Sunday, September 20, 2015

The Lake House

I have blogged about this  fab place several times before  but it bears repeating.

The Lakehouse in Bayshore.

Last night, we dined in the patio/terrace room, instead of our usual  spot in the more formal dining room off to the right.  The other  2 rooms, which are partially out but screened in  & glass  enclosed weather permitting.  They overlook the fire pit & adirondack chairs outside  facing the lake, which is a great spot for drinks first or dessert after dinner.

The muse bouche is always a fun little surprise when we first sit down. The breads are always   outstanding  with crusty sourdough, or french baguettes or rosemary scented whole wheat rolls.

We opted for a  few apps for the table- the lemon scented fettuccini w/ shrimp & sweet corn was wonderfully rich  and so delicious.  We also has the vegetable salad, which is sauteed woody forest  wild mushrooms, a slice of cambazola cheese over baby arugula, a poached baby quail egg and fresh blanched asparagus spears , all served with two slices of brioche toast triangles, and then the crispy suckling pig, which comes as a slice of brick style rectangle with pulled pork in the center and the crispy skin on top- just incredible!

Dinner was sensational- the black fish over smashed truffle potatoes & sauteed leeks in a frothy bubbly broth was mouth watering!

The duck two ways was cooked to perfection, with thick slices of duck breast & the confit of duck leg, served in a swirl of raspberry  sauce & grand marnier drizzle. Yum.

Desserts- wow !  The Valrona chocolate souffle with pure vanilla ice cream was soooo good, as was the raspberry creme brulee with a surprise of chocolate on the bottom!  We wanted them all- the marscapone cheesecake, the pistachio ice cream sundae, the pear & almond torte-  aaaahhh Another time.

In a few weeks, Sunday Jazz brunch!!!




Wednesday, September 16, 2015

KYMA

Located in the old village of Roslyn, NY is KYMA. I have blogged about this restaurant before, but it  is worth repeating.

As the warm weather subsides, I needed to get there at least once more to sit outside on one of their comfy overstuffed banquets, which is a nice change from the  hustle & bustle inside.

A very busy bar, and  tremendous selection of fresh fish displayed on a huge iced bed for display to select your whole fish, included pink & red snapper, dorado, branzino,  lobsters, other shellfish, and for those who wish to have meat, there are several nice choices as well.

The KYMA 'chips' of incredibly thin  eggplant & zucchini  rounds, lightly fried & served piled high  in a tower with tzaziki dip and surrounded with tiny mini cheese style blintzes are a great starter, as well as their grilled octopus. the KYMA salad ,which consists of  a huge chunk of feta served with   fresh tomato quarters or the green salad w/ fresh dill & crumbled feta. All outstanding.

The fish  choices, which are numerous,  and can come either whole or filet , come with rice & a vegetable . Clams, mussels, langostinos, (JUMBO SHRIMP)  and many more options are always available.

The wine selection is enormous and the desserts are excellent, especially the think creamy greek yogurt drizzled with honey. YUM

Parkside

Located in the heart of Corona , Queens is a  Landmark restaurant called Parkside.

An Italian  eatery, and requires a reservation    most times, but especially on weekend, this place is as authentic as you can get.

The bread basket alone is spectacular. The stuffed bread with genoa salami & prosciutto , to the crusty semolina to the rolls, OMG.

Next, the menu- from  the classic apps such as baked clams, stuffed artichoke, fried calamari, stuffed mushrooms, and so many more,  to the more than 20  homemade pastas,  to the several fabulous salads and the entrees of fish selections, veal, beef, and of course, their nightly specials, this place, which has been around for decades is well worth the trip.

Live music in the bar area most nights, and a basket of apples as you enter or exit.

GO!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

New posts- sorry folks! Being it was my birthday, I returned to ALL my most favorites this entire week, so didnt think you would want me to re hash!

This week was   all celebrations, so my Birthday Dinner was of course at Jimmy Hays
Also, went to Parkside, Matteos, The View,  Morning Rose, and dinner at my daughter's so not alot of new places to report!  next week!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Jimmy Hays

The PLACE for STEAK in Island Park, NY.

Yes, I have written about this place several times, as it never fails to amaze !

Last night, while have some wonderful  drinks at the bar, we watched as diners enjoyed the apps on the bar menu, such as delectable veal meatballs with a rich port/marsala brown  sauce,  the beyond   incredible gorgonzola garlic bread, drenched in the most  delicious sauce ever, the lobster Cobb /  BLT salad, fab enormous oysters rockafeller "a la jimmy"- and so much more.

After several apps, we opted for the Lobster Jimmy- a HUGE lobster with a flavor packed cognac sauce served over shoestring potatoes- OMG!!

The steaks are all incredible delicious , perfectly  cooked  & melt in your mouth delicious!  The bone in rib eye is a site to behold!!  (as is the enormous beef wellington)

The staff is so friendly, from the moment  you give your car to their valet to the welcome as you enter to the  fantastic staff at the bar or in the dining room- consumate professionals, willing to make you happy.

I have NEVER has a  bad meal  -EVER !! Always great  always delicious!!!


Rare 360

Rare 360 on Jericho Tpke in Syosset is a  fabulous spot for upscale dining. There is a very large bar, in addition to a  beautiful dining room & now, a glass enclosed terrace for indoor/outdoor dining & for those who wish,  a cigar area with lounge seating.

The menu is vast, with an elaborate sushi menu, gorgeously presented, a large selection of raw bar  crustaceans, stone crabs, etc.  and many fabulous unique and interesting starters.

The dinner menu is also quite large, with more than 10 choices of  dry aged steaks, including a bone in filet mignon, porter house, rib eye , veal chop, & many more.

Fish selections include wild salmon, scallops, jumbo shrimp, sea bass, swordfish, snapper . etc etc. ALl beautifully garnished.

Sides??  The list goes on- sweet roasted corn, black truffle mac & cheese,  roasted brussel sprouts w/ pancetta, creamed spinach, asparagus,  potatoes galore & more!

The atmosphere is very trendy- a bit loud and  somewhat pricey, but a great meal and a wonderful place for dinner with friends or a large celebration.





Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Besito

An authentic mexican style hacienda in Roslyn, NY has  an upscale vibe in both decor and its mexican cuisine.

A very busy bar scene with both indoor & outdoor (seasonal) seating with margaritas, tequilas, and lots of interesting drink concoctions and beers, coupled with  great mexican fare.

When you are seated, they serve  you  a large basket of warm tortilla chops w/ a delicious spicy homemade salsa.

The starters are great -  empanadas,  shrimp or fish tacos, crab cakes w/ corn salad, table side guacamole, (mild, medium or hot)  and more.

The entrees range from a large selection of fajitas, burritos,  flautas, chile rellenos, to sizzling steak or  shrimp, and chicken, or fish choices, such as sea bass, swordfish, salmon, snapper & more,  all served with rice  topped with queso fresco & rice.

A fun place for large groups as well as intimate dinners for two.



Tuesday, August 11, 2015

The Lake House

The Lake House- Yes I know, I just posted a review less than three weeks ago but was there Sunday evening and another outstanding meal.

Unfortunately,  two of the specials were already "sold out" at 7 :30 on a Sunday evening, which as disappointing, (the fettuccini w/ black truffles & the tile fish)  but no worries- we found other things to order!

To Start,  the wild vegetable salad was quite interesting creamed shitake & cremini mushrooms, triangles of warm toast, an assortment of farm fresh sauteed & raw veggies  all topped w/ a poached quail egg. The wild mushroom risotto w/ baby peas also very good, as was the fresh sweet Corn & Lobster chowder, and the grilled octopus.

Dinner has two meat  selections this particular evening- a skirt steak marinated with a gorgonzola crust and a rib eye  served with a mac & cheese & spinach souffle. The salmon ( a large portion served medium rare)  was served over a chick pea puree, and several other choices of course, all difficult to decide.

Dessert was equally great - we went with the mini chocolate souffle with fresh whipped cream and there was a couple sitting next to us with three desserts,  including the profiteroles filled with mint chip ice cream & dark chocolate sauce, and the rhubarb strawberry tart as they couldn't decide!

Brunch is served on Sundays- reservations required.


Sunday, August 9, 2015

Maguires- Ocean Beach in Fire Island

After taking a Ferry to Fire Island,   for a day of  beach & relaxation or just a good dinner & some cocktails, Fire  Island offers all this  & * more, There are several communities, but Ocean beach is my favorite.

 During the week, its a quiet relaxing place, where bicycles go by (NO CARS ON the Island)
beach goers or shoppers walk the streets, and the shops & restaurants are busy. BUT--- on the weekends, it is a bit different scene.

No bikes allowed, the streets are crowded with beach bunnies & shoppers,  music is playing from several bars, and the restaurants  are jammed!

My favorite place is Maguires, but there are several choices to dine. Maguires requires a reservation if you want to eat outside, which is always the way to go.  However, the inside has many tables and the bar is another option.

The staff is always friendly, especially if you are waiting for a table at the bar. A busy noisy scene but fun.

The menu is great & I have never been disappointed. Appetizers include a fabulous tuna tartare trio with large crisps wonton triangles for dipping, fried calamari, shrimp cocktails,  great fresh steamers, and so much more.

The menu  is full of interesting fish, seafood, chicken & meat choices, but   the lobster  (steamed or broiled) is my choice.  ($72 last night for a 3 lb)  Served with a large piece of sweet  farm fresh corn, and a baked potato,  it is ocean fresh!  I "requested" a female, as I happen to love the roe but there is never a guarantee.  We were lucky last night.

After some apps, a delicious chilled caesar  salad  (leaves left whole) with   shaved chards of parmesan, & the lobster, we were too full for dessert, which happens to be great, so off we went back to the ferry,  after taking a walk along the docks to watch the water taxis shuttle people to the other islands, but along the way are THREE ice cream parlors (& a bakery) .

Out of every 10 people you pass, 8 are eating huge  ice cream cones. The bars are packed and live music is  coming from all of them, and the kids are playing innocently in the streets.

After a  quick shopping stop, back on the ferry to head home.  An evening  out there feels like you were  on vacation.

Always fun.

Monday, August 3, 2015

KYMA

One of the hottest spots in Roslyn is KYMA. A large cool airy space with both indoor & outdoor seating, with comfy overstuffed sofas on the patio, all white with summer breezes in the air and a buzzing busy bar scene!

The menu is large, with several 'special" items daily & a few items that seem to be on every table. The "Kyma Chips" are paper thin  round slices of lightly fried zucchini & eggplant, towering in a mountain served with taziyki sauce & the tiniest little  fabulous one bite cheese blintzes around the plate.

The Greek Salad is also very refreshing- a large triangular chunk of feta cheese served surrounded by fresh herbs and large quarters of fresh tomatoes and red onions in a  delicious vinaigrette. A great salad to eat while munching on the hummus and pita basket served hot when you arrive at your table.

Another great app is the "sampler" -several of their dips served with toasted pita, or the baked eggplant, a large perfectly roasted think slice of eggplant served in a light tomato sauce with sauteed onions stuffed throughout.

The fish entrees are numerous- pink & red Snapper, Branzino, Pompano, Dorado, Salmon, Habibut, and much more- all served whole or filet . Your choice.  All entrees are served with either rice or greek potatoes.

There are veal, chicken & meat choices should you choose as well.

The staff is attentive. Occasionally,  you can feel a bit rushed,  (on a Fri or Sat night) as each course is served one right after the other, as they want or need the table, so unless you are eating on the later side, you will be in & out in less than an hour and a half .  My preference is to eat after 8 PM, so you can "dine" for the evening .

** Reservations required unless you want to wait (a while) for a seat at the bar.



The View

IN Oakdale, directly down the road from the 'Snapper Inn',   (which  , FYI* is ALWAYS reservation only) is a waterside spot called The View.

A pretty spot  overlooking a large part of the Great South Bay, with mainly seafood fare, including a large sushi menu.

As the kayaks go by, fisherman, and the boats coming in & out of the inlet, you can enjoy drinks & apps or dinner from wither the outdoor patio or the indoor dining room with panoramic  windows all around.

The apps includes, among others, araccini - 5-6 mini risotto rice balls stuffed with wild mushrooms & truffles atop a dollop of  spicy creme sauce, duck tacos, shrimp cocktail,  tuna tartare, several types or raw oysters ,a large sushi menu, salads, and more.

Main are both land & sea, but a fun place to fall in for drinks & some apps if you are u east in the area and a very relaxing atmosphere.



Tuesday, July 28, 2015

The "New" Bella Notte

Bella Notte, an Italian eatery originally located on the border of Merrick/Bellmore recently moved to a brand new, much larger  * & MUCH needed space in Bellmore on Merrick Rd.

Not a "family" style place, per se  but the portions are certainly large enough , if you so choose.

We recently went,  just a few weeks after the Grand Opening,  and while the crowds are still large, as newcomers wait along with us "regulars" , it never disappoints.  

Going with a  group (2 or more couples) is usually the way to go, so you can order more items.  We had the baked clams, (always great)  the fried zucchini (crispy & never greasy) , the  fresh baby spinach & shaved parm salad & my all time favorite & *  in my opinion, one of the best around- the stuffed artichoke- tender, not overly stuffed with breading, and the most delicate & delicious sauce!  And then, just another  course, the Zucchini bolognese, which you can also have as an entree but great as an app  for 4-6. Excellent for those trying to avoid carbs.

Next-  The main courses-
The menu is  still large & offers pastas, veal & chicken dishes, eggplant selections, shrimp  dishes including wendy, marinara,  scampi, or parm, etc etc.

The Traditional Chicken Bella Notte (chicken scarp) with ALL the fixings- HUGE links of grilled sausage, broccoli, red peppers, onions, chunks of roasted garlic, roasted potatoes, and of course, a delicious tender whole chicken, cut into 8 or 16 pcs, is  roasted to perfection.

The specials, which change daily,  included the Red Snapper livornese,  a whole grilled Branzino, Veal Valdestano,  and much more.

If you STILL have room, then do order  dessert , like the Tiramisu, or the lighter than air huge Napoleon,  or have some  home made  warm biscotti w/ cream- great with a cappuccino to finish off the evening's meal.

Mangia!


Friday, July 24, 2015

River Mill Tavern Lynbrook

Located  right on the border of Lynbrook & Malverne, is a tavern/pub known as the River Mill.

A casual place with a large bar & high tops & stools, should you decide to do the "eat at the bar" thing , plus a nice size  dining room & an outdoor patio as well.

The menu is fun . The starters are really creative, such as their "DIPS, including shrimp scampi, buffalo chicken, crab pub cheese , in addition to their cuban sandwich on Naan bread, bavarian pretzels, swedish meatballs. and more!  

They also offer "special" apps, which  we chose, including the Lobster Guacamole, delicious, served with warm pita triangles, and the "Baked Clam" soup, in a crock similar to french onion, chock full of clams.

The "handheld" sandwiches  are also great, as are the  incredibly huge flatbreads with about 8 types to choose from ! Served on  a long narrow wooden board about 2 ft' long, each can suffice as a meal including grilled chicken caprese, pork & latkas (pulled pork with a potato pancake) traditional old fashioned cheese & tomato,  and a large selection of Steakhouse Burgers and  very large entree salads.

The  Mains - They offer specials nightly, , but the daily menu fare includes a Cappelini Crab Cake,  Chicken milanese-a very large portion (a "touch" over dressed in oil & balsamic,) but fabulously done with tiniest little  sweet pear tomatoes , strawberries, red onion & lots of fresh chilled arugula . They also have scallops. sword fish, a strip steak,  & more.

The desserts- FANTASTIC!  The skillet  of hot fresh baked large chocolate chip cookies straight out of the oven  with vanilla ice cream was divine, and the Funnel Cake Fries served in a wire basket with dark chocolate sauce & fresh whipped cream was amazing.

The Southern Sundae with Pean pie, chocolate ice cream & bourbon syrup looked mouth watering, as did the Banana bread pudding & others.

The staff is  extremely friendly & very attentive*.

A fun place for good food in a very casual fun  atmosphere!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The Laurel Luncheonette/Diner

Located on West Park Ave. in Long Beach, is the now, 'NEW' Laurel Diner- formerly  known as the Laurel Luncheonette.

There since 1932,  this is the place where locals have gone for years for breakfast- or late nights after an evening of partying.  * Lunch &  Dinner served also of course!!!


 A favorite of Billy Crystal, among other Long Beach celeb /residents & just the regular locals   coming in each morning for a great breakfast, a friendly smile from a waitress who's been there forever, or a group of new waiters that all make you feel welcome!

The lines on the weekends are long, but move fairly quickly.   The counter is  sometimes the way to go.
The menu huge, like a diner should  be.

The food  is delicious, the portions large and the NEW menu since their fabulous & very cool renovation this past winter  is so  great!

You can google the menu, as there are so many unusual  choices- not your  "typical" diner fare.

For example, Osso Bucco w/ risotto, is one of their specialties. The chicken oreganata  is another  big winner. A large half chicken in a delicate sauce, served with either flavorful french onion soup or salad &  greek lemon potatoes & veg.  The skirt steak is chock full of goodies, including a  large crisp salad, a potato & vegetable or your choice, & a large portion of onion rings.

The salad selection on the menu is incredible, very interesting variations & quite large.

 The burger (served lunch or dinner) is enormous, served on a large BRIOCHE bun, sky high w/ lettuce, tomato, pickles & onions & all the fixings (fries, etc)   - if you go the Deluxe route.

EGGS  Eggs Eggs= in any shape & form, and   huge pancakes the size of a bicycle tire!

Sandwiches- What can I say- from the grilled cheese, with tomato or ham, to the BLT  to  their triple deckers, to  the BEST Tuna fish I have ever eaten! Sometimes I need to force myself NOT to  order that & try something else but most times,  I just cant help myself. It is so good and  tastes like when I was a kid.

Needless to say, a entire page is dedicated to desserts- from homemade cakes, to old fashioned ice cream sodas,  shakes & malts, and amazing waffles with ice cream and so much more!  The are famous for their cherry lime rickey!

Prices are so reasonable and you will never be disappointed!


GO!!!

Saturday, July 18, 2015

LUIGI Q

I have mentioned this restaurant several times before, but I must reiterate as I dined there tonight & once again, outstanding!

As we always seem to do, we ordered the grilled hot peppers with lots of large whole roasted garlic cloves to start, even though they place  slices of sopperasata & provolone chunks along w/ a bowl of olives on the table.

If you ask Luigi, he will also prepare this special tomato & red onion salad, with the most amazing & delicious   vinaigrette/dressing! Chunks of fresh of the vine tomatoes, scarlet red , juicy & sweet & perfectly refreshing, especially when you dip the bread from his basket into the leftover dressing.

The menu is great and large,  but the specials are always the way I prefer to go.

To begin: The burrata - a creamy fresh mozzarella filled with a touch of ricotta is melt in your mouth sensational, as well as the crab cake, a healthy portion,  chock full of fresh lump crab meat- no filler,  and many the other apps.

The pastas are  all fabulous including tonights special linguine with langostinos (huge head on shrimp)  in a very light, slightly spicy red sauce,  with just a hint of back heat . Perfection.

The entrees on the menu are wonderful, from the duck w/ orange sauce to the whole baby 'galetto'  chicken, to the salmon, the jumbo shrimp scampi over risotto & so many other choices,  it is hard to decide , but once again,  I go for the specials, which, this evening, happened to be a huge bone in veal chop w/ mushrooms & onions, the  swordfish with cherry tomatoes & capers, and the baby lamb chops
grilled to perfection. all served with fresh veggies.

The wine list is  quite impressive, and the desserts, deliciosa!!

The Lake House

Located on West Main St. in Bayshore, not far from where you can get on a Ferry to Fire Island is a fantastic restaurant, which, if you are driving out east , you may even have past numerous times, as its a small house, a bit set back from the road & unassuming, but believe me,  DON'T MISS it next time!

 It is SPECTACULAR!

I love a place that begins when you are seated with a little treat from the chef- also known as  "amuse bouche" - one bite of heaven. Last night was a tiny fluke tempura with shredded carrots topped w/ a roasted red pepper aioli- YUM.

The place is charming, with a view of the lake (from the Great South Bay) a view seen from the bar & the two dining rooms. The room outdoors (on a deck under a wood canopy)  is screened in and faces the lake. and the dining room, a bit more formal, also faces the lake, especially is you are lucky enough to sit by the windows. (MAKE A reservation!) **

There is also a small seating area with wooden Adirondack chairs,  (8)  outside on the lawn for cocktails & apps right in front of the lake. A great place to sit & relax,  (*they honor their reservations*) have a drink (a wonderful wine list)  a glass of bubbly, or a mixed cocktail, talk to your companion or others,  order an app, and enjoy the fire pit and watch the ducks on the lake a warm summer  evening.

The menu is  a true "foodies" paradise,  with  unique gourmet  selections  such as - for starters, the Artisinal Cheese Board  for two w/ cured meats, and a display of cow, goat & sheeps milk cheeses, Fois gras (one of my faves) and a lovely basket of crackers & breads.

If that is not your "thing", you can choose from many of their other appetizers, (which change weekly) including the Summer Corn Bisque w/ fresh maine lobster, the grilled octopus over a white bean puree, the hand made Gnocchi (which  I had)  with morels, fava beans, pea shoots & goat cheddar crumbles in a parmesan broth- AMAZING!  OMG

Or , you can order the Crispy Suckling pig topped with a quail egg, a parm polanta, honey glazed pearl onions & a maple vinaigrette, or a an organic farm green salad, a wild mushrooms risotto and  many others, too numerous to mention!

Entrees include several fish, meat  & poultry choices,   such as the Duck x 2 (a breast & a leg confit)  Roast Cod with chic peas and zucchini, or the Halibut, a generous portion served a squash puree, leeks & sweet potatoes & baby beets, or scallops, or the organic  herb roasted chicken with a mushroom & prosciutto stuffing, or the Berkshire Pork Chop,   the Rib Eye, the Marinated Skirt Steak, or New Zealand Venison- Get the picture??    Every dish is worthy of a photo shoot!

Last, but certainly not least, are the desserts, which last night included  their signature Homemade Gelatos & sorbet, A mint chip Profiterole w/ warm valrona chocolate sauce, a vanilla bean & marsarpone cheese cake topped with a berry compote, a mini chocolate souffle, warm french doughnuts, and more!

A great place for celebrations, special occasions, an intimate romantic dinner for two, or  just dining with friends, This place is GREAT!!!!!!!


Friday, July 17, 2015

Walls Wharf

Located deep in Bayville, on the beach is Walls Wharf.

A place to sit  on the outdoor deck, eat on the beach if you so choose rather than inside, & watch the sunset as the boats go by.

My only big complaint  is they don' & wont take reservations, so its a LONG wait on the weekend.  The manager is a bit abrupt, but I guess he is bombared with impatient or hungry diners.

But, the place is an oasis. relaxing to the point that you feel as though you are away on vacation for more than just  an evening out.

Menu is nice, from  shrimp cocktail, to crabcakes  to their  lobster rolls or to a rib eye steak,  sushi menu, a  large busy bar,  and music., this is a fun place in the summer months if you are willing to venture out.

Dining al fresco & more

So, I never like to give a bad review, so the places shall remain nameless. However, that said, when I dine outside in the summer months, usually they are spots that are not alway "fine dining" so great service , food &  better amenities are not always evident.

I went to casual two spots that I normally like & the service was not great & one of our friends also  remarked about "plastic wine glasses"  I understand its a bit tacky but outside, they don't want glass. But, they should be CLEAN plastic glasses.

Secondly, if the wait time is one hour, they should not make you wait two hours!
Not right.

So,  all that aside, I enjoy casual summer dining, as when you live in NY or anywhere that the warm weather months are few & far between, so you take it on the chin a bit.


Friday, July 10, 2015

Matteos of Bellmore, NY

Matteo's- There are a few family style places around--   some good, others not so great,  but  in MY opinion, this Matteos  in BELLMORE is TOPS!

With Tony & Gio at the Helm, this restaurant offers everything from Traditional Italian fare to 'specials' *NOT always on the menu.

 Apps such as the best baked clams, stuffed artichoke, calamari- both grilled or fried, fresh mozz, and  more are just the beginning.

The entrees, from the classic chicken scarp (with all the 'fixings' or not) to chicken, shrimp &  veal parm, to grilled swordfish, salmon or sea bass, (& more)  to numerous shrimp dishes,  or lobster,  to the most amazing huge & tender melt in your mouth veal chops to bone in delicious grilled steaks and so much more!

Sides are always great, from the famous burnt broccoli or cauliflower, to crispy roasted potatoes,   potato croquettes, to fabulous pastas, such as linguine w/ fresh clams or one of my favorites, pasta   with sausage & broccoli rabe with roasted garlic.

  Sunday dinners includes their famous meatballs.

 The staff is warm & friendly , the bar ( always hopping)  &  the wine selection is quite vast .

Desserts are equally as wonderful, with my all time favorite -the dark chocolate espresso tartufo- a chocolate lovers dream!!!

Great for  small or large groups, including a private party room in the back.

It NEVER disappoints.


Thursday, July 9, 2015

GRAZIELLA's

In the  Fort Green / Clinton Hill Section of Brooklyn, NY is a quaint  little Italian spot w/ a wood burning pizza oven , a rooftop deck form May-Oct,  and a large menu of traditional authentic  italian fare.

From the Wood Fired Pizzas- 12" or 16"  with a choice of a dozen different combos plus a Gluten free choice,  including my favorite, the Spicy Pizza Inferno w/ jalapenos, and hot capicola,

 to the Antipasti,  which includes a Mediterranean Schiacciata (a stuffed flat bread)  w/ baby arugula, shaved parmesan reggiano and baby tomatoes, to the salads, all the pastas & stuffed pastas, and many meat & fish dishes,  to the Dolci- GREAT desserts.

BTW- A favorite of ole' blue eyes, Dino & Sammy back in the day

This is a great little spot if you happen to be in the area.

Mangia!

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

West End Cafe

A great place that has been around for many years, tucked away in the back of a strip shopping center on Glen Cove Rd.  in Carle Place, WEC is a  terrific place for both lunch or dinner.

The menu is large, with many casual selections  or more elaborate entrees if you so desire, and  specials each day.

Tonight' s specials were the "SEAFOOD BLT" - A BLT Salad with Shrimp, Lobster & Crabmeat, Oven Roasted tomatoes & generous  chunks of avocados.  The other special was a marinated skirt steak, served over wilted spinach, topped with thin crispy onions and served with a  side of mushroom mac & cheese  in a ramekin .
Both excellent & priced at $28.00      The Halibut special looked equally interesting.

There is also a nightly 3 course prix fixed dinner for $32 which includes an app, an entree & dessert.

The appetizers, salads, & burgers are very reasonably priced   as well.

**RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED BUT NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY.

Recipe for a classic steak house dinner

So, I got alot of messages via Facebook on how I cooked that huge  3 & 1/2 lb.,  2 & ft long frenched bone rib eye steak, etc.

I seared it ,after seasoning w/ S&P & a drop of oil. Let it sit on the grill- don't move it!  After approx  8 minutes , you can THEN turn & do the same.  Then finish in the oven, depending upon your preferred temp. Cover with foil and let it REST!!!!  Never cut right into any meat right after it comes off the grill or out of the oven.  After a few minutes, your meat is tender & juicy!!!

Serve w/ classic sides of crispy panko onion rings that were marinated in buttermilk, and some traditional Hash browns, or a good baked potato with all the fillings, some creamed spinach, or my fave- roasted asparagus.

** Start w/ a nice  jumbo shrimp or crabmeat cocktail- I like to serve a few different dipping sauces- classic cocktail sauce & a remoulade or wasabi mayo.

ENJOY!!


Thursday, July 2, 2015

MALIBLU

Malibu Beach Club in Lido Beach has a restaurant open to the pubic called Maliblu  on Lido Blvd with Live Music Thursday- Sunday nights, a playground for kids, and a fun casual very good  menu.

Situated in the beach club with sand & dunes , surrounded by members with private lockers & cabanas,  surf and ocean breezes, this spot is a great place for large groups or just for two, and very kids friendly.

The cocktail selection is huge with lots of interesting concoctions. The appetizers & specials are quite interesintg, and the sushi excellent.

The portions are very generous, and for those with children under 10, kids eat free on Thursday nights!

Many of the bands are cover bands, who do Chicago, Billy Joel, Steeley Dan, etc & many others do a variety of songs from every era.

Dinner can be something as casual as a burger, BBQ Chicken,  Grilled Tuna, Swordfish, Shrimp Scampi over pasta or Fresh Seafood choices, including Stuffed Shrimp, Crab legs, and on Mondays they offer a LOBSTER  (1lb & 1/4) dinner for $19.95.

Its a fun atmosphere for beach lovers and al fresco diners.

Luigi Q's

Luigi Q's is one of my favorite places!  I have written about this  hidden treasure several times over the years but it bears repeating!

 Free standing,  located on the corner of  So. Oyster Bay Rd. & Woodbury Rd  in Plainview/Woodbury just across from the Plainview Shopping Center , this establishment is owned & operated by Luigi- a restauranteur for many decades in well known Manhattan restaurants.

A lovely  romantic atmosphere, and the menu is great, with Jumbo Shrimp scampi over risotto, Duck with Grand Marnier Orange sauce, Veal Sorrentino,  or one of my faves- the Whole Baby Chicken Galetto,  served frenched , accompanied by seasonal  baby vegetables but the "specials" are superb and always worth trying.  Many of the 'special" pasta dishes are so fabulous & can be split as a first course.

When you are seated, you are treated to cheese & meats, olives & flavored olive oil with a great bread basket. The staff is knowledgable & friendly.  The wine list is VAST. No matter what you order, you will never be dissapointed.

Reservations are suggested on the weekends.


Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Centro Cucina- Greenvale

A father in son owned operation in a small strip center on Glen Cove Rd

  A warm, a little bit noisy on weekends but excellent place for homemade authentic Italian Fare!

Fresh fish & seafood displayed in a large iced case for all the diners to see. The chef cooks most of the  food out front  as well and  the menu is excellent with several specials daily, including creamy Burata, Stuffed Zucchini flowers, a baked Eggplant dish (sensational!) and many choices for Sea entrees including colossal Langostino,  Fresh Dorado, Branzino, Orata, Snapper, Salmon, Tuna & Dover sole just to name a "few"

The pastas are fabulous & so unique and so are the brick oven pizzas!

Wine & Beer only*

Make sure you safe some room for the HOMEMADE biscotti!

A NEW START! JULY 1, 2015

I am back this time for real!  Problems for almost a year with Google & passwords, etc   Whatever ! Time to start the summer off with restaurant recommendations & recipes!