By DineHuntington.com/Foodie@longislandernews.com

HONU SOLD: HONU Kitchen and Cocktails (363 New York Ave., Huntington 631-421-6900) has been sold. Honu partners John Tunney, John Rieger and David Tunney closed a deal with the Five Cheers Group on Monday, March 14. New owners – Thomas McNicholas Jr., John Mullen, and Anthony Geraci, own Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails in Rockville Centre, which McNicholas described as an upscale grille with a nightlife. Other than a seasonal menu rotation, don’t look for much in the way of change, McNicholas said. “Honu is an unbelievable space. We’re not changing anything. We’re going to concentrate a little on the catering aspect and grow that area of the business.” The owner said he and his partners were looking to establish in Huntington when the opportunity to acquire Honu came up. “Honu is and will always be a very special property for me,” said John Tunney III, who has been concentrating creative energies on BALLO Italian Restaurant and Social Club set to open this year at Mohegan Sun Casino. Tunney will never be far from Honu; his corporate offices are directly across the street.

VITAE SNARES ESTEVES: Vitae Restaurant and Wine Bar has signed John Esteves as general manager. It’s a short move – at least geographically speaking – for Esteves, who was at Bin 56 for the last several years. Vitae (12 New St., Huntington, 631-385-1919, www.vitaeli.com) is owned by Linda Rehnstadt, who gave the old Abel Conklin’s an entirely modern, luxurious look. Vitae is Italian for “life” and the restaurant is a celebration of the good life, with a high-end Italian menu, 100-plus bottle wine list and luxe surroundings. Vitae opened its doors quietly this week. “We’re very excited. It’s a beautiful new venture,” said Estevez.

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