FOODIE
It’s That Time Of Year Again…
By Leah & Alesar/ foodie@longislandernews.com

The sun sets over the water as you sip your cocktail on the patio. As the warm glow of the sun fades into a cool evening you and your dining companions step inside Mill Pond House for an exquisitely prepared dinner. What a way to start the season.

The Mill Pond House in Centerport is known for its fine food, drinks and locale, even named by AOL City Guide as the best outside dining on Long Island for 2007, but the restaurant is easier to access right now while the weather is still a little cool by night fall.

Inside the red sconces set a romantic ambience, never mind the gorgeous view from the panoramic windows on the upper and lower floors. 

We treated ourselves to succulent baked clams casino ($10) but caught a few glimpses of what other people were enjoying nearby. Fresh mozzarella was piled high with roasted peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, and red onions artistically wrapped with thin slices of prosciutto ($12). The shrimp cocktail came with four larger-than-jumbo shrimp. 

The only menu item named after the restaurant is the Mill Pond House Salad ($12) with large chunks of chilled shrimp, string beans, beets, bacon, new potatoes, onions and goat cheese. Although we questioned the combination at first we were quite pleased with the mix of flavors. 

But the climax of the meal was not reached until we shared the fusilli and sautéed lobster meat entree ($19) upon recommendation of our waiter, Michael. It was prepared in a cognac cream sauce and tossed with slivered shitake mushrooms and asparagus. We decided it was the best pasta we have eaten this year bar none. 

A special of the evening was a pan seared wild striped bass ($28), which was served with a thick crabmeat crust and a creamy lobster sauce. 

Another highlight of the night was the crispy roasted half Long Island duck ($27) with a sour cherry demi glace. It was also the highlight of my lunch the next day, since indulging all evening long it was a plentiful portion and more than worth taking home. 

The dessert list was mouth watering; a peanut butter mousse caught my eye but as previously mentioned, I could not eat another bite. We will definitely be heading back to try it, but we might wait until it’s warm enough to take our after dinner drinks outside.

Mill Pond House also offers an extensive lunch menu for the set price of $18.95.

It offers a choice of New England Clam Chower, the soup of the day, classic Caesar salad, chopped salad or bruschetta, an entrée, dessert, and hot coffee or tea. 

The entrees run the gamet and to my delight, the fabulous fusilli with lobster meat is an option! Entrees also include a seared tuna wrap with seaweed salad and wasabi vinaigrette and a 12 oz. New York Sirlion, among many others.

Mill Pond House
437 East Main Street
Centerport NY 11721
631-261-POND
www.millpondrestaurant.com

Cuisine: Seafood, steaks
and raw bar

Atmosphere: Upscale

Price: Moderately Expensive

Hours:
Open seven days a week
Lunch: Noon- 4p.m.
Weekday Dinner:
4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Weekends Dinner:
4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Main Menu