Surf’s Up On Fresh Fare At Jeff’s

Whether by land or by sea, you can’t go wrong at Jeff’s Surf and Turf in Huntington.

While the little eatery on New York Avenue is under new ownership – Vinnie Abbatiello, who owns Jeff’s Seafood in Halesite, took over in mid-March after closing the deal with Bravo! Nader owner, Nader Gebrin – and has a new look and some new menu items, the mission remains the same: give customers great food at an equally great price.

The new look brings nautical flair with an interior dressed in light-colored wood and accented by nautical scenes and fish – just check out the marlin mounted on the wall by New York Avenue.

The menu was refreshed as well, making room to really tap into the new owner’s wheelhouse with a new raw bar boasting clams ($5 for half-dozen, $9 for a dozen) and oysters ($8/$15), shucked to order, as well as shrimp cocktail ($7.95).

Despite the partial menu reboot, one thing hasn’t changed – the gang says that the Fish and Chips ($8.95) remains a bestseller. They’re just one highlight on a diverse menu with something to please any palate. Chef William Argueta, a veteran of Abel Conklin’s, remains at the wheel of the kitchen.

There’s a new emphasis on soups, including popular Crab & Corn Chowder ($7.95 for 12 oz., $8.95 for 16 oz.) and Long Island Clam Chowder, a hybrid between New England and Manhattan style.

The Lobster Croissant Sandwich ($18), big chunks of simply prepared, premium lobster meat stuffed into a flaky, buttery croissant, is a decadent delight. For the land-lubbers in your party, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Parmesan ($12), a huge breaded chicken cutlet dressed in mozzarella and marinara and served atop a bed of linguini with julienne-style vegetables. Similarly savory is a Skirt Steak Caesar Wrap ($10), which is great on the go and served with excellent fries that are crisp on the outside, potatoey on the inside and just a little zesty. Philly Cheese Steaks ($8.95) also make their triumphant return to the menu.

Other unique fare from the sea populates the menu. Check out the Shrimp and Scallop Burger ($9.95), a substantial, slightly sweet patty dressed up in a “house sauce,” a roasted red pepper coulis. Overflowing Mahi Mahi Tacos ($7.95) are accented artfully by chunky pico de gallo. Seafood Salad ($12.95), a special during our visit, was a summery treat, pairing calamari, scallops and shrimp atop a vegetable slaw. Zesty, tart and citrusy, it evokes ceviche, but a milder treatment.

Due to a small dining room, much of the business they do is takeaway service. Catering is available for affairs of all sizes, too. And, if you don’t want to leave your house, they also offer free delivery on orders over $25 if you’re close enough to get the food there hot and in a reasonable amount of time.

It all goes back to the core values driving the place: fast, fresh and affordable.

Jeff’s Surf & Turf

217 New York Ave., Huntington

631-423-6300

ATMOSPHERE: Casual, nautical

CUISINE: Fresh and fast soups, seafood

PRICE: Inexpensive

HOURS: Sun-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.;

Fri-Sat, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.