Where will Long Island Restaurant Week take you? The choice is yours.
Long Island isn’t known for bargain dining. Later this month, though, it will be.
The tri-annual and award-winning Long Island Restaurant Week kicks-off its Fall 2017 campaign on Sunday, October 29 for eight days, ending on Sunday, November 5th.
Participating restaurants will offer a three-course prix fixe for $28.95 all night, every night they are open except Saturday when the menu may only be offered until 7 p.m. Be sure to check the website for details so you aren’t caught off guard.
To be sure, we’re talking James Beard award-winning chefs, others who proudly own Michelin stars, and the chance to nab an entire meal for what could typically fall below the price of an appetizer alone. So, you’ll probably want to skip the grocery store that week and just plan to run the gamut until your Instagram account begs for a break.
Broken up by Nassau County, Suffolk County and the East End, there are over 120 restaurants participating across all of the Island’s 118 miles. Of course, that includes the East End neighborhoods of Hampton Bay’s, Jamesport, Riverhead, Southampton, Wading River, and more.
East Enders, take note—your favorite might be participating: we’ve got Babylon Carriage House, Baron’s Cove, Caci North Fork Centro Trattoria and Bar, Cove Hollow Tavern, Cowfish, Farm Country Kitchen, Jamesport Manor Inn, La Plage, Le Charlot, Legends, Lulu Kitchen and Bar, Pure North Fork, Rumba, Saaz Indian Cuisine, Stone Creek Inn, Stonewalls at the Woods, Sunday’s on the Bay Restaurant, The 1770 House and Touch of Venice.
Also, you’ll get choices—whether you’re a pescetarian, vegan or carnivore, all restaurants will offer a choice of at least three appetizers, three entrées and three desserts. Crazy thought, but maybe go with at least three friends or double date, this way, you can all spear each other’s plates like you’re home with family for Sunday dinner.
Want a sneak peak? Okay, we’ll bite. Centro, the trendy, old-world Italian restaurant that isn’t quite a year old, is taking part in LIRW for the second time. Owner and Chef de Cuisine Salvatore Biundo is offering some of his signature dishes, such as Calamari Salad, Nonna’s Meatballs and Clams Oreganata—and our favorite entrees—Chicken Milanese, Pappardelle Bolognese and Shrimp Francese.
“[The event] attracts customers from around Suffolk County who may have never tried us,” Biundo tells Edible Long Island. “If you haven’t been to Centro you can expect to dine in a trendy, Manhattan like scene that puts an new world twist on old world favorites.”
Make this LIRW the one where you finally indulge on Chicken & Waffles at The Bayou.
For restaurateurs, it’s an easy choice to participate, since it not only draws new regulars, and a boost in social media buzz, but a show of community goodwill with the chance to win over patrons with a positive dining experience.
Another local favorite, RUMBA, has been spicing up the Long Island waterfont as a special dining spot serving up a unique combination of Island-inspired food, premium handcrafted rum libations and reggae on the Shinnecock Bay.
Exective Chef Justin Bonner is a LIRW native for five years and counting, and will be offering appetizer choices of Mussels, Pork Belly Taco, Fried Calamari, Dominican Ribs, and Grilled Artichoke; Entrees will include a choice of Jerk Chicken Platter, Ahi Tuna Salad, Blackened Fish of the Day, Soy and Sugar Cane Salmon, Shrimp and Grits, or Island Ribeye; and, for dessert, you’ll have a choice of Award Winning Key Lime Pie, Hot Fudge Sundae, or a Chocolate Banana Muffin.
Designed to create more traffic during a traditionally sluggish period of business for restaurants, the event has grown from a spring affair to a fall and winter event.
“It is expected that the campaign this fall will garner more than 100 participants,” said Steve Haweeli, President of Long Island Restaurant & Hospitality Group, the business-to-consumer division of WordHampton Public Relations. “With more than 2.8 million residents and more than 1,000 restaurants with varied cuisines, concepts and price points, it’s a fantastic way to explore the culinary landscape that Long Island has to offer.”
Above all, the event, while taking place at restaurants spread across the Island, will create a sense of community among all those participating, whether you’re repping the restaurant crew or dining out with your own.
Reservations are going to go quickly, so be sure to nab your spot soon, and keep up with the event on social media, specifically on Facebook.
Oh, and before we forget, Edible Long Island is a proud sponsor of the event. Don’t ask us to choose our favorites, but be sure to tag us on social and send us your thoughts.
Bon appetit, friends!
