Stick a Fork in It

Listen up because this place is goooooood. We finally had the chance to go to Norfork Table and Inn in Southhold. This refurbished restaurant and inn has four rooms that seem to be occupied all of the time. When you taste the food, you realize why.

We arrived slightly early so we sat at the bar and had some yummy drinks. There were three of us and we all enjoyed different cocktails. Not only did they taste good, but they also looked picture perfect.

Once we sat down in the dining room and reviewed the menus, we quickly realized that ordering was going to be tough. We all wanted EVERYTHING on the menu. It took us a little while to decide but, in the end, we each selected an appetizer, main course and dessert.

The salads were delicious. The Assorted Roasted Baby Beet Salad with Goat Cheese was particularly noteworthy. The beets were sweet and tasty (which makes sense because they practically walked to the restaurant from the farm down the street). The Tuna Sashimi was fresh and flavorful.

For entrees, we ordered fish. When the plates arrived, we started fighting like immature children over which one of us made the best selection. Truth is, ALL of them qualified. Despite our very full bellies, and the large size of each dish, we practically licked our plates.

The menu changes regularly, but we had Sea Bass, Tuna and Halibut. Each fish was served over a different vegetable or legume, and the sauces were delectable. With entrees like this, we couldn't resist dessert. We honestly were thinking "How can you top this?"

We played with the idea of getting one sweet dish to share but, when we looked at the menu, no one wanted to share anything!

The most interesting dessert was the Tapioca pudding. The pecan tart and beignets were very good too. In fact (and we can't believe we're admitting this), we had extra beignets so we took a few home. That has to be the first time we've ever taken a dessert in a doggy bag.

Hopefully the photos can provide a window into how good this meal really was. It may seem expensive (about $85 to $95 a head), but it truly is worth it. All we can say is you gotta try it! Oh, and be SURE to make reservations, even if your party is small!

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

The North Fork Table and Inn

57225 Main Road

Southold, NY 11971

PH: 631-765-0177

FAX: 631-765-0179

www.northforktableandinn.com

Pub Grub

We haven't forgotten about you. We were just waiting until we found something that deserved mention. For those of you who like pub grub, we think you'll find this post worth the wait.

The Brass Rail, not to be confused with strip clubs of the same name, is located in Locust Valley, Long Island. This hip little Gastro Pub sports a cool and casual atmosphere with good food, good drinks and an attentive wait staff. We've gone back several times, and we always seem to find something else we like.

Some of our favorite dishes include the Oxtail Sloppy Joe, Cajun Seared Shrimp, Stuffed Artichoke, The Gardener, Grilled Bronzino and the Grilled Scottish Salmon.

The nice thing about the food at The Brass Rail is that there is something for everyone, in every size. You can select a small plate, an entree or a side - yay for the Gastro Pub!

So, if you're in Locust Valley and you're looking for some pub grub, The Brass Rail is the place for you.

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

107 Forest Avenue

Locust Valley, NY 11560

Phone:516-723-9103

www.thebrassraillocustvalley.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

Wining and Dining

THIS LOCATION HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

We've written about Northport before, but today we want to tell you about a new wine shop and tasting room there called Northport Tasting Room and Wine Cellar (NTR). Aside from having a very interesting and good selection of wines from Austria, Africa, Greece, Israel and elsewhere around the world, the staff is attentive and knowledgeable and the overall concept of this shop/tasting room is quite original.

Focused on selling and serving wines from unusual locations, the folks at NTR have literally made the store the heart of the space. Surrounded by glass windows, the shop becomes the center of the building. As guests sit at the bar or at tables to taste wine or enjoy it by the glass, they can look into the shop to view the bottles for sale. 

Since you might not have sampled many wines from the regions featured at NTR, attending a weekday tasting could be fun and educational. Otherwise, come on a Friday or Saturday and order a couple of glasses to have with a meal - we're sure you'll find a wine to take home. 

Eating and drinking at NTR is a luxury we debated keeping all to ourselves (we're telling you, these guys are very smart). At NTR, not only can you enjoy delicious wines, but you can also order dinner from almost any restaurant in Northport Village, including Maroni! That's right - go to NTR on a Friday or Saturday night, order a great bottle of wine and enjoy your favorite entree from Maroni, or another restaurant in Northport, and have it delivered directly to your table. 

Now, that's what we call wining and dining! We just hope that it takes a few years before the locals figure it all out.

WINE CELLAR LOCATION:

70 Main Street

Northport, NY 11768

631-261-0642

northportwines.com

  

Long Island Daycation

With high gas prices and limited time, daycations seem to be all the rage these days. If you're planning one, we've got a suggestion. Start your day in Centerport with lunch at the Mill Pond House, which is located just off of Route 25A. Call in advance to make a reservation to sit outside, overlooking the pond. All of the outdoor seating (and even the indoor window seating) is lovely, but there is a spot that we think is the best in the house. A small deck area, with about two tables, is located on the second floor. If you can get a seat there, you'll feel like you have the restaurant, and the view, all to yourself. Since the larger table seats at least four, and the smaller seats two, you'll most likely need to have the appropriate number of people in your party to reserve one, or both, spots. If not, you'll still have a great time eating on the patio downstairs or having a drink at the tiki bar.

For lunch we recommend ordering off the Lunch Menu (although you can also order from the Sushi or Raw Bar menu). When you order from the Lunch Menu, you'll get a complete meal for $18.95. The Crabcake Sandwich is good (we prefer it without the bread, which is a bit larger than the cake) and the Apple Crumb dessert with ice cream is a nice way to end the meal. 

Don't worry about being rushed. The staff gives you plenty of time to sit, eat a leisurely meal and enjoy the view. While the food isn't bad, it's the view you'll enjoy most. 

Speaking of views, the area is filled with interesting little beaches and sites. When you've relaxed enough at the Mill Pond, we suggest you explore by taking a ride to one of the local beaches in Asharoken. Take Asharoken Avenue until it turns into Eaton's Neck Road, then follow the signs near the end of the road for the beach. This is one of our favorite beaches because it is somewhat secluded and there is ample parking. For non-residents, the parking fee is $15.00. 

When you're ready to leave the beach, exit to your right, make another quick right into the cul-de-sac. Look for the interesting sculptures on the beach. 

When you've completed your tour (because unfortunately all good vacations must come to an end), follow the cul-de-sac out to Eaton's Neck Road and back to Asharoken Avenue. You will eventually find your way back to 25A where you can head east or west to get back home. 

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

437 East Main Street

Centerport, NY 11721

631-261-7663

millpondrestaurant.com

Thaid Up

Listen up Long Islanders (we know it's hard, but this is important)! For what is arguably the best Thai food outside of Queens (that would be Long Island City's Tuk Tuk), head to Sarin Thai Cuisine restaurant in Greenvale. Every time we go here (and we go often) the food is FAB!

Whether you like meat or fish, chicken or veggies, there's a Thai dish at Sarin for you.

Some of our favorites include the Papaya Salad (sweet and spicy), Crispy Snapper special (melt-in-your-mouth tasty), Gang Puck (a vegetarian's delight with or without tofu) and the Pad Thai (always good). Accent these dishes with some Sticky Rice and a refreshing Thai Iced Tea - YUM!

For all of you city folk, Sarin is also the perfect way to end the day as you drive home after a scenic Long Island ride on 25A or a stop at Martin Viette Nursery or Scarsella's.

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

43 Glen Cove Road

Greenvale, NY  11548

516-484-5873

Sarinthaicuisine

Prime Time

If you like water views, sunsets and summer breezes with your cocktails, head to Prime Restaurant in Huntington. Scoring big points for ambiance, this is the perfect place to stop in the evening for a drink on the patio, at the bar or in the lodge. To top off your cocktail hour, order the chocolate beignets. If they're not on the menu when you're there, ask for them.

Serving brunch on Sundays and lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday, Prime has several menus. If you're going to eat here, we recommend the Sunday brunch. The eggs are light and fluffy, the french toast is tasty and the seared tuna over soba noodles is a good choice for lunch.

If you're taking your boat to Prime, you're in luck. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, you can moor your boat at Prime's 300-foot dock on the harbor. For those of you coming by car, valet parking is available, but you can also park in the public parking lot next door.

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

117 New York Avenue

Huntington, NY 11743

631-385-1515

restaurantprime.com

Those are Some Big Mussels

Want mussel? Forget the gym! Head straight to Waterzooi belgian bistro in Garden City, Long Island. Many delicious meals find their way onto the menu at Waterzooi, but we suggest getting the moules et frites. Trust us - you'll feel like you've been transported back to Belgium!

The mussels come in small or large pots and, at around $24.00, the large is deep enough for two to share! Our favorite sauce is the Fra Diavlo but, if you're not into spicy or red sauces, choose anything from Creole to Oreganato. 

Feeling like more than just mussels? Add shrimp or fried calamari to any pot for an additional $8.00. 

Of course no meal of moules et frites would be complete without a good beer. Have no fear because Waterzooi has an extensive bier menu. We like Chimay wheat beer from the tap, but there's certainly no harm in having more than one drink - we hope you'll try them all! 

Think you're done with your meal? Think again. Don't leave before trying one of Waterzooi's homemade desserts. That's right - the tasty treats at this restaurant are all made on the premises. When you bite into them, you can tell! If you want to stick with the Belgian theme, have a Malted Brussels Waffle with gelato and whipped cream. Otherwise, try the Cheesecake Van Daag, Warm Belgian Chocolate Soufflé  , Peanut Butter Cup Sundae or Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée   - it's all good!

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

 850 Franklin Avenue

Garden City, NY 11530

516-877-2177

waterzooi.com

Clam Up

Open April through October, in the town of Centerport, this Cape Cod style clam shack is the perfect place to stop for a break from your scenic drive along 25A or after a long day of kayaking in Northport or Centerport Harbor. Owned and operated by locals, the atmosphere is fun and casual, making  you feel almost as if you're on vacation. Whether you're in the mood for mussels or chili, a burger or salad, you'll find it at The Shack. But, if you like fried food (and let's face it- who doesn't), you definitely want to order the fried clams and French fries!

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

1 Stony Hollow Road

Centerport, NY 11721

631-754-8989

theshack.org

 

Seoul Foods

For the best Korean grocer this side of Queens, head to H&Y Market in Hicksville, Long Island. You'll find fresh produce and fish as well as a huge selection of Asian delights (not just Korean), ranging from the essential to the unusual.

With a whole section dedicated to kimchi, you'll want to try it all. And, for those of you who thought there were only two kinds of rice - brown and white - think again.  H&Y has the best selection we've seen in any East Coast Asian market so far. 

If you're searching for chopsticks, rice paddles, teapots or rice cookers, you can find them at H&Y as well.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, head next door to the attached Canaan Bread Bakery and Café. We like the Anpan, but choose from a variety of Asian delights including mochi, man-joo or walnut cookies. While you're there, we'd also suggest buying a loaf of Asian-style white bread to toast for breakfast.

If you're not into cooking, but you just feel like having Korean food, go to Koreana. This is the restaurant located on the opposite side of the building from the bakery (also attached to the market). Koreana's specialty is the Chicken BonChon, but we've had several other delicious dishes including the DolSot and Chicken BibimBap. We'd recommend both. If you're in the mood for Galbi, Koreana also serves this dish made with short ribs. 

 

Lunch specials are served Monday through Friday, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Prices for lunch range from $7.00 to $10.00. The dinner menu has a wider variety of dishes and prices range from $9.00 to $40.00 per plate, with more items in the lower price range. So, for a hearty Korean meal that won't break the bank, head to Koreana. 

RESTAURANT LOCATION:

478 Plainview Road

Hicksville, NY 11801

516-932-4690