FOODIE

Shacked Up For Summer 2008!
By Sarah & Christine / foodie@longislandernews.com

It’s summer, and instead of BBQ-ing in the backyard you want to go out to dinner, but still be able to enjoy the warm weather. The kids are craving hot dogs and hamburgers, but your taste buds are yearning for grilled chicken or shrimp over a bed of lettuce. Think there’s no place in town to satisfy everyone’s hunger? Think again- The Shack on Route 25A in Centerport caters to all ages and diets while providing an open-air atmosphere with exceptionally friendly service. 

“We’re here for you!” exclaimed co-owner Mace upon our arrival to the eccentrically decorated shack. The building has been in existence since 1926, but owners, and siblings, Mace and Kathleen Colodny have been running the business since 1980. A mere passerby might take this family owned and run eatery for a simple hot dog stand, but a quick glance at the extensive menu of starters, salads, and entrees laid out on a vibrantly colored page prove otherwise. If the choices listed don’t cause your mouth to water, be careful not to overlook the board of specials.

The Shack is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. as soon as the weather is on the warm side- about the start of baseball season, but these hours are by no means set in stone. “We don’t do things like the average restaurant,” said a grinning Mace; his witty humor alone is enough to bring customers back.

Sipping on a lemonade-iced tea, delicious and refreshing, we contemplated the starters; luckily enough, we had the opportunity to sample a little of everything. To start, Mace brought us a bowl of fried calamari with homemade marinara ($7.25) that looked every bit as appetizing as it smelled. In all honesty we don’t normally like seafood, however, we would revisit The Shack just to enjoy this appetizer again. The marinara sauce served as the ideal compliment to this savory snack. The second starter of steamed little neck clams with drawn butter and broth was just as tasty, even for a non-seafood eater. 

Next to bat was lobster salad over mixed greens ($13.95). This dish is perfect for those looking to eat something light, yet flavorful. Though we were growing fuller by the bite, we couldn’t resist the grilled cajun chicken atop caesar salad ($10.95) sitting in front of us. Anything but bland, yet not too spicy, the grilled-to-perfection chicken exploded with flavor alongside the crisp salad. We couldn’t help but dip the chicken into the creamy extra caesar dressing served on the side. In addition to the chicken, we were able to sample grilled louie shrimp, traditionally served solo over caesar salad with olives and tomatoes ($12.95). The shrimp was cooked to perfection- neither chewy nor too soft; each bite left us wanting more.

Even though our stomach’s satisfaction was absolute after this home-run of a meal, we felt we owed it to the kids, and maybe ourselves, to try a good old-fashion all-beef frankfurter ($2.25 with kraut or onion sauce). If you’re feeling adventurous like we were, order chili and grilled onions for an extra burst of flavor.

For a grand-slam finale, ask about the selection of desserts. Although not listed on the menu, The Shack does carry carrot cake, fruit cobbler, brownies, chocolate cake, and pineapple upside-down cake- to name a few. All are homemade. Call just to make sure these treats are available; the kitchen manager whips them up only if rain is not expected so they are fresh daily.

“We have something for everybody,” said Kathleen, “from a kids menu to carb-free, atkins, or southbeach, we always want the customer to be happy. If there’s a problem, bring it back.” The owners are as committed as they appear- at least one of them is always there to ensure efficient service and a fun, family-oriented atmosphere. A hit out of the ballpark, an experience at The Shack will ensure that a good time is had while satisfying everyone’s hunger.

The Shack
1 Stony Hollow Road (Route 25A)
Centerport, NY 11721
(631) 754-8989
www.clamsandchaos.com

Cuisine: Roadside eats, surf and turf
Atmosphere: Casual, Open Air
Hours: Sunday - Monday
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(weather permitting)

Main Menu