INAUGURATION CHOWDER: We’re told that Legal Sea Foods’ (160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, 631-271-9777) New England Clam Chowder has been on the menu of every Presidential Inauguration since 1981. To celebrate this honor and the upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama, the company has declared a “Legal” holiday for Jan. 20. Legal Sea Foods’ Walt Whitman Mall location and all of its restaurants will be serving up $0.44 cups of New England Clam Chowder (with the purchase of an entrée). The chowder tradition started when organizers for President Reagan’s inauguration hosted an event that showcased an All-American menu. An iconic food or dish from each state was chosen, and the Massachusetts nod went to Legal’s New England Clam Chowder. Grab a cup and toast the new president.

HOT NEW FLAVOR: For those of you who have been to Herrell’s Ice Cream (46 Gerard Street, Huntington village, 631-673-1100) you know how delicious their ice cream is. The newest addition to their extensive flavor repertoire – Crumb Cake - is to die for. It tastes so close to the real thing it will have you thinking it’s Sunday morning at your Aunt Agatha’s. Maybe that’s because store owner Rick Meuser uses the real thing in his super-secret recipe. Stop by to check it out.

MOVE OVER, HAMBURGER: The burger on the bar menu at Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall Street, Huntington, 631-549-0055) is a Foodie favorite. Even when we try to order something else we end up just looking at the menu for a few minutes, then slapping it closed and asking for a medium rare. But that burger has some new competition since Roberto added some new items to the bar menu. The new additions: Fritto di Calamari, Shrimp Ceviche, Pancetta-wrapped Sea Scallop over Baby Spinach, or Speck, Grana, Artichokes, Heart of Palm and Arugula (all $12); Tuna on Cucumber ($11); Sautéed Wild Mushrooms over Soft Polenta ($10); or the classic Caesar Salad ($9; with shrimp, $14). The menu is always available at the bar and is offered Sunday – Friday at the tables. Of course, the burger, on Jonathan’s superb bread with fries and dressed greens ($13) remains on the menu. Try to resist.
NYC RESTAURANT WEEK: Reservations are open for Restaurant Week in New York City, Jan. 18-23 and Jan. 25-30. More than 200 participating restaurants are offering three-course, prix-fixe $24.07 lunches and $35 dinners. It’s a perfect time to try out some of Manhattan’s finest – and priciest – restaurants. Tables fill quickly, so make up your mind and make your reservations. Go to www.opentable.com, or just about any New York City food blog on the web.

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