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Huntington Goes English
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com
Judging from the outside alone, Canterbury Ales is not like
anything else in Huntington village. Its quaint medieval-esque
doors already make it a special place, but when you enter
through the swinging doors, you leave the hustle and bustle
of New York Avenue.
Near the window is a booth with comics of The Lockhorns, the
famous comic strip created by owner Billy Hoest’s father.
The comics on the dark wood walls depict Canterbury Ales,
and even mention Billy. Whether you sit in that booth or anywhere
in the restaurant, you’ll certainly be happy munching
on the delectable cuisine, English foods with a splash of
American influence.
The Scotch Egg ($8.99) – a hard-boiled egg wrapped in
pork sausage, breaded and fried, and traditionally served
cold with hot mustard – was out of this world. While
it can be ordered hot if desired, the coolness really brings
out the flavors. There is also Ratatouille ($9.99) on the
menu, which is stewed eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and onions,
seasoned with herbs and garlic, and topped with melted mozzarella
cheese.
The menu boasts approximately 20 beers on tap and 40 bottled
varieties, about 50 with the added seasonal beverages. Canterbury
Ales also has beer tastings, where you can choose any four
5-ounce draft beers ($8.50).
The kitchen seems to get a lot of traffic from the creativity
of the staff, who help create sandwiches of their own. Billy’s
Favorite Lunch Wrap is grilled chicken wrapped in a flour
tortilla with lettuce, carrots and a sprinkle of bleu cheese
crumbs and/or raspberry vinaigrette ($12.99).
The burgers are large and in charge. We opted for the Archbishop
of Canterbury ($14.99), topped with ham, mushrooms, bacon,
green peppers and Swiss and American cheeses. The toppings
alone are enough for a meal, on top of a generously-sized
patty. You can also create your own burger, or try one of
the others such as the California Canterburger ($15.99), which
is sliced mushrooms, avocado, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, cole
slaw and melted mozzarella cheese.
The main entrées are inspired by England cuisine, and
if this is what food tastes like in England, we’re hopping
on the next plane! We tried the Cornish Pastie ($10.99), boneless
chicken breast and pork sausage mixed with peas, carrots,
onions and mashed potatoes, enveloped in a pastry, and served
with brown gravy and cottage fries. It was an all-star. Other
menu items include seafood and chips, such as the traditional
Fish ‘n Chips ($16.99), which is the fresh catch of the
day, deep fried in ale batter, served with cottage fries in
a basket. Malt vinegar and sea salt are available upon request.
Another sandwich that caught our eye was The Pardoner ($12.99),
which is layered roast beef or turkey with cole slaw and melted
mozzarella sandwiched on a garlic Kaiser roll, served hot.
The desserts are made by Marianne, a manager at Canterbury
Ales who has been there for 34 years, one year short of the
restaurant’s whole existence. There’s Marianne’s
Chocolate Chiffon ($7.99), which is a “frozen chocolate
mousse pie” made with bits of chocolate in a chocolate
cookie crust.
Marianne is one of the many employees who have remained loyal
to Canterbury Ales through the years, and have seen generation
upon generation come in and out of the doors. That link to
the community is apparent given Hoest’s 10-percent discount
to members of the Hecksher Museum, Huntington Historical Society,
Huntington Arts Council, Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce,
Cinema Arts Centre (bring tickets pre/post show), Huntington
Cineplex Shore 8 Theatre (bring tickets) and the Huntington
Community First Aid Squad.
Summer specials reign supreme. On Monday, it’s happy
hour all day with half-price appetizers, $5 pints, $4 well
drinks and house wine, and $3 domestic bottles. Tuesdays and
Wednesdays offer $10.99 burgers and Sam Adams draft pints
for $4. Lunch is served seven days a week, with $10.99 burgers
and half-price entrée salads until 4 p.m.
Canterbury Ales
314 New York Ave., Huntington
631-549-4404
www.canterburyales.com
Atmosphere: Casual
Cuisine: English Pub
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.;
Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Sun. noon-10 p.m
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