388 Roslyn NY

Located on Willis Ave in Roslyn is 388 A fairly new restaurant American Cuisine" with an Italian twist.

I love this place.

Casual yet a fun atmosphere, fabulous cuisine, a nice large bar with a great glass wall of wines & the former chef of Matteo's in Roslyn and what a refreshing change!! He took the somewhat stale and typical menu of his former place and made it his own! Great selections of fish, chicken, veal, pastas, and a huge selection of great appetizers! The fresh warm homemade mozzerella with grilled asparagus is a winner! as are all the appetizers, salads and really, every item on the menu.

The staff is so friendly as they greet you- its feels like home and all the wait staff makes you feel that way as well.

The "stone & tile" decor is warm and and a little feel of "Tuscany" but yet a great menu of American cuisine as well as authentic Italian.

The snapper (offered 8 ways) was mouth watering & was just cooked to perfection with lots of tender clams and mussels in the lightest red sauce. The country chicken was incredibly tender, moist pieces of chicken and chock full of huge pieces of sausage and crisp fresh veggies and the pasta dishes were cooked al dente and the sauces also equally as perfect.

A great family place as well as out with friends for a great meal, fun atmosphere, good wines and wonderful surroundings! 388 is a winner!

This week- North & South Shore

Well, being I have been a bit busy with events this month, I have been less than active on my blog. However, that does not mean I have not been eating out! LOL

SO, here is this weeks dining recommendations: (many are repeats)

Jimmy Hays: Island Park While I LOVE dining here, in the main dining room, the bar is also a great spot when you still want exceptional food with a more casual atmosphere. There are the "regulars" of Steak Angels (I have the tee shirt to prove it!) who frequent the bar ONLY, so get there early to get a stool seat! The menu does offer many of the fabulous items from the dining room, but in addition , there are really fantastic "Bar Fare' items , such as a lobster BLT, the most amazing burger you will ever eat, savory tender ribs, mac & cheese to die for, and so much more! Live Music on the weekend in the bar area as well and lots of fun!! NO reservations for parties under 6 in dining room taken

Mio Posto- Oceanside Great family style Italian cuisine with perfectly baked clams, veal valdostona, chicken scarp, pasta galore, tons of shrimp ,chicken and veal dishes, and so much more, with live music as well (reservations recommended)

Sugo- This is a very eclectic spot in Long Beach, with an ever changing menu. In addition to the staples" such as parmesan crusted chicken breast, the best short ribs you will ever taste, homemade pizzas, tender skirt steak, and home of the 'GSR' burger (grandmas special recipe) the menu is always changing & adding surprisingly unusual, unique and delicious fare with incredible presentation and very fair prices. The specials are always the way to go! *reservations recommended

Bryant & Cooper: Roslyn

This steak spot on the North Shore;s Gold Coast is exceptional in every way- food, atmosphere, service, wine list and more.

While they are known for their outstanding steaks (porterhouse, ribeye, etc.) the Dover sole (when in season) stone crabs and the specials are always so wonderful.

Last night, in addition to the porterhouse, (of course) we had the "special" shrimp dish- stuffed with crabmeat. These were extra large shrimp, and literally filled with chunks of lump crabmeat- no filler or breadcrumbs other than the crispy topping - tender and delicious! The special salad (one of my favorites, in addition to their yummy gorgonzola salad is the B&C salad- chopped with shrimp, bacon, string beans ,tomatoes, onions and more over greens with their house dressing- so good.

All the sides are great- there is not a bad one in the bunch, and the desserts aren't bad either! Reservations a must!

Branzino: Lynbrook: TONIGHT!!!

Spadaro in New Rochelle on Saturday! Can't Wait! YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of new posts!!

Phillipe: As you know, I love this Asian trendy spot in Manhattan (& South Beach) They recently opened on Long Island in Jericho , NY and while the decor & vibe is a bit different (more Suburban) the food is just as good.

Del Posto- This is Mario Batali's spectacular place down in the Meatpacking District ,right near the high line in NYC.

While it is pricey, it is a great place for a special occasion. The tastings (with or without the wine pairing) is outstanding!!

Le Flor- A Little authentic Mexican spot in Queens, just under the subway stop with outstanding presentation, friendly staff, delicious cuisine- both authentic and non traditional mexican fare, live music and very very reasonable prices!!