WHAT’S IN A NAME? In the case of the new danú, there’s a name in the name. The new restaurant set to open in the former Wild Fin, danú (368 New York Avenue, Huntington, 631-549-5757) comes from the name of executive chef, David Nuñez, who is currently designing an Asian Latin fusion menu for the restaurant while owner Edwin Torres works his design magic on the interior. A Lloyd Harbor resident, Torres is owner of a New York City architectural design firm, and a fan of Nuñez from the chef’s stint at Hispaniola, located in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge. Torres said he was looking to get into the restaurant business and tried Nuñez’s creations at Hispaniola. They met, they talked, and two days later Torres bought the old Golden Oldies building in Huntington Station with the idea of creating an upscale, privacy-oriented restaurant. Impulsive? Well, let’s just say Torres doesn’t like to wait. In fact, when zoning regulations promised to slow down his plans, he put that building on the market and leased the old Wild Fin. Expect the newly whitewashed interior to provide a dramatic backdrop for Nunez’s creative cookery, which New York Magazine called “wildly inventive and beautifully presented, stacked and sauced with artistic flair.” The chef favors seafood, but brings global influences from years spent cooking in Hawaii, New York’s Hotel Pierre, and in multi-ethnic Washington Heights.

OFF THE WALL: Stop by and say hello to new Chef Steve Del Lima and experience his signature dishes from his former kitchen at Wild Fin including: Thai Chili Calamari, Tuna Tartare, Veal Delmonico Steak with sauteed escarole and rigatoni with sundried tomato fricassee, Horseradish Crusted Salmon with vegetable barley risotto, Sweet Creole Barbecue Glazed Tilapia sweet potato and andouille hash.

PIECE OF THE PIE: Sixteen year-old reader Jake M. writes:” I consider myself to be somewhat of a pizza snob opting more for thin crust and tasty sauce like Totonnos in Brooklyn. Last week I had the opportunity to taste some of the many varieties of Joanne’s Gourmet Pizza (11 New St., 631-673-2040). Jake tells us his favorites [in order] are: 1. BACON CHEESEBURGER: beef, american cheese & bacon; The bacon bits are really good and it tasted just like a cheeseburger. 2. SHRIMP SCAMPI PIZZA: I am a shrimp lover and really liked the plentiful, huge pieces of shrimp; 3. LASAGNE PIZZA: ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella & tomato sauce. Again, if you’re a carnivore, this one is a tasty treat. 4. GRILLED CHICKEN BRUSCHETTA PIZZA: chunks of grilled chicken with chopped tomato, red onions & basil in balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken and balsamic vinegar make this one a hit. My other favorites around town are Rosa’s (313 Main Street) Baked Ziti Pizza, 34 New Street’s (34 New Street)  BBQ Chicken personal pie, Pomodorino (326 W. Jericho Turnpike) personal pie and Little Vincent’s (329 New York Avenue) regular slice because of its’ thin crust and flavorful sauce.

CHOCO-LOT: There was a lotta chocolate in the Appliance World store on the evening of November 8. That’s when Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC) took over the kitchen showroom for a fundraising event that featured dessert wines paired with chocolates. Among the Foodies’ favorites. The chocolate-robed grapes from Bon Bons Chocolatier, Fiorello Dolce’s “Sarah Bernhardt,” a chocolate truffle on almond macaroon, dipped in chocolate; the toffees from Azure; everything from Copenhagen Bakery; and a remarkable collection of boutique chocolates by a newcomer on the chocolate scene, Chokola’j. A tip of the chef’s hat to HBCAC for a culinary triumph of a fundraiser. We can’t wait for next year’s.

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