NEW Restaurant - Cu29 Wine & Bistro

Cu29 Wine & Bistro (100 S. Main St., Sayville, [631] 563-0805) is the brainchild of Manny Lakios the brilliant businessman and Sayville landlord of the former iconic Collins & Main. Smart guys do smart things – like hire all-star chefs: enter Sean Blakeslee formerly of Porters on the Lane, Mazzei’s and the Crows Nest. If you wondered where he’s been, well, you’ve found him now.

The new restaurant is named after the periodic table element of copper (Cu) and its atomic number (29). The décor is warm; the food, dynamic. There are two dining rooms separated by French doors, a cozy bar area and an enticing lounge with black leather banquettes. Sleek comes to Sayville.

For starters we had winter panzanella salad ($9) with white beans, roasted tomatoes and focaccia – which was ravaged with multiple forks and a pulled duck confit flat bread ($11); I could have eaten about five of them.

From the entrée selection – items which are designed to be shared – we had duck rolled cigars with apricot dipping sauce ($10), and Thai BBQ chicken skewers with grilled pineapple slaw ($7). Both were solid, appetizer-style selections.

Two entrees - seared Day Boat scallops with wild mushroom risotto and black truffle essence ($16), and Algerian spice- rubbed lamb chops with cous cous and roasted baby peppers ($17) – are rich, full flavored dishes.

Oh, one last thing: dessert. I’m still thinking about a very light raspberry phyllo dough Napoleon with coconut lemon curd and Thai basil syrup. Very light. Very nice.

The service is professional; the atmosphere was cozy. And we were there on Night One. Cu29 could be code for See You To-Night. (Get it?)

Tags: Collins & Main, Crows Nest, Cu29 Wine & Bistro, Manny Lakios, Mazzei's, Porters on the Lane, Sayville, Sean Blakeslee