East of NYC - The Buzz

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

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.

Upcoming Event: Celebrating 10 Years of Blue Point Brewery on June 13, 2009

Award-winning LI based brewer Blue Point Brewery is hitting a milestone with 10 years in existence.  In order to celebrate this great accomplishment (and our favorite seasonal beer, Blue Point Blueberry Ale), Blue Point is hosting a party with lots of beer, music and fun times.  The event will take place on June 13th from 2-7pm.  If you plan on attending, tickets will run you $65 or $15 for designated drivers.  To find out more on this event and to purchase tickets in advance, please go to their website which can be found here.

*This event is 21+

Upcoming Event: Free Sliders at Farmingdale Meat Market (May 30th, 2009)

Sliders are an all-American favorite.  Little burgers with all of the fixin's that are so near and dear to our hearts.  On Long Island there are a variety of burger places that you can taste to see who reigns supreme in this burger-loving market.  Although they're all great, only one can say that they're free. From noon-4pm on Saturday, May 30th, you'll be able to stop by Farmingdale Meat Market to get your free slider.  Avoid the lines and get there early to sample some of the great sliders on the table.

Upcoming Event: American Craft Beer Week, May 11th - 17th

Nothing is better than sitting down to a pint of your favorite locally-made brew.  Why would you drink a Michelob or a Coors when you could be drinking some Blue Point, Blind Bat or Brooklyn Brewery master brews. From May 11th -  17th the American Craft Beer Week will be celebrated on Long Island. If you're around the neighborhood on Monday, May 11th, the Black Forest Brew Haus will be hosting a dinner to celebrate this great week. Now, go get your drink on and help support your local brewer.

[Beer Hall via Lenndevours]

Matto in East Hampton Brings The Awards Home

Matto in East Hampton has just become the only Hamptons restaurant to obtain the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.  One of the highest hospitality awards in the world, Matto has received this prestigious honor for their service, cuisine and their commitment to the hospitality industry.  If you're in the mood for a Five Star restaurant out east, it looks like there's only one place for you to go.  Now get moving! 631-329-0200

Book Signing Event: Author Alison Lowenstein at Osprey's Dominion Vineyard on April 25th, 2009

Alison Lowenstein, the author of both  Brooklyn Baby and City Weekends: The Greatest Escapes and Weekend Getaways in and Around New York City will be having a special book signing for her new book City Weekends (a guide for the NY Metro area) on April 25th from 3-5pm at Osprey's Dominion Vineyard in Peconic.  This will be a great opportunity to meet her in person and if you haven't already, we recommend that you pick up her book, in stores now.

Re-Opening, 2009: Trata in Water Mill

Summer is arriving early in the Hamptons this weekend with the season-opening of Trata in Water Mill.  Although the beginning of March may seem a little too early to open up for the upcoming summer season, we feel that it is just what the island needs; a little hope that things are about to get sunnier.  Hit them on up for great Mediterranean and Seafood.  631-726-6200

Kid Stuff for Less!

By Dina Shingleton, Suffolk County Correspondent

If you have children, you know they grow out of clothing and toys at light-warp speed!  Aside from having to purchase fresh wardrobes for every season, there's also the matter of storage!  What to do with the clothing that no longer fits and the toys that no longer grab attention?  

Kid Stuff for Less in Lindenhurst solves both dilemmas.  Kid Stuff accepts gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, and furniture for resale in the store.  They retail these goods for a fraction of what they would normally cost at retail.  During a recent trip, I was able to unload some of my daughter's summer clothing from last year.  While waiting for the clothing I brought in to be evaluated (Kid Stuff won't take anything stained, color faded, or harshly worn) I took a look around and was surprised at some of the high-quality clothing I saw on the racks, much of it new with tags!

Even the brand-new merchandise if offered at excellent prices- a great money-saving resource when having to stock up on a whole season's worth of clothing for your little one!  I purchased two adorable sun dresses by high-end brand Tea Collection for $8.50 each (they original retail for $27)!

Before blowing your budget on summer wear, try Kid Stuff for Less- they might have exactly what you're looking for!

290 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst
631-592-2561
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.