FOODIE

Reviewers Rave About Restaurant Week
Diners dish about their Dine Huntington Restaurant Week experiences
By Tricia & Luann/ foodie@longislandernews.com

With only two more days left to “dine Huntington,” the reviews are coming in, and all indications are that Dine Huntington Restaurant Week is a success. Participating restaurants townwide are enjoying a steady flow of traffic as diners take the opportunity to try new restaurants and enjoy the three-course menus being offered through tomorrow, Oct. 23.

It seems that diners were hungry for the opportunity to try new places, and according to comments posted to the DineHuntington fan page on Facebook, restaurateurs stepped up to the plate.

Melissa J. Karrer called Honu Kitchen and Cocktails “absolutely top-notch. The food was perfect, and the service was lovely. I could not have asked for more, from the great value on the bottle of wine to the fireplace nearby, to the terrific food.” And according to Dena Klein, their “new scallop dish is superb.”

Susan Serra said of her first visit to Porto Vivo, “...the food was absolutely fantastic, the atmosphere lovely and modern, the service was truly impeccable. I expect to find a restaurant like this in the city… so fortunate to have it five minutes from my home.”
Marina Zahn-Matera had “a great experience at Conca D'Oro! Old fashioned Italian style restaurant. Grandma was in the kitchen!”

Mike DeLuise gave “five stars to the chefs and staff of La Spada. Absolutely magnificent pasta, seafood and much more. Even coffee and creme brulee are prize winners.”

Of Munday’s, Naomi Edlin wrote, “an old standby rediscovered. Munday's served us fabulous food at a price we could afford! The ultimate grilled cheese was a fantastic twist on a childhood favorite and the chicken burger definitely put a smile on my mom's face!”

Sharon Lupia McGovern said she had a fantastic dinner at Mac's Steakhouse, while Bryan Kelly said, “Bin 56 has a great new chef and yummy menu.”

Geriann Casola said Mangiamo is the best Italian she has had in a long time, adding, the “owners are great, so is the staff – one place I have never had a bad glass of wine!”
According to Andrew Schild, Skipper’s Pub in Northport has something for everyone, whether “you’re looking for a good drink and a snack or a sit down dinner with the entire family… the food is amazing.”

Ruvo in Greenlawn has also been a popular choice. Wendy Harrington said it has “amazing food” and is “not overpriced. The staff are amazing with a great ambiance.” Lisa Harris added that Ruvo “…never fails to impress. The combination of local wines, local produce and exceptional use of seasonal ingredients add to a menu which stimulates the palate and entices the soul. One should never deny themselves the caramel apple martini... it is a seasonal exclamation mark!”

Jeanine Giordano-Howard said Piccolo Bussola was an “excellent choice once again! Everything was delicious and the service was wonderful… the cannoli was so rich and creamy, it was almost sinful.”

Lauri Herrington Levenberg praised the skills of her chef at Samurai Hibachi, while Jason Mele added that “the food at Osteria Toscana was delicious.” Others singled out the pappardelle and skirt steak there. In addition, Mill Pond House was said to have great views, large, delicious portions, and excellent desserts.

Foodies said that at Jonathan's, fritto di calamari, organic sea scallops over pancetta, arugula and apple risotto, and flourless chocolate cake “hit the mark perfectly,” while Prime was touted for its sushi and desserts, which were “to die for,” according to Sonya Wilcox Merullo.

From Tyran Sullivan, at Tutto Pazzo, “the homemade ravioli was to die for and the cannoli reminded me of being back in Italy!” Barbara Kent added that Tutto Pazzo is “always surprisingly good… every mouthful was wonderful” with “crisp rice balls, creamy inside, fresh veggies perfectly cooked, fork-tender, fragrant veal, al dente papardelle, crunchy chopped salad like confetti” and “crisp cannoli, meltingly sweet.”

Patrons have already seen a difference in restaurant traffic, and some have noted the prix-fixe endeavor came at a perfect time, making dining out more affordable.
“Every night this week town seemed extra crowed during dinner hours,” Chrissy Schimmel wrote.

“In a time where people are struggling, I am so thankful to Huntington for not only housing some of Long Islands finest restaurants but for making it affordable for all to enjoy,” Irene Slovin added. “For just $24.95 I get to eat at a five-star restaurant.”

Slovin also touted Panama Hatties for it’s “incredible food... impeccable service... and sophisticated atmosphere.”

More than 50 restaurants are participating in Dine Huntington Restaurant Week. Restaurants are serving a three-course menu for $24.95, per person plus tax and tip in a program designed to bring restaurants new customers and delight the palates of diners.

Dine Huntington Restaurant Week is presented by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and Long Islander Newspapers with support from chief sponsor Lexus of Massapequa.

Menus are online at www.Dine Huntington.com.

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