Shuck yes, it’s Long Island Restaurant Week.
I look forward to Long Island Restaurant Week the way many look forward to playing Fantasy Football. LIRW is only a week long and there are so many places to try—old haunts that I love, new trendy places that I’ve been wanting to try for a while—it’s like putting together a dream team of local restaurants. It can take lots of preparation, but lucky for you I’ve narrowed it down so you don’t have to do any work (except maybe make a reservation and show up).
1. Cowfish
Hampton Bays
I discovered Cowfish during last year’s Spring Restaurant Week. The menu was intriguing, the venue, kid-friendly and they took reservations—all of which checked my prerequisites. The experience was a rare occurrence of loving every single dish we ordered while simultaneously ogling the entrees everyone else ordered, thinking, I wish I could have ordered that too! Our table was a collective chorus of happy sighs and echoes of delight. I have already made my reservation for this season and am excited to report that they have a different menu than last Spring, so I can’t wait to try something new!
2. Strip Steak (George Martin’s)
Great River
A venue like George Martin’s is the reason I get so ridiculously excited for Restaurant Week. Ordinarily, upscale steak houses are only reserved for special occasions in our family—like when my husband took me here last summer for my birthday. Thanks to LIRW, there’s no need to justify fancy dining, because it’s absurdly affordable and the service remains impeccable. You not only have the option of the $28.95 menu, but also an additional choice of a $50 price fixe steak menu (which is insanely cheap).
3. Pasta Pasta
Port Jefferson
Pasta Pasta is one of the first places I ever visited during a LIRW. It’s a cozy venue that feels like an old school Italian restaurant with red checkered tablecloths and a Tuscan appeal. While the low lighting creates a candlelit ambiance (which is lovely), let’s talk about the fact that they are offering a choice of seven different entrees—which means good luck deciding when you have choices like the seasonally appropriate Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Raviolis or timeless classics like Braised Veal with Mushrooms or Chicken Scarpariello.
4. Le Soir Restaurant
Sayville
Remember all those times you’ve asked your significant other to take you out to that fancy French Restaurant? Well, here’s your opportunity for a romantic meal in a cozy French setting at Le Soir Restaurant—oh, and you won’t need to refinance your home to pay for it either. The full LIRW menu is listed on their site and you have an opportunity to try French specialties like the Country Pate, Escargot Bourguignonne and Roasted Chicken Béarnaise Jus. This menu does not skimp at all with other fine Le Soir specialties like duck, salmon, and short ribs.
5. Jamesport Manor
Jamesport
The Jamesport Manor’s LIRW menu may initially pique your interest with delicious appetizers such as their Almond Crusted Fried Brie (which is amazing). If so, then you’ll blown away by Executive Chef, Jeff Russell’s, choice of entrees which include: Goat Cheese Pan-Roasted Organic Chicken, Port Wine Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs, Roasted Salmon, and Cavatelli Bolognese. For me, dessert is the most important part of a good meal (please stop judging), so I am beyond excited that JM is offering a selection that includes a Fall Sundae –pumpkin gelato with graham cracker crumble, Carmel and whipped cream. This is a menu that keeps your interest and satisfies your taste buds with every course.
6. Baron’s Cove
Sag Harbor
Dine like a Baron without spending like one with Baron Cove’s LIRW menu. Chef Matty Boudreau has created a classic American Fare menu that will delight everyone with a choice of six appetizers and six entrees. The large selection of appetizers includes menu favorite, Bang Bang Shrimp (house made hot sauce, scallions, cucumbers and romaine) as well as LIRW special Sag Harbor Fish Stew (tomato-saffron broth, market fish, and local potatoes) amongst others. If that’s not enough to get you there, consider eating one of the many high-end entrees like the Grilled Skirt Steak or the Daily catch (seriously) while overlooking the stunning harbor with someone special on a fine Autumn evening.
7. Salt and Barrel
Bay Shore
Salt and Barrel is a modern Oyster Bar with a chic atmosphere. Specializing in clean, local food and the timeless practice of farming the sea, you will no doubt be delighted by their LIRW menu. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed with selections of Seafood Stew (full of Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Salmon) or fresh Mussels. Don’t be worried if you or your foodie partner is not into seafood, because S&B has an array of splendid entrees including Roasted Chicken, Braised Short Ribs, and Three Cheese Tortellini. Oh and since you’re there anyway (and saved some money) go ahead and indulge in a classic cocktail or a flight of bourbons.
