Fine Dining Weathers The Storm
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com

As the recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy continue, there’s yet another way you can pitch in – by dining out.

Many restaurant owners are facing the same plight as millions on the eastern seaboard following the extended power outages after Sandy brought her wrath ashore – spoiled food, and with that, big losses. Now that many are once again opening their doors, it’s time to help them bounce back – and take a load off at the same time.

For the second year, Northport’s Business Development Committee is hosting Dine Northport Restaurant Week through Nov. 11, during which participating restaurants offer a $25 p.p. prix fixe menu including a three-course meal of appetizer, main course, dessert and coffee.

The goal, organizers said, is to attract new customers to Northport’s many eateries – as well as Northport’s eclectic downtown. Northport Village, already a historical landmark, has now become one of Long Island's most exciting and entertaining destinations in recent years, with 17 eateries offering outdoor dining. With a spectacular location on the harbor, Northport offers breathtaking views and stunning sunsets. There are also a wide variety of artisan shops, stylish boutiques, and Long Island's only year-round actor’s equity theater, the John W. Engeman Theater.
Participating restaurants include: Benkei, Bistro 44, Maroni Cuisine, Napper Tandy’s, Pumpernickels, The Ritz Café, Rockin’ Fish, The Ship’s Inn, Skipper’s Pub, Sweet Mama’s, Main Street Café, Intermezzo and Jellyfish.

Running at the same time is the annual Long Island Restaurant Week, a bi-annual event designed to garner positive publicity and additional business for the region's restaurants. Originally scheduled to end Nov. 11, it has been extended through Nov. 18.

Restaurants throughout Huntington Township are participating. They are: from Cold Spring Harbor: Grasso’s and Harbor Mist; Commack: Andrea’s 25, Ciaio Baby, Jackson’s, Perfecto Mundo Latin Fusion Bistro; East Northport: Mascali Restaurant; Greenlawn: Ruvo; Huntington: Besito, Bistro Cassis, Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse, Bravo Nader, Legal Sea Foods, The Clubhouse, Crew, Honu Kitchen & Cocktails, Jonathan’s Ristorante, Mac’s Steakhouse, Osteria de Nino, Piccolo Mondo, Red, Ting, Tutto Pazzo, Twisted Vine Cocktails and Cuisine, XO Restaurant & Lounge; and in Melville: Four Food Studio and Jewel.

Due to Hurricane Sandy and a nor’easter expected on Wednesday, be sure to call ahead to make sure your destination is open for business and you don’t waste gas getting to a closed restaurant.

For more information, addresses and phone numbers and to see the menus of each of the participating restaurants, visit www.dinenorthport.com and www.longislandrestaurantweek.com.