The team at Long Island Restaurant News had a very lovely time at Luce & Hawkins over Restaurant Week. With reservations made weeks in advanced, we made our way through the restaurant to enjoy a round of drinks while waiting for our table. Once seated, we were served our choice of flat or sparking water and handed the prix fixe menus. Even with a limited menu, everyone found something special to order rather quickly.

The baked ricotta gnuddi with morels and asparagus was a popular dish at our table along with the NoFo duck wings with cucumber-feta raita and chili-garlic sauce. An order of the Firecracker scallops with wasabi, tempura and egg crumbs topped with caviar was also phenomenal!

Two filet mignons and three faro risottos were enjoyed very much, but the beef and mushroom stew with creamy polenta and pickled ramps was just okay.

As for desserts, you shouldn’t even have to ask. Even though everyone was rather full from the rest of the meal, all others finished off their ice cream sundaes and had a few spoonfuls of the croissant pudding. The croissant pudding for two (or six, when you’re feeling generous) was heaven and also could be a very sweet breakfast, if we could’ve saved any to take home!

We experienced a top-notch restaurant at an affordable price ($24.95/person) and were very impressed! This is what Restaurant Week is all about. Where did you dine for Long Island Restaurant Week? Tell us about your experience!

Easter hops by this Sunday, April 8. There are so many great restaurants offering brunch and dinner for it. Just around the corner is Long Island Restaurant Week from Sunday, April 22 through 29. Did you know May 11 through 20 is Long Island Craft Beer Week? Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13; be sure to make reservations early to appease Mom.  June 18 marks the date for the Second Annual Long Island Hospitality Ball and we hear its the “hospitality industry’s New Year’s Eve!”

What events are you looking forward to in the calendar? Where will you be spotted noshing, sipping and dancing?

Monsoon – Asian Kitchen and Lounge, located on Deer Park Avenue in the heart of Babylon Village, is the latest addition to the Bohlsen Restaurant Group family. What makes Monsoon unique is that it is the group’s first Asian concept. I hold a special place in my heart for Asian food, so I was particularly excited and, to say the least, I was swept away by this Monsoon.

Photo by Jim Lennon

Monsoon’s menu is to be enjoyed “family style,” which means a table will order dishes to be shared. While one would think it would be hard to come to agreement as a group, the waiters assist you in ordering to make sure you are not ordering too much or too little. Dishes come out as soon as they are ready, so the table was never overcrowded. With the expertise and guidance of our waiter, Eric, we ordered nine dishes.

Edamame Dumplings

Our first course consisted of the Monsoon Roll, which is their signature sushi roll with Maine lobster, spicy tuna, avocado and jalapeno. The presentation of this dish was “this” close to making me jump ship from vegetarianism. Dishes coming out of the kitchen soon after the Monsoon Roll were the Edamame Dumplings, the Crispy Fried Tofu and Vietnamese Summer Rolls. The Edamame Dumplings are made with hand-made dough and stuffed with edamame puree, served in a mushroom sake broth. The dough is so light; the dumplings seem to melt in your mouth. The Crispy Tofu is served with chili radish, ginger and Thai basil, and went wonderfully with the sweet-chili sauce that is placed on every table at Monsoon. The Vietnamese Summer Roll served with rice noodles, shrimp, pork and chili peanut sauce, were thoroughly enjoyed by the rest of the table.

Crispy Fried Tofu

The second course came out soon after our first round of plates had been cleared. For this round, we enjoyed Korean BBQ Chicken Wings and Old Style Pad Thai. Pad Thai is a personal favorite of mine, so I switched my utensils from chopsticks to fork and knife to indulge in this dish at my fullest capacity.

Our final round of dishes included General Tso’s Chicken, Miso Glazed Black Cod and Wok Fried “Morning Glory.” The General Tso’s Chicken and Glazed Black Cod received rave reviews from my fellow diners, one guest even exclaiming that it was the best cod she had ever tasted.

Monsoon’s up-scale décor, exceptional service and a to-die for menu made for a brilliant night out. I have already begun to take mental notes on the dishes I plan on trying for my next trip, which hopefully will be sooner rather than later.

Many times, I enjoy going out for an evening to a great movie and a nice dinner for entertainment and socialization. I was able to experience fabulous entertainment, socialization AND delicious food in one spot: Shiro of Japan.

Shiro of Japan is both Japanese hibachi steakhouse and sushi restaurant. Opened over 30 years ago, it has been a mainstay in Carle Place.

After being happily greeted by the hostess, we were seated at a hibachi table with a perfect view of the entire dining room. While the table warmed up, the waiter took our drink order that included a fancy green Tokyo Sunset and a traditional Japanese beer, Kirin.

We decided to order an array of sushi to share before our hibachi show. The group favorite was the Rainbow Roll (Top Left). The tuna was also highly enjoyed. It also included: (counterclockwise from top left) Black Dragon roll, Chili roll, special roll of the day, assorted sushi, tuna roll, assorted sashimi and a Veggie roll.

Our one non-hibachi diner ordered miso soup and edamame, both were served with just the right amount of saltiness.

A garden salad was also ordered and beat the expectations of the typical iceberg lettuce and orange dressing. Among the bed of lettuce was also thinly sliced peppers and onions topped with a miso, ginger vinaigrette that made this diner wish it was made in an entrée-sized meal! Clear soups and salads were also dispersed before the show began.

You don’t realize how mesmerizing fire and knives are until you are sitting at a hibachi table in front of a trained professional.

The onion volcano is a classic beginning after cooking utensils are juggled and thrown around. Each slice and dice was precise and every move was a surprise. From the beating heart-shaped rice to dousing the fire, we were kept at the edge of our seats.

Now that the show had come to an end, the chef humbly accepted a round of applause before we quickly moved on to noshing on our meals ranging from the hibachi shrimp to filet mignon with brown ginger and spicy mustard sauces.

We ended the night on a sweet note with sorbet in a coconut shell and mango. Afterwards, we had to slowly make out way out, content and appeased.

2011 came and went. See where we enjoyed dining and what happened in the world of restaurants across Long Island this year.

Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton

Rumors on the Island

Vitae Restaurant & Wine Bar, Huntington

Page at 63 Main, Sag Harbor

A Lure Chowder House & “Oyster-ia”, Southold

Banzai Burger, Amagansett

Harbor Grill, East Hampton

Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, Bridgehampton

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Woodbury

Escape to New York, Southampton

Comtesse Therese Bistro, Aquebogue

Left Coast Kitchen, Merrick

Ragazzi Italian Kitchen & Bar, Nesconset

Where did you spend 2011 and what did you eat?

To celebrate the week’s end, one vegetarian, one vegan and two carnivores arrived at Ragazzi for dinner, stomachs rumbling. After being quickly seated, bread and water was brought to our table almost immediately. As if our waitress had read my mind (or heard my rumbling stomach), the bread was placed directly in front of me and I dove right in. Ragazzi’s breadbasket boasted a variety of bread and homemade hummus. The garlic knots were my particular favorite and I’m not ashamed to say that I ate at least four of them and could have kept going.

To kick off our night in Italy, our appetizer orders were the Zucchini Fritti, Sushi Italiano, Pasta Fagioli, Insalata Di Tri Colore and the Polpete.

We also ordered the Tre Formaggi pizza for the table.

My Zucchini Fritti were perfectly fried and paired with two dipping sauces: a homemade tomato sauce and a Wasabi aioli.

The star dish of this course was the Sushi Italiano. The dish was presented so that it looked like actual sushi and had breadsticks posing as chopsticks.

After allowing us a brief moment for our stomachs, our entrees arrived.

I ordered the Capellini Al Orto with whole-wheat spaghetti. My dining companions ordered the Gamberetti “Ragazzi” and Fettucini Con Gorgonzola from the traditional dinner menu, and the Pasta Putanesca from Dr. T’s Heart Healthy Menu.

Dr. T’s Heart Healthy menu provides dining options for those that are looking to abide by the guidelines from the American Heart Association and still enjoy delicious, Italian cuisine. The generous portion sizes were daunting, but devoured.

Finally, to fill the tiny space that was left in our stomachs, we ordered desserts. Instead of four desserts, we opted to order just two. We ordered the Tartufo, an Italian classic, and the Pesca Dena.

The Tartufo, Italian for “truffle”, is a ball of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, coated in dark chocolate with a raspberry center.

The Pesca Dena, a signature Ragazzi dessert, is made up of baked peaches stuffed with crushed amaretti cookies and topped with a sweetened Mascarpone cream.

Dinner at Ragazzi was “molto buono!” With such an extensive menu, Ragazzi proved that they satisfy every appetite – even if you’re dining with a vegetarian, a vegan, a carnivore or all three at one table. And after looking at the lunch menu and Ragazzi’s prime location directly across the street from the Smithaven Mall, it’s also the ideal location to refuel in between power-shopping session.

“Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails is owned and operated by Chris & Heather Randell. They were prompted to create a place of their own when they couldn’t find a fun, local neighborhood joint with personality AND mouth-watering food. When 1810 Merrick Road became available, they couldn’t be more excited. They saw potential at first sight - it had great bones- a tin ceiling, a big bar and just needed a lot of love…and scrubbing.” - www.LCKny.com

Well, the Randell’s scrubbed and gave 1810 some love; Chef Chris whipped up a mouthwatering menu and their fun, neighborhood joint was born.

On a recent Thursday evening, we arrived early, got seated and were given the delicious buttery, seasoned popcorn that almost makes perusing the off-the-charts menu impossible…almost.

After our initial mmms, oohs and ahhs, we decided “To Share” the Crab and Artichoke BLT Dip, with Toast, Chips, Lettuce Cups and Salsa (15).

My companion – a taco aficionado – had to have the Fried Pork Carnitas Taco with Spicy Salsa Verde, Crème and Queso Fresco (11) to start and we were both thrilled she did!

I couldn’t resist the Indian Summer Salad with its layers of Cous Cous, Sunflower Seeds, Sun Dried Fruits, Roasted Butternut Squash, Veggies, Sweet Corn (11).

After a time-out to chat with Chef Chris, who was directing the kitchen, making rounds on the floor and serving his wife and daughter who popped in to grab an early bite, the ENTREES arrived (they were so worthy of all caps!).

The Sautéed Sea Scallops with Wild Mushroom Risotto and Truffle Essence (24)…

AND….after a 12-hour braise, the enormous, delicious “More Long than Short Rib” 12- Hour Braised with Loaded Deep Fried Baked Potato (25).

And here it comes…”Would you care for dessert?” Of course we did! My companion made an excellent selection after waffling between the Homemade Vanilla Orange Bread Pudding, Oreo Brownie Sundae and the XL Molten Lava Cake; she chose the “Deep Fried Junior’s Cheesecake (Like Funnel Cake and Cheesecake Had a Baby!) with Vanilla Gelato, Raspberry Jam and Tons of Powdered Sugar” (8)!

(To note: a neighboring table ordered LCK’s “Tower of Power” for dessert and our suspicions were confirmed: the “Death Defying Stack of Sweets and Baked Goods Featuring NY Cupcakery Cupcakes”, offered for $16, was towering-ly awesome, offering something for everyone.)

Dinner at Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails was so right, we’ll definitely go back (and have you seen their breakfast menu?)!

I’ve heard tales from people who travel to France and Italy of these wonderful little family owned vineyards. You can stop by for an afternoon glass of wine harvested by the family that has lived there for generations while enjoying grandma’s cooking on the back patio of the vineyards restaurant. Until recently, these types of establishment were a myth from overseas, that is until I heard about Comtesse Therese Bistro. Turns out we have our very own vineyard restaurant right here on Long Island’s North Fork - who knew!

Guests enter a historic 1835 building and are transported to a French country manor house. The only wines on the menu are - of course - Comtesse Therese Vineyard wines. After tasting a few we recommend the 2006 Hungarian Oak Merlot. This round and smooth wine is aged in Hungarian oak barrels and pairs well with grilled meats.

The menu here is short, and for a good reason. Just like it’s European counterparts this vineyard restaurant is true to it’s roots - literally. Just as the wine comes from their very own vineyard the food is harvested locally and the bulk of the menu is as ever changing as it’s ingredients. That said, classically trained Executive Chef Arie Pavlou has created several menu staples that are not to be missed. The classic escargot with traditional garlic and parsley butter was cooked perfectly and we found ourselves soaking up the leftover sauce with every bit of bread we had on the table. (At one point I believe my dining companion may have even licked the plate…shhh don’t tell anyone!) We also sampled the brie en croute, which featured brie cheese and wild mushrooms in perfect balance wrapped-up in a golden brown puff pastry served along side a mesclun salad.

Just when we though the chef had already hit the high note of our meal, the smoked local duck breast arrived on our table cooked to perfection with a sweet sauce. This dish is prepared differently each night, but the duck is always fresh and comes from a farm in the same town as the restaurant. It doesn’t get any more local than this dish.

Finally, it would be a crime if we didn’t tell you that no matter how full you are at this point in the meal - you MUST - and we mean MUST order the homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream. The mint is picked fresh from the restaurant’s garden, and the light finish of this herb mixed with gourmet chocolate is sure to please everyone at the table.

Escape to New York festival wrapped up it’s inaugural art, music and interactive performance party on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, NY also announcing they plan to return next year. Though the last day of the 3-day party was cancelled due to bad weather, Saturday brought in near capacity crowds for this first time event.

Festivalgoers experienced Escape to New York and Secret Garden Party founder Freddie Fellowes creative vision full of happy surprises and pop-up performances throughout the party.

Dining Area

Acoustic Gazebo at Dining Area

ASIANDOG NYC

On Sunday, August 7th at 11 a.m., Escape to New York’ brunch event in an attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Record’s world’s biggest brunch at a live music event was unable to be record-breaking due to the rain. The brunch was still a great success with some delicious food!

Granola with Fresh Fruit

On Monday, August 8, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza (ACFP) celebrated the opening of its 2nd Long Island location in Woodbury, NY with a preview event for friends and family. ACFP founder, Anthony Bruno; Executive Chef & Vice President, Michelangelo Mozzicato; and NFL legend & ACFP partner, Dan Marino greeted guests and shared together in signature menu items such as its famous pizzas, coal-oven-roasted chicken wings with caramelized onions, pork ribs with vinegar peppers, home-style meatballs made from a Bruno family recipe and “Eggplant Marino.” Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is best known for its high energy atmosphere, signature menu items, quality ingredients and of course, its use of an 800-degree anthracite coal-burning ovens.

(L to R) Dan Marino, Michelangelo Mozzicato & Anthony Bruno

Family & friends gathered together to celebrate the opening of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (ACFP) in Woodbury, NY

(L to R) Liz Levine, Andy Levine, Bennett Levine, Tonya Novelli & Brett Dunne

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza’s Florida locations include Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Weston, Plantation, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Aventura, Doral, Miami Lakes, Pinecrest, Kendall, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Stuart, Wellington, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon and Orlando, as well as locations in Horsham, PA, Wayne, PA, White Plains, NY, Carle Place, NY, Edison, NJ, Wilmington and Pike Creek, DE.