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.

The first annual Dan’s Taste of Two Forks this past weekend was a smashing success in Bridgehampton, producing a complete sell-out crowd of 1,600 people in attendance!  Those that attended feasted on East End fare from over 40 restaurants, sampled wines from 23 different LI wineries, and mingled with celebs and VIPs. A fun a delicious evening for all, the night was also for a good cause with a portion of the proceeds going to the Have a Heart Community Trust which benefits local east end food pantries.

The HUGE Crowd

Speech Time

Longest Line: LT Burger for LT Backyard Sliders

Nick & Toni's Balsam Farms Strawberry & Ricotta Tart with Mascarpone Cream

Fresno: Striped Bass Ceviche

House-smoked Pastrami with Bread and Butter Pickles and Grain Mustard

Blue Duck Bakery Cafe: Mini Fruit Tarts

Citarella: Filet Mignon

Montauk Lake Club: Seared Sea Scallop Over Sweet Pea Cheesecake with Lobster Foam

Georgica: Truffle Salmon Tartare

North Fork Potato Chips

Jamesport Manor Inn: Chopped Montauk Lobster with Sweet Corn and Basil

Rugosa: Long Island Duck Mousse with Cantaloupe-Tomato Salsa

Can you spot the celebrity?

What a great event. We can't wait until next year!

One of the best-kept dining secrets on the East End of Long Island has to be Harbor Grill on Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton. The brainchild of Pat Glennon and Chef Damien ODonnell (both are also co-owners of the wildly successful Harbor Bistro, up the road a few miles), Harbor Grill offers simple, well-prepared food at truly affordable prices. It’s a Godsend for year-rounders but also a welcome wallet break for the wealthy. And when you consider that O’Donnell was once the executive chef at Roy Yamaguchi’s in Baltimore, MD.

Ever go to a restaurant, order a dish, and then HAVE TO ORDER IT AGAIN BECAUSE IT WAS SO GOOD? Enter the fried calamari with banana peppers and chopped tomatoes at Harbor Grill: it was gone inside 4 minutes.

And I ask the jury, where else can you score a big plate (could feed two) of chicken Parmesan with linguine? And did I tell you that they throw in a small salad or soup with that dish for $17.95?

The point is, not only can one grab exceptional food at Harbor Grill, but the portions are great and it won’t hurt your pocketbook. Go. Hint – you don’t have to dress like a local.

Thursday before 4th of July weekend in the Hamptons… open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres?! No better way to kick off the holiday celebrations. We give you: Banzai Burger, located in Amagansett on the Napeague stretch.

The Crowd

The Food

Burgers and sushi, an odd combo - BUT it works!