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FOODIE
Feels Like Home
Down At Elijah Churchill’s
By Luann & Tricia / foodie@longislandernews.com
For Valentine’s Day, when hearts are on the brain, it
seemed appropriate for the Foodies to check out Elijah Churchill’s
Public House, named for the first recipient of the Purple
Heart medal. Nestled on Route 25A in Fort Salonga, Elijah
Churchill’s is where good old-fashioned comfort food
and a charmingly rustic character entwine to make you feel
at home the minute you step through the door.
Low lighting, deep browns and golden yellows bring a cozy
feel to the dining area. Dark mahogany booths with high backs
give you plenty of privacy but also enough exposure so you
feel a part of the Churchill’s family. The bar area,
separate from the dining area, has ample seating and an extensive
beer selection. The restaurant caters to all with inconspicuously
placed televisions for sports fans and a flickering fireplace
for those desiring a more intimate evening.
Owners Douglas Jaffe and Tim McAuley, Walt Whitman High School
graduates, bought the building six years ago. After a brief
stint as the Fort Salonga Inn, Elijah Churchill’s was
born when the duo combined McAuley’s artistic vision
with Jaffe’s business skills.
The restaurant is named after Sgt. Elijah Churchill, recognized
by George Washington for his bravery at the battle of Fort
Slongo, near present day Northport, during the Revolutionary
War. A glance around the restaurant draws the eye to Washington’s
words on the walls that describe those deserving of the Purple
Heart and to the artwork of Mary Pipolo, the owners’
high school friend.
The theme of comfort food tickles every menu item, from the
Shepherd’s Pie to Mama’s Classic Meatloaf. Soft
jumbo pretzel sticks start the meal as a creative alternative
to a breadbasket. Fried onion rings ($7.99) are enormous and
hand dipped in a tasty, true beer batter. When ordered in
the Captain’s Sampler ($14.99), they come with fried
calamari and a Portobello mushroom stuffed with tender crabmeat
and sundried tomato.
The BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ($11.99) were a standout appetizer,
pan-seared and served with a unique cocktail-like sauce. French
onion soup is brothy with big onion chunks and a generous
amount of melted swiss ($5.99).
Churchill’s signature dish, the Skirt Steak Walla-Walla,
is a fine choice. Marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-ginger
teriyaki, it is cooked well on the outside and tender and
juicy on the inside ($21.99). Given so many tasty-sounding
burgers to pick from, we went with the New Yorker ($12.99),
a half-pound of ground sirloin with sautéed onions,
mushrooms, cheddar and bacon with a side of a brown Burgundy
gravy, great as a dip for the house chips.
Elijah Churchill’s has much to offer, including live
music on the weekends (often featuring owner McAuley, who
plays guitar), happy hour specials, and specialty nights.
In the summer when its outdoor patio is open, Elijah Churchill’s
offers a lighter fare with more seafood specialties.
Good food. Character. Coziness. Elijah Churchill’s has
it all. There’s a personal touch that will keep you coming
back again and again. With a wide array of sandwiches, salads
and desserts left for us to try, Elijah Churchill’s can
rest assured the Foodies will be back.
Elijah
Churchill’s Public House
1031 Route 25A Fort Salonga,
New York
(631) 261-9678
www.elijahchurchills.com
Cuisine:
“Rustic, refined comfort food”
Atmosphere: Cozy, warm, intimate
Price
Range: Cozy and casual, warm and inviting
Hours:Mon. 11:30a.m-9p.m.,
Tues.-Thu. 11:30a.m.-10p.m.,
Fri. 11:30a.m-11p.m.,
Sat. noon-11p.m., Sun. noon-9p.m.
Main
Menu
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