Here are some photos from a recent walk on Nathan Hale Beach in Huntington. We recommend taking a winter walk on one of Long Island's beaches. On a North Shore beach like this one, the rocks and docks look so beautiful covered in ice and snow.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
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
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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.
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
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Mascot Dock
If you're looking for something to do outdoors in the Patchogue/Holbrook area, we've got just the place - Mascot Dock and the adjacent Shorefront Park. This is a great place to sit and enjoy views of the Great South Bay, watch ferries to Fire Island, or just relax on a park bench. Kids will also enjoy watching people crab and fish along the dock!
If you're hungry, eat at Lombardi's on the Bay. Both places are right in the park area. Nancy's is a take-out type of place serving crab cakes and other seafood treats. We haven't tried Nancy's yet but, judging by the lines, it must be delicious. We did eat at Lombardi's on the Bay and we really enjoyed their VERY generous (and tasty) portions. The Salad with Grilled Salmon, Chicken Caprese Sandwich and Spaghetti with Meatballs were all good.
PARK and RESTAURANT LOCATION:
600 South Ocean Avenue
Patchogue, NY
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Oh Captain
THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED
There's a new seafood restaurant in town and it's darn good. Not only can you get good food at the Greek Captain Seafood Restaurant in Huntington Station, but you also get a lot of it.
Speaking from experience, our personal favorites from the menu include the Grilled Salmon over Salad for $12.99 (it's HUGE) and the Sauteed Shrimps and Scallops with Vegetables over rice or pasta (complete dinner $11.99). Sources tell us that the Fried Calamari is also delicious (we'll try it next time).
If you're looking for a formal dining experience, or if you like having wine or a cocktail with your meal, this isn't the place for you (we don't think they've got a liquor license). But, if you're looking for tasty food, large portions and quick meals, you must try Greek Captain Seafood Restaurant. You'll thank us and the captain.
GREEK CAPTAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT LOCATION:
195 Walt Whitman Road
Huntington Station, NY 11746
FAX: 631-629-4255
Friday, June 26, 2009
IMAC Closes
It is our job to inform our readers about the wonderful places to go and things to see on Long Island. Last year we told you about the IMAC Theater in Huntington (IMAC). This wonderful venue provided Long Islanders (and those from all over) with some truly phenomenal concerts and shows for almost 30 years. There is no question that the IMAC brought musical legends to Long Island, and that the theater itself was a cultural center. That is why we are sad to report that this very special Long Island theater closed permanently this month.
Some of you may already have heard about this, but we felt we needed to post this information not only to inform our readers about the closing, but to let the folks at IMAC know that the theater will be missed. Thank you for sharing your stage with us over the years.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
LIV A Little
Now you can put the "Long Island" back into your Long Island Iced Tea with LIV Vodka. Distilled and bottled in Baiting Hollow, LIV (rhymes with jive) Vodka is made from 100% potatoes, which are grown right on the North Fork!
This local distillery, said to be the first on Long Island since the 1800s, is housed within an historic barn, which was restored from 2001-2006.
To have your vodka and drink it too, stop at the barn, located at 2182 Sound Avenue in Baiting Hollow. If you're not going to be in the area, you can also find LIV Vodka at various restaurants and stores, including Stew Leonard's in Farmingdale.
You should also know that LIV Vodka was compared to Grey Goose and Chopin in a 2008 blind taste test conducted by LI Business News, and it passed with flying colors. Scoring an 85, LIV got some Strong Island points for its texture, smoothness, aroma and finish. We've had it alone and in mixed drinks and agree that the stuff is good (and we're not just saying that because we like supporting our local businesses). Do yourself a favor and, the next time you head out to Long Island's wine country, try some of Long Island's Vodka too.
DISTILLERY LOCATION:
LIV Vodka
2182 Sound Avenue
Baiting Hollow, NY 11933
631-630-9322
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Buffalo Roam...on Long Island
Spring is really here and we've already taken several rides out to Long Island's North Fork looking for interesting places to see and things to do so that we can keep sharing this information with you!
You'll never believe what we discovered on our last trip - buffalo! That's right folks. Buffalo roam on Long Island!
Don't let anyone tell you that the only way to see buffalo is to go to Yellowstone National Park (although we have to admit, Yellowstone is pretty cool and you should definitely go if you get the chance)! That said, seeing buffalo right here on Long Island is definitely a unique experience.
To locate the buffalo, head to Roanoke Avenue. As you're driving on Roanoke, you will come to a sign for a farm. Turn here. From the road, through the fence, you can watch the animals grazing. We were lucky enough to observe some babies last weekend - so cute!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Get Oriented at Orient Beach State Park
Many of you may not be brave enough to hit the beach in Orient Point in the winter, but for those of you who like the outdoors and don't mind the cold (or the fact that the snack bar is closed this time of year), this eastern-most point on the North Fork of Long Island is beautiful all year around.
According to our friends at WikipediA, this park was designated a National Natural Landmark in April, 1980. It's home to a rare forest containing red cedar black-jack oak trees and prickly-pear cactus. You can walk along the wood deck that overlooks Gardiner's Bay and take in the beautiful views. On a clear day you might see Gardiner's Island and the Montauk Peninsula in the distance (we did).
We had a great time collecting shells, listening to the waves and watching the birds.
Whether you head to Orient Beach State Park in the winter or summer, we're sure you'll like what you see.
ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK:
At East end of North County Road (25) on the North Fork
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Greenport
THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED
We like the snow in the winter, and we certainly have been getting a lot of it this year! One thing is for sure though, Long Island looks lovely covered in white. Snow shouldn't deter you from heading east. In fact, this is a great time of year to enjoy Long Island's East End - you'll have the place all to yourselves (no annoying crowds folks).
Our suggestion this week - Greenport.
Once a whaling and ship building village, Greenport is a lovely place to spend the day or the weekend. You'll enjoy just walking around and visiting the quaint shops and eateries including the Greenport Tea Company, Verbena and other shops.
Also stroll along the waterfront where you'll see a large bronze sculpture of an Osprey by Roberto Julio Bessin. It commemorates the Americans who lost their lives during the September 11th attack in 2001.
You'll see, the ground doesn't have to be green to enjoy the North Fork town of Greenport.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
O Christmas Tree
Eleven days until Christmas! Have you put up your Christmas tree yet? This year, we decided to go straight to the local farm (figured it was a little more eco-friendly since the trees are grown right here on Long Island)!Our tree came from Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm, in Mattituck, but there are several farms as you head out east. We think our Christmas tree is the best ever, but we might be a little biased.
At Shamrock, kids can ride the train around the farm, visit Santa (on the weekends) and have hot chocolate and popcorn.
The trip can be fun for parents too. There are lots of little towns and hamlets you can visit while you're on the North Fork. If you start your day early enough you might even think about stopping at some of the wineries before you get to the farm. Oh, and don't forget to go over to Briermere for a pie on the way home (what's better than starting your day with wine and ending it with pie?).
FARM LOCATION:
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
20685 Main Road
Mattituck, NY 11952
631-298-4619
631-298-4118
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Robke's Country Inn
We went recently for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and were quite excited about our discovery. The portions are HUGE and TASTY. Most of the food is Italian and has been ever since the place was sold by a German to an Italian from the Bronx in 1978.
We'd suggest the Egglplant Rollatini or one of the pasta dishes, but everything looked delish.
Happy eating!
Robke's Country Inn
427 Fort Salonga Road
Northport, NY 11768
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Pickle Festival
Don't despair if you missed the festival this year. You can still purchase the pickles at the Huntington Farmer's Market, which takes place on Sunday mornings from 7 - 10 am until Thanksgiving.
If you're more into historic places than pickles, visit Smith Gardiner Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and maintained by the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association. For hours and tour information contact the Association at 631-754-1180.
FARM LOCATION:
Located on the corner of Little Plains Road and
Praying Mantis
We just thought it was cool when a praying mantis decided to rest for a while in the yard.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Jericho Cider Mil, Inc.
Fall is here and that means it's time for apples, pumpkins and pie! We know just the place to get all these goodies too. Head over to Jericho Cider Mill in Jericho, Long Island. Be sure to bring home the cider, pumpkin pie and fruit spread. Oh, and while you're there, don't forget to order a frozen apple drink. We're not exactly sure if this drink is called a "slushy," but it has that consistency. We promise you this drink is nothing like a 7-Eleven slushy, it's way more delicious! Drinking one of these babies is like slurping a cold, crisp apple - what's better than that on the perfect fall day?
CIDER STAND LOCATION:
213 Route 106
Jericho, NY 11753
516-433-3360
Monday, September 8, 2008
West Neck Beach
After a day of rain and wind on Saturday, we were itching to get out of the house. Luckily, Sunday was gorgeous and we headed to Caumsett State Park, and then to West Neck Beach.
Like most North Shore beaches, West Neck has its share of rocks and shells along the shoreline, but we like this beach for swimming, paddle surfing and kayaking. West Neck beach is not as protected as some other North Shore beaches because it opens directly into the sound. This makes for a few more waves (definitely not like the South Shore but perfect for getting some exercise).
The surrounding area is also great for walking, biking or running. Directly outside of West Neck Beach there is a walking path that goes along the causway that leads to Caumsett. The walk provides great views of beautiful birds on both sides (like Egrets and Osprey) as well as nice views of the water. On sunny days folks are almost always fishing on the rocks.
A walk on the causway, along the beach or in Caumsett State Park is a great activity for any time of the year but, at least for now, we're holding on to summer as long as we can.
WEST NECK BEACH LOCATION:
off West Neck Road
Lloyd Harbor, NY 11724
631-261-7574
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Blue Point Brewing Company
We celebrated the end of the summer with a little brew ha ha at Long Island's only microbrewery in Patchogue. The ten year old Blue Point Brewing Company, owned by Mark Buford and Peter Cotter, has a great selection of good brews available for tasting and purchasing. After spending some time in the tasting room, we left with a jug of Toasted Lager and a jug of Oatmeal Stout (and we'd highly recommend both). Copper in color with hints of caramel, malts and hops, the Toasted Lager is a World Beer Cup Winner and Blue Point's signature beer.
Don't take our word for it though, taste the microbrews for yourselves. Blue Point's free tasting room is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 12pm to 7pm. Tours are also available.
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