East of NYC - The Buzz

Notable Opening: The Catch in Port Jefferson

Waterfront dining is always a pleasurable way to enjoy your evening.  In Port Jefferson, a new restaurant has sprouted up and is ready and eager to help you enjoy that fantastic setting.  The Catch, a new venture from Eric Miller, the same owner of Cavo in Astoria, Queens is offering great seafood dishes, waterfront dining as well as Clam Bakes on the beach.  We can't think of a better way to spend an evening or the entire summer.  Review to follow. 631-64CATCH

Long Island Dining Event: Gluten-Free Dinner at Oysterman's Restaurant & Pub in Sayville

We found this dining event taking place at Oysterman's Restaurant and Pub in Sayville on the blog Triumph Gluten Free.  According to the post:

"Attention all celiacs! I’d like to alert you to a fabulous one-time opportunity to eat your heart out at a restaurant on Long Island. Oysterman’s Restaurant and Pub in Sayville, NY generally serves New American cuisine and seafood. On December 9th, they are inviting gluten-free chef Joseph Felicetta to cook a six-course gluten-free gourmet meal for $75 per person. Chef Felicetta learned three years ago they had celiac disease and felt compelled to quit working at restaurants out of fear of cross-contamination. This was quite a loss to the eating community considering that he was an important chef at the former Octopus Garden in Port Washington, Fusion Grill in East Setauket, Allegro in Bay Shore, Casa Rustica in Smithtown and the Bayport House in Bayport. Here is the menu Chef Felicetta is planning:

• Assorted hors d’oeurves
• Sparkling rose N.V., Calvados, Spain
• Ceviche Peruviano (wild-caught Montauk striped bass and sea scallops with fresh lemon, lime and orange juices, cilantro, jalapeno and sweet peppers, with wasabi tobiko and pickled red onions)
• Sauvignon blanc, 2007, Casa Patronales, Chile
• Autumn bisque (seasonal roots and lilies, herbs and asafoetida, Blue Point oyster garni, basil oil)
• Bordeaux blend, 2006 organic Ranch House Red, Napa Valley
• Intermezzo sorbet
• Filet tournedo, Gorgonzola crown, pinot noir demiglace with jumbo scampi garni, LI potato galette, asparagus Polonaise
• Adobe Clayhouse Vineyard red, 2006, California
• Flourless chocolate torte, fresh whipped cream, cherries montmorency garni
• Deco chocolate port

Run, don’t walk, to the phone and dial 631-589-7775 to make a reservation. After all, we really should support other members of the gluten-free community. It only requires a little sacrifice on your part. Enjoy!"

• Assorted hors d’oeurves
• Sparkling rose N.V., Calvados, Spain
• Ceviche Peruviano (wild-caught Montauk striped bass and sea scallops with fresh lemon, lime and orange juices, cilantro, jalapeno and sweet peppers, with wasabi tobiko and pickled red onions)
• Sauvignon blanc, 2007, Casa Patronales, Chile
• Autumn bisque (seasonal roots and lilies, herbs and asafoetida, Blue Point oyster garni, basil oil)
• Bordeaux blend, 2006 organic Ranch House Red, Napa Valley
• Intermezzo sorbet
• Filet tournedo, Gorgonzola crown, pinot noir demiglace with jumbo scampi garni, LI potato galette, asparagus Polonaise
• Adobe Clayhouse Vineyard red, 2006, California
• Flourless chocolate torte, fresh whipped cream, cherries montmorency garni
• Deco chocolate port

Run, don’t walk, to the phone and dial 631-589-7775 to make a reservation. After all, we really should support other members of the gluten-free community. It only requires a little sacrifice on your part. Enjoy!"

Notable Opening: Smokin Al's in Massapequa

As we previously mentioned, Smokin Al's, already famously serving up BBQ in Bay Shore has been planning their new restaurant in Massapequa.  With a grand opening this weekend, the lines were out the door, drinks were flowing freely and the Famous BBQ was everywhere.  Head on over and see what they're cooking up now.  516-799-4900

December Deal: 15% Off at George Martin's Grillfire in Merrick

With a grand opening coming in December of this year (a reworking of the Nick Diangelo's space,) George Martin's Grillfire will be offering 15% off of your entire check for the month of December.  Sister restaurant to the current Grillfire in Rockville Centre, which we have eaten at before plenty of times, the fare will be American and the check will be less than its predecessor.  With the savings that you'll see at dinner, you'll be able to stuff that stocking with just a few more gifts.

To view the menu of their location in Rockville Centre, click here.

Hale & Hearty Soups in Carle Place

If you have spent more than a few hours in the city, you'll know that next to Starbucks and the Gap you're likely to find a Hale & Hearty Soups.  Those long lines move fast and before you know it you're out of there with your soup and your bread and enjoying the fruits of your wait.  They're moving out east and hitting Long Island now, and you'll be able to find their only location on Glen Cove Rd. in Carle Place.  Daily specials are ongoing and you can find varieties such as Sloppy Joe (served over rice,) Fall Harvest Vegetable, Turkey Dinner and more.  Personally, we work about 5 minutes from this location so this will be a great addition to taking away those "missing the city" blues.  516-535-1000

Notable Opening: Vintage Port in Port Washington

With a name such as Vintage Port, we have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be steered in the right direction at this; Long Island's newest Wine Bar.  Taking over the old space that used to house Northwinds Coffee Shop, Vintage Port is aiming for customers with a sophisticated palate.  On the small side, this is an intimate establishment with food on the menu to complement the wine available (don't worry, there's beer too!)  Perhaps our friend Lenn Thompson can join us over there and let everyone know how they fare against the competition out east.  That's a meetup that we can look forward to. 

Location is brand new, so we will update with pictures and phone numbers when we obtain the information.

Notable Opening: Morton's Steakhouse in Downtown Brooklyn

To complement their Great Neck location, Morton's Steakhouse has just opened up their first restaurant in the boroughs, by hitting Downtown Brooklyn with their swanky steakhouse.  As they are just opening today, we don't have too much information on their new location, but we do hope that it will be as great as the other Morton's that we have visited over the years.  Dinner is served now, lunch service will begin on Monday, November 24, 2008.  718-596-2700

Happy Hour Of The Week: Bulldog Grille in Amityville

This post was originally posted on our sister-site, Eating Long Island.

Lessing's is one of the premiere families for catering and restaurants on the island, and they never seem to disappoint. With restaurants such as Library Cafe, Post Office Cafe, Finnegan's and Bulldog Grille, you can expect to be able to go to each of these on any night of the week and hit a happy hour. The after-work crowd is always a huge draw to blow off some steam and let loose after a long day at the office. 

A mixture of old and new decor; with new flat screen televisions above the bar but the old world class of wood stylings will bring you to watch your favorite game while relaxing in a comfortable environment that may remind you of the days gone by. Settle in, have a drink and tell them that East of NYC sent you. 631-691-1947

To view their food menu, click here

Sunday Brunch of the Week on Long Island: Garden City Hotel in Garden City

For a list of all of our Brunch related articles, click here.

Who says that hotel restaurants have to be frequented only by those who reside at the hotel overnight? Some of the finest dining experiences are housed in the establishments that cater to the well funded visitors to this island. Although an extravagance, the ultimate luxury this weekend will be your visit to the Garden City Hotel's Sunday Buffet Brunch. At $64 per person ($32 for children 12 and under,) this luxury won't come cheap. But you're worth it, aren't you? Besides the unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Mary's you'll be treated to stations full of sushi, shrimp, lobster, salads, fruit, meat and pastries.

Start fasting now so that you can really get your money's worth when you arrive. And please, don't sneak lobster and shrimp out in your empty purse; that's tacky.

Reservations strongly recommended. 516-877-9352

Hours: Sunday Noon-5pm

Micky Mo's in Woodmere

With the demand so high for great live music on Long Island, several bars and lounges are acknowledging the need and stepping up to the plate to offer their patrons a reason to stay around just a little longer. One such place in Micky Mo's in Woodmere. Owned by Mike and Mona Rhodie, Micky Mo's has a lively atmosphere filled with great music, drinks and fun. Tuesday night have karaoke while weekend nights come alive when the restaurant / bar stays open later. To us, the fact that they have internet access and a fireplace only adds to their appeal. 516-792-3022