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August 2008

It"s HOT HOT HOT Out There!
Summer is at its hottest this month, so here are some dining opportunities to beat the heat and enjoy a refreshing summer meal…..

Dine on a deal on the patio at Blue (631) 363-6666 in Blue Point which now serves a three-course prix fixe six days a week. It is offered on Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The cost is $23 pp. Sample menu items include: chicken marsala, petit filet mignon and shrimp scampi.

Are you trying to save money on gas, help Mother Nature and get a discount off your lunch or dinner? Café Formaggio (516) 333-1718 in Carle Place now offers a “Green” discount to encourage patrons to limit their fuel usage. Parties of four or more who carpool to the restaurant will receive 10% off their check. The valet attendant will give customers a green ticket to present to their server. The offer is valid for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday until August 28th.

Cafe Formaggio

Gourmet burger and a bottle of wine? What better way to toast the summer at City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill (516) 693-5400 who now hosts “burgers and bottles” every Monday. A special gourmet burger will be offered with a suggested half bottle of wine. Burgers range about $16 and suggested wine paring will be 50% off. Sample burger is brisket and gorgonzola stuffed Kobe beef burger with tomato jam.

Corbin & Reynolds (516) 431-4600 in Long Beach fights the staggering gas prices this summer by filling diners up on a premium meal with a premium deal. From Monday through Wednesday until the end of August, guests who simply show their receipt of a minimum gas purchase of $65 will receive 20% off the entire check. The receipt must be dated within seven days of dining and some of that gas should be used to travel to Corbin & Reynolds. Or enjoy an outdoor meal with a “Sunset Prix Fixe” dinner for $19.95 Sundays through Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. The menu includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert, which changes daily. Sample items include Mediterranean hummus, crispy calamari, penne ala vodka, grilled skirt steak, and chocolate Bundt cake.

Corbin & Reynolds

Cool off with a half priced bottle of wine at George Martin’s Coastal Grill (516) 432-2690 in Long Beach. They now offer 50% off every bottle on their wine list Monday nights from 5 to 10 p.m. Wine enthusiasts may also enjoy some fine cuisine paired with their bottle of choice. Sample menu items include: Stuffed yellow tail flounder; Montrachet-pecan crusted breast of chicken; and Cowboy-cut angus rib eye.

Feel the pressure of rising food costs? George Martin The Original (516) 678-7272 in Rockville Centre helps diners dig out of this economic rut by offering a “Recession Relief” prix fixe Sunday and Monday beginning at 5 p.m. The two-course special includes soup, salad or appetizer and entrée for $19.95 pp. Items include: white bean and escarole, three cheese tortellini, Caesar salad, Hoisin glazed skirt steak and Cajun seared tilapia.

Another cheap meal at George Martin’s GrillFire (516) 678-1290 in Rockville Centre with a special three-course Monday night meal deal for $14.95. Menu items may include: artichoke and spinach dip, Asian vegetable pot stickers, marinated London broil, salmon oreganata, rigatoni a la vodka, warm camp fire s’mores and strawberry shortcake.

Dine in the ultimate summer setting at Harbor Bistro (631) 324-7300 in East Hampton who is now offering a three-course “Before the Sunset” prix fixe menu for $29 every night from 5 to 6 p.m. The special is also available all night, every night at the bar. Menu includes: lobster bisque, duck confit and mushroom crepe, rigatoni Bolognese, pistachio crusted tilapia, pork tenderloin “Normande,” vegetarian plate or pasta of the night, molten chocolate tower or warm peach and almond cake.

Summer means eating light so what better way than to dine on small plates at Honu Kitchen & Cocktails 631-421-6900 in Huntington. Look for their newest additions of salmon, avocado, lemon sashimi served raw; crispy shrimp and chili sauce; soft shell crab, celery root remoulade; and short ribs, spatzle, smoked tomato. HONU Kitchen & Cocktails is open Monday – Thursday from 5 - 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. – Midnight; and Sunday from 4 - 10 p.m.

HONU Kitchen & Cocktails

Grab a hearty breakfast before hitting the beach this summer at Indian Wells Tavern (631) 267- 0400 in Amagansett. Now serving breakfast Tuesday – Sunday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. choose from items such as: flower power platter with crunchy granola, low fat yogurt and a variety of fresh melons, berries and bananas; American classic with two eggs any style with choice of applewood bacon, lean smoked ham or country sausage links, toast and homefries; and Tavern toast with thick sliced cranberry walnut raisin bread soaked in egg batter and grilled to perfection, topped with fresh berries and bananas;

Indian Wells Tavern

Take in a light meal at the bar at Jonathan’s Ristorante (631) 549-0055 in Huntington with some new dishes on their “small plates” menu. Fresh sweet shrimp over Sicilian cous cous; tuna crudo, watercress salad, l ½ dozen little neck claims in spicy tomato broth; and all wheat linguini with grape tomato and basil sauce. The menu is always available at the bar and is offered Sunday – Friday at the tables. Jonathans Ristorante is open seven days a week, serving lunch Monday- Saturday from 12- 3 p.m. and dinner Monday- Thursday from 5- 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4- 9 p.m.

Should you buy that new car? Should you go back to school? Is your significant other the one? Should you go for the steak or the sea scallops? Find out the answers and get a glimpse into your future at Legends Restaurant (631) 734-5123 in New Suffolk. Every Monday during the summer, psychic card and palm readings from medium Joan Bernhardt will be available for $20 by the fireplace from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It is recommended that guests call to confirm Bernhardt’s availability. Patrons may also feast on Legends’ creative cuisine while they take turns for readings.

For steak and wine this summer head to Mac’s Steakhouse (631) 549-5300 in Huntington. They offer a four-course wine dinner every Monday night from 5 to 10 p.m. The menu and wine pairings, created by Executive Chef Ron Gelish and General Manager Scott Young, change weekly. Cost of the wine dinner is $60 pp.

Lookin’ for a late bite? Head to Magic’s Pub [631] 288-6105 in Westhampton Beach who is now serving a late night bar menu until 4 a.m. Enjoy one of their famous burgers, or just grab some chicken wings or mozzarella sticks. Magic’s is now open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. serving lunch and dinner. Outdoor dining is available weather permitting.

Get your dinner to go and eat it at the beach! Call Matto (631) 329-0200 in East Hampton and have your meals at Matto waiting for you when you arrive to take home and enjoy. Takeout is available Monday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday starting at noon. Place your order by phone today at (631) 329-0255 or fax (631) 329-0224. Takeout menu items include: linguini alle vongole in bianco o rosso with fresh baby clams in natural clam broth, served in white or red sauce; pizza Matto with roasted garlic with cherry peppers and pecorini Romano; and insalata caprese with freh mozzarella, tomato and basil, sprinkled over extra virgin oil.

Marking a quarter century of culinary excellence, Mirabelle Restaurant (631) 584-5999 in Jamesport is offering an excellent deal: a $25 prix fixe. The mid-week two-course menu will be available Tuesday through Thursday and includes the choice of an appetizer and entrée or an entrée and dessert. Dinner service begins at 6 p.m. and the regular menu is also available.

Foie Gras at Mirabelle

Dine in a tropical ambiance with the aquarium topped bar at MUSE Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge (631) 726-2606 in Water Mill. Now offering a three-course prix fixe menu from 5 to 6 p.m. every night except Tuesdays when the restaurant is closed. Sample items include: Soup of the moment, horseradish and gorgonzola crusted New York Strip, Cuban-style seared Atlantic salmon, and Chef’s choice of dessert.

It’s employees night at Nick DiAngelo (516) 379-2222 in Merrick every Monday and Tuesday. All service industry professionals receive 15% off the entire check. Simply present your server with a pay stub to receive the discount and the restaurant will give you an industry card that can be used to receive the discount every Monday and Tuesday.

Dig into a gourmet pizza deal at Nick DiAngelo (516) 889-3366 in Long Beach with a Wednesday night special featuring their newly added menu items, grilled pizzettes. The meal includes one grilled pizzette, chopped or Caesar salad, and a glass of Sangria. The selection of grilled pizzettes may include: margherite, white three cheese, and sausage and smoked mozzarella. Cost of the dinner is $17.95 pp.

Grab a summer cocktail during happy hour at PIER 441 (631) 261-2828 in Centerport Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Specials include two-for-one drinks including beer, wine and cocktails; top-shelf liquor excluded. Specialty cocktails include: The Light House, 99 Leagues Under the Sea, Blue Ocean Tini and Pier Tini. Bar menu items are also half-price and include: Real Southern half rack BBQ ribs, crispy calamari, Kobe duo, wings, sliced skirt steak sandwich, and veggie burger.

Cocktail at Pier 441
Photo by: Long Island Food Critic

Calypso Sundays at Prime – an American Kitchen and Bar (631) 385-1515 take place on the outdoor deck from 4 p.m. to sunset through August 31. While a live band plays, fine dining or dockside menus by Chef Gregg Lauletta may be enjoyed on the porch or on the deck respectively and with a selection of specialty cocktails. In addition to the spectacular view of Huntington Harbor, diners may take in a weekly outdoor fashion show of local boutique offerings.

Patio at Prime

Enjoy the bounty of Long Island at Ruvo Restaurants (631) 476-3800 in Port Jefferson and (631) 261-7700 in Greenlawn with a “Taste of Long Island,” a new tasting menu featuring local ingredients paired with local wines. The menu is served every Thursday from 5 to 10 in both locations. The cost is $40 pp and with wine pairings is $55 pp. The menu will change weekly as local ingredients vary.

After your “under par” game of golf hit Stonewalls Restaurant (631) 506-0777 in Riverhead for a summer prix fixe menu every night beginning at 5 p.m. except on Tuesdays. The meal is $25pp and items include: Jumbo lump crab cake, baby spinach salmon, Gravlax salmon, Idaho Brook trout, Praire Growth pork chop, veal escalopine forestiere, raspberry coulis, and vanilla-almond cheesecake. Or have lunch with a three-course lunch prix fixe Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The menu is $18p. Sample items include: P.E.I mussels, mariner’s style; breast of chicken basquaise; medallions of pork; and carrot cake.

Join the celebration at Tellers Chophouse (631) 277-7070 in Islip as they celebrate their ninth anniversary by inviting diners who savor a dinner entrée to taste unlimited wine selections from its 10,000 bottle vault. The celebration runs Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. In addition to the highly regarded chophouse menu, Executive Chef Alan Kwan will prepare a la carte seafood specials such as avocado and lobster Napoleon with a yuzu ponzu sauce; Hawaiian yellow-tail and Maine crab with a mango-lemon ponzu and shiso; and sautéed swordfish with mussels, carrots and fingerling potatoes accompanied by a shellfish broth.

Porterhouse at Tellers

Summer Deals Cont"d . . .

Dine, drink and dance by the ocean at
Tierra Mar (631) 288-2700 in Westhampton Beach is offering a special a la carte menu and live music every Saturday night until Labor Day weekend. Enjoy ocean views and a performance by Mambo Loco with original repertoire. The menu changes weekly. Sample menu items include: pan seared local organic shitake and oyster mushrooms, roasted sliced breast of long island free-range duck with leg confit, and charbroiled copper ridge rib-eye steak with merlot sauce.

Long Island Duck at Tierra Mar

What says summer more than a lobster roll? Well Turtle Crossing (631) 324-7166 has added a new lobster roll to their menu. The Turtle Crossing Southwestern Lobster roll is served in a traditional bun with red leaf lettuce and topped with tomatoes and served with coleslaw for $24. Turtle Crossing is now open seven days a week.

Take in some summer tunes at WAVE Restaurant & Lounge, the signature restaurant at Danfords Hotel & Marina (631) 928-5200 in Port Jefferson presents live music in the lounge every Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Wally Alesse tickles the ivories and on Thursday Doug and Elyse offer a contemporary duet of vocal stylings. The lounge also serves a special tapas menu.

Wave Restaurant & Lounge

News & Events

Almond Restaurant (631) 537-8885 in Bridgehampton will be featured at the Grand Tasting at SUNY Stony Brook, Southampton on Tuesday, August 5th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Almond will be featuring some of their delicious French cuisine that will be paired with a selection of wines. The Grand Tasting features more than 200 wines from conference participants and the 40 wineries of Long Island paired with exquisite regional fare from some of Long Island’s finest restaurants. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online .

Citarella (631) 324-9190/726-3636 in East Hampton and Water Mill now offers two seasonal picnic baskets for Hamptonites this summer. Citarella’s Classic Picnic Basket ($400) is designed for a gourmet summer outing and Citarella’s Backpack Picnic ($150) is ideal for an outdoor concert, a beach outing or the upcoming Hamptons Classic Horse Show. Each reusable basket serves four and is filled with delicious ready-to-eat favorites such as couscous, lobster salad, seedless grapes, roast turkey bites and chocolate biscotti.

Citarella Backpak Picnic

Cherrystones Clam & Lobster Shack (631) 324- 9020 has opened in East Hampton at the former Snowflake. Cherrystones provides a laid-back atmosphere serving casual seafood in a light, airy, and properly decked out location. The space offers outdoor dining with a beach theme, including beach sand, beach grass, tiki umbrellas and surfboards. Cherrystones menu includes an array of seafood, sandwiches, and salads, all served on paper and plastic plates. Sample items include: Cherrystones clams on the ½ shell; mussels with wine and garlic; buffalo popcorn chicken with blue cheese; lobster roll; fried flounder sandwich; fried oysters; crabcakes; and fish & chips. Don’t forget about dessert, which includes soft serve vanilla and chocolate ice cream in a cup with your choice of eight toppings. Cherrystones is open Wednesday – Monday from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; closed on Tuesday.

Cherrystones Clam & Lobster Shack

The first classic boutique wine bar in the Hamptons has arrived! GRAPPA WINE BAR (631) 725-0055 in Sag Harbor opened last month and has been jamming since. Executive Chef Brian Cheewing is at the helm in the kitchen serving small plates, grilled pizzettes, homemade gelato, and light salads and entrées. Signature items include: grilled quail with faro, baby veal meatballs, grilled asparagus salad, and braised lamb ravioli. Not to mention the wine list showcases 50 selections from 16 of the 20 Italian regions.

Grappa Wine Bar

Wine educator Chris Miller (516) 639-3085 in his role as co-founder of the Sommelier Wine Academy leads an autumn captains course on Long Island for wine professionals though enthusiasts are welcome. The 16-week program will be held each Monday, September 8 – December 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Sayville at La Tavola (September 8 – October 27) and Port Jefferson at Ruvo East (November 3 – December 22). Tuition is $995. Each class will impart an understanding of important wine countries and regions of the world and feature five to seven wines that illustrate regional character and include benchmark wines.

Chris Miller

Chef Matthew Guiffrida of MUSE Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge (631) 726-2606 in Water Mill recently introduced a new menu for the summer season. The menu features some items which Guiffrida served at the James Beard House last April. New items include: Summer apple salad with Granny Smith apples, smoked gouda, crispy smoked salmon “bacon,” tart apple, candied macadamia nuts, brown sugar vinaigrette and gruyere cheese bread pudding; Vegetarian sushi salad; and “Deep South” Sampler with fried chicken, biscuits and sausage gravy, and shrimp and grits.

Nico at The Gatsby Mansion (631) 581-1900 opened in July with an Italian dining experience in a location right for every dining occasion. It resides in an impressively restored 130-year old South Shore mansion in Islip with a roomy and richly decorated space to meet friends at the bar, have a cozy dinner for two, gather the clan for a Sunday family-style meal and host private parties. The broad menu of Italian fare, by Executive Chef Richard Lanza, showcases modern and traditional flavors appealing to city- and country-style tastes at price points that have both high-end and high-value diners in mind. On the menu are appetizers ($7 – 13) such as sautéed Prince Edward Island mussels in roasted fennel broth with herb butter; . salads ($8 - 11) and pasta ($15 –16) offerings such as layered heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with a balsamic reduction, basil oil and herb crostini; and orecchiette and broccoli rabe featuring hot and sweet sausage with garlic all cooked in chicken stock. Land and sea fare ($16 – 45) include surf and turf, classic Italian chicken and veal dishes with a stand-out seafood risotto of sautéed shrimp, scallops and diced plum tomato finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Nico at The Gatsby Mansion

The biggest deal of the season is approaching quickly! Sign up has begun for the Third Annual Long Island Restaurant Week (631) 727-2870 slated for Sunday, November 2nd through Sunday, November 9th. All participating restaurants will offer a $24.95 prix fix all week long (except Saturday only until 7 PM). For a full list or to participate, go to www.longislandrestaurantweek.com

Mac’s Steakhouse (631)549-5300 was recently voted the #1 Long Island Steakhouse by AOL City’s Best users. Nominees were selected based on their commitment to quality, selection or service; their consistent reputation for value that has been upheld and polished over many years; or for their character, uniqueness or special contribution to local culture. Nominees were chosen by AOL CityGuide’s editorial team and user feedback. Users’ votes ultimately determine which venues are chosen #1 in their categories.

Steak at Mac"s Steakhouse

* Hot Spot of the Month *
Send us your suggestions and we will most certainly check it out! Email us at lauren@wordhampton.com.

This month"s hot spot: The once private Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina (631) 668-3100 retains its exclusivity yet with doors open as an accessible dining destination for the whole family. The Lighthouse Grill and Breezes Café offer cuisine in both elegant and casual al fresco settings. Menus are by award-winning Executive Chef Jared Potter who is inspired by the bounty of flavors from the eastern shore and farmland. There are monthly wine dinners, a Thursday Gotta, Yachta, Lobsta Night and Sunday summer specials. These include a generous $14.95 breakfast buffet; $2-$5 afternoon drinks and $2 oysters to be enjoyed with live entertainment; and a $29.95 three-course prix fixe dinner. On the fine dining menu are selections such as house-aged ribeye steak with creamy herb risotto, Hampton Brussels and Cabernet reduction; freshly caught cod grilled and served with Mornay sauce and Satur Farm fingerling potatoes Florentine; and fresh linguini with local tomatoes, creamed Catapano Dairy Farm goat cheese, spinach and crab meat. Nightly Yachtini Hours at the Cohi Bar & Yachtside Patio Lounge feature half-price specialty drinks from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. and all night Wednesday. Established in 1929 and situated on 35-acres of waterfront property at the eastern end of Long Island, the Resort has been a favorite playground for a who’s who of visitors since entrepreneur Carl Fisher built the original clubhouse. Today, owner Island Global Yachting www.islandglobalyachting.com boasts a 232-slip Marina; 107 well-appointed guestrooms; a full-service spa; a private beach and three swimming pools; tennis courts; and 10,000-square-feet of indoor reception and meeting space, including the water-facing Farmhouse Ballroom, plus the expansive Great Lawn.

That’s it for now until next month, Bon Appetit!

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