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!
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
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!
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!!!
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!!
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!!!!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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 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!
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