NEW AT JONATHAN’S: What’s happening at Jonathan’s Restaurant? The first class Wall Street, Huntington, (631 549-0055) eatery closed for a few days last week and caused a stir in the foodie community. All is well and owner Roberto Ornato and chef Tito Onofre are back. They reopened after four days of around-the-clock work with some renovations to the back of the restaurant, including an Italian stone floor, and new back entrance featuring a renovated mahogany coffee bar area. The addition of mirrors and scones soften the already pleasant mood to complement the exquisite menu offerings. See you there!

STARBUCKS LIGHT: Staying ahead or creating the curve has since its 1971 founding, been Starbuck’s trademark in the coffee industry. Just last week, we noticed a sign saying something like: “Our new default milk is 2% milk. If you want whole milk, you must ask,” attached to the barista counter in our favorite break spot in the Village. We noted the ongoing commitment to the cause of health by abandoning whole and replacing it with 2% fat content but were equally intrigued with the application of semi techno-linguistics to food stuff. Default, appropriately describes the standard option if nothing else is specified, but the folks at The Long Islander never envisioned “default fries” with a burger or “medium-rare” as the “default” steak. Those Starbucks folks are trailblazers – in language too.

AY CARAMBA!: Yup, that’s the name of the new exciting restaurant where Viva Juan used to mix it up (441 East Main Street, Centerport, 631 261-2828, i_caramba@yahoo.com). New owners Mark and Martie Weiner have brought with them new décor, menu and Mexican flair.

A TOAST: Robert Palmer of Huntington has something to raise a glass to. His Palmer Vineyards 2005 Reserve Char-donnay won a gold medal at the prestigious International Eastern Wine Competition. The winery, which is located on the North Fork of Long Island, also took a silver medal for its 2005 Sauvignon Blanc and a bronze for its 2003 Merlot. One of the oldest and largest competitions in the United States, this event is held each May in Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region of New York, topping over 2,100 entries in recent years with wines from 16 countries and 34 states. Palmer Vineyards produced 700 cases of the gold medal winning 2005 Reserve Chardonnay, which retails for $16.99 per 750ml bottle. This wine balances ripe pear and butterscotch flavors with the toasty aromas of 100 percent French oak fermentation.

PARTY TIME: Whether you are having a few couples over for dinner, or are trying to plan your parent’s anniversary celebration, Bedlam Street Fish and Clam Company (55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, 631 692-5655, bedlamstreet.com) has a catering menu for you. They’ll design a menu and specific dishes that will suit your tastes and the feel of your event whether you’re entertaining at home, at another facility or in their dining room. And they’re offering “Lobster Bakes To Go,” a fun and delicious way to enjoy the best of a Long Island tradition in your own home. The package includes steamed lobsters, clams, corn on the cob, drawn butter, cole slaw, baked potatoes and everything you’ll need to enjoy a memorable meal at home.

LIVE MUSIC: Café Toscano (399 Jericho Tpke., Jericho 516-931-2727) is doing it live, Tuesdays at 6 pm, and there’s great food too. Eat and party!

WHAT’S BREWING? Men’s Journal’s third annual survey pronounced that American craft brewing has come of age. “Adventuresome brewers are now producing beers that are at once mind-bendingly flavorful and perfectly refreshing on a hot afternoon.” One of their top 25 is Long Island brewed: Southampton Double White. You can find Southampton Beers and Ales locally. Ask for it at Canterbury Ales (631-549-4404) Huntington Village and Legal Seafood Restaurant at the Walt Whitman Mall (631-271-9777) or pick up a six-pack at Huntington Beverage, Shoreline Beverage, Super Star Beverage in Huntington, East Northport Beverage in East Northport and DeMar Beverage in Northport.

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

Main Menu