Dining & Entertainment Seasons 2023 - Edition Three

Memorial Day will soon be here and everyone's gearing up for another fun-filled summer season on Long Island!

Whether you've lived here your whole life or not, we hope this magazine brings you more knowledge of what our island has to offer and ignites a sense of adventure in you to explore all the beauty that surrounds us.

Plus, don't forget to enter our current contest, which gives you the chance to win tickets to an upcoming show at The Gateway!

We look forward to bringing you more exciting content in our next magazine issue, which will be published this June. We thank you for your loyal readership!

- The Staff at Long Island Media Group

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Getting To Know La Villini

La Villini is an Italian restaurant that has been in business since 2005. They offer family style portions as well as individual portions. They are available for all your special occasions and can host your next event in their private party room. Be sure to ask about their party packages!

They have even taken extra measures to ensure the wellbeing of all their customers and installed an iWare purifier inside, which has been proven to remove pathogens and viruses.

La Villini hosts

Accordian Night, on the first Wednesday of every month. Reservations are required so be sure to contact them to reserve your spot.

Follow them on Facebook or download their mobile app, available on the App store and Google Play.

To reserve a table online, visit their website at www.lavillini.com.

How To Get Your Grub: Order your food online and have it delivered through Grubhub.

Don’t Miss: Some popular menu items include the Zuppa Di

Mussels, Veal Dishes and their Pasta Dishes.

Visit La Villini and indulge in one of their many selections!

LET’S EAT!

288 Larkfield Road East Northport, NY

Lunch

Friday: 12PM - 2:30PM

Dinner Tuesday & Thrsday: 5PM - 10PM

Friday: 5PM-11PM Saturday: 4PM - 11PM

Sunday: 3PM - 9PM 631-261-6344

Special party hours can be arranged.

Support Our Local Organic Farms

Many farms have adopted organic practices and countless local restaurants choose to incorporate organic ingredients into their menu selections. Visit one of the many organic farms on our island and purchase delicious produce to use in your next meal, you won't regret it! Here are just a few of our reccomendations:

Garden of Eve

Riverhead

Garden of Eve was founded in 2001 by environmental advocates Chris and Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht. They are dedicated to providing delicious organic vegetables and fruits, as well as beautiful flowers

Golden Earthworm

Jamesport

Golden Earthworm was the very first Certified Organic Farm on Long Island's North Fork and they grow the highest quality USDA-Certified Organic produce to feed thousands of families across Long Island through their authentic farm share Community Supported Agriculture program and North Fork Farm Shop.

Sang Lee Farms

Peconic

Sang Lee Farms was started in the 1940s. They grow more than 100 varieties of specialty vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, baby greens and herbs. Additionally, they run a retail farm stand shop.

Bethel Hobbs Community Farm

Centereach

This 11-acre farm has a very rich history! Today they grow and harvest an average of over 30,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce, which then gets donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens. They also run a farm stand on the property.

Organics Today Farm East Islip

Organics Today Farm is a local farm in East Islip, which grows delicious organic produce. They also sell fresh baked bread, eggs, honey and clean meat and poultry.

Natural Earth Organic Farms

Calverton

Natural Earth Organic Farms is a local family run organic produce farm that’s dedicated to producing the highest quality product for their customers. They are passionate about growing a wide variety of food that you’ll be happy to put on the table for your family to enjoy.

Educational Destinations Great For Children

Looking for something different, yet exciting to do with your children?

Check out one of these four local destinations, where exhibits and amazing hands-on displays help our little ones learn while having fun!

Center For Science Teaching & Learning

Rockville Centre

Kids, families, and school groups enjoy this 17 acre preserve. The preserve serves as headquarters for the Center for Science Teaching and Learning which features a 3,000 sq/ft live animal exhibit called Amazing Animals. Exotic and native reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians are presented in realistic indoor and outdoor environments. The exhibit has an area for kids to try handson activities such as the puppet theater, animal matching game,

Long Island Maritime Museum

West Sayville

footprint stamping, and fossil hunting. The preserve and nature center also has nature trails, ponds, and a gift shop to enjoy.

Long Island Children’s Museum

Garden City

Artfully housed in a former airplane hangar, the award-winning Long Island Children’s Museum is a creative, innovative and inspiring destination for children and their grown-ups. With 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space (12 galleries, a sensory garden and 2 art exhibit spaces) and a state of the art theater, families have ample opportunities to play and learn together in a nurturing

environment. Their professional performances include music, dance and theater.

This museum is committed to the research, preservation and interpretation of our region’s rich nautical heritage and the role of Long Island in our national maritime story. Whether it’s boat building, shipwrecks, shellfish harvesting or recreational boating that captures your imagination, they have mastered it! Young and old alike can discover the links between the Island's maritime and natural histories and will encounter some of the

amazing creatures living in our local waters. Plan your visit to experience this wonderful south shore gem.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage

Thisdestination provides its visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to experience life in a recreated mid19th-century American village. The 209-acre Village includes an assortment of homes, farms and businesses. Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) came into existence in 1963 when Nassau County acquired the Powell property, a 165-acre farm located on the Nassau-Suffolk border. The acquisition of the land and the plan to develop a historic

restoration were timely, as rapid post-World War II development on our island had taken a toll on the area's landmarks.

Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Large Group Dining Etiquette

Diningout presents an opportunity to socialize with friends and family and enjoy a break from cooking. It also offers a chance to try new cuisines and support local restaurants.

It likely comes as no surprise how popular dining out has become. According to a 2020 study by ICSC, nearly 163 million people (64 percent of adults) dine out at least once a week. Around 50 percent of respondents indicated dining out is an essential part of their lifestyles, and convenience is a prime reason for eating out.

When dining out, individuals may want to share the experience with others. While large groups can have successful outings, making these experiences better for all involved comes down to focusing on etiquette. Here are some dos and don’ts of dining out with large groups. DO make a reservation with the restaurant as far in advance as possible. At the very least, call ahead to see if the establishment takes

reservations (some do not) and find out their policies regarding large groups.

DON’T stagger the group’s arrival. Everyone should arrive at the established time for prompt service and to make it easier on the restaurant staff. Wait until your entire party has arrived before asking to be seated.

DO bring cash along, as that makes it easier to divide the bill and the tip among diners.

DON’T ignore the gratuity policies of the restaurant. Certain establishments automatically apply a gratuity to the bill, typically around 18 percent, for large parties. Check the bill for such a gratuity to avoid tipping twice.

DO enlist a person in charge at the table to facilitate ordering and keep the momentum of the meal. This helps keep everyone on track.

DON’T assume that the restaurant can simply add a few more seats for last-minute invitations. Keep the restaurant apprised if someone needs

to be added or removed from the reservation. Consider giving a final head count and confirming the reservation the day before.

DO find out if the restaurant offers a “party pricing” deal. If your crowd is large, it may make things easier to limit offerings to a set price-fixed party menu. This way everyone knows ahead of time they can expect to pay $30 per head, or whatever the cost is before adding beverages.

DON’T forget to discuss how the bill will be divided. Some people may be amenable to splitting costs evenly. However, the cost disparity is significant if someone orders filet mignon and another orders a small salad. Be upfront with the server regarding whether you’ll need separate checks.

Dining out with a crowd can be an enjoyable experience. Keep courtesy in mind at all times.

Blue Line Deli opened in 2020 and has since expanded its business with a location in UBS Arena. They are the official deli of the New York Islanders hockey team.

Catering is offered for all occasions, so be sure to contact them directly to inquire.

At Blue Line Deli, they’re proud supporters of the local community, teaming up with the New York Islanders to support health care workers.

They believe that this is still only the beginning for them and look forward to future endeavors as they continue to give back to the community.

How To Get Your Grub: You can find them on all the online ordering apps including, Grub Hub, Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc.

Don’t Miss: Some popular menu items include The Zamboni and The Hat-Trick.

The Zamboni: Served with chicken

cutlet, melted american cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, on a hero.

The Hat-Trick: Served with turkey, ham, roast beef, american cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, on a hero.

Visit Blue Line Deli & Bagels for a wide selection of specialty heroes and wraps!

LET’S EAT! 719 West Jericho Tpke Huntington, NY 11743

Monday-Sunday: 5AM - 4PM 631-944-3222 bluelinedeli.com

Fire Island: The Car-Free Paradise

The barrier island of Fire Island is just a quick ferry ride across the Great South Bay from mainland Long Island. Locals and visitors travel around by foot, bike, wagon, and golf cart at this ‘car-free’ beach haven. The 32-mile-long island is known for its pristine beaches and relaxing beachside ambiance.

Activities include hiking the 40-acre rare maritime Sunken Forest at Sailors’ Haven, ranger-led programs through the Fire Island National Seashore, climbing 182 steps to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse, guided canoe tours through the Salt Marsh, public marinas for boating and fishing, surfing, camping at Watch Hill, and spending the day at one of the beautiful beaches.

Fire Island consists of 17 unique resort communities including private homes and overnight accommodations. Ferries run regularly during the season (Memorial Day –Labor Day) from Bay Shore to the West End, Sayville to the East End, and Patchogue to Davis Park and Watch Hill or arrive by jet ski, private boat, and water taxi.

Cheers To Our Local Breweries

Long Island has become home to many brewing companies, who have proudly produced and distributed their own beer throughout the years. Plan a day to visit one of our local beloved breweries and see for yourself what they’re all about.

Great South Bay Brewery Rockville Centre

Great South Bay Brewery was established in 2010, providing craft brewed beer on the south shore. With over 20 taps, there are ones that stay all year long and others that are changed out over time. Some of their house classics include: Blonde Ambition Blonde Ale, Blood Orange Pale Ale, Jetty Cream Ale and the Massive IPA. They even have three full swing golf simulators, along with their very own pizza kitchen!

Blue Point Brewing Company Patchogue

This brewing company began in 1998 and they have since continued to distribute Blue Point Beers along the East Coast. They have a wide selection to choose from including year-round beers, seasonal beers, innovative beers, hard tea seltzers and canned cocktails. Attached to their brewery is their Blue Point Brew Pub, which features their brewed beer, live music and food menu.

Greenport Harbor Brewing Company Greenport & Peconic

Here are a few of our recommendations:

Greenport Harbor Brewing Company opened in 2009 with the simple and honest goal of making good beer. They now have two locations tasting room locations, as well as a restaurant at their Peconic establishment. Ask about their Greenport Harbor Brewery Tours, which allow you to get a behind the scenes guided tour of their brewing facility and much more.

Jamesport Farm Brewery Riverhead

Jamesport Farm Brewery has a pet friendly tasting room and brewery in Riverhead. They specialize in bringing farm to pint with each beer recipe having local hops, wheat and

barley– grown right on site. They are also home to the annual Long Island Fresh Hop Festival, which features some of the finest breweries on Long Island.

Montauk Brewing Company Montauk

Montauk Brewing Company opened in 2012 and has become one of the largest breweries on our island. They are both dog and family-friendly, with an outdoor patio and tap room! Beers are available in pints and flights or crowlers and growlers. Their Tap Room is a great place for all ages; they even have ramp access for

strollers and wheelchairs! They currently distribute around the island, as well as Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties.

Oyster Bay Brewing Company

Oyster Bay

Visit Long Island's Gold Coast Brewery! Yes, all of Oyster Bay Brewing Company's beers are actually brewed in Oyster Bay! They are open for flights, pints and growler fills, however there is not a food menu besides their delicious hot pretzels, but outside food is welcome if you would like to bring your own!

ENTER TO WIN

Her Songs Broke Every Record, Her Story Broke Every Barrier

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. What the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

JUNE

One entry per person. Two winners will be chosen. Winners will be notified by phone or email.

Mansions, Gardens & An Arboretum You'll Want To See

The Gold Coast Gatsby Mansions and their gardens attribute a lot to Long Island’s culture. Especially in the spring & summer, the gardens across our most famous mansion estates are blooming and ready for visitors to enjoy their beautiful aesthetic. As you stroll through them, get inspired! Then, stop at some of the many well-known garden centers around and bring your own lovely estate-garden ideas home!

Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point

Sand's Point Preserve is home to three spectacular mansions: Falaise, Hempstead House and CastleGould. Falaise is a Normandy style home filled with antiques and open to the public for tours. Hempstead House was designed by Hunt & Hunt in the style of an English castle. CastleGould was built to be a replica of Kilkenny Castle, but it was later used as stables and servant quarters. Walk the grounds that overlook the Long Island Sound and step back in time to a period of Gold Coast splendor.

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury

Old Westbury Gardens, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children. Completed in 1906 by the English designer George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. Today, Old Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors of all ages for guided tours of Westbury House, in-depth tours of the formal gardens, school visits, family programs and much more.

Planting Fields Arboretum

Oyster Bay

Planting Fields is a vibrant site, which features numerous historic structures, Olmsted Brothers-designed landscapes, and world class art and horticultural collections. As a former Gold Coast estate, today it is preserved as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape and the people that resided on its land. Whether you join a tour or not, there is so much to explore at this beautiful arboretum.

Greenport’s Beloved Waterfront Landmark

Claudio’s has a rich history and is a household name for us on Long Island. Manuel Claudio fell in love with Greenport in 1854, when the ship he was working on docked in its beautiful harbor. Sixteen years later, in 1870, he permanently set foot ashore, never to sail again. With the money he saved through his years at sea, he opened Claudio’s Tavern. Throughout the years, the tavern underwent numerous changes and in 1886 he oversaw the installation of a magnificent Victorian bar, which is still there today.

The establishment was the oldest same family-owned restaurant in the country, but was sold in 2018. However, the Claudio family is proud that the new ownership continues their legacy.

Whether a first time guest or a loyal repeat customer, your time at Claudio’s will be memorable. They focus on quality fresh ingredients, generous portions, local wines and warm hospitality. Their parking lots are open for public parking and their marina, which can accommodate boats up to 120 feet, is also open (weather dependent), for docking!

Editorial Content Courtesy Of Discover Long Island & Long Island Media Group

Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Experience The Extraordinary

AnthonyScotto Restaurants have revolutionized the catering and restaurant industry on Long Island. Their culinary teams are constantly evolving to keep their offerings nothing but fresh and exciting. They accomplish this by using the finest, quality ingredients available, regardless of cost, and by updating their menus to reflect the flavors of each season.

The group operates six award-winning restaurants, and their steakhouse cuisine has expanded beyond the classics, to include world renowned sushi and sashimi, exotic cuts of beef, flavorful composed dishes and fresh seafood flown in from around the globe.

Bijou (Melville): The restaurant features dramatic dining spaces and a spacious bar. Consider hosting your next event in one of their beautiful and spacious banquet rooms, or reserve the entire restaurant for your celebration. Open for Lunch Tu-Fri , Dinner Tu - Sat and all day Sunday for Brunch with live music. Plus, enjoy their Live Entertainment

Thursday - Saturday nights.

Blackstone (Melville): Come dine inside or at their outdoor lounge, featuring ambient lighting, lush landscaping and comfortable oversized booths. Don’t forget to have a drink at their large and inviting bar! Open for Lunch Monday - Friday and Dinner every night!

Insignia (Smithtown): Picture a historic Hamptons mansion with cedar shakes, copper roofing, quarried stone and a beautiful architectural turret combined with the energy and vibe of a trendy Manhattan restaurant and bar – that’s Insignia. Open for Dinner every night. Plus, don’t miss their Live DJ and drink specials on Thursday nights!

One10 (Melville): One10 exudes a contemporary style. Whether you’re looking to sit down for an exquisite dining experience, host a world-class social or corporate event or toast at the most unique bar on Long Island, One10 is at your service. Open for Dinner every night!

Opus (Jericho): This restaurant boasts an attractive, modern look. It’s a true wine lover’s destination, featuring over 600 selections on their wine list. Open for Dinner every night.

Rare650 (Syosset): This restaurant boasts a chic main dining room, floor-to-ceiling wine room and an energetic bar area. Dine or enjoy cocktails in their stunning glass conservatory, featuring ambient lighting, tropical landscaping and ultra-comfortable large booths. Open for Dinner every night and offers Live Entertainment on Thursday nights.

All beloved establishments feature spacious bars and award winning wine lists with over 450 different vintages of wine by the bottle and 40 wines by the glass, plus creative homemade desserts imagined and prepared by their in-house pastry chefs.

Visit an Anthony Scotto Restaurant today and experience the extraordinary.

Kevin Harrison MD FACS

Dog-Friendly Destinations

Here on Long Island, we love our pets. So much so, that many local breweries, wineries, and restaurants have enhanced their establishments to be pet-friendly!

If you’re looking to take your furry friend out for the day, consider visiting one of the dog-friendly places listed below.

The Shed

With locations in Huntington, West Sayville and Plainview, The Shed offers American comfort food for brunch and dinner. Please note, they do not take reservations. First come, first served.

Hudson’s on the Mile

For the ultimate dinner with a view, head to Hudson’s on the Mile, located on the Nautical Mile in Freeport. The dog-friendly outdoor patio offers picturesque views of harbor front sunsets, a highly applauded menu of fresh sushi, seafood, and steak, as well as live entertainment.

Local Burger Co.

Local Burger Co. brings fresh, hand-pressed burgers, Long Island craft beer, house-made sides and smoked BBQ to Bay Shore, Patchogue and Southampton. Pets are welcome on the outdoor patio.

Macari Vineyards

Wine down at Macari Vineyards, take your glass of wine to the outdoor seating and soak in the sun with your beloved pup. While you’re there, be sure to check out the lovely wine and snack shop located near the front entrance for local provisions, fresh wine and other delights.

Peconic County Brewing

For tasty fresh beer and entrees to match, Peconic County Brewing has really made a name for itself in Riverhead. To make things even more enticing, the brewery’s waterfront patio is dog-friendly.

The Preseton House Restaurant

Indulge in fresh, Long Island-sourced ingredients flavored to perfection and served in an inventive New American menu at The Preseton House Restaurant. Enjoy their beautiful, pet-friendly outdoor patio.

Summer In Jamesport

26 Seacove Lane, Jamesport • Memorial Day - Labor Day $30,000 • Month By Month Available

Set on a cul-de-sac in the serene and private Sea Cove Estates in Jamesport, this stunning home boasts 10-foot high ceilings, 4 cozy bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Enjoy your meals in the eat-in-kitchen, dining room, on the beautiful wraparound porch or large rear deck. The community offers a private beach at the end of the street; only owners and guests can enter through the secure gated entrance. Have fun all summer long with the canoes and kayaks for use, picnic tables on the sandy beach and tons of local farms and wineries just moments away. Give yourself the gift of peace, tranquility, and relaxation on the North Fork…don’t miss out on this opportunity to rent in desirable Jamesport!

Noelle Lambert

Licensed R.E. Salesperson

Office: 631.543.9400

Mobile: 631.478.3819

Email: noelle.lambert@elliman.com

Thomas Diana

Licensed R.E. Salesperson

Office: 631.543.9400

Mobile: 516.241.5317

Email: thomas.diana@elliman.com