DAN'S PAPERS, July 24, 2009 Page 64 www.danshamptons.com
Legends By Genevieve Salamone Nestled on the edge of the Peconic Bay, Legends can most definitely be considered off the beaten path. The scenic but long ride there had me wishing and hoping for worthy food – and I am happy to report I was not disappointed. Legends has 15 years of service to its credit, and is owned by Diane and Dennis Harkoff, with Chef Raplh Foulkes in the kitchen for the last five years. I caught a glimpse (and an earful) of the crowd in the pub section of the restaurant, where they serve burgers and sandwiches at more affordable prices. We were led into the formal dining area, which had low lighting, ornate fans that made me think of the tropics, and lots of plants scattered around to make
Photo by Genevieve Salamone
835 1st Street, New Suffolk NY, 11956
"OFF THE GRILL" PRIX FIXE Every Friday $50 per person, indoor and outdoor seating. A La Carte Menu also available. “OFF THE GRILL” - JULY 24TH MENU Beef Short Rib "Barbaqoa Tacos, Hand Pressed "In House" Tortillas, Jalapeno Mint Salsita Mango Glazed Grilled Half Crescent Farms Duck, Israeli Cous Cous Salad, Grilled Pineapple Grilled Plaintain and Nutella Crepes, White Chocolate Gaujillo Chile Sauce
Classic
Cocktaill Hour
Join us for a classic Cocktail Hour and enjoy a complimentary 20% discount applied to your Bar Menu or A La Carte Dinner Menu order. 5PM - 6PM Monday - Friday
KORAHI GOSHT • LAMB TIKKA BEEF KABAB • CHICKEN KABAB
DINNER PRIX FIXE ~ $29 per person Sunday through Thursday
DAILY LUNCH AND SUNDAY BRUNCH
HOT FOOD - D I N E I N TAKE OUT
Reservations 722-0500
370 Manor Lane, Jamesport www.jamesportmanor.com or opentable.com
1144121
CLOSED TUESDAYS
1144128
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Restaurant Waterviews. Patio Dining. Outstanding Cuisine.
20th Anniversary Special - $20 price fixe visit our website for more information
Live Music 2255 Wickham Avenue, Mattituck
298-5851 touchofvenice.com 1197361
1144130
631-369-2400 • 631-369-2440 421 PULASKI ST. RIVERHEAD NY 11901
Three Course Prix Fixe ~ $20
one feel as if they were dining al fresco in some exotic location. The menu at Legends consists of an intriguing blend of cuisines, with Asian influences and a touch of rustic Italian cooking as well. The appetizer list was a perfect example of the diversity of cuisines Legends offers. Baked Oysters with spinach and Parmesan was flavorful, though made for an odd texture combination in my mouth. The New Orleans style baked clams with chorizo were creamy, smoky and spicy with huge chunks of clams, although I found myself searching for more chorizo because it was so delicious. Legends’ Fried Calamari, or as they call it “Mike’s Calamari” is fried and then sautéed with pepperoncini, slivered garlic and red pepper flakes, an ingenious twist on this classic starter. It’s definitely not for those with a weak palette, as it packs quite a heat-packed-punch, with a much-needed tang from the pepperoncini. If you visit Legends, you must try this dish. My favorite by far was the Thai Sausage and Shrimp in crispy Wonton cups. I could not get enough of this one. The basil and cilantro dueled deliciously for my attention, and the smoky sausage added warmth and depth. The added crunch from the Wonton cups really completed this creative and delicious dish. The soup special that caught my eye was the Vichyssoise, a cold soup of pureed potatoes, leeks, cream and various seasonings. I found the soup to be curiously refreshing and light, and I kept going back in for more. The seasoning was spot on, just the right amount of salt, and a garnish of chives finished the soup off with that fresh onion bite. A new addition to the Legends menu is its “Rocket” Salad, a lovely combination of tri-color beets paired with creamy goat cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries over baby greens. The flavors in the salad were complimented by a tart yet sweet Honey-Shallot Balsamic Vinaigrette. The choices for entrees were daunting in that there were so many. Besides a full specials menu, Legends has an array of regulars, including Seafood Cacciucco, a Tuscan dish with various seafood, Egyptian Style Pecan Dukkah Crusted Shrimp, Chilean Sea Bass with Lobster & Wild Mushrooms, Pork Chops with Spicy Peach Chutney and Pad Thai with Vegetables and Shrimp – just to name a few! We chose the Filet Mignon with a wild mushroom sauté, fingerling potatoes covered with Gruyere cheese and asparagus. The filet was meltin-your mouth tender, and the wild mushrooms were wonderfully robust and woodsy, if a bit under salted. We also tried the Premium Angus Ribeye, another new addition, cooked Tuscan-style with Olive Oil, salt, pepper. Only slightly tougher than the Filet, you could taste the high caliber of the meat. For dessert we indulged ourselves with divine crispy cheesecake spring rolls, Profiteroles with coffee ice cream, and the most decadent dessert I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating, the Chocolate Lover’s Dream. It looked like a miniature chocolate cake with sable chocolate cookies for the crust, chocolate mousse in between, and a rich chocolate ganache covering the surface. Legends Restaurant in New Suffolk may be off the beaten path, and it may be on the expensive side, but the food is fresh, and the quality of the food prepared is lovely. Legends is open for lunch everyday starting at 12 noon, and begins serving dinner at 5 p.m, 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information call 631-734-5123 or visit www.legendsrestaurant.com.