FOODIE
New Deli Serves Up Cafe’s Charm
By Brian Rafferty/ foodie@longislandernews.com

One of the most interesting places to pick up a quick bite to eat opened recently just off New York Avenue in the heart of Huntington village, and if the lines don’t prove to you that this is a great place to go, just check out the menu.

The Elm Street Eatery, just a block off Main Street, has a great vibe about it. The bagels are still warm when you get them in the morning, the deli salads and hot dishes are fresh and plentiful, cold cuts are all from a trusted name brand and the specialty sandwiches – as expected in any good deli – have clever, local names.

On a recent lunch break I headed over to this open, airy spot. The tables outside evoke a café charm, with even more tables inside that were clean and busy. Just past the cashier on your right is a combination juice and salad bar, where any salad or smoothie can be made to order.

Centered in the deli is a self-serve coffee bar, which does brisk business first thing in the morning. To its right is a refrigerator case with a range of soft drinks, teas, waters, juices, milks and even some old-fashioned soda brands.

At the back is the cold food section, with myriad salads, cheeses and side dishes on display. The Chicken Cranberry Walnut Salad is simply a wonderful combination. I had some a week before I first went in – one of my co-workers brought over a sample. =The chicken salad, unlike most that you find, was not floating in mayo to cover dryness. It was moist on its own, lending its own texture to contrast the crispness of the meaty nuts and the tang of the berry. On a rye bread with lettuce and tomato it makes a heck of a sandwich.

But why make up your own sandwich when you can order from a creative list? I had the Elm Street Frenzy, which was hot roast beef and melted mozzarella with cole slaw on a hero (you can also get them on a roll or bread). I got to watch the sandwich be prepared, noting the rareness of the beef before it hit the grill, the thickness of the fresh-sliced mozzarella and the layering of cole slaw that made the sandwich come together.

Wrapped in a foil-lined waxy paper, by the time I got it back to the office it was warmed through. The bread was fresh and gave no resistance to the bite; the juices of the meat and coleslaw barely made a drip as I ate. It was one of the best sandwiches I have had in some time.

And there are so many more to choose from. Next on my list is the Centerport – a breaded chicken cutlet, bacon, Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo. I am also intrigued by the Lloyd Harbor – roast beef, Asiago cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and a Dijon horseradish dressing. I could go on. The choices are wonderful.

And the people care. The staff was friendly, helpful and charming, filled with good conversation and clearly interested in customer service, which has moved, unfortunately, from routine to being a treat at a place like Elm Street.

The food is priced well, with basic breakfast sandwiches ranging from $2.65 to $3.75 and platters starting at $3.25 and working their way up to $5.25. The lox is fresh, the bagels are absolutely crusted with toppings and the other baked goods – from cookies to rugelach and Danish – are done just right.

Open early to help out commuters and closed by the time most people are headed home from work, Elm Street is sure to last as a great place to pick up a quick breakfast or lunch, to gather items for a picnic or party or to simply relax, have a cup of coffee, and watch the cars go by from the café tables on the sidewalk. Enjoy!

Elm Street Eatery
12 Elm Street
Huntington village
631-629-4212

Cuisine: Delicious deli

Atmosphere: Friendly, courteous

Hours: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Sunday

Main Menu