Melville was the focus of this week’s Restaurant Hunter on FiOS1 Long Island. Host Rob Petrone along with East of NYC’s very own Mark Levine took to the streets to bring you along to some hotspots in the area. Click on through to learn about some hot spots as well as an East of NYC bonus that wasn’t on-air.
Seasons 52 in Garden City is a great addition to the Long Island dining scene. A “chain” restaurant owned by Darden Restaurants, there’s nothing chain about it. It’s a high-end restaurant that focuses on healthy dishes, superior ambience and carefully selected wine options.
Luce + Hawkins is one of those rare restaurants. A historic location, a renowned chef and award-winning cuisine are all converging at this very spot on the north fork of Long Island and if you haven’t taken the trip yet, we don’t know what you are waiting for.
Having top rated restaurants at our fingertips is a nice little bonus for those of us who live on Long Island. Not enough attention, though, is always given to the bar area, which should be a focal point in any establishment. We’re trying to change that one restaurant at a time and this most recent addition to our “Signature Drink” series comes from Mitch & Toni’s American Bistro in Albertson, on Nassau County’s north shore.
Years ago, a Best Western sat off of exit 72 of the LIE, just next to Tanger Outlets. It wasn’t anything much to look at. It did its job; catering to those looking for a quick getaway to the entryway of the north fork, or a respite between shopping marathons. With time, the tide has changed and the new owners have not only Manhattan-ized the hotel (read: trendy), they’ve also installed Bistro 72, serving up fantastic drinks and cuisine.
Sometimes driving around will take you to a new restaurant on a whim. Driving on Merrick Road in Seaford the other night aimlessly for somewhere to dine, our eye caught The Phoenix, a newly opened restaurant of less than 6 weeks. Before hitting the next light, we did some research online and found that the overall reviews were positive thus far, so we decided to stake it out and head in.
Update: This location has closed.
The space that used to be Deli on Rye on Willis Avenue was not much to look at. It had been there for a very long time and when it closed, Prime Burgers stepped in. The food, a complete departure from the old deli may have changed, but the atmosphere looks quite the same.
A newcomer to the Northport dining scene back in 2011, J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse is located a short drive away from Main Street and the waterfront restaurants that are within walking range to that area. What feels like an old house that has been revamped, J. Michaels is serving up creative italian fare.
Energy Kitchen, the healthy fast food establishment is making its way out to Long Island from its New York City roots this week. Of four locations planned on the island, Syosset will be the first to throw open their doors.
At the end of any year it’s always fun to look back at where we’ve explored across Long Island and compile a small list of our favorite restaurants and dining destinations. This year we’ve done just that and we’re pleased to present to our readers our 2011 Year – End Favorites.