East of NYC - The Buzz

International Great Beer Expo at The Nassau Coliseum

Today is the day where over 100 beers are brought together from all over the world (and some that are local too!) to reach out to the masses that attend.  If you're anywhere near the Nassau Coliseum and are at or above the legal drinking age, head on over to the International Great Beer Expo for either of their two sessions (12:30-4pm and 5:30-9pm).  Oh yeah, bring a designated driver, you'll need one.

Sunday Brunch on Long Island: The Brunch Wars!

To see all of our brunch picks, please click here.

We've recently been to a few great brunch spots on the island.  We don't know which one is better, but we'll leave it up to you to try out all three and drop us a note.  Each one has it's own great thing going on and now we need to hit the gym.

jojo Apples in Point Lookout

Maureen's Kitchen in Smithtown

JT's Corner Cafe in Nesconset

Sunday Brunch on Long Island: jojo apples cafe and soda shoppe in Point Lookout

To view all of our previous brunch picks, please click here.

Although I'm not sure if it would qualify as a brunch (they have breakfast every day of the week), jojo apples in Point Lookout is our choice of the week. Nestled in the sea-side town of Point Lookout (at the end of the Loop Parkway, not far from Lido Beach) jojo Apples is a no-frills restaurant with a loyal following of locals that enables them to be open all year 'round.

Our visit to this small restaurant was on a Saturday morning after the summer season had ended.  The restaurant was about half-full and the outdoor dining area on the side was still being utilized by a few daring souls.

 The breakfast / brunch menu is a pretty full one.  There's your selection of omelettes, pancakes, french toast and other usual varieties of morning foods. I saw their stuffed french toast on the menu and immediately decided that my search for a breakfast item was over.  The french toast was served with cream cheese oozing out of the middle, topped with sliced apples and smothered in whipped cream and chopped walnuts. 

jojo apples is a restaurant that we can recommend to you if you're looking for a great atmosphere that is welcoming and casual.  You'll leave feeling pretty full and completely satisfied. 516-432-6494

Notable Opening: Apple Retail Store in Manhasset

We love our Apple computers here at East of NYC (and we're almost on them exclusively, including our iPhone 3GS!) so it's with great pleasure that we're seeing Long Island receive another Apple retail store.  Opening on Saturday, October 17th, this Apple store will be located in Manhasset at 1900 Northern Blvd.  You can be sure to get the same great user experience that you're accustomed to and maybe pick out that new iMac or MacBook that you've been salivating over. {Google Map}

Thanks to David W. for sending in the tip!

Jericho Cider Mill in Jericho

With the fall hitting and the cold weather coming, it's a great time to hit up a cider mill to drink up some of that warm goodness. Maybe while you're there you can pick up a few pies and settle into the comfort food that only the earth can provide.  I've never been to the Jericho Cider Mill (in fact, until last week I had never heard of it), but this weekend that all changes when we take our toddler there for here first apple experience.  Pictures to follow from our visit on our flickr account, but if you're looking for something new and fun to do this weekend, head on over there and join us. 516-433-3360

[via eats]

Notable Opening: Texas Roadhouse in East Meadow

We've yet to eat at a Texas Roadhouse before, but we did notice a bit of excitement on some local blogs this past week with the opening of their East Meadow location (the only one on LI). Huge portions of bbq is what you can expect after you suffer through some of their long lines to get in the door.  If you've eaten here, drop us a note below and let us know how your experience was.  To view their menu, click here.

516-520-7427

Coming Soon: Red Mango Frozen Yogurt in Greenvale

Add another location to the ever-expanding dessert franchise on Long Island.  red mango, the super chic and tasty fro-yo joint is moving into Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale.  Located just near Roslyn, you'll be able to shop and eat within just a few steps of each other. This is a serious win for the north shore.

Notable Opening: Iavarone Bros. in Woodbury

Iavarone Bros., one of Long Island's most well-known purveyors of fine foods and marketplace offerings is now open in the Woodbury Village Center. High quality meats, salads, entrees, sausages and baked goods are just some of the cuisine available for purchase at this European-style marketplace.  We'll be looking at them more in-depth on Eating Long Island, so keep checking back for more information. 516-921-5400

Notable Opening: Luzzo's in Westbury

Next week will usher in the opening of Luzzo's in Westbury. Taking over for the spot vacated by Macaroni Grill a few years back, this NYC pizza spot will be ready with their hot-hot-hot brick ovens and their famous ownership (this is co-owned by Vincent Scotto of the famed Long Island Scotto family).  We landed here randomly for a very soft opening last night while they were working out some of the kinks of a pre-opening night but we can attest that their pizzas were right on target.  We're pretty sure that once all of the issues of being a new restaurant are worked out, this will be another busy spot on Corporate Drive.

Click here to follow Luzzo's on twitter and click here to follow EastofNYC!

Pictures to follow shortly and this post will be updated.

Upcoming Event: 2009 Merrick Fall Festival

This weekend is the Merrick Fall Festival, taking place at the Merrick LIRR station.  Rides, music, food, vendors and other entertainment options all await you at this weekend-long get together on the south shore.  We've gone in years past and always find it a great way to spend a nice fall day.