craving a cup-o-joe and you want some charm to go with it, Tillie's is worth the stop.

CAFE LOCATION:

181 main Street

Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

631-367-1219

Victoria Bakery

It seems like Victoria Bakery, located in Huntington Station, is always crowded. The place is tiny, but there are tables outside that are full all of the time. After driving by the bakery numerous times, we decided to find out what all the fuss is about, and we're glad we did. 

We aren't sure if the food is El Salvadorian, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban or a mix of all four. We just know it's good. At the risk of sounding like total idiots (we tried to ask questions about what we were eating, but couldn't really communicate too well in Spanish), we decided to tell you about this place anyway. We figure that food is a language everyone can understand (of course ordering might be another story, but as long as you can point or speak Spanish, you're fine). 

When we walked into Victoria, we expected the place to be full of cakes, pastries and cookies. Instead, we discovered a few specialty sweets and a whole case of steaming, hot shrimp, meat and vegetables. There was also a woman grilling fresh tortillas (not the egg tortillas or the Mexican tortillas, but the thicker, smaller floury kind). The food looked delicious and the place smelled great. At that moment, the main attraction became clear. However, since it wasn't quite lunch time, we opted for the sweet stuff. 

The guava cake, the pineapple pastry (which looks like an apple turnover) and the rice and coconut cake are all very good. The guava cake, filled with chunks of guava or guava jelly, is a moist, sweet and spongy, yellow cake. The pineapple turnover is light and flaky. The rice and coconut cake, which is sprinkled with sesame seeds, is the most dense of the items we ate and has the perfect sweetness. Of course, this is the first time we've tasted goodies like these, and they seemed yummy to us. We wondered, is there anywhere else to get them on Long Island? 

We're looking forward to going back to try the more savory dishes soon! If you get there before we do, we'd love to hear your thoughts. For now, all we can say is that we liked what we tasted and that's why we're telling you about it.

BAKERY LOCATION:

1735 New York Avenue

Huntington Station, NY 11746

631-470-2112

 

Makinajian Farm

We've already told you about farm fresh products from Jamesport. Today we want to tell you about a farm that is a little further west (which means even those of you coming from The City can enjoy some farm fresh deliciousness without going all the way to the East End). Makinajian Farm, located off of Cuba Hill Road in Huntington, has wonderful fresh eggs, goat cheese, vegetables, fruit and poultry. They also sell locally made honey, syrup, bread and pie! 

If you're concerned about where your food comes from (and let's face it, these days, we all should be), then go to Makinajian. When you arrive on this farm, you can see the chickens, ducks and other animals roaming freely on the property. The farm is also certified organic. 

Sure, the items at Makinajian Farm may be a little more expensive than the average supermarket but, then again, this food is definitely above average. And, when it comes to our family's health and the health of the environment, we want the best for both. Don't you?

Be sure to call ahead if you'll be coming from out of town. Makinajian is closed on Monday, open Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 

6:00 pm.

FARM LOCATION:

276 Cuba Hill Road

Huntington, NY 11743

631-368-9320

Makinajian Farm

  

Sally's Cocofé in Huntington

THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

The chocolate café trend is spreading (and we're not complaining because we love chocolate)! Maybe you've been to The Chocolate Room in Park Slope or Carroll Gardens or maybe you've been to Max Brenner in Manhattan. If so, you've probably thought it would be nice to have a place like this closer to home (that's what we thought). Now we do. And, with all the coffee houses on Long Island, it's nice to have a more interesting option and still get your caffeine fix. So, if you like chocolate (and if you don't, we're sorry, but that's just strange unless you're allergic to it, and even then, you probably still like it), try Sally's Cocofé on Main Street, in Huntington. 

We haven't tasted everything, but we can say that the Mexicana Spice, which contains nutmeg, chili and a little vanilla, is DELISH! The Mexicana is the perfect mix of spice and chocolate without being overly sweet. If you are looking for a caffeine boost, also order the Cocofé Bicerin with chocolate, espresso and a little whipped cream. It may keep you awake for a week, but it's probably worth it.

The drinks are large. The Mexicana Spice is VERY generous - big enough that you might gain 50 pounds trying to finish it (sharing might be a good option here). There is a regular and large size Cocofé Bicerin. 

Sally's Cocofé also sells chocolates (which aren't made on the premises, but look scrumptious) and serves light vegetarian dishes such as pizzas, soups and salads. We decided that Sally's specializes in chocolate drinks and coffee so that's what we'll be ordering there. We can't wait to try the rest of the menu items!

CAFE LOCATION:

273 Main Street

Huntington, NY 11743

631-546-7541

sallyscocofe.com

Nisen Sushi

THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Serious sushi-lovers will want to know that the dishes at Nisen Sushi in Woodbury contain the highest quality fish we've tasted at any sushi restaurant (so far) on Long Island. You can argue that there are other good places (and we know you will), but before you do, just do us a favor and go to Nisen. We're not saying that there aren't decent sushi restaurants on Long Island, we're just saying that the sushi and sashimi at Nisen is a cut above the rest. Before we go on, it's also important to note that there are two Nisen locations (one in Woodbury and and one in Commack). Both restaurants are good but this post focuses on the Woodbury location, which has a more varied and creative menu.

For those of you who have sushi-snob friends visiting from the big bad city, take them to Nisen Sushi (okay it's in a Woodbury strip mall, but once you're inside you won't know the difference). With its trendy atmosphere, DJ and lounge area, this restaurant has a New York City feel and menu. Perhaps this is why Sushi Chef, Osan Wang, who came from Megu in Manhattan, is at home here. And, while we're talking about the chef, you should definitely try one of the Chef's Selections, or Omakase, if you can. These plates are not only works of art, but the fish is melt-in-your mouth delicious.

For those of you who prefer your food cooked, the black cod (another clue that the restaurant is a bit trendy) is as good as it is at Nobu in NYC. We'd also recommend the vegetarian tasting plate (with no added salt). It's delicious.  

Prices range from $25-$100 dollars per plate. The restarurant also has a fairly extensive sake menu.

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

7967 Jericho Turnpike

Woorbury, NY 11797

516-496-7000

Nisensushi.com