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FOODIE
Whale’s Tale: A Hideaway
On The Half Shell
By Pete & Will/foodie@longislandernews.com
A
secret waterfront hideaway in Northport perfect for enjoying
good food and drink over a picture perfect sunset and it’s
affordable, too! That’s the kind of thing we Foodies
are tempted to keep secret.
We’re
letting the secret out. The Whale’s Tale in Northport
is perhaps the best kept secret on the local food scene. Located
on the harborfront in Northport at the Britannia Yachting
Center, The Whale’s Tale is a casual eatery with a view
worthy of a much pricier restaurant. But that’s not what
this restaurant is about. Billing itself as a “hideway
on the half shell,” The Whale’s Tale was created
by a laid back group of locals who love good friends, great
food and their community.
While
the casual, open-air setting overlooking the yacht club’s
marina evokes a beachfront hamburger stand, the restaurant
is several steps above that. The atmosphere is laid back with
umbrella topped tables and a small bar that looks right into
the kitchen. But the food, attentive table service and neat-as-a-pin
appearance make the difference.
The
Whale’s Tale’s menu is as extensive as any sit-down
eatery in town with a particular emphasis on fresh, locally
obtained ingredients. All of the fish is from local waters,
as are the shellfish. That makes starting a selection from
the raw bar almost obligatory. The clams ($5.95 half-dozen;
$10.95 dozen) or oysters ($7.95 half-dozen; $14.95 dozen)
on the half shell are fresh and served on ice with hot sauce
and lemon. The Tin Can Platter ($14.95) is a cold platter
of shrimp, oysters and clams. Hot mussels ($8.95) are served
in a tasty broth. The bucket of steamers ($10.95) are cooked
in beer with caraway.
More
traditional appetizers are great for sharing with friends
over a few drinks at sunset. Try the Buffalo Tenders ($6.95),
fried Clam Strips ($7.95) or a local favorite, NPT Calamari
($7.95), a basket of lightly fried calamari with a spicy fra
diavolo sauce.
The
menu at Whale’s Tale covers all appetites. The clam chowder
($3.95) is a must-try. Pair a bowlful with one of their creative
salads for a terrific meal. A favorite is the BBQ chicken
and avocado salad ($7.95) which tops mesclun greens with char-grilled
barbeque chicken, avocado slices, tomatoes, corn salsa and
jack cheddar with a tangy cilantro lime ranch dressing. The
Chipotle steak salad tops romaine lettuce with grilled, blackened
steak, fire roasted corn, tomato cilantro salsa and crispy
onions with a chipotle parmesan dressing.
Taco
selections – all served with a side of slaw – are
extensive. Our favorite is the fish taco ($6.95) – a
pair of them actually – comprised of fried filet with
tomato cilantro salsa, shredded cabbage and a three-chili
spread. Also try the filet mignon tacos ($6.50), a pair of
flour tortillas stuffed with filet mignon, cheese, crispy
onions and garlic tomato salsa.
Also
a sure bet are the fried seafood boats ranging from scallops
($11.95), shrimp ($12.95) and soft shell crab ($13.95).
Big
spenders may venture to the entrée selections and will
be disappointed only by an inability to spend big. The most
expensive item on the menu is the Northport Fish Stew ($15.95),
the eatery’s signature dish.
There
are grilled tuna ($12.95), barbequed chicken ($10.95), sliced
steak ($11.95) and Cajun shrimp ($12.95) dishes as well.
Keeping
with the casual atmosphere, service is strictly paper and
plastic. But where good friends gather for drinks and a sunset,
what more do you need? The Whale’s Tale is that perfect
meeting spot, already popular for end-of-week happy hour get-togethers.
The only problem… we’ve let the cat out of the bag.
The secret’s out.
The Whale’s
Tale
at Britannia Marina
81 Fort Salonga Road
Northport
631-651-8844
www.brityacht.com
Atmosphere: Open air, casual
with a sunset view
Price range: Inexpensive
Hours: Open daily 11-11
Main
Menu
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