Eatin' Good At Eatalia

Beet salad of mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing

Eggplant parmigiana layered with mozzarella.

Chicken marsala with mushrooms, cranberries and wine sauce

Tagliatelle pasta with roasted pepper and pesto sauce

Eatalia’s interior features photographs taken by a member of the Salese family.

The Salese family owns Eatalia and Junior’s Pizza in Halesite, they bring their knowledge for pizza into the restaurant.

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

A feast of plenty that gives you a taste of variety can be found at Eatalia in Huntington village.

Pull up a chair and dive in to one of the many massive plates served up family-style at the Italian eatery.

Eatalia was opened in 2015 by Al Salese, owner of Junior’s Pizza in Halesite, and his partner Anthony Rombaldi. the pair made a unique splash on the village’s thriving restaurant scene. After working for 37 years in the village, Salese knew there was no shortage of restaurants, but he saw an opportunity.

“He was looking to open a new restaurant, saw that there are no family-style restaurants in Huntington village and figured that would be a good place to start,” daughter and restaurant manager Brittany Salese said.

She along with manager Vinny Groe has stepped up to assist her father as he continues to operate his Halesite business. Salese feels Junior’s is pizza-focused and quick, while Eatalia invites families and friends to sit, relax and enjoy a meal.

A signature of the Eatalia menu: every dish has a single or family portion allowing guests to get a bite for themselves or collectively share the spread.

“Family-style is cool and different because I know when I go out to eat I get such food envy. I wish I ordered what the other person did,” Salese said. “With family-style you can order a few dishes and try a little of everything. Everyone’s happy.”

There is no shortage of variety on the Eatalia menu, something Salese said was intentional. Eatalia offers an array of appetizers, salads, pizzettas, baked entrees, pasta, meats and seafood. Originally crafted by Al, who has cooked his whole career, the menu has evolved over the years through collaboration.

“We are constantly trying out new specials. If one of the specials works out and is a hit then we’ll add it permanently,” Salese said. “We’re always changing, adding new decorations and specials for food and drinks.”

Eatalia debuted lunch specials, featuring regular menu items in slightly smaller portions for $10.99. Salese found many people didn’t want a huge meal at lunch time but craved something tasty and affordable.

A classic Italian staple, the chicken marsala ($24/31) is pure comfort with a wine sauce that resembles gravy in thickness and covers the plate with a savory glaze. The thin-cut chicken is tender, boosted by the fresh, bittersweet flavor of cranberries.

Salese describes Eatalia’s flavors as traditional Italian. They feature fresh tagliatelle pasta with origins from the Emigia-Romagna and Marche regions, in a roasted pepper and pesto sauce ($22/28). Vegetarians will delight in the eggplant parmigiana ($22/28) that is cooked to just the right amount of tenderness. Eggplant is one of those foods that can turn out very right or wrong, but Eatalia handles the challenge well and serves up a saucy plate with huge pieces. A generous portion of melted mozzarella oozes with creaminess to top it off. Although, the dish may be decadent, diners will leave still feeling light.

“You’re not gonna feel heavy after eating our food,” Salese said. “The ingredients we use are all so fresh and our chefs are super lenient. They’ll tailor any dish to how you want it – take anything out, add something in – since everything’s made to order.”

For Eatalia, it’s important their food is tasty, while also being good for the body. A flavor-filled beet salad ($14/18) has bold elements that come together in a balsamic dressing. The shrimp was slightly blackened on the outside for crispness but had luscious inner meat.

“I eat here almost every day and being healthy is very important to me, since I’m a yoga teacher,” Salese said. “We want to serve our customers the food, that we would eat. That includes organic chicken, fresh veggies, and we don’t use any MSG.”

Eatalia’s interior is reminiscent of a “Nantucket-beach”, with nautical hints.

“I want people to come here and feel they are having dinner at their family member’s house,” Salese said. “I want it to feel homey, that’s why all the photographs were taken by my sister and family touches throughout.”

Eatalia
34 New Street, Huntington 631-629-4551
eataliafamilystyle.com

Cuisine: Italian
Atmosphere: Nautical and chic
Price range:
Appetizers: $16-24
Salads: $11-18
Pizzetta: $12-15
Entrées: $16-39
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

SIDE DISH: New Taco Joint… Bertucci’s Closed… Restaurant Week…

Mission Taco is set to open at 371 New York Avenue in Huntington village. The building was formerly home to Acacia.

New Taco Joint: Mexican food lovers can look forward to a new taco joint in Huntington village. A sign for Mission Taco recently went up on the 371 New York Avenue building that was previously home to the restaurant and lounge Acacia. Acacia closed its doors just over a year ago after the restaurant’s liquor license expired. The club was the site of a stabbing in 2016 that left one victim hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. The space is set to reopen as a restaurant after Mission Taco took over the space in January. According to their website, Mission Taco’s menu “blends classic elements of rich authentic Mexican fare mixed with modern culinary techniques and local flavors.” The restaurant is also set to feature an extensive craft cocktail program, a rotating list of 20 craft beers, cold pressed juices and local kombucha. The décor is aimed at creating a “fun, trendy and relaxed environment” with natural wood, brick, warm colors and a 30-foot mural in the dining area. The restaurant is set to serve lunch and dinner, and will offer delivery, take out and sit down dining service

Bertucci’s on Walt Whitman Road in Melville closed its doors earlier this month.

LI’s Last Bertucci’s Closed: The last Bertucci’s location on Long Island has closed its doors. The Italian brick-oven pizza chain announced in a statement that the location at 881 Walt Whitman Road in Melville closed earlier this month. At its peak, Bertucci’s had over 100 restaurants nationwide, including three on Long Island. However, the Massachusetts-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2018. The Melville location has been the last remaining Bertucci’s on Long Island for just over a year. When our Foodies visited the restaurant last January they were impressed by the brick-oven pizzas and the Pan Sautéed Mussels, or Cozze In Padella. The closure of the Melville restaurant means Bertucci’s has 57 locations in operation. Long Islanders looking for the nearest Bertucci’s brick-over pizza will have to travel to New Jersey or Connecticut.

Restaurant Week: Long Island Restaurant Week is set to kick off on April 28 and run through May 5. Praticipating restaurants will offer a special three-course, $29.95 prix-fixe menu for the entire week. The promotion was started in 2006 and is presented by the Long Island Restaurant and Hospitality Group. This year 15 restaurants from around the Town of Huntington have signed up to take part. They are: Athenian Greek Taverna; Besito Mexican; Bistro Cassis; Cafe Buenos Aires; Del Frisco’s Grille; Grassos; Honu Kitchen & Cocktails; Imperial Meat Company; Jewel; Jonathan’s Ristorante; Konoba; Mac’s Steakhouse; Matteo’s Trattoria; Piccolo Mondo; Ruvo; Ting.

Del Fuego Brings On The Tex Mex Heat

Slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork wontons topped with pumpkin seeds and mango-BBQ sauce.

Carne asada tacos feature grilled skirt steak, lettuce, pico de gallo, mexican cheese and poblano aioli

Guacamole with housemade chips, lime, cilantro, red onions and pico de gallo.

Crispy pan-seared red snapper fillet with tomato, habanero sauce, capers, olives, grilled vegetables and rice.

Cocktails at Del Fuego are tequila-centric concoctions.

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

With the flavors of Texas and the fierceness of Mexican fare, Del Fuego is making its mark on Long Island.

Del Fuego serves up a variety of Tex Mex cuisine that blends the best of two cultures’ cooking. Mexican standards found on the menu are given satisfying Tex Mex twists, including quesadillas, tacos, burritos and fajitas.

First opened in St. James by DeNicola Brothers Concepts, the family-owned restaurant group that owns Ruvo in Greenlawn and Port Jefferson, they primarily focused on Italian eats before venturing “south of the border.”

“I think the brothers were looking for something different,” manager Jean Alzheimer said. “They were undecided until Joe and his brother were at a convention in Texas and went to a Tex Mex restaurant. They thought they’d give it a shot.”

Since then Del Fuego has expanded to Babylon, Patchogue and most recently, East Northport. All of the locations boast bright, colorful interiors with influences from Tex Mex culture. Many pieces were purchased at Texas auctions.

The brothers have always had a passion for going above and beyond with the vision and design of their restaurants, influenced by their artist father.

A standard at Del Fuego is freshness. Everything is made in-house daily. They even infuse their own tequila, offering a pineapple-tequila, made with fresh pineapple and rested for seven days, or spicy-tequila, infused with jalapeno, poblano and habanero peppers. The pineapple stands out in the bee’s knees ($12), a fruity concoction that is dressed up with tiny honeycombs for a fun garnish. On the spicy side, the mojito picante ($12) is quite the journey of flavors at first sip, with notes of jalapeno, lime, rum and ginger. An interesting take on the traditional margarita, the blackberry bliss ($12) incorporates the bittersweet fruit, while keeping things sour with lime juice.

“Freshness makes us stand out,” Alzheimer said. “Tex Mex is becoming more popular and to stand above the rest of them, you have to go that extra mile.”

Del Fuego hopes to be a family eatery, while also welcoming the lively and loud to watch a game. Every Thursday night, local musicians are showcased.

Any avocado fan is bound to love the traditional guacamole. It’s very fresh with a subtle kick of red onion and pico de gallo.

The turkey-chorizo chili ($10.50) is a traditional Mexican staple that gets a spin of comfort. It oozes spicy juices under a layer of melted mexican cheese.

On the other side of the cultural spectrum, the BBQ pork-filled wontons ($12.50) are sensational with a soft shell that encloses tender pulled pork topped with mango-BBQ sauce.

“They want it to be somewhere for anyone to go and that’s really what we see,” Alzheimer said. “We have different specials every day, aimed at everyone from food to alcohol. You could come with the kids or come for happy hour with coworkers.”

The expansive menu comes from a collaboration of the minds of the brothers and longtime chefs at their restaurants. Since its debut the basic menu has not changed, but Del Fuego provides innovation through lunch specials and a featured Taco of the Week.

A favorite with many, the chicken fajitas ($17.50) let guests create their own meal. Juicy chicken is complemented by sauteed peppers and onions.

Another flavorful meal, the crispy red snapper ($20.50) is a decadent delight with a rich tomato and habanero sauce covering a massive piece of fish.

Also not lacking in flavor, carne asada tacos ($17.50) layer on succulent skirt steak with traditional taco fixings.

“Some people expect Mexican food or barbecue but that’s not us,” Alzheimer said. “It can only be described as Tex Mex.”

___

Del Fuego
2519, 17 Hewitt Square, East Northport
631-651-9393
delfuegorestaurant.com

Cuisine: Tex Mex
Atmosphere: Lively and colorful
Price range:
Appetizers: $4.50-18
Salads: $6-14
Sushi bar entreés: $16-50
Entrées: $15-32
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

SIDE DISH: Swallow Out… Dolphin Back In… Scotch For Dinner…

Jimmy Tchinnis, the chef who put small plates on Huntington’s food map, has closed Swallow in order to devote his time to Swallow East in Montauk.

Swallow Closes: Swallow Restaurant in Huntington village closed its doors earlier this month after nearly nine years in business. Chef and owner James Tchinnis first opened Swallow at its 366 New York Avenue location in 2010 with a trendy menu of small plates and craft cocktails. Mac and Cheese with orzo, peas, bacon and asiago cream sauce, and French Onion Sliders with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and garlic aioli were favorites on the small plates menu. In 2012 the brand expanded to include Swallow East on West Lake Drive in Montauk. A message to customers announced Swallow Restaurant in Huntington’s last weekend as April 5-7. The restaurant’s closing was attributed to the desire to “focus our attention on Swallow East.” It also said the owners of the neighboring The Paramount would be taking over the space to open their own restaurant. Stay tuned as our Foodies track the development of The Paramount’s take on dining in Huntington.

A banner on the sign of the former Golden Dolphin Diner in Huntington shows the diner’s name has been changed to the Golden Globe.

From The Dolphin To The Globe: The Golden Globe Diner has opened its doors under new management at the former home of the Golden Dolphin Diner on Main Street in Huntington village. The Golden Dolphin, a Huntington mainstay for decades, first closed in July 2017 after the state Department of Taxation and Finance seized the business over unpaid taxes. New owners reopened the diner two months later, but the restaurant closed again in January. The restaurant recently opened earlier this month with a new banner hanging over the old sign replacing the “Dolphin” in Golden Dolphin with the word Globe. The new diner is set to open at 7:30 a.m. daily. Hours of operation will run until 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Scotch Dinner: Del Frisco’s Grille located in the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station is hosting a four-course scotch pairing dinner at 6:30 p.m., April 25. Each dish will feature a hand selected scotch pairing from Balvenie, Macallan, Glenlivet or Laphroaig. The first course is a Traditional Country Pâté paired with a Balvenie 12 Year scotch. The second course is Crispy Long Island Duck served with ginger, scallion, bok choy and coconut, and paired with Macallan 15 Year. Togarashi Pork Belly with dashi, watercress, chili oil, poached egg and nori will be served as the third course paired with Laphroaig 10 Year scotch. For dessert, Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée will be paired with Glenlivet 18 Year. The scotch diner costs $150 per guest. For more information or to make reservations call 631-423-0308.

— Compiled by Connor Beach

Finnegan’s Keeping It Fresh 107 Years Later

Always ready with a beer and a smile from behind the bar, manager Tommy Forte is the face of Finnegan’s.

If it goes with a beer you’ll find it at Finnegan’s in Huntington village. Among Foodie favorites, the smokehouse burger with smoked cheddar, bacon, crispy onion rings and barbecue sauce on a pretzel bun

Carne asada tacos with marinated steak, jack cheese, salsa fresca and cilantro .

If you’re lucky enough to catch it on the specials menu, rich and creamy lobster bisque.

Tommy’s says his signature cocktail “sneaks up on you.”

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

With a rich history that dates to 1912, Finnegan’s of Huntington village has grown and evolved with the local community.

Originally opened by Andrew Finnegan, the Irish pub at one time spanned nearly a third of the block with cigars sold from the front and and the back housing a speakeasy. Bar goers needed a password to enter and would drink from teacups.

The bar remained a mainstay even after the end of prohibition, and through the 20th century, an assortment of owners has each left their mark.

“I’ve worked with them all,” general manager Tommy Forte said. “When Bill Finnegan sold it to Walter Pettit, he was still working Sundays at 90 years old and I worked with him. Then I worked with Rusty Petiti, Gerardi, Fiscella, and now Lessing’s, who have had it for the last 17 years.”

The Lessing’s Hospitality Group own and operate other local restaurants, including Hatch in Huntington and Sandbar in Cold Spring Harbor.

Forte’s 53 years bartending experience includes 31 at Finnegan’s. Forte prides himself on welcoming and talking to customers new and old.

“I don’t know when I’ll retire, cause I love what I’m doing,” Forte said. “I’m just gonna keep going and have fun with the people. We play games and I’ll ask trivia questions.”

The flavors of Finnegan’s are a mix of Irish comfort with a mix of other cultural cuisines for a unique flair. A dish that borrows inspiration but still has the Finnegan’s touch, the carne asada tacos ($13) start with juicy marinated steak complemented by jack cheese, salsa fresca and cilantro. It makes for a messy but satisfying bite. The crispy french fries accompanying can not be overlooked, with a surprisingly sublime outer shell.

From shepherd’s pie to a burrito bowl, the focus of any Finnegan’s dish is freshness, Forte said. Ingredient deliveries are made daily to the pub. This allows them to feature day-to-day specials, like a lobster bisque soup. The thick consistency was perfection with plenty of lobster flavor shining through.

A popular appetizer, the L.I. stuffed clams ($11) puts a savory twist on the seafood classic with bits of bacon added to the soft stuffing of clams and bread crumbs. Although, the top layer appeared burned, once it was mixed around in the shell, it added to the flavor.

Looking forward to warmer months, Finnegan’s will be updating their menu to match the summer environment with lighter plates. Customer favorites like burgers and reubens will remain, but Finnegan’s plans to boost the amount of Irish cuisine on the menu.

“All of us collaborate,” Forte said. “We have a Lessing group meeting every week, where we discuss what’s selling and not. They get ideas. We all share feedback and contribute.”

A burger that should stick around is the smokehouse burger ($16), a tempting meat masterpiece. The thick burger packs a flavorful punch, with the help of smoked cheddar, bacon, onion rings, and bbq sauce. Topped on a pretzel bun, it will make any meat-lover smile.

Forte finds his passion for bartending stems from his love of camaraderie and community.

“It’s kinda like you’re on stage here and I love it,” Forte said. “I have to read all the newspapers and keep up, cause some people wanna talk sports or politics or business, so you have to have a little knowledge of everything.”

Forte has crafted his own signature cocktail, the Big Cat ($12) named after his own nickname from high school. It’s known to “sneak up on you,” he said. The tropical refreshment blends cranberry, pineapple and orange juice with an assortment of liquors, for a light, fruity flavor.

On the weekends, Finnegan’s becomes a lively joint, especially when they host live music on the patio in the summer.

“Finnegan’s in the ‘Cheers’ of Huntington. Everybody comes here from little kids to 96-year-olds,” Forte said. “We have a great time here.”

Finnegan’s
5 Wall St, Huntington
631-423-9696
finnegansny.com
Cuisine: Irish-American
Atmosphere: Cozy and vintage
Price: Appetizers: $11-14, Soup and Salad: $8-14; Entrees: $13-18
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, noon - 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday, noon - 3 a.m.

SIDE DISH: Easter Dining… Lessing’s “Does Good”

Brunch favorites like waffles, as well as a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa, will be available at Finley’s Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Easter Brunch: Finley’s of Greene Street (43 Green St., Huntington) is offering a special Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 21. The holiday brunch will feature an all you can eat buffet for $34.95 per person. Children 10 and under can eat for half price. The food options at the buffet will include waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon and other items from Finley’s extensive brunch menu that is regularly served on Sunday mornings. In addition to the food options, a seat at the brunch table will earn you a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa from the bar. Diners can have access to unlimited Bloody Marys or Mimosas for an additional $18. The buffet will be served during three seatings at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. To make a reservation for one of these times call 631-351-3440.

Jonathan’s Ristorante in Huntington village is offering a menu of dinner specials in celebration of Easter on April 21.

Or Easter Dinner: Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall St., Huntington) is offering a special Easter Dinner menu from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. on April 21. The menu includes six special savory dishes and a dessert. Starters include Pancetta and Corn Chowder with shrimp or Seared Sea Scallops with celery root puree and truffle vinaigrette. Main course specials include Sweet Water Prawns served with cannellini beans served with rainbow Swiss chard, or Braised Lamb Shank with potato puree and asparagus. The dessert is a Pine Nut and Chestnut Tart with zabaglione gelato. Jonathan’s regular dinner menu will also be available on the special occasion. To make a reservation visit Jonathansristorante.com or call 631-549-0055.

Lessing’s Tries To “Do Good”: The Lessing’s Hospitality Group, which owns Finnegan’s in Huntington village and Sandbar in Cold Spring Harbor, are partnering this month with Island Harvest Food Bank for its “Do Good” initiative. Lessing’s team members donated their time to help plant and cultivate the Island Harvest Food Bank’s 1.8-acre “Giving Garden” in Brentwood on April 9. The company will also help fundraise for Island Harvest throughout the month, culminating on Earth Day, April 22, when Lessing’s will match 100 percent of the donations made to Island Harvest on Earth Day up to $5,000. Island Harvest’s mission is to help the 300,000 Long Islanders struggling with hunger and food insecurity. “Hospitality and giving back go hand in hand. Whether it be supporting a local cause close to our hearts or to our employees, cleaning the beaches, or helping those in need, it is what gives us a purpose,” Lessing’s VP Mark Lessing said. Vist Facebook.com/Lessingshospitality to make a donation during the “Do Good” campaign.

Ting Puts The "A" In Asian Fusion

Wonton Sushi Tacos are filled with fresh tuna, salmon and yellowtail with soy mustard sauce, tomatoes, cilantro and onion. Long Islander News photos/Sophia Ricco

Crispy fried rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeño, and sweet soy sauce

Shrimp and Soba

Vegetable Lo Mein with assorted vegetables

The classic Teriyaki Combo with chicken and beef

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Take your tastebuds on a journey at Ting, a restaurant putting their own twist on Asian cuisine.

The Huntington eatery has made a name for itself in over six years in business by offering an array of appetizers, soups, salads, rolls and entrees from a sushi bar and full kitchen

“We pride ourselves on the fact that we get fresh produce and fish delivered every day,” general manager Collin McGlone said. “We source it from premium quality companies, that are top-notch. They are known for maintaining the ‘cold chain’ and sourcing food responsibly and sustainably. People around here like good quality, fresh items and it does make a difference.”

The crispy rice ($13) is a highlight of the sushi appetizers. Fresh spicy tuna top the fried rice, giving it dimensional texture and flavor. A jalapeño kicked it up a notch, while harmonizing with sweet soy sauce.

With an expansive menu covering two kitchens, an order can get dynamic by mixing and matching classic cooked Asian dishes with raw sushi assortments. The B.B.Q. spare ribs ($15) come with a rich honey glaze sauce that brings out the flavor of the tender rib meat.

The wonton sushi tacos ($15) show off Ting’s fusion skills by creating a taco from fried wonton, freshly made tuna, salmon and yellowtail tartars. The fish is luxurious and flavorful.

Ting’s chefs constantly work to evolve the menu, updating it around twice a year, McGlone said. The shrimp and soba ($26) is a new entree that made its way onto the menu after being featured as a special. The green tea soba noodles were light and covered in a sweet soy glaze. Although the grilled shrimp and broccoli lay on the outside of the dish, they are far better once they are mixed in the noodles and sauce.

“We always like to add new items to the menu, based on volume and popularity,” McGlone said. “We listen to our guests, we’re big into getting feedback. We like to run specials bi-weekly, if anything stands out and we get positive feedback, we’ll add this to our regular menu. That’s how we’ve built up the menu.”

Ting offers vegetable and tofu options for any dish. The vegetable lo mein ($11) is a healthy take on the Chinese classic, filled with scallions, broccoli, asparagus and onions. The comfort of the dish remains.

“We are lucky enough to be in Huntington, a community that has rallied behind us, that demands a lot of variety,” McGlone said. “We try to cater to as many people as possible. Now, many are health conscious, for dietary or health reasons, they need gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options, that we try to accommodate.”

Asian fusion is achieved with diversity in Ting’s kitchen. All of their chefs collaborate on the menu.

The teriyaki combo ($27) gives guests a taste of two meats. The generous portion of chicken, steak and vegetables are complemented by the savory teriyaki sauce.

“To be honest, as much as some of our food is intense and savory, y’know we use an assortment of spices and ingredients that pop out,” McGlone said. “We try to cook with a lighter hand, our food isn’t over salted and our vegetables are steamed, so they’re not mushy. We cook with a light touch.”

Glistening chandeliers and warm colors give Ting’s décor a classic feel.

“We just want to be warm and welcoming,” McGlone said. “We’re a ‘seen and be seen’ kinda place, many of our guests know each other, go to school together, the kids know each other. We’ve become kinda a staple in the community at this point.”

Ting
92 E Main St, Huntington
631-425-7788
tingrestaurant.com

Cuisine: Asian fusion
Atmosphere: Elegant and classy
Price range: Appetizers: $4.50-18, Salads: $6-14, Sushi bar entreés: $16-50, Entrées: $15-32.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:30-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30-9 p.m.

IMC Adds Saturday Brunch

IMC’s Brunch Burger proves everything’s better with bacon… and an egg.

Vegetarian Hash Bowl

Steak ’n Eggs

Wagyu Bacon.

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Bottles are popping and orange juice is flowing every weekend at IMC. The modern eatery known for exclusive meats wants to be your new brunch spot.

The Huntington village restaurant is owned and operated by Imperial Meat Company, a Brooklyn-based a meat distributor with 22 years in the industry that’s given them prime selection of ingredients. In just over four years, the company’s Huntington restaurant has garnered a reputation with delicious dishes for dinnertime, and recently debuted a new menu they invite brunch-goers to enjoy.

“Right when we open the doors, our mentality is that everybody is ready to give a warm welcome to anyone who comes in,” general manager Cesar Hernandez said.

The brunch menu offers a variety of items for sweet or savory cravings from the raw bar, salads and sandwiches to sharing plates and breakfast classics. For months, IMC has been collecting feedback from customers and evolving brunch dishes.

At first only serving brunch on Sunday, the morning meal has become so popular that IMC has expanded to Saturday. The bottomless drinks for two hours for $20 is what catches the attention of many diners who sip and socialize over a mimosa, bloody mary, margarita or red and white sangria. IMC is one of the only brunch spots in the area with bottomless specials.

“We want to create a different atmosphere in town, something that no one else has around,” Hernandez said. “We want people to recognize our name and know who we are, our food, our service, our environment and the type of quality we put in our dishes.”

Imperial Meat Company has incorporated their signature meat, wagyu beef, into their brunch menu, putting their twist on breakfast staples. Wagyu comes from single bred Japanese cattle that are fed a special diet and massaged everyday for peak circulation and tenderness. IMC receives shipments of meat every day that is prepared and ready for the night.

“The prices that we have on the menu, no one can compete with because we don’t buy it second or third-hand,” Hernandez said. “Everything is first choice and freshly cut that day.”

Steak n’ eggs ($24), a breakfast standard, is elevated by the wagyu skirt steak and IMC’s housemade chimichurri sauce. The soft meat melts in the mouth, while the Latin sauce kicks up the fresh flavor with hints of parsley and garlic. Accompanied by two eggs and french fries, it is a full feast. Get a taste of the rich meat by adding wagyu bacon as a side. The thick slabs of bacon are succulent and savory, sprinkled with pepper for a slightly smoked taste.

“We cut certain meats fresh, because our products we cannot let sit or age, you have to trim and prepare them right at the moment,” Hernandez said

The brunch burger ($17) is a true mix of breakfast and lunch. It has a little bit of everything, serving up a kobe beef patty topped with a fried egg. The juicy patty and egg ooze together as the burger is devoured, complemented by perfectly-cooked caramelized onions.

On the lighter side, the vegetarian hash bowl ($12) is stuffed with spinach, avocado, mushrooms, roasted corn, home fries and topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. The dish is a favorite with many brunch regulars, who the staff enjoy getting to know over time.

“The environment we create is full of life,” Hernandez said. “When you walk in, you’ll hear the music is great and lively, the staff is smiling and it all comes together for me when we establish a connection with the guest.”

During brunch IMC also offers their dinner menu to give customers even more choices, like the velvety texture of the wagyu meatballs ($12).

Hernandez said he greets every guest as if he is welcoming them into his own home.

“A lot of the time in this business, we think that when you open the door and people come in, that’s what matters, but it isn’t,” Hernandez said. “It’s about the experience and hospitality, what you can provide as a restaurant.”

IMC Restaurant
 279 Main St, Huntington
631-824-6222
imcrestaurant.com 

Cuisine: Steakhouse/brunch
Atmosphere: Chic and vibrant
Price: Raw bar: $3-60, Salads and Sandwiches: $10-17, Brunch classics: $11-24
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday, 4-9 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Lunch With A Side of History... Taste of LI... Free Cone Day

FBI agent E.J. Connelley, center, studies a map of the Parsons estate in the 1930s. Learn about the still-unsolved murder at Huntington Historical Society’s Lunch & Learn.

Murder Mystery Over Lunch: The Huntington Historical Society is offering an opportunity to learn some Long Island history over lunch at Mac’s Steakhouse on Gerard Street in Huntington village. During this lunch and learn session, the historical society’s archivist Karen Martin will discuss the mysterious disappearance of New York society matron Alice Parsons. Parsons disappeared on June 9, 1937, and the case has never been solved. The FBI investigated the allegation that Parsons was kidnapped while on her way from the estate in Stony Brook where she lived with her millionaire husband to a family property in Huntington. Parsons’ body was never found, and it is not clear how or if she was kidnapped. Martin will go over the facts of the case during lunch on April 17 from noon-2 p.m. The event includes a three-course meal from Mac’s. For more information visit Huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Taste of Long Island: The East Northport Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 16th annual A Taste of Long Island event at The Larkfield (507 Larkfield Road, East Northport). The event features tastings from restaurants, wineries and breweries from across Long Island. Just a few of the restaurants on this year’s list include Café Red, Del Fuego, SUR Argentinian Steakhouse, The Whales Tale Café and Pumpernickles. Attendees will be able to sample drinks from Harbor Head Brewing, Six Harbor Brewing, Po’ Boy Brewery and Fire Island Wines, just to name a few. Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Casino Contestant Barret Beyer and Hell’s Kitchen Contestant Chef Frank Bilotti are just two of the celebrity chefs slated to appear at the event. The event runs from 6:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m., April 18. Tickets cost $75 per person and $85 at the door. All proceeds will benefit Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, Inc., East Northport Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club of East Northport For more information or to buy tickets visit the chamber website at Eastnorthport.com.

Free Ice Cream: Don’t feel guilty eating ice cream during Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s (298 Main Street, Huntington). Teachers and principals from the Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington and South Huntington school districts will be scooping out all different flavors for charity. The event runs from noon-10 p.m., April 9, and money raised through donations at the event will benefit the Huntington-based Tri Community Youth Agency. Donations will help fund the organization’s summer program. For more information on the Tri CYA visit Tricya.org.

Roast Packs Plenty Between The Slices

Owner Paul Doyle established Roast Sandwich House in Melville in 2010 and has since opened additional locations.

By Sophia Ricco

sricco@longislandergroup.com

Lunch classics get the royal treatment at Roast Sandwich House, a shop thatstrivesfor the best and delivers with fresh ingredients.

The Melville eatery, opened in 2010 by Paul Doyle and Joseph Cordaro, was crafted with care, to take the lost art of sandwich making and put a delicious spin on it. Roast Sandwich House serves an “upscale version of what someone would eat on a daily basis.” They roast their own meats, make all dressing and sauces in-house, source fresh produce, and have fresh, locally-made bread delivered every day.

“If you want to make something the best, you gotta work really hard and put good things into it,” Doyle said.

Roast Sandwich House serves a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and sides concocted by chef Cordaro and staff. Cordaro takes pride in flavor combinations that he has developed over the years.

A glance at the menu reveals a diversity of inspiration from various cuisines. Specialty sandwiches are packed with flavor. The corned beef Reuben ($11.99) is a classic eat taken to a new level with refreshing coleslaw and crispy beer battered onion rings. Stuffed into a marble rye roll and oozing with zesty Thousand Island dressing, there’s no shortage of tender, juicy corned beef.

A popular choice, the chicken alla vodka ($10.99), delivers a rich Italian experience on a garlic semolina hero with savory strips of breaded chicken covered in melted mozzarella and parmesan.

“It’s a lot of effort that goes into making this one item, but it puts a smile on somebody’s face and I think it’s totally worth it,” Doyle said. “We know no one else will put this time into just a sandwich, but to us, it’s not just a sandwich.”

It’s not just the sandwiches that get special treatment. Antibiotic-free chicken makes the difference in the honey BBQ grilled chicken wrap ($9.50). The tangy southwest ranch that covered the well-seasoned, supple chicken and sharp cheddar, found harmony with the crisp bacon, along with fresh avocado and romaine.

“This is the way we live our life. We always try to put good quality food in our bodies and when we feed our family,” Doyle said. “We’re really big into flavor. People may not think the quality of ingredients makes a difference, but if you tried a traditional chicken breast compared to a chicken raised antibiotic free and fed a vegetarian diet, the taste and texture is really recognizable.”

Angry turkey melt ($10.99) puts a healthy spin on a melt with lean turkey, avocado spread and tomato, plus Cajun bacon and pepper jack satisfy savory tastes. With everything made fresh to order, sandwiches can be customized.

“We want people to feel their portion of their day, when they go to lunch, is extremely enjoyable,” Doyle said. “It’s fresh, so they can feel good about what they just ate.”

Roast Sandwich House takes pride in the house-made sides that each pack a punch of flavor. One sensational side — sweet chili crispy brussels ($4.99) have an unexpected taste. The crisp brussel sprouts are saturated in a sauce that kicks. Sweet potato tater tots ($4.99) and french fries ($4.99) also shine. The taters take a sweet route and the fries having a tempting, signature sauce. For those who want to sample more, the Pick Two for $9.99, offers a half-side, half-soup, half-salad, or half-sandwich.

“Sometimes getting a large portion of a hero, might be too much for somebody,” Doyle said. “Now they have an opportunity to add a fresh salad or soup along with it.”

Roast Sandwich House opened in Hicksville and at the Nassau Coliseum two years ago. They hope to keep growing in the future.

“We just gotta roll up the sleeves, work hard and try to stay as happy as possible,” Doyle said. “I really love it here. It’s exciting and doesn’t feel like work.”

Roast Sandwich House

827 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville

631-629-4869

roastsandwichhouse.com

Cuisine: Sandwiches

Atmosphere: Casual and bright

Price: Soups: $3.99-5.49; Salads: $7.99-13.99; Sandwiches and wraps: $7.99-12.99

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday, closed.

Wine Dinner at Jonathan’s … Eat For A Cause… Chili Cook Off…

TASTES OF ITALY: Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall St., Huntington) will pair a five-course Italian meal with authentic Italian wines during a La Spinetta Wine Pairing Dinner on March 20. Each course in the $125 prix fixe menu will be paired with a wine from La Spinetta vineyards. The winery is headquartered in the Italian town of Castagnole delle Lanze in the Piedmont region south of Turin. Some of the dishes featured in the special menu include a second course of Carne Cruda, or steak tartare with quail egg, toast and micro salad. The third course features Ricotta Ravioli with Morel mushrooms and truffle sauce. In keeping with the flavor profiles of northwest Italy, the fourth course is Brasato al Barolo. The traditional Piedmont-style pot roast is served with celery root puree and horseradish gremolata. The last dish on the menu is Torta di Pignoli e Castagne, or pinenut and chestnut tart with sabaglione gelato. The dinner kicks off at 7 p.m., and reservations can be made by call Jonathan’s at 631-549-0055.

 Eating For A Good Cause: The Northport-East Northport Special Education PTA is enlisting the help of area restaurants to help raise money to support students with unique learning situations in the school district. A portion of money spent at different restaurants during the month of March will be donated to the Northport-East Northport SEPTA. Every Tuesday this month, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza (6401 Jericho Tpke. Commack) will give a portion of the profits to the SEPTA, and Yogurt Fancy (737 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport) will do the same every Friday. Applebee’s (105 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack) will donate 10 percent of every check until 9 p.m., March 13, and between 11:30 a.m.- 11p.m., March 28 15 percent of total sales at Miller’s Ale House (88 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack) will be donated to the Northport-East Northport SEPTA. For more information and to find a full list of participating restaurants visit Nensepta.org.

Winners of last years Nick Demidovich Chili Cook Off celebrate at the Huntington Elks Club. This years cook off is set for March 31.

Chili Cook Off: Test your chili cooking and eating skills at the seventh annual Nick Demidovich Chili Cook Off at the Huntington Elks Lodge (195 Main St., Huntington). The event is hosted by the Elks and The Nickolas Demidovich Memorial Fund, which was created to help send local boy scouts to summer camp. Last year the judges voted Kate and Jim Conquest as the best chili and the people’s choice award went to Janet Lombardo. Tickets cost $20 and include all the chili you can eat in several different categories, drink specials, a gift basket raffle and a DJ. Attendees can spend the afternoon tasting chili and deciding which is their favorite in categories ranging from most creative to spiciest. The event runs from 3 p.m.-7 p.m., March 3, and you can enter your chili or pre-purchase tickets by sending an email to Peter@PeterDemidovich.com.

Find Your Italian ‘Cornerstone’ In Greenlawn

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Drinks and conversation flowed, as bodies and delectable dishes quickly moved around Ruvo in Greenlawn, a packed eatery that pulsed with liveliness on Friday night.

The first restaurant opened by DeNicola Brothers Concept in 2001, Ruvo Restaurant and Gourmet Store has garnered a reputation for serving appetizing Italian cuisine made from scratch every day. The restaurant takes its name after a town in Southern Italy, Ruvo, where the DeNicola family lived before coming to Long Island in the early 20th century. Abstract art adorns the walls of the restaurant, created by James DeNicola Sr. representing the beauty of the Italian town.

The Greenlawn restaurant has also been referred to as Ruvo “West” since the brothers decided to open Ruvo “East” in Port Jefferson five years later. With remarkable success, the group has opened a total of eight restaurants on Long Island, including Del Fuego, NoCo and La Tavola.

The original restaurant is not only an eatery but has a gourmet market in the back that sells fresh produce, mixed salads and menu items from the restaurant. This allows diners to take a bit of the restaurant home with them. Ruvo’s menu draws from the DeNicola’s roots in Italy, but has evolved over the years.

“Certain recipes we’ve had in the family forever, like our cheesecake, marinara sauce and meatballs,” owner Joseph DeNicola said. “Then other items we’ve developed over time just messing around in the kitchen.”

A signature Italian starter, the burrata cheese for two ($19) was heavenly. The creaminess of the cheese spilled out when cut into and blended with the light drizzle of olive oil to create a rich flavor. Topped on a piece of toasted bread with bruschetta, arugula and pine nuts, is quite the combo, as the freshness of the vegetables meets the softness of the cheese.

Another interesting flavor combination, the maryland crab cakes ($13) are served with marinated beluga lentils and a chipotle-lime aioli sauce. The aioli’s flavor was unexpected but worked with the crab cakes.

Chef’s board for two ($20) features sliced meats, a selection of asiago, parmesan, and provolone cheeses, fig jam, nuts, bread, olives and sun dried tomatoes. The bountiful spread asks to be dug into, as it overflows with tasty bites. The fig jam stood out with a fresh, natural taste.

Freshness is crucial to the DeNicola family, they feel their cuisine represents “family cooking” that they would eat in their own home.

“We change the menu seasonally, because we buy local,” DeNicola said. “We have local wines, there’s great wine on Long Island.”

Each day, Ruvo’s chefs are tasked to create a special menu. Last Friday featured steak tartare ($13) and osso bucco ($34). It was a treat to try the delicacy of bone marrow, served in the hollowed bone, that had a strange texture but sweet, fatty taste.

“It gives our chefs individuality, we give them freedom and let them create,” DeNicola said. “What is on the special menu is what they chose… As much as we want to be structured, we also want our chefs to be creative.”

Ruvo offers a prix fixe menu and lunch specials, where many of their scrumptious entrees, like the N.Y. shell steak ($34) and crispy ½-duck ($30) can be found.

“We try to make it accessible to everybody,” DeNicola said. “We get a tremendous lunch traffic and we’re still serving the same quality of food, just a smaller portion.”

A menu staple, the frutti di mare ($32) with lobster tail, shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari with squid ink fettuccine, served in a spicy marinara sauce is a must for any fish lover.

Finishing off with Italian sweets, the mascarpone cheesecake and baba au rhum ($8) with dark chocolate mousse and oreo banana ice cream were luxurious and melt in the mouth.

“We try to make this place a cornerstone of Greenlawn and it has been for 20 years,” DeNicola said. “We’re not going anywhere, we’ve been around a long time and we make our food like this every day, that’s why we have the business that we do.”

Ruvo
63 Broadway, Greenlawn
631-261-7700
ruvorestaurant.com

Cuisine: Italian
Atmosphere: Lively and rustic
Price: Appetizers: $12-24, Salad: $7-10, Pasta: $20-32, Entrees: $20-34
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

La Piazza Puts A Spin On Italian Standards

La Piazza proves pizza can be eaten at any meal with its Uovo e Prosciutto Pizzette. Long Islander News photos/Sophia Ricco

Eggs Benedict are a favorite on the brunch menu.

A trio of cocktails: Bourbon Bloody Mary, Prosecco Mimosa, and Traditional Tito’s Bloody Mary.

La Piazza’s thick and fluffy pancakes are topped with bananas and powdered sugar

Chicken chop parmigiana… a classic take on a classic dish.

A pink sauce complements La Piazza’s cappelini Ckkes.

Welcome to La Piazza!

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

ake a seat at La Piazza, an upscale urban eatery that puts their twist on Italian classics.

First opened in Plainview over 25 years ago, the restaurant brought a long history of creating tasty dishes when it opened in Melville eight years ago.

Chef Tommy Sexton and his partners deliver a sophisticated dining experience. With a background in Italian cooking and management experience from a young age, Sexton has shaped La Piazza’s menu as “modern American-Italian” with dynamic flavors.

“You don’t have to travel into the city to have a great night out and experience that style and flavors,” Sexton said.

The restaurant’s expansive menu offers a variety of pastas, salads, pizzas, meats and appetizers. An interesting take on an Italian starter, capellini cakes ($12.50), is similar in form to rice balls but deliver a richer flavor with pan fried angel hair pasta complemented by green peas, parma prosciutto, and mozzarella. The pink sauce below gave the dish a soft, creamy element that worked with the fried outer layer.

For a seafood lover, the shrimp cocktail ($17) is not only beautiful, but the lemon wedge squeezed on the jumbo “Chop House” style shrimp with a traditional cocktail sauce is a decadent delight.

La Piazza updates its menu every six months or so to introduce new plates while keeping customer favorites in play.

“We are constantly developing new dishes and putting our own spin on old-fashioned recipes,” Sexton said.

A classic wedge salad ($12) takes the word “wedge” seriously. A chunk of fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce is topped with beefsteak tomatoes, warm applewood smoked bacon and crumbled bleu cheese dressing.

Another dish delivered with greens is burrata served atop a bed of spring greens with slices of toasted baguette. The creaminess of the cheese is in harmony with the greens and balsamic dressing. It truly was heavenly how rich it was.

La Piazza also offers weekly specials, bringing back older dishes alongside new ones Sexton develops. The chicken chop parmigiana ($26) takes the Italian classic to the next level. The  parmesan-crusted chicken breast was tender and juicy, while the mozzarella oozed on top. The “Old World” Italian sauce had a wonderful taste and consistency.

La Piazza prides themselves on making everything in house from sauces to soups to desserts.

“Everything is fresh and ingredients are delivered every day,” Sexton said. “From that, we make everything from scratch. Our spaghetti is fresh, but all of our other pastas are imported from Italy.”

In May, Sexton introduced a full brunch menu at the Melville location. Although, some might not associate Italian and breakfast food together, breakfast with an Italian twist is anything but ordinary. La Piazza demonstrates that pizza really can be eaten for every meal with their uovo e prosciutto pizzette ($16). Cooked in a brick oven, the pizza is topped with melty fior di latte mozzarella, fresh eggs, prosciutto, red onion and arugula.

“It’s breakfast with a little spin,” Sexton said.

A popular order, eggs benedict ($14), hits a high note with its hollandaise sauce generously covering poached eggs, Canadian bacon and a toasted english muffin. The dish is united by its delectable flavor.

On the sweet side, La Piazza’s signature pancakes ($12) are thick, fluffy, and don’t let up on sweetness with syrup, bananas and powdered sugar. Also simple and delicious, a fresh fruit platter ($12) on skewers is accompanied by a honey-mint Greek yogurt sauce.

Finally, the brunch occasion was complete with classic refreshments, like Tito’s bloody mary ($13) or prosecco mimosa ($10). The bourbon bloody mary ($14) has a little more bite with bold flavors and crispy bacon as garnish.

“Brunch is typically a Sunday event, but I offer both days because there’s really nowhere to have breakfast around here,” Sexton said. “I feel we do very well for an Italian place.”

La Piazza
512 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville
631-425-0500
lapiazzaonline.com

 Cuisine: Italian
Atmosphere: Modern and hip
Price: Appetizers: $10.50-17, Pizza: $12-17, Pasta: $18-25, Entrees: $16-35
Hours: Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Classic Comfort Fare At Sweet Hollow Diner

Sweet Hollow Diner’s jumbo burger tops a 5-oz. beef patty with bacon and cheese. Onion rings and curly fries complete the plate.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap marries spicy chicken and bleu cheese dressing.

Nova lox omelette with home fries and a toasted bagel.

Challah bread French toast is topped with banas and whipped cream.

Welcome to Sweet Hollow Diner!

Who doesn’t have time for coffee and conversation at Sweet Hollow Diner?

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

The buzz of chatter and smell of the fresh coffee filled the air, as Monday morning blues disappeared at Sweet Hollow Diner.

The lively place was packed for a weekday, and after sampling their cuisine it’s clear why customers choose it for a quick pick-me-up. Whether they’re craving breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, Sweet Hollow Diner delights with an expansive menu that delivers on variety. Make breakfast sweet or savory, with an array of eggs, griddle specials and bagels. Or satisfy any night time appetite with an assortment of soups, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, Italian specialties, Greek delights, steak and seafood entrees, and munchies.

Sweet Hollow Diner serves up classic dishes in a family atmosphere. Children’s drawings adorn the walls of the restaurant and give the old-school establishment a youthful touch. Longtime wait staff greet regulars like family, instantly recalling names and favorite orders.

“It’s a friendly, neighborhood place, where everyone knows each other,” co-owner Chris Arvans said.

Sweet Hollow has a history of warmth and community since 1977 when Arvans’ father opened the Melville diner. He previously owned another diner in the area but jumped at the chance to purchase the location.

“He thought it was a good opportunity,” Arvans said. “This was prior to having the Marriott hotel, when the area was still developing.”

As the surrounding neighborhood grew up around them, Sweet Hollow Diner has evolved to meet the demand. Despite the chaotic scene that took over the restaurant on Monday morning, staff moved speedily like a well-oiled machine to make sure dishes came out piping hot.

Nothing says breakfast like eggs, especially when they get a fun twist on bagels and lox. The Nova Scotia lox, eggs and onions omelette ($12.95) served with toasted bagel and home fries was everything it promised and more. It turned the classic on its head with eggs being the perfect protein that brought the meal together. The lox had a wonderful, light taste that found balance with the onions.

Sweet Hollow Diner omelettes have become a favorite with many, who enjoy the diversity of fillings.

“People like the create your own omelette, where you can put whatever ingredients you want,” Arvans said. “It’s a breakfast staple.”

Another breakfast classic, Challah French toast with fresh bananas and whipped cream ($9.85) was a sweet sensation. The soft, spongy bread absorbed the thick syrup and oozed with sweetness, while the ripe bananas brought in a pure, natural flavor.

Sweet Hollow Diner uses fresh ingredients to craft their entire menu. It is important to them that everything is made in-house. Instead of purchasing turkey slices from a supplier, the restaurant cooks and slices their own.

“Everything is made on the premises from the soups to sauces,” Arvans said.  “We have an in house baker that makes fresh desserts throughout the day. It’s important for things to taste authentic.”

No detail is neglected by Sweet Hollow Diner, which hopes to deliver a delicious dining experience every time. Even a simple wrap, like the buffalo chicken wrap ($11.95) served with French fries was a smash. The loaded wrap had a heaping amount of tender buffalo chicken, that was complemented by a tangy blue cheese dressing. Crispy fries tied the meal together.

Sweet Hollow Diner delivers huge portions that often fill both a customer’s belly and a to-go box. The jumbo deluxe beef burger ($10.15) is quite the undertaking with a 5 oz. burger on a toasted bun stacked with bacon, onion rings, cheese, lettuce and tomato. The juicy burger was well cooked and superbly seasoned. Arvans describes the restaurant’s offerings as wholesome, comfort food.

“A lot of people want to have food to take home with them,” Arvans said. “I think the value is really worth it.”

 Sweet Hollow Diner
100 Broad Hollow Road, Melville
631-549-0768
sweethollowdiner.com
Cuisine: American
Atmosphere: Vintage and casual
Price: Griddle specials: $7.65-10.40, Eggs: $6.55-12.95, Sandwiches: $4.85-14.70, Entrees: $8.35-21.95, Salads: $9.95-16.95
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Whole Foods Coming… Wild Game Dinner… Comedy Dinner

Whole Foods Market is set to open the company’s fourth store on Long Island in Commack on April 3.

Whole Foods In Commack: Whole Foods Market is set to open the company’s first store in the Town of Huntington in April. Whole Foods, which is owned by the online retail giant Amazon, plans to hold a grand opening for the new store at the site of the former King Kullen location at 120 Veterans Memorial Highway on April 3. The King Kullen closed its doors in 2017. The Austin, Texas-based supermarket chain claims to “seek out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintain the strictest quality standards in the industry, and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture,” according to the company website. Whole Foods was founded in 1980, and now has nearly 500 stores in North America and the UK, including other locations on Long island in Lake Grove, Jericho and Manhasset. Whole Foods is currently hiring employees for the Commack store. For information visit Wholefoodsmarket.com.

Wild Game Dinner: The South Shore branch of New York Ducks Unlimited is hosting a Gourmet Wild Game Dinner at La Parma II Restaurant (452 West Jericho Tpke., Huntington). The six-course dinner and wine pairing event will feature dishes from game meats including duck, boar, elk, venison and ostrich. La Parma’s executive chef and owner Anthony Castelli will prepare the menu. Each dish will be paired with wines from Napa Valley-based Trujillo Wines. La Parma has been serving up family-style Italian dishes in Huntington for three decades, but the special game menu on March 11 from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. will pay tribute to the goals of Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. The dinner will include a small silent auction and a few raffles to help support the conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited. Tickets to the event cost $150 per person and include the six-course meal, wine parings, beer, water and soda. The dinner is limited to 80 people. For tickets and questions contact Joe Campanelli at 516-942-0426.

 Three-Course Comedy: La Piazza (512 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville) is set to host a night of “Laughter and Linguini” next month. The adult-only event will feature a three-course dinner followed by comedy show. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on March 7 with an appetizer, entrée and dessert dinner from the kitchen of the classic Italian restaurant and wine bar. Dinner will be followed by the comedy performance hosted by Robert Altmann. The show features comedian John LaRocchia and Paul Bond is the headlining act. The comedy will feature stand-up and improve acts. Dinner and a show cost $79 per person. Seating for the event is limited, so comedy lovers are encouraged to call 631-425-0500 to make a reservation.

Satisfying Specials At BiVio

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with BiVio’s housemade cocktail sauce.

Pappardelle Bolognese with freshmade pasta and a rich, meaty sauce.

Rib Eye Steak is served simply — with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

An Italian classic is a BiVio classic — Fusilli with broccoli rabe and sausage.

I The presentation may be red, white and blue, but it’s 100-percent Italian cheesecake.

Tartuffo. Enough said.

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Get a taste for the finer things in life at BiVio Ristorante, an Italian eatery that boasts sensational, ever-changing specials and a welcoming wait staff.

The restaurant, opened seven years this November, serves a variety of Italian-fused dishes from duck to fish to veal. Some of the staff have been there since the beginning and work to uphold a reputation for “attention to detail” service.

“We’re a very comfortable, relaxed, family-style restaurant,” floor manager, Tom Stevens said. “We welcome all guests.”

Stop by on a weekend night and BiVio is a lively joint with drinks pouring and live music in the lounge, that can be heard throughout the restaurant. BiVio likes to support local talent by booking local musicians on Friday and Saturday night. They also host  an “Oldies” dinner and show every other month, complete with performances and dancing from past eras.

Or just pop by for a drink during their Happy Hour, Tuesday through Friday, 4-6:30 p.m. at the bar. Specials feature House wines, cocktails and cosmos for $6 and an assortment of bar bites for $7.95. BiVio is known for serving white wines, martinis and tap beer in a frosted glass to keep it chilled. The martini list has signature cocktails from The Appletini to a Chocolate Martini. With specials like these, it’s easy to see why BiVio is the spot many groups choose for their celebrations and events.

“It’s a meeting place type of atmosphere, we’re accustomed to hosting a lot of groups,” Stevens said.

Start off your meal with a selection of fresh Italian bread and raisin bread. Both were scrumptious and perfect for dipping in sauce or just olive oil.

A tasty appetizer for seafood lovers is the jumbo shrimp cocktail ($16.95). Accompanied by special cocktail sauce, that is made in house, the shrimp was delectable. BiVio’s cuisine takes inspiration from Italian elements but ranges in flavors. Stevens describes the food as comfort and “home-y.”

“It’s a complete menu that we offer, it’s universal,” Stevens said. “We also offer specials that change every day.”

A few specials to check out when dining are the rib-eye steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli or the fusilli with sausage and broccoli rabe. Every day the chef makes fresh pasta by hand like fettuccine, pappardelle, lobster ravioli and fusilli. This freshness made all the difference with the sausage and broccoli rabe that came together in harmony, united by a light sauce with hints of garlic.

Another special that switches with the seasons is the roasted duck. We were treated to this prime meat covered in raspberry glaze and sauteed apple slices with a side of wild rice. Served on the bone, the tender meat easily falls off. The apples give it a fruity, fresh taste that is balanced by the raspberries’ bittersweet tartness. Depending on the time, the chef will pair the duck a l’orange for a more citrus flavor.

As you feast, an attentive wait staff, is constantly circling throughout the restaurant and helping one another out to make sure every table is satisfied.

“It’s a hands-on staff, we only hire people with knowledge of the business,” Stevens said. “They have to be well-versed in specials, since we do them as an oral presentation and they have to know the menu well.”

BiVio’s famous dish, pappardelle bolognese ($18.95) did not disappoint. The fresh wide fettuccine covered in their homemade meat sauce was bursting with flavor. The sauce was a perfect consistency, with a generous portion of ground beef. BiVio wants to make their customers happy and are willing to substitute or change menu items to their liking.

“Everything is made to order so it’s fresh and we can alter anything,” Stevens said. “I had a regular come in who wanted the pappardelle bolognese but wanted to substitute it for gnocchi. We mix and match.”

Finish off with an Italian sweet treat, like tartufo or cheesecake, that bring sweet to a new level.

BiVio Ristorante
1801 E Jericho Turnpike
Huntington
631-499-9133
bivioristorante.net

Cuisine: Italian
Atmosphere: Rustic and cozy
Price: Appetizers: $11.95-16.95, Pasta: $18.95-26.95, Fish: $24.95-28.95, Meat: $23.95-42.95
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, noon - 10 p.m.; Friday, noon - 11 p.m.; Saturday, 3-11 p.m.; Sunday, 3-9 p.m.

SIDE DISH: Konoba Open… National Margarita Day… Dinner and a Movie…

A worker installs the sign at newly opened Konoba at the former Hush Bistro. Konoba is Croatioan

It’s All Croatian To Me: One of the newest restaurants in Huntington village will also bring a new cuisine to town. The sign above 46G Gerard Street now reads Konoba, the Croatian word for tavern. The new restaurant occupies the cozy spot recently vacated by Hush Bistro. Konoba will strive to offer diners “Croatian influenced Modern European menu in an elegantly designed space with bar, bench, high top, and lounge area seating,” according to the restaurant’s website. Chef Bruno Oliveira and owner Daniel Pedisich also run Bin 56 on Stewart Avenue in Huntington, and is a venture into a different style of food. The menu includes sharing portions of Shrimp and Crab Croquettes ($16) with lemongrass chili sauce or Fried Burrata ($11) served with spicy marinara and toast points. Some of the Croatian specialties on the menu include Hobotnica, or grilled octopus, ($23) served with tomato, arugula, red beet aioli and olive oil, or Cevapčiči ($18) featuring minced beef, lamb, pork, fries, red onion and ajvar mixed vegetable spread. For more information visit Konobahuntington.com.

If you have to celebrate National Margarita Day on Feb. 22, Besito’s Margarita Tamarindo with passion fruit tamarind puree is a great way to do it.

Margarita Day: It’s National Margarita Day on Feb. 22, and Besito Mexican (402 New York Ave., Huntington) is celebrating. The restaurant is offering two for one deals on all specialty margaritas from noon-3 p.m. The featured margarita, Margarita de Tamarindo, is worth of the holiday. It includes Milagro Reposado tequila, chile ancho reyes, tamarind-passion fruit puree, agave nectar, fresh squeezed lime juice and a chile piquin salt rim on the glass. From 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Besito will host a complimentary tequila tasting featuring Roca Patron Tequila. The restaurant will also be handing out three $100 gift cards to margarita lovers who enter to win. Find out more information at Besitomexican.com.

Food Films: Get dinner and a show at the Cinema Arts Centre (423 Park Ave., Huntington) when the community theater hosts the fifth annual Long Island Food and Film Feast. The event is sponsored by iEat Green and Slow Food North Shore and will include documentary short films focusing on different parts of the food system. Each film will be paired with a different dish created alongside that film. Guests will be served a dish after each film while listening to a speaker. The dishes include grass fed Turkish lamb or veggie meatballs, or vegan barbeque jackfruit sliders. The film “Farm to Pint” will be accompanied by North Fork Brewing Co. IPA and Lager. The event is designed to feature local food and the people who produce it. Tickets to the event cost $60 for members and $70 for non-members, and more information is available at Cinemaartscentre.org.

You’re Family at Kashi, And Family Eats Well

Sushi for One ($29)… spicy salmon roll and sushi selection.

Sashimi for One ($29)… an artfully presented selection of fresh sashimi.

Kashi recently introduced fresh wasabi, that is grated at the table and offers an exceptional fresh and herbal flavor.

Blue Point Oysters with Cajun Sauce ($11/six) al fresh and herbal flavor.

Petite Filet Mignon ($14) appetizer.

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Kashi has garnered a remarkable reputation among diners in Huntington Village with exceptional flavors and service.

Opened eight years ago, Kashi of Huntington has proven to be such a success that four more locations have been opened in Syosset, Bellmore, Rockville Center and Stamford, Connecticut. The Japanese restaurant offers authentic cuisine, an expansive sushi bar and lounge and a hip vibe. Customers know and love Kashi for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious dishes.

“We have a lot of returning customers and they’re more than just a customer,” manager Ben Poh said. “We treat them like friends and family, we know and greet them by name and we see them many times a week. We create a home feeling.”

Kashi’s menu was created by the restaurant’s owner, a former sushi chef who crafted plates with an attention to detail for presentation and flavor. Since his departure to focus on the other restaurants, Kashi has encouraged their chefs to let their creativity flow and create their own dishes.

“Anytime our chef creates a new item, we’ll put it on a special menu that we share with our customers,” Poh said. “We ask them what they think and collect the feedback. We make adjustments to make things better until we are sure it’s the right product.”

For Poh, it’s crucial that customers are honest and offer criticism on new dishes, before they roll it out at all the restaurants. A new appetizer to hit the menu is Blue Point Oysters with Cajun Sauce ($11/six), a recipe with inspiration from Louisiana. The fresh oysters are grilled with a little bit of cheese and a sauce that kicks. The smooth texture remained while a zesty array of seasoning gave it a spicy and interesting taste.

Even though, Kashi specializes in Japanese cuisine, the chefs are not afraid to pull inspiration from other cultures to heighten the flavor.

“A lot of restaurants have an oyster bar, where they serve fresh oysters,” Poh said. “But we wanted to put a twist on it… If we’re gonna serve them, it has to be something new and different.”

Kashi’s Petite Filet Mignon ($14) is an appetizer to tempt your tastebuds. Served with fresh mashed potatoes and covered in wasabi butter, the steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked. It was juicy, thanks to the wasabi butter that melted in and gave a hint of spice without overwhelming the taste.

“In terms of flavor, the kitchen chef creates a taste that will inspire people,” Poh said. “We believe there’s four palettes on the tongue: sweet, spicy, sour and bitter. He has to find a balance between the combinations.”

Kashi chefs take pride in their presentation, which is evident in the Sushi and Sashimi for One ($29). This gorgeous array of fish features pieces of tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and red snapper, along with spicy salmon sushi roll. Each piece was precisely cut and had a fresh and luscious taste.

“The fish we have to guarantee as fresh, we don’t want there to be any surprise flavor,” Poh said. “The chef is in charge of accepting the delivery every day. He inspects the delivery to make sure the fish is good, he can tell as soon as he looks at it if something isn’t right and will send it back.”

Heighten your sushi experience by ordering fresh wasabi to your table. Kashi recently introduced this decadent option as alternative to the typical wasabi served at restaurants made from a powder. Fresh wasabi comes from grating Wasabia Japonica root into a paste or chopping up and marinating fresh wabai with seasonings for kizami wasabi. Fresh wasabi offers a less burning kick and more of an herbal, smooth taste.

“We brought in fresh wasabi because we wanted customers to taste the difference between this and typical wasabi,” Poh said.

Freshness comes at a price, however. With wasabi root running $100 per pound, Kashi upcharges for the fresh ground wasabi, but for sushi fans it’s worth it.

Long Islander News photos/Sophia Ricco

Kashi
12 Elm Street, Huntington
631-923-1960
kashijapanese.com/kashihuntington

Cuisine: Asian
Atmosphere: Modern and elegant
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-3 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12-3 p.m., 4:30-11 p.m.; Sunday 2-10 p.m.

Rotisserie Banks Knows Their Meat

By Sophia Ricco

sricco@longislandergroup.com

Quick, healthy and customizable, Rotisserie Banks wants to be your new lunch time pick-me-up with savory sandwiches and stuffed salads.

The newly opened eatery specializes in high quality meats served in sandwiches and salads, quinoa and farro bowls, along with quinoa salad blends, a hot bar and pressed juices. It was recently opened by Brendan Banks, chef and partner owner of Burgerology, along with his partners and childhood friends, Anthony DiTore and Jonathan Viola.

Banks has brought his expertise from Rotisserie Georgette, a revered French restaurant in Manhattan, to the table.

“I’ve done rotisserie in the past and I noticed there’s not really a place to go for lunch around here, besides sit-down restaurants,” Banks said.

It’s easy to grab food and go at Rotisserie Banks, who will craft your meal right in front of you. Although nothing is pre-packaged, Banks wants the process to be quick for those with limited time for lunch. They offer a variety of topping options to dress up a dish, including peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, hard-boiled egg, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, crumbly feta and blue cheese, carrots, apples, avocado, bacon, kidney beans and chickpeas.

But the crown jewel is without a doubt, the rotisserie. Banks feels the quality of their meats is what will make them stand out.

“The meats we’re using are prime and the chicken is antibiotic free and all natural,” Banks said. “Instead of baking or barbecuing it, we throw it on the rotisserie. Rotisserie cooks great because it’s direct heat, the fats and oils drip down, you’re eating a lean, healthier meat.”

Starting with a base of a quinoa bowl and rotisserie chicken ($12), you can go wild with your flavors. Or substitute farro, an Italian whole grain. We tossed on shredded mozzarella, cherry peppers, chickpeas, and chipotle aioli dressing. With a heaping portion of quinoa, all the elements mixed together provided an appetizing hodgepodge, while the chicken shined through as succulent and tender. Banks sources his chicken from a Canadian farm that allows the animals to roam free.

“If I cut it up right now and pulled the breast off, it’s just the most juicy chicken,” Banks said.

If you’re looking for a fresh concoction, the restaurant makes daily blends, like the honey dijon chicken quinoa salad and turkey coleslaw. Their salad bowls are stuffed to the brim with hearty ingredients. A salad with grilled chicken ($12), shredded mozzarella, carrots, tomatoes, hard-boiled egg and chickpeas, topped with a balsamic vinaigrette is a healthy option that still satisfies.

“Everyone wants something different in their salad, so we let them dictate what they want… It’s fun and creative. Instead of just getting a Caesar salad, you get to have fun creating it,” Banks said.

The customization doesn’t stop there, any sandwich can be designed to your liking from the meat to the toppings to the dressing. Or give one of the signature sandwiches a taste. The barbecue turkey melt ($11) is rich and flavorful with juicy turkey and oozey cheddar cheese. Banks creates the “melt” by toasting the sandwich with a blowtorch, a unique method that gets the job done.

For Rotisserie Banks it’s all about the meat. Banks hopes to eventually be cooking a variety of meats in the rotisserie, like sausage, porchetta and pastrami. For now, it’s chicken, turkey and sliced roast beef. After tasting the roast beef melt ($11), it was evident why the rotisserie is superior. The sandwich, packed with meat, feels like comfort and warmth to the tastebuds.

“I want customers to taste it and say, ‘Why does this meat taste so good and different?’ It’s cause it’s high quality meat, on a rotisserie,” Banks said.

Rotisserie Banks welcomes all for their grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 26, all-day.

Rotisserie Banks
295 Main Street
Huntington Village
631-923-3650
instagram.com/rotisseriebanks

Cuisine: High-end deli
Atmosphere: Simple and fast-paced
Prices: Signature sandwiches: $11, salad and quinoa bowl: $8 + protein $4
Hours: Open every day, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

SIDE DISH: Talk And Chocolate … Restaurant Week… Farmers’ Market

Winter Market: As the temperatures drop below freezing, local goods will still be available in Huntington. The Huntington Winter Farmers’ Market continues each Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through March 31, indoors at Jefferson Primary School (253 Oakwood Road, Huntington). The market is in its seventh season, and affords local businesses the opportunity to sell their products locally. The indoor space improves access for consumers to obtain local, sustainable and organically produced food in the season when these products are often harder to come by. Along with products for sale, the market also hosts local musicians and family-friendly activities. Stop by the market to try anything from pickles to fresh baked goods handmade by local vendors. For more info, visit Longislandfarmersmarkets.com.

Restaurant Week: Winter Long Island Restaurant Week kicks off on Sunday. Presented by Long Island Restaurant and Hospitality Group, the tri-annual event features restaurants across Suffolk and Nassau offering a set menu at discounted prices. Participating restaurants will offer a $29.95 three-course prix fixe all night every night they are open from Sunday to Sunday, except Saturday when it only has to be offered until 7 p.m. In all, 18 restaurants in the town of Huntington participating, including:
Athenian Greek Taverna
Besito Mexican
Bistro Cassis
Cafe Buenos Aires
Cinque Terre Ristorante
Del Frisco's Grille
Grasso's
Honu Kitchen & Cocktails
Imperial Meat Company
Jewel
Jonathan's Ristorante
Mac's Steakhouse
Matteo's Trattoria
Mill Pond House Restaurant
Piccola Bussola Restaurant
Piccolo Mondo
Radio Radio
Sandbar Restaurant
The event begins Jan. 27 and runs until Feb. 3. Visit Longislandrestaurantweek.com for more information and a full list of participating restaurants.

Chocolate Sounds Good: The Whaling Museum and Education Center (301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor) is helping to keep the Long Island Sound “love-lier” with a champagne and chocolate event on Feb. 7. Attendees can enjoy a glass of champagne and chocolate tasting while Heather Johnson, executive director of friends of the bay, shares information on how to give some love back to the water to keep a harbor-healthy home. The event is supported by the Long Island Sound Study, a grant program designed to encourage programs that promote the restoration and protection of the Sound. The event runs from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., and tickets are $25 or $15 for members. Visit cshwhalingmuseum.org for more information.