AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL • 2020
DINING OUT LI
A Return To Restaurants Louie’s in Port Washington
EVERYONE’S HOME!!!!! LET US COOK FOR YOU TONIGHT More Than a Neighborhood Pizzeria
We Specialize in Catering for All Occasions Ask for Our Catering Menu
From Our Kitchen to Your Table
96 Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 516-621-1400 fax: 516-621-1509 www.ourattilios.com
20% OFF
ANY ORDER OF $30 OR MORE
With coupon only. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 12/30/20.
217235 S
(Photo by Cathy Bongiorno)
217321 R
2A | DINING OUT LI • JULY 22 - 28, 2020
PHASE 4
Osteria Morini in Roosevelt Field
A Return To Restaurants
Long Island’s eateries welcome diners back BY CYNDI ZAWESKI
B
czaweski@antonmediagroup.com
ill Barry knows a thing or two about the importance of timing. The Floral Park resident made the switch from longtime bartender in the local restaurant industry to founder and co-owner of the recently opened Uptown Taco in Floral Park this past fall when opportunity serendipitously arose when Oak House Mexican Kitchen closed its doors. “Friends of ours owned Oak House and decided to move to Ireland to pursue their dreams, so it was the perfect spot,” Barry said. “The Oak House was an authentic Mexican restaurant. We played around with a couple of concepts. Floral Park is family-oriented. We wanted it to be a place where people could bring their kids or meet up with friends for a drink.” To fill a niche in the community the concept was born for Uptown Taco, which is family owned and operated by Barry, his wife, Erica, and brother-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Lou and Diane Ventura. The taco restaurant gets its moniker courtesy of its location on Tulip Avenue. “We always called this area ‘uptown’ when we were kids,” Barry said. “We wanted to tie that local nostalgia into the restaurant.” The family began renovating the space by incorporating bright colors and original artwork to create a welcoming South-of-theBorder vibe. After updating the
Uptown Taco in Floral Park opened in the former Oak House Mexican Kitchen during the height of the pandemic. The laidback, family-friendly eatery is popular for its wide variety of tacos. (Courtesy photos) restaurant and securing its liquor license, Uptown Taco was ready to open in late winter. But timing had other plans. The restaurant hosted a small soft opening on Feb. 29—nine operating days prior to COVID-19. It ultimately forced the restaurant to close its tables to the public. “The whole world just stopped,” Barry said. “It was tough. But it
wasn’t just us. It was a little different for us because we had just got started, but it was the whole world going through the same thing.” Coping With COVID Like Uptown Taco, COVID forced Osteria Morini in Roosevelt Field to abruptly close its doors just as the Italian restaurant was beginning to pick up momentum following its fall
2019 grand opening. With its flagship in Manhattan, plus additional locations in New Jersey and Washington, D.C., Osteria Morini is operated by the award-winning Altamarea Group. Founded by Ahmass Fakahany and chef/partner Michael White, the group currently owns and operates 12 restaurants worldwide, many of which consistently receive top recognition and acclaim by the James
see A RETURN TO RESTAURANTS on page 4A JULY 22 - 28, 2020 • DINING OUT LI | 3A
A RETURN TO RESTAURANTS from page 3A
Osteria Morini’s Italian fare is available for dine-in or takeout. Beard Foundation, Zagat, The New York Times and the Michelin Guide. Osteria, which means host in Italian, has spent the last several months re-imagining their safety protocol in the wake of the outbreak on Long Island. “From the beginning, implementing the highest level of safety protocols was a priority, not only for our clients but for our staff as well,” Fakahany said. “We have trained extensively above and beyond the required regulations, from sanitization and mask requirements to contactless ordering and payments via QR codes.” In mid-June, as New York entered Phase II, Osteria Morini was able to reopen for curbside pick-up and delivery, serving up some of its
(Credit: Liz Clayman/Osteria Morini)
signature dishes such as Cacio e Pepe salad, rigatoni, branzino and tiramisu for dessert. “Osteria Morini is ready to keep evolving and pivoting with the times,” Fakahany said. “Everything we do begins and ends with our clients, and more than anything, we want to welcome them back through our doors and make it their home away from home.” Uptown Taco was quick to revamp its business model to cope with the changing times, as well. Initially, takeout wasn’t a significant aspect of Uptown Taco’s services, but the family adjusted to keep the kitchen open to the public, while following statewide shutdown protocols. “We thought that takeout would only be a small part of the business,
but the pandemic showed us that it is going to be a bigger part of the business plan than we originally thought,” Barry said. “Tacos travel well. It is a food that lends itself to takeout. At first, we were just learning how to be a sit down restaurant and then we quickly had to learn to be a takeout restaurant. Now that we’re in Phase IV, we have outdoor dining, which also wasn’t a part of our original plan.” A New Way Of Dining Out In late June and early July restaurants across New York were once again allowed to invite diners back with a combination of indoor and outdoor seating, proper social distancing still in place. Uptown Taco, which did not initially have outdoor
Osteria Morini in Roosevelt Field has reopened to the public. (Credit: Liz Clayman/Osteria Morini) 4A | DINING OUT LI • JULY 22 - 28, 2020
seating, was permitted by the village to transform a row of parking spots outside the restaurant into a makeshift patio with tables and an outdoor bar, christened “La Quarantina.” The restaurant is also opened at 50 percent capacity inside. “It has been busy, the support has been great,” Barry said. “We are new restaurateurs so we weren’t stuck in our ways and we were easy to adapt. We’re the type of people who ask, ‘what’s next?’ It took planning and communication, a lot of late nights, but even though this pandemic made things stagnant, we still wanted to grow.” While it hasn’t been open long, Uptown Taco, which sources many of their ingredients from Long Island farms, has gained a loyal following. Its menu includes entrées like Mexican cheesesteak and a wide range of tacos, including vegan options. Though its carne asada taco and Koren short rib taco are instant favorites. Since the beginning of Phase IV, dozens and dozens of local eateries have reopened with provisions, including the historic Louie’s in Port Washington (see the cover image for a peek at its outdoor dining set up) and Cena 081 in Westbury. With the current reduced capacities, Osteria Morini is currently seating up to 36 outside and up to 29 inside. “Reopening was like a renaissance for us,” Fakahany said. “There is so much promise for this restaurant and location, and we are proud of the standard of our Italian cuisine. In some, we are lucky, as we had always planned for an outdoor ‘al fresco’ layout so it was easy to pull together quickly when the time came. We are eager to get back to serving our clients—that’s the energy we thrive on.”
Pick Your Own Produce A guide to U-Pick Long Island farms BY CYNDI ZAWESKI
czaweski@antonmediagroup.com
O
ne of the joys of living on Long Garden of Eve Island is the bounty of fresh pro4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901 duce grown locally at Long Island 631-722-8777 farms. This time of year, sweet corn, juicy www.gardenofevefarm.com/upick tomatoes and ripe zucchini is readily In Season: Blueberries, blackberries. available to purchase at area farm stands, Additional U-Pick produce available but there is something so satisfying about later in the year. harvesting your own. Hours: Open daily from April 1 Long Island farms are offering U-Pick through Halloween, from 9 a.m. to 6.pm. blackberries, raspberries and other crops this summer. Here is a guide to local Lenny Bruno Farms farms that let you pick your own produce. 740 Wading River Rd., Manorville, Note: These farms are following proper NY 11949 COVID-19 safety precautions at the 631-591-3592 stands and in the fields. www.lennybrunofarms.com Lewin Farms In Season U-Pick: U-Pick typically 812 Sound Ave., Calverton, NY 11933 starts in early-mid August and includes 631-929-4327 bell peppers, long hots, cheese pepwww.lewinfarm.com pers, hot cherry peppers, sweet cherry
5 OFF
Text Club! GET 20% OFF your order!
Chiddyscheesesteaks.com Check Out Our Full Menu Our Famous Fresh CHEESESTEAKS
Stay tuned for futures offers
plus a whole lot more . . . Gourrmet Hand Cut French Fries • Tacos • Speciality Hot Dogs • Empanadas • Quesadillas
BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY!
DEAL #1
3 - Full Sandwiches
4 - Empanadas
1 - Large Fries 1 - Large Mozzarella
Sticks (10)
49
95
Reg. $65
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FAMILY DINNER
FAMILY DINNER
4 - Full Sandwiches 4 - Empanadas 1 - Large Fries 1 - Large Mozzarella Sticks (10) 1 - Large (16 oz.) Chiddy’s Mac & Cheese
4 - Full Sandwiches 6 - Empanadas 1 - Large Fries 1 - Large Mozzarella Sticks (10) 1 - Family Size (32 oz.) Chiddy’s Mac & Cheese
DEAL #2
64
$
95
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DEAL #3
74
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$
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Reg. $105
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FARMINGDALE
BAY SHORE
2189 Jericho Tpke.
191 Main Street • (Near the Train Tracks)
1851 Sunrise Hwy.
631-888-3262
Visit our website for more info www.chiddyscheesesteaks.com
631-609-1425
(Next to Emilio’s Pizzeria & Restaurant)
516-927-8770
FOOD TRUCK
217327 M
FAMILY DINNER
COMMACK
- Newsday, Scott Vogel, Corin Hirsch & Erica Marcus - February 2, 2020
Text CHIDDY’S to 22452
Join The Beyond Meat Craze!
$
In Season: Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. Additional U-Pick produce available later in the year. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call ahead to check availability.
“Chiddy’s Chili is a bold must try!”
Join Our VIP
Not valid with other offers. Expires 8/31/20
MEATLESS CHIDDY
Wickham’s Fruit Farm 28700 Main Rd., Cutchogue, NY 11935 631-734-6441 www.wickhamsfruitfarm.com
We Are Here To Serve You During These Difficult Times. All Your Chiddy’s Favorites Available For Take Out or Delivery. Open With Normal Hours At All 3 Locations.
$
Try Our New
In Season: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries (in August) Hours: Farm stand opens daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with U-pick ending at 5:30 p.m. Call ahead for U-Pick availability.
peppers, fryers, white peppers, plum tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, black eggplant, little finger eggplant, flat beans and pumpkins (in the fall). Hours: Open to the public 7 days a week from May through November.
In Season U-Pick: Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, pumpkins (in the fall). Hours: The farm stand is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Call each day for a U-Pick schedule.
Serving LI For 6 Years!
Patty’s Berries & Bunches 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck, NY 11952 631-655-7996 www.pattysberriesandbunches.org
JULY 22 - 28, 2020 • DINING OUT LI | 5A
Salt, Tequila, Lime Uncovering the hidden history behind the Margarita BY CYNDI ZAWESKI
czaweski@antonmediagroup.com
S
alt, tequila, lime. These three simple ingredients are the cornerstone of the classic margarita. The mix may be straightforward but its origins are murky. No one is quite sure who invented the margarita— though there are many tall tales to theorize. Among the most common attributions belongs to the Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames. As legend has it, the glamorous Sames concocted the drink for her party guests in 1948. Among the party goers was business titan Tommy Hilton who put the margarita on his eponymously named hotel’s bar menu and on the cocktail map. Though this was most likely just a rumor. The first importer of Jose Cuervo used the tagline “Margarita: it’s more than a girl’s name” in 1945—three
years before supposedly Sames debuted her cocktail. Another account of the drinks moniker dates back to the 30s or 40s in Tijuana. The story says that restaurant and bar owner Danny Herrer first mixed the cocktail for showgirl Marjorie King. King, who couldn’t stomach any hard liquor aside from tequila, was in search of a cocktail. Herrer named the drink after Marjorie, or Margarita in Spanish. No matter who invented it or where the name originations, today margaritas are synonymous with summertime sipping. A recent study showed that margaritas top the list for males and females when it comes to on-premises drinking at and restaurants — with 56 percent for females and 44 percent for males. While it is certainly enjoyable to order while you’re at a bar, in the age of COVID-19, we’re lucky enough to be able to make this
simple, yet delicious drink in the comfort of our homes. Featuring its namesake spirit, Cincoro Tequila has a unique twist on the to-go cocktail, perfectly balanced with citrus and agave nectar. Born out of friendly rivalry between competitors, Cincoro Tequila is the brainchild of some powerhouse players in the sports world. Created by Michael Jordan of the Charlotte Hornets, Jeanie Buss of the LA Lakers, Wes Edens of the Milwaukee Bucks and Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari of the Boston Celtics, Cincoro was formed with one goal in mind: to create the new gold standard in tequila. Cincoro currently offers four award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo. This recipe calls for the Blanco, an un-aged and made with 100 percent Weber blue agave from the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico.
CINCORO MARGARITA 2 oz Cincoro Blanco Tequila 1 oz fresh lime juice ¾ oz Cointreau ¼ oz agave nectar Directions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with lime wheel. Serve over ice.
OPEN 12 - 8 PM
524 Jerico Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
516-739-2747 CURBSIDE PICK UP Order by phone & we will deliver to your car by our front door
6A | DINING OUT LI • JULY 22 - 28, 2020
TAKE OUT
Order by phone & come in for pick up
DELIVERY Orders over $150 call us for catering
216837 S
WHY COOK TONIGHT? FREE DELIVERY / CURBSIDE PICK UP TAKE OUT / SLICE / UBER EATS / GRUBHUB
SPECIAL Large 16” Cheese Pie
Family Special
• Large Cheese Pie all for only • Tossed Salad $ 95 • Baked Ziti +tax • Dozen Garlic Knots Reg. $39.95
23
10
$
Tax Included/No Limit
GET OUR APP! TXT VENEZIA TO 555888
Gluten Free Pizza & Pasta Also Available!
DINNER FOR 2 COMBO PLATTERS
00 +tax
+tax
+tax for 2
(#1) Chicken Parm/Eggplant Rollatini & Pasta (#3) Chicken Parm/Veal Scallopini & Pasta (#6) Lasagna/Ziti/Ravioli/Mancotti & Stuffed Shells (#7) Chicken & Veal Marsala & Pasta
3338 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park (across from Iceland next to Best Market)
516-743-9511 • 516-743-9512 www.venezia-pizzeria.com
217328 S
15 $ 00 16” ... 22 12” ...
$
95 24 YOUR CHOICE $
217324 M
VEGAN PIZZA
*Offer Subject to Change without Notice
Voted Best Mac & Cheese On Long Island 2020!
ENJOY OUR LOUISIANA CAJUN OR SMOKED BBQ Authentic Louisiana Cookin’ in Mineola!
BISCUITS & BARBEQUE Curbside Pick-Up & Outside Dining
516.493.9797 (JUST 2 BLOCKS EAST OF ROSLYN ROAD)
CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS
www.BiscuitsandBarbeque.com
Accepting Cash or Credit
217325 S
106 East Second Street, Mineola, NY 11501
JULY 22 - 28, 2020 • DINING OUT LI | 7A
e t a r b e Cel er! Summ
Family Dinner Specials
All include Homemade Side Dishes
l Rotisserie Southern Chicken Fried Chicken $
3159
$
4229
$
h 24 pcs Chicken with 6 large sides $6339
$
h 12 pcs Chicken with 3 large sides
3759
$
(serves 3-4)
h 16 pcs Chicken with 4 large sides
$
5029
(serves 4-6)
White Meat Lovers
7539
(serves 8-10)
h Sesame Chicken Tenders (8-10 pcs per lb)
Chicken & Rib Combo
Golden brown boneless tenders of white meat $1299 lb Includes Dijon Horseradish or Honey Mustard Dipping Sauces
h Bucket O’Breast - Skinless Southern Fried Chicken Breasts $ 4 pcs - Chicken Only 1499 $ 4 pcs - with 2 Large Homemade Sides 2549 h Zorn’s Famous Party Wings 12 pcs $998
h Mini Chicken & Rib Combo
$
3829
$
3709
$
6239
$
7029
$
6609
Don’t Forget Dessert!
8 /lb h Barbeque Cocktail Ribs: 9 /lb h Homemade Sausage $ 99 6 /lb in Barbeque Sauce: h Slow Roasted Pork $ 99 8 /lb with Barbeque Sauce:
Sweet!
$ 49
$ .00 Off
3439
8 pcs of Southern Fried & 8 pcs of l Rotisserie Chicken & approx 16-18 Cocktail Ribs with 4 Large Sides (serves 6-8 family style)
$ 99
1/2-3lbs/rack)
$
h Large Chicken & Rib Combo
From the Barbeque Pit h Barbeque Spare Ribs
Southern l Rotisserie l Rotisserie Fried & Southern Chicken Fried Chicken Chicken
8 pcs of Southern Fried or l Rotisserie Chicken & approx 10-12 Cocktail Ribs with 2 Large Sides (serves 3-4 family style)
Barbeque, Sweet & Spicy, l Buffalo Hot, Teriyaki, & l Seasoned l= Naturally Gluten Free
5
$
(serves 2-3)
Visit our website for our full menu!
(4-5 ribs/lb; 2
2549
2149
h 8 pcs Chicken with 2 large sides
Purchase of $ 25.00 or more Fresh Baked Apple Pie
An assortment of fresh desserts available daily!
Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid in Bethpage only. Not valid on uncooked poultry or catering. Expires 8/14/20 ANTONS FOODIES 2020
Curbside Pick-up Available!
516-731-5500 4321 Hempstead Tpke., Bethpage, NY Open 7 days a week! DINING OUT LI • JULY 22 - 28, 2020
217134 S
zornsofbethpage.com