$10 LUNCH DEAL: It used to be one of the Foodies’ best-kept secrets but after our last visit to Robkes Country Inn (427 Fort Salonga Rd, Northport 631-754-9663 robkescountryinn.com) it’s apparent that word is out about the $10 lunch deal there. Monday through Saturday ’til 3 p.m., Robke’s has a dozen entrees – plus more on the specials board – and a selection of salads for a flat ten bucks. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better sit-down lunch for the money. Among our favorites: baked lemon sole with sautéed broccoli rabe; eggplant rollatini and shrimp oreganata; rigatoni with Bolognese sauce; and from the salad menu, mesclun greens with blackened shrimp and string beans with vinaigrette. And don’t be afraid to ask them to customize. If they have the ingredients, the chef will cook to your liking. Portions are generous, the wait staff congenial and the atmosphere bustling. Just don’t bring your American Express – or any other credit card for that matter. It’s cash or check only.

MMMM, LASAGNA: The tradition of still life painting goes back to ancient times. It is believed the depictions of food and objects on the walls of Egyptian and Roman tombs were meant to provide for the dead in the afterlife. While religious themes dominated art through the renaissance, still life later emerged as a means both for art patrons to display opulence, and for artists to showcase their skills at realism. Food – fruits and vegetables, game birds and other edibles – along with various crockery, silverware and glass vessels were just some of the subjects. For modern artists, still life remains a means to depict a variety of colors, shapes and textures, and food remains a common theme. Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Petite Gallery is showing its first still life exhibit through Jan. 25. Juror Jason Chang has selected over 35 pieces whose subject matter includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, eggs in a basket, and a remarkable watercolor of uncooked lasagna. All are on display at the gallery (213 Main Street, Huntington). Meet the artists at a reception Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 – 8 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER: Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall Street, Huntington 631-549-0055) will be celebrating Christmas Eve with some very special specials in addition to the regular menu. Among the appetizers: shrimp bisque with crème fraiche and crab salad ($10); tuna tartare with avocado salad and wasabi drizzle ($14); octopus carpaccio with citrus and fennel salad ($12); mozzarella di bufala and grilled vegetable tortino ($13); and porcini ravioli with morels, asparagus, black truffle butter and parmigiano ($12 appetizer/$21 main). Among main course specials: Scottish salmon with root vegetables, fig balsamic and crispy leeks ($25); Angus shell steak with green peppercorn sauce ($36); Homemade spaghettini with lobster, grape tomatoes, corn and spicy baby artichokes ($24); wild striped bass with Taylor Bay scallops in a butternut squash and lemon brodetto ($29); and roast duck with chantrelle mushroom and asparagus risotto ($25). Full menu at www.jonathansristorante.com.

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