POMODORO: We’ve been to them all – Huntington, Port Washington and Manhattan – small Italian restaurants serving simple, rustic and tasty food, the brainchild of Piero Casalicchio, Fabio Machado and their Huntington based Hospitality Group which has been building a food empire across the region. Last week, we stopped by the newly renovated Port Washington Pomodoro and we were wowed. New French doors opening onto Main Street, new comfy décor, a new menu and an old friend. The spiffy new bistro’s manager, Ryan, was the very same guide we had when we reviewed Mac’s Steakhouse a number of months back – he was assistant manager there. Ryan is running the house in Port Washington and from the crowd, comments and our meal, Ryan and the changes have been welcomed by Port regulars. The new menu offers some new tastes and retains some of the old favorites. The place has a feel of the old Pomodoro with a bit of influence of the group’s Bistro Citron in Roslyn – there’s nothing wrong with building on success. We’d guess this slight but upbeat makeover will likely migrate to the other Pomodoros. Our only complaint is that their fabulous Zuppa di Pesce is now only available as a scheduled Friday special. C’mon Fabio & Piero, it’s one of the top menu items on the Island... and a Foodie favorite.

BEER PAIRINGS? You’ve heard of wine pairings where the sommelier selects the perfect accompaniment for each delectable course. Now Mazzi Restaurant (493 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington) one of the Foodies’ favorite romantic hideaways, invites you to a first ever “Beer Tasting,” featuring the Beers of Brooklyn Brewery. The Thursday, September 14 dinner will pair each course with the appropriate brew. Appetizer: Jumbo Shrimp Ceviche, Avocado Puree, Crispy Chips with “Brooklyn Weisse.” First Course: Tequila and Spice Cured Fresh Pancetta, Warm Pineapple Citrus Vinaigrette, with “Brooklyn Octoberfest.” Salad: Mixed Greens, Fennel, Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola Cheese, House Vinaigrette, with “Brooklyn Pilsner.” Main Course: Beer-Braised Short Ribs, Horseradish Gremolata, Butternut Squash Lasagnette, with “Brooklyn Brown Ale.” Dessert: Valhrona Chocolate Cake, Tahitian Vanilla Gelato, Basil Syrup, Raspberry Sauce, with “Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout.” Wow!!! Reservations required by September 8 for the September 14 dinner event at $65 per person. 631 421-3390.

AMERICAN BURGER: John Tunney, the successful Huntington restaurateur and proprietor of Besito and Blue Honu has lived in the fast lane of the foodie business. However, as he says on his website: “What I realized was that at the end of the night – after all the glitz and glamour – what I really wanted was a good cheeseburger.” So, in 2002 Tunney founded the American Burger Company – a new-millennium hamburger stand right on New York Avenue. It had all the things that were missing: fresh 100% USDA beef cooked to order, crispy fries, a shake that works, plush leather seats, wood floors, cool music and flat screens minus fluorescent lighting and chaos. Soon you’ll be able to get “the ultimate American meal” at the new Hicksville location (290 Old Country Road) which joins the chains Huntington and Atlantic City spots. Order singles, doubles, 4x4, add holes or a light pink easy rider with cheese – they’ll teach you the lingo. Enjoy!

HOT DOG: Long Island-based Nathan’s Famous Inc. is on a roll. It reported a 22-percent increase in first-quarter earnings on revenues of $12.2 million. With a first quarter profit of $1.3 million, the Westbury corporation’s performance sure cuts the mustard, it claims to be “the number one retail selling ‘premium’ all-beef hot dog, based upon pounds sold, and the third highest retail selling all beef hot dog in the United States.”

QUESTION: What is 2000 lbs. of Chinese soup? Answer: Won Ton.
Send news of the food world to Foodie@LongIslandernews.com

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

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