Not long after Chef James Tchinnis became a partner at Bistro 44 in Northport, he was walking through Huntington village and noticed the quiet Kozy Kettle on New York Avenue, and its owner sitting with his laptop in an empty shop.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and it’s never too early to start thinking about happy hour, so The Foodie at Long Islander News have put together a list of our favorite happy hour specials around town. Did we miss your favorite? Well, let us know what it is, where and when it’s offered by sending an email to info@longislandergroup.com.

Hugo and Lisa Gasian, of Dix Hills, have been eating at Zaza Japan in East Northport since it opened almost two years ago. Lisa called it nothing short of the “gem of Long Island,” while Hugo said the couple eats there nearly every other day.

Our Foodies have had the pleasure of sampling cuisine of all kinds in the Town of Huntington this past year. As one of Long Island’s dining meccas, Huntington offers a wealth of restaurants, pubs, cafes and everything in between for a truly multifaceted dining experience. Though we’d like to consider all dishes our favorites, here were some highlights from the past year.

Walking up the steps of Crabtrees New York & Main, one’s eyes might just get lost in the intricate pattern of the stairs, a hint of what’s to come upon entering the establishment.

For a sumptuous meal in an intimately upscale atmosphere, look no further than Jema. The European-fusion restaurant, which is owned by renowned entrepreneur Joy Mangano and replaced Porto Vivo, hits the mark and is as warm and inviting as its cuisine is carefully crafted to bring diners to a sublime experience.

The Rust & Gold has stepped up pub fare in Huntington village by building on a tradition of local favorites while sprinkling on some “gold,” uniting past and present.

Toast and Co. has been elevating diner cuisine for the past nine years in Huntington village.

The diner is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving. It’s always busy, so the food is fresh around-the-clock.

Cafe Buenos Aires has been a pioneering presence in Argentinean cuisine and was one of the first establishments to bring tapas to the tables of diners, bringing the Spanish tradition to Huntington patrons.

Salumeria Pomodoro has opened its doors once again to serve Huntington with the best cured meats and classic Italian dishes.

For those looking to relax this Thanksgiving, restaurants around the Town of Huntington have got it covered, offering delicious meals for families to enjoy on Nov. 24.

At Jonathan’s Ristorante in Huntington, exquisite cuisine meets a laid-back atmosphere, offering Italian classics now accented with a cornucopia of new fall items.

Osteria Da Nina owner Nino Antuzzi knew since he was 13 years old that he wanted to be in the restaurant business.

And when he opened Osteria Da Nino in September 2003, he added to his repertoire a prime destination for Italian cuisine with a Sardinian focus.

The Town of Huntington’s first Chick-fil-A location is set to open Nov. 3 in Commack. The Commack restaurant and another set to open in Hicksville are bringing nearly 300 new jobs and will collect books for local youth organizations. 

Chee Meng So, executive chef of 110 Japan in Huntington Station, said that cooking must be one’s passion in order to craft the best dishes.

“Usually cooking is all from your heart. If you put your love, your heart into the food, then the creation of the food tastes much better,” he said.

With wooden décor and lights in mason jars that hang from the ceiling, industry pub Crabtrees is now officially open at 330 New York Ave., above Cactus Salon in Huntington village.

Mac’s Steakhouse owner Mark Gelish prides himself on the inventive and inviting options at his restaurant, where the traditional meets his culinary creativity.

BurgerFi, known for juicy all-natural Angus beef burgers, has brought its chef-driven menu to Commack.