East of NYC - The Buzz

R.I.P.: Riodizio Churrascaria in Roslyn Has Closed

One of our favorite Brazillian Steakhouses in the land has closed its doors.  For a few months now, the space that used to occupy Riodizio Churrascaria has been sitting idle while the shell of its former self looks sadly onto Willis Avenue in Roslyn.  We'll miss the all-you-eat goodness and all of the green card/red-card happiness that they provided (we do hope that the swirly-painted parking lot does survive the next transition). 

R.I.P. (for now): Madame Tong's in Southampton

Madame Tong's, an elegant and super-luxe bar/lounge in Southampton is now closed.  According to Page Six the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance has closed the bar down due to debts that are owed. The Hamptons just got a bit quieter.

The Blue Parrot in East Hampton

A favorite of the east end, The Blue Parrot is back in the game and now open.  Mexican infused cuisine, great drinks and the occasional Bon Jovi impromptu acoustic concert all converge at this laid back, low-key hot spot known around town as one of the best.  Enjoy! 631-329-2583

White Post Farms in Melville

We just got back from a fun filled day at White Post Farms in Melville.  A great place to go with the family (young and old!) you'll be treated to a variety of animals that you can feed, a great gourmet shop and a few rides for the younger crowd.  Beware, this is a cash only establishment once you get to the petting zoo portion of the farm, so bring some extra cash to survive while you're in the jungle.  To hit up our flickr set of our trip, click here. 631-351-9373

Merrick Sushi Bar & Tea

Our sister-site Eating Long Island just posted an overview of their experience at Merrick Sushi Bar & Tea.  To check it out, follow the link.

Recommended Website: The Green Palate Experience

Not long ago canvas magazine shuttered its doors after about two years in circulation.  We were a fan of the publication and its take on local healthy cuisine, arts and a whole slew of other themes.  They've transformed their site into The Green Palate Experience which is now showcasing "their take on grapes, grains, brews & bites."  Put this on your bookmark list and be sure to check them out from time to time.

Notable Lunch Spot: Louie's Pizzeria in Carle Place

With Starbucks closing recently in the Glen Country Center on Old Country Rd. (the Barnes & Nobles shopping center) a vacancy has turned into a pretty happening pizzeria.  Louie's Pizzeria is the newest addition to this center, which has a fair amount of dining choices.  The lines have been long since they opened and the pies, calzones, pannini's, salads and other goodies should leave you with enough choices for multiple trips.

On our maiden voyage, we tried a sicilian slice and a chicken parm slice.  It wasn't the best pizza that we had ever experienced, but for a quick lunch on the go, it hit the spot. 516-248-2676

GMAP

Collapsed: Vesper Bar and Lounge in Brooklyn

This weekend was far from quiet in Brooklyn.  Vesper lounge, which has a residential building on top of it seemed to collapse out of nowhere on Sunday.  Reports have it that there was work being done on the exterior of the building and the owner had been slapped with violations for visible cracks on the exterior. It's our understanding that everyone made it out alive, although some were injured. 

Upcoming Dining Event: Five Course Tasting Dinner at Mirabelle in Stony Brook

Mirabelle Tavern in Stony Brook is hosting a five course tasting dinner on June 18th. Located in the Three Village Inn, this prix-fixe meal will set you back a very manageable $55 per person. Hit them up to experience a great meal that is put together by Chef Guy Reuge.

RIP: Laguna Grille in Westbury

The Old Country Rd. corridor is really hurting these days with fortunoff's and Circuit City at the Source Mall and various other establishments going out of business at a very fast pace. The latest casualty is Laguna Grille which was our go-to spot for great drinks, tropical salads and various other goodies.  Their Woodbury based location is still open and business is as usual.

Coming Soon: Red Mango Frozen Yogurt in Oceanside

We just got a tip that Red Mango, our favorite frozen yogurt shop is adding to its Long Island locations with a new location in the Sands shopping center in Oceanside.  This is great news for us as we live on the South Shore and won't need to travel to Plainview any longer for our fix. Keep and eye out for it to open very soon.

Gabrielle's Brasserie & WIne Bar in Rockville Centre

Our sister site Eating Long Island has just posted their review of Gabrielle's Trattoria and Wine Bar in Rockville Centre.  What did they think about it?  You'll have to click here to find out!