Dining & Entertainment Seasons 2023 - Edition Four

YOUR GUIDE TO DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ON LONG ISLAND

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.

FALL 2023 SEASON

Pat Metheny 9/23

Tara McNeill & Alexander Bernstein 9/30

Disney’s Pixar’s Coco In Concert 10/9

Emerson String Quartet’s Grand Finale 10/14

Ballet Hispánico 10/21

Jessica Vosk 10/28

ILuminate 11/5

Tom Segura 11/11

LeAnn Rimes 11/18

Gala 2024: Leslie Odom Jr. 3/9/24

On The Screen in HD: Live Performances Streaming From The Met Opera. See the full schedule at stallercenter.com

Pat Metheny Sept. 22

Leslie Odom Jr. Mar. 9, 2024

Tom Segura Nov. 11

LeAnn Rimes Nov. 18

Corinne Baily Rae Sept. 5

Corinne Bailey Rae 9/5

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

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

Decorative Crabapple

White • Red • Pink

Dogwood - White • Pink

Red Bud - Lavander Twist

Forest Pansy

Pink Pom Pom • Vanilla Twist

Ornamental Flowering Cherry

Kwanzan • Yoshino • Weeping

Snow Fountain

Birches

Multi Stem • Weeping

Single Stem • Dura Heat

River • Heritage

5/30/23

Horseback Riding & Polo

Long Island has a long recreational horseback riding culture, which dates back to the gilded Gold Coast era, when residents were free to ride through most public and private property on the back of their well bred horses. There are still hundreds of miles of public trails and parkland available for horseback riding, and plenty of stables to secure a ride or lessons.

Horseback riding along the beaches is permitted in certain areas, including in Montauk at the country’s oldest cattle ranch at Deep Hollow.

The horseback riding culture of days past is still carried on through the polo matches at Bethpage Park Polo Fields and the elite riding competitions in the Hamptons every year.

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.

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

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

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.

For 65 years we have been changing the lives of our guests through experiential satisfaction, wholesome homegrown activities, and family-focused traditions. One of our greatest strengths lies in the ability to help guests foster a healthier holistic mindset. We’ve seen it, day after day, as guests check in and then check out, their demeanor is uplifted, their spirits brighter, and their hugs with their kids are a little bit tighter.

“I know we’ll keep coming back over the years, and I know someday they’ll bring their own children to Woodloch. It just really is that special.”

- Courtney Byrne -

Planning A Night Out

You’vechecked your phone and your socials are blowing up with people interested in getting together. There are a lot of ideas flowing, from pre-gaming options to references to the newest restaurant that just opened in town. It’s exciting, but also a tad overwhelming.

While a night out with friends can happen organically, for a truly enjoyable and memorable time, it’s wise to put some forethought into planning the night. But what does one do when there are several people with their own ideas of how the night should go? Groups can heed these suggestions.

Keep it intimate

It’s great to be part of a large crowd having fun, but the more cooks in the kitchen, the more difficult it may be to solidify plans. Stick to a core group of six to eight people. This

reduces the likelihood that anyone will get separated from the group, and it’s easier to coordinate with everyone involved.

Adopt a leader

It’s a tough job, but someone has to step up and organize the night. You probably know someone in your group of friends who is excellent at making plans or knows all of the top spots in town (it may be you). Enlist that person to help narrow down the possibilities and come up with a road map of what the night will look like. This includes choosing a time to meet, the guest list, and how everyone is getting there and back.

Choose the location

Select a location that is convenient for most, if not all, of the people in the group. This could be a bar or club close to work, if coworkers are getting together, or a location in a neighborhood where everyone lives. An

accessible spot, such as one that has public transportation or is near major roadways, also will be convenient. Be sure that everyone knows the exact address.

Create a group chat

Organize a chat group so that details can be shared collectively. Also, if someone is running late or hits a snag finding the place, it will be easier to reach out and offer assistance.

Focus on the activity

Think about gearing the night out around an activity rather than just eating and drinking. Head to a driving range, an escape room, a paint-and-sip shop, or a hatchet-throwing business. Less focus on imbibing can make for a safer evening for all.

These tips can help when planning a night out.

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!

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.