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Porto Fino’s
Corner Of The Village
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com
LSince establishing themselves on the corner of New York Avenue,
the owners of Porto Fino Ristorante, one of the newest members
of the Dine Huntington Restaurant Week family, have made a
name for themselves as a major player.
Owners Augie Palmieri, Jack Pata and Gianni Vigliotti each
called on decades of experience. Augie got his start in pizza
shortly after emigrating from Italy in his early 20s; Jack
followed a similar track and Gianni has about 15 years of
experience under his belt.
Their goal, Gianni said, is to offer casual family dining.
With a menu as diverse as theirs, they can always serve up
something, whether an Italian classic or a modern favorite,
that can have every member of a family coming back for more.
Waitress Natasha Lakhnov, a knowledgeable presence in the
dining room, guided us through that extensive menu of Italian
classics, homemade gourmet pizza and pizettes, panini, classic
entrees and plenty more.
We opted to start with Calamari Fritti ($11.95). The Italian
classic does well here with chunky homemade, garlicky marinara,
crisp, peppery batter and tender meat. The spicy, peppery
broth of Mussels Mandolino ($11.95) soaks into the tender
baby shrimp and juicy mussels, making for a delightful marriage
of flavors and a refreshing new way to savor mussels.
When it comes to entrees, meat eaters can turn to Veal Portofino
($18.95), a blend of veal medallions sautéed with artichokes,
Portobello mushrooms and sundried tomatoes in sweet marsala
and wine sauce. But it’s the classic whole Branzino that
Gianni pegs as an all-time favorite of customers. Porto Fino’s
wood-burning stove, guided by Augie’s decades of experience
as a master pizza maker, produces super-thin, incredibly delicious
pizettes ($8.95-$13.95).
Cap it all off with fresh, sweet cannoli ($3.50) and cappuccino
($4.95, served with biscotti), and chalk it up to a night
well spent with friends and your family.
Porto Fino Restaurant
395 New York Ave., Huntington
631-673-1200
portofinohuntington.com
Atmosphere: Casual, family friendly
Cuisine: Classic Italian
Price: Moderate
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days;
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sun-Thurs;
11 a.m.-midnight Fri & Sat
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