FOODIE
Classic Elegance At The Fox Hollow
By Pete & Rosie/ foodie@longislandernews.com

The Rose and Hunt Room at the Fox Hollow was one of those undiscovered gems in these Foodies’ world… until now.

We all know the Fox Hollow. Just east of Huntington on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, the sprawling Fox Hollow Inn complex is one of the jewels of Long Island-based Scotto Brothers’ restaurant empire. Fox Hollow is an Englsh style country estate on eight acres with sumptuous gardens, waterfalls and fountains. Ever-busy with weddings, social events and other catered affairs, the kitchens at Fox Hollow put out in the neighborhood of 2500 meals a week.

One doesn’t have and hope for an invitation to a wedding, though. Nestled in the main catering facility is the Rose and Hunt Room, where old world elegance provides the perfect showcase for the creations of executive chef Joseph Vigliotti and the entire Fox Hollow staff.

The Rose and Hunt Room restaurant and lounge are comprised of two large rooms that lie beyond a glass-doored entry off the catering hall’s main entrance. The change from the always bustling atmosphere is immediate. You enter a warm wood-trimmed lounge are with a spacious bar, grand piano and white-clothed tables. There is live entertainment Wednesday through Friday and the full menu is available. The adjacent formal dining room is bright, elegant and immediately comfortable. We were made to feel even more comfortable by restaurant director Bill Wiegel and our waiter, Piero, a veteran with the right blend of attentive service and light banter.

A plate of olives, Parmesan chunks and bruschetta got us started while we perused the menu and took in a long list of specials. On the advice of everyone, we ordered the Rilpo – that’s Italian for octopus — from Piero’s recitation of specials. A traditional Italian dish, it was an adventuresome move for these two Foodies, but when everyone makes the recommendation, you go with it.

We also ordered a second special, Italian Speck served with fresh figs and melon. Speck, a prosciutto-like cured meat made in the valleys of the Italian Alps, is a favorite. But we were in it for the figs, and they didn’t disappoint.

The octopus was an amazing surprise. Grilled and served atop a bed of white canellini beans, the large tentacles were slightly intimidating. From the first bite, we melted.
The meat was tender in an almost custardy way. Chef Vigliotti said he went to Brooklyn to get the seafood and saw the whole octopus in a tumbler that tenderizes the meat. He added that when he was young and he saw fishermen beating octopus on the rocks, he thought it was to kill them. “Now I know, it was to make them tender,” he said.

The specials kept us from ordering apps off the menu, and we’ll have to go back to try the poached chilled Maine Lobster salad on fresh greens ($14), and the highly recommended fried calamari ($10).

Entrée selections had us in the same pickle. Filet Mignon Gorgonzola ($32), Lamb Chops alla Basilica ($32) with goat cheese in a balsamic reduction, and Cajun-spiced Blackened Tuna $34) tempted. But again the market specials won the day.

We went with the Osso Bucco, because it’s a rare treat, and the Blackened Red Snapper.

Osso Bucco is a rare treat and when we see it on a menu, we order. Chef Vigliotti’s, served on a bed of yellow Risotto Milanese, stood with the best. Steeped in a tomato based and lightly spiced sauce, the veal shank was fork tender.

Off the menu, the spiciness of the Carribean Dusted Red Snapper ($23) was offset by a sweet and flavorful salsa of melon, mango and red pepper.

We saw several other special’s headed toward other tables, and shrimp dishes seemed to be popular. On another night, we might also enjoy one of those classic dinner-for-two dishes: Rack of American Baby Lamb ($66 for 2) is Dijon-herb crusted and served with stuffed vine ripened tomatoes; Chateaubriand ($64 for 2) is features prime center cut filet mignon with bouquetiere of vegetables, stuffed tomatoes and béarnaise sauce.

If we’re in the mood for a theatrical, presentation, we’ll return for the Duck al’ Orange, or even the classic Caesar salad, which are among dishes prepared tableside.

The menu is simple, yet extensive, and with the changing market specials, one could return again and again. A nearby table of six sixty-something reading club members there for a birthday celebration seemed to know the menu – and Piero – very well.

We left room for dessert, and enjoyed the Tiramisu and a rich Molten Chocolate Cake.
The Tiramisu, drenched in espresso and dusted with cocoa had a strong Brandy bite and deserved the recommendation it got.

Chef Vigliotti told us a story story of the one of the owners recent trip to Italy where he tasted “crudo,” so-called Italian sushi.

“He said it’s the latest craze,” Vigliotti said.

We’re anxious to see what they come up with.

Rose Hunt Room
At Fox Hollow
7725 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury
516-921-1415
www.thefoxhollowinn.com

Atmosphere: Classic elegance in an elegant garden setting

Cuisine: Classics with an Italian influence. Expect specials.

Price Range: Moderate to expensive.

Try the express lunch at $18.95

Hours:
Lunch M-F from 11
Dinner: M-F 5-10
Fri-Sat 5-11
entertainment Wed-Sat. from 7

Main Menu