‘Prime’ Spot For Stars
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com

For years, celebrities have been spotted at Huntington Harbor's Prime – An American Kitchen & Bar (117 New York Ave., Huntington 631-385-1515, www.restaurantprime.com). Owned by The Bohlsen Restaurant Group, Prime is known for its breathtaking views of the harbor, its top cuisine by Executive Chef Gregg Lauletta, and exquisite interior design.

Here is a look at some celebs who have stopped at Prime during their travels:
Kiefer Sutherland: Kiefer Sutherland pulled up to Prime in June of 2011 in his California-plated silver Aston Martin DB9. Wearing flip flops, the “24” drama TV star who had just wrapped up his Broadway debut in the “Championship Season” two days earlier was seen dining on surf and turf while his guest opted for a dragon roll, beet salad and whipped potatoes.

Billy Joel: Everyone’s favorite “Piano Man” has been spotted at Prime several times over the years, with his significant others, daughter, and even his mother.
Beth Stern: For a July 2011 North Shore Animal League benefit featuring puppies, kittens, Ferraris, the wife of radio personality Howard Stern, Beth (Ostrosky) Stern, visited Prime to help the cause.

Lloyd Banks: Rapper Lloyd Banks echoed good taste across the Long Island Sound on March 2, 2011. Before headlining the midnight show in Connecticut's Tuxedo Junction, the plaid-jacketed and blue-jeaned Banks dined with friends at Prime, sharing crab cakes, sushi, porterhouse and rib-eye steaks with all sides.

Bill O’Reilly: Political commentator Bill O’Reilly enjoyed dinner with friends and a view of Huntington Harbor in April 2012 at Prime. “The O'Reilly Factor” host downed a dozen littleneck clams followed by a gnocchi appetizer specially prepared by Executive Chef Gregg Lauletta as a mid-course to share, and a crab cake. O'Reilly also indulged in the chocolate cake for dessert.

Natalie Portman: Academy award winning actress Natalie Portman was spotted at Prime just last month. The Black Swan star and animal rights advocate dined vegetarian with her son, Aleph Portman-Millepied, and her parents.

Russell Crowe: After getting a bit disoriented navigating the waters of Long Island earlier this month, actor Russell Crowe found himself at Prime. Crowe, who was filming “Noah” in Oyster Bay, went kayaking on Sept. 1 with a friend and flagged down a Coast Guard rescue boat in Huntington Bay. After being dropped off in Huntington Harbor, Crowe and his friend sat down at a cocktail table overlooking the dock area for a bite and a drink. He ordered a shrimp cocktail, burger and fries, and a specially-ordered pineapple margarita.

Henry Winkler and Mark Feuerstein: It was a “royal” scene Prime Sept. 10-11 as the waterfront restaurant became a new filming location for the USA Network television series “Royal Pains.” Among the cast filming at the restaurant were series star Mark Feuerstein and his on-screen dad, Henry Winkler. The scenes filmed at Prime are part of the season four finale to air later this year.

Ashley Olsen: Ashley Olsen flew under the radar and enjoyed a peaceful harborside dinner in July. Wearing a black bomber jacket and maxi dress, the “Full House” star turned fashionista, joined by friends, dove into sushi, salads and strip steak with house dessert before being piloted away.

Other celebs who have had a taste of the upscale dining at Prime include: Paula Abdul, James Caan, LL Cool J, Ron Darling, Paula Deen, Cameron Diaz, Rick DiPietro, Mike Francesa, Kathie Lee Gifford, Clark Gillies, Victoria Gotti, Bill Guerin, Sean Hannity, Kevin James, Ashton Kutcher, Pat LaFontaine, Ralph Maccio, Stephon "Starbury" Marbury, Demi Moore, Scott Pelley, Patrick Roy, Alan Stillman, Sharon Stone, and Al Troutwig.