East of NYC - The Buzz

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!

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

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.

Notable Opening: Sarabeth's Kitchen in Garden City (Lord & Taylor)

Sarabeth's Kitchen, a mainstay in the NYC area, with more than a few outposts open for years is now open in Lord & Taylor in Garden City.  Occupying the cafe space, Sarabeth's is one of our favorite brunch spots and we can't wait to check out this newest incarnation.  Back in 2008, L&T and Sarabeth's agreed to open up 8 cafes within their stores, so you can look for more of these to open in the future. 516-742-7000

Shopping Event and Grand Opening: HUGO BOSS at Roosevelt Field Mall on September 17, 2009

On September 17, 2009 HUGO BOSS will be launching its newest store at the Roosevelt Field Mall.  In celebration, you can hit up that new location to receive 20% off the new Fall/Winter 2009 collection.  Make sure you stop by between the hours of 7-9pm as this sale is one day only.  Cocktails and music will be on hand as well.

RSVP by clicking here.

Notable Opening: Tasty Crepes in Carle Place

A new addition to the Barnes & Noble shopping center on Old Country Road in Carle Place has opened up for business.  Replacing a frozen yogurt shop, Tasty Crepes is open from early until late serving a variety of crepes designed for breakfast, lunch , dinner and dessert.  Outdoor seating is available while the weather is right, so check out this new favorite as soon as you can. 516-858-3015

Notable Opening: Porto Vivo in Huntington

Update: We've reviewed Porto Vivo.  To see our impressions, please click here.

We're counting down the days until August 22nd when Porto Vivo swings its doors open in the old Gerard Street Antiques in Huntington. The newest addition to the famed Huntington dining scene, this masterpiece will be crafted by Executive Chef Steven Lecchi, who has had some famous clients when not overseeing some of Tuscany's top restaurants.

The three-floored restaurant will be open for dinner nightly and if you stay late enough, you'll be able to lounge by the bar after-hours. 631-385-8486

Notable Opening: Merrick Bagel Cafe in Merrick

When Bagel Boss in Bellmore burned down a few months ago along with Starfish, the South Shore was left with one less popular bagel shop (Town Bagel is the last man standing).  While the space that burned down is now being rebuilt as a regular strip of stores, the owners of Long Island Bagel Cafes have decided now is the perfect time to open up shop in Merrick.  Replacing the old Fabio's italian restaurant (which replaced a family friendly chinese restaurant about two years prior), Merrick Bagel Cafe seems poised to have a successful run. Chopped salads, bagels, sandwiches, desserts and more await you and your hungry friends. Here's hoping that this establishment will last longer than the prior two.  516-377-7222

La Bottega Keeps Expanding

I don't know about you, but I spend a good deal of my time driving around Long Island.  In the past two months on both shores of this great island, I have come across a trend in the restaurant world.  La Bottega, which began modestly in Garden City and then slowly opened a select few stores, is expanding beyond its comfort zone.  New restaurants in Floral Park, Massapequa, Huntington and Roslyn are cementing this as one of the "restaurants to watch" for 2009-2010.  I'm personally excited to see how far they can grow as they are one of the restaurants that I enjoy for take out or for a quick bit inside the small restaurant. The fresh breads and paninis seal the deal at this italian shop.