Hit The Deck!
By Pete and Rosie/foodie@longislandernews.com

It’s late Sunday afternoon. As a warm afternoon sun begins its descent toward the horizon, there’s a rumbling in these Foodies’ tummies that says it’s time to eat. But it’s too beautiful a day to head indoors, and with the end of summer fast approaching, the opportunities to enjoy just such days may be limited. Where to eat and enjoy the beauty of the waning day? In Huntington, there’s only one choice. We headed north on New York Avenue to Prime.

Owned and operated by the Bohlsen family of Tellers Chophouse fame, Prime holds a monopoly on waterfront dining in Huntington. Surprisingly, for all its beautiful shoreline, there is but one place in the dining capital of Long Island where one can take a front row seat on the harbor and enjoy a first-class meal. That place is Prime, and on this particular Sunday, it seemed that all of Long Island knew it. It looked like everyone had the same idea.

Despite the lack of reservations, we were led to a seat on the upper level of the multi-tiered patio that, in summer at least, is the best part of the Bohlsens’ multi-million dollar reconstruction of the former Co-Co’s restaurant. Completed three years ago, the boathouse-styled building is an architectural showpiece. But mostly, it’s all about the view.

Our own view was good enough; the action was far livelier on the lower level closest to the water where a steel drum band played. The upper level, bisected by a central staircase to the cocktail area below, is comfortably furnished with sturdy wicker style seating and commands a view of the busy harbor below. Our server Dominic welcomed us and set us up with drinks before advising us of the day’s specials. We were looking to go light and shied away from the recommended veal chop with a parmesan crust, but did get to see the tempting dish headed towards the table next to ours. We’ll tackle it on a return trip.

We went with the appetizers and sushi route, starting with a lobster bisque from the specials menu. Though oddly served in a two-part process (our waiter set down a bowl with chunks of lobster meat, and another followed with a pitcher, filling it with the creamy and sherry-laden hot bisque), it was delicious.

We also shared the antipasto salad ($14) – Dominic’s recommendation. Thick sliced mozzarella de bufala and prosciutto de parma with mixed greens and a drizzle of sweet, aged balsamic vinegar. Simple and delicious.

We finished off with sushi selections. The sushi combo ($26) is an eight-piece assortment of nigri sushi and a tuna roll. Tuna, salmon and shrimp slices were top quality, clearly fresh and elegantly served. From a list of eight different sushi rolls, we went with red roof ($15), a sophisticated combination of shrimp and avocado, topped with spicy tuna, spicy mayo and eel sauce. Delish… and there are enough different sushi rolls to try that we’ll come back and do it again.

We skipped dessert but lingered long over coffee, enjoying the warm sun, the lively atmosphere and watching the boats go by. The only thing we might do differently next time is arrive somewhat later and enjoy a full sunset view. Prime owns that view.

Prime
117 New York Avenue, Huntington
631-385-1515
www.restaurantprime.com

Atmosphere: Sophisticated nautical
with a view of the harbor

Cuisine: New American

Price Range: Expensive

Hours: Lunch Wed-Sat 11:30-3;
Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-10,
Fri-Sat 5-11, Sun 4:30-9;
Brunch Sun 11:30-3

Main Menu