DINNER AND A SHOW: Huntington Arts Council’s Summer Arts Festival at Heckscher Park opens June 26 with a performance by former Saturday Night Live Band leader G.E. Smith and continues with shows every night except Mondays through August 15. Good2Go Delicatessen (147 Woodbury Road, Huntington 631-267-5500) will deliver a picnic basket to the park any night you’re taking in a show. Call ahead and ask for the Picnic In The Park menu.

COOKING WITH LIDIA: Roberto Oronato of Jonathan’s and Piero Casalicchio of Pomodorino shared the stage with celebrated chef Lidia Bastianich last weekend. The pair were among area restaurateurs who helped to celebrate the opening of a recently restored Italianate garden at Planting Fields Arboretum. The Planting Fields Foundation, with sponsor Ferrari, held an Italian Garden Gala on June 19. Guests were to stroll the gardens, enjoy chamber music and sample Italian food made by Bastianich and others.

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE: Got tickets? If your destination is the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, check first with the folks at Skipper’s Pub (34 Main St., Northport 631-261-3589) who hold season tickets to the best seats in the house. A $90/pp tab gets you a three-course meal plus a fourth-row-center ticket. Of course it’s subject to availability; call ahead.

MENU NEUVO: Besito (402 New York Ave., Huntington 631-549-0100 www.besitomex.com) rolled out a new lunch and dinner menu. Highlights include: Atun Crudo ($12) sliced tuna, fresh lime, grilled watermelon and habanero salsa; Enchiladas Langosta Y Jaiba ($23), lobster and crab escabèche baked in a roasted yellow tomato salsa, with pico de gallo and pasilla chile; Callos y Camarones ($25) grilled shrimp and scallops with tres chile salsa and mashed camote.

LATE NIGHT TOAST: New owners of Toast & Co. (62 Stewart Ave., Huntington 631-812-0056) are shaking things up on Stewart Ave., opening the daytime-only diner for late-night noshing on Friday and Saturday nights. From 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Toast will feature a variety of funky burgers and fabulous food. Revelers can party on enjoying hip and swinging music and outdoor dining.

WINE AND DINE: Long Island’s North Fork is the place for those who love great wine, food, beer, and fun. During the weekend of June 25-27 the Long Island Wine and Food Festival will celebrate a world class wine region! A premier travel destination on the East End of Long Island, the North Fork delivers remarkable cuisine, boutique wineries, craft beer and quaint accommodations. Festival guests will have the opportunity to learn about local flavors, tastes, sights and smells of Long Island’s wine country. Meet local chefs. Enjoy local wines and fare. Experience the rural character of Long Island's North Fork. The three-day festival kicks off with an exclusive cocktail reception on June 25. On June 26, be sure to keep your glass full while experiencing the wines, food, and activities that our wineries will offer. The festival culminates June 27 with a Grand Tasting in the historic village of Greenport, a working seaport since the 18th century. To see the complete program of activities or to purchase tickets please visit: longislandwineandfoodfestival.com.

Send news of the food
world to Foodie@LongIslandernews.com

Main Menu