We were much more active this summer compared to 2020, and since things were generally open, we were able to return to old favorites as well as try some new spots. In general chronological order:
Roadhouse Pizza, Riverhead
Really tasty traditional thin-crust NY pizza. Leandra liked the option for fresh mushrooms! We got takeout from them twice.
Greenport Creamery, Greenport
Walking around Greenport on a warm weekend afternoon I really wanted ice cream, so we stopped in here with my parents. The line was ~12 people deep, and we must have hit during an employee break as just one person was working. After 10-15 mins they got two more folks working but they seemed really new and a little confused… Eventually I got my standard mint chip, which was decent.
Hallock’s Cider Mill, Laurel
We tried multiple items over our visit — the sinful pie (whipped cream and salted caramel) was a big hit, the ooey gooey cookie pie was okay, a little salty, and the blueberry pie was a bust compared to the Modern Snack Bar (too much gelatin, not enough berry).
Barrow Food House, Riverhead
We discovered Barrow two years ago, and they continue to be great. This year Leandra got the smash burger, while I went for the house salad, and we split their tasty fries with lemony aioli sauce.
Cases Place, New Suffolk
We go at least one each summer, and this year Leandra went for her customary oysters while I went for the chicken fingers plus a key lime chocolate pop.
The Modern Snack Bar, Aquebogue
We stopped here on a warm Saturday afternoon and were thankful for the shaded awnings over the picnic tables outside. Leandra went for the tacos, trying the fish and beef. I ordered the wedge with bacon and cashews, and we split a can of rosé wine. Both were good but not great, with each needing more seasoning. They had a separate shaved ice cart that was very popular and looked interesting.
Alpina, Greenport
A new restaurant that had only been open a few weeks, we were intrigued by their combination Swiss/Italian food & wine list. On a beautiful Sunday night we ate outside on the roped-off street, which was great for people watching. The wine list was unique and rather pricey – I tried the Chasselas, while Leandra ordered an Alsace Pinot Noir. For dinner I ordered the cacio e pepper agnolotti with veal and pork, which was outstanding. Leandra ordered the beef tartare and the pebble potatoes (smashed, lightly fried and with several green herbs) and both were also excellent. Instead of dessert we went for after dinner drinks, with a Limoncello for Eric and a Schumli Flumli cocktail (apricot-plum schnapps, espresso, coffee liquor, yellow chartreuse whipped cream) for Leandra, which was very(!) strong on the espresso flavor.
Later in the trip we visited again, this time with my parents. This time I tried the Castelfeder Kerner 2019 wine (lovely stonefruit, lychee, some honeysuckle, lots of acid, even better than the Chasselas) and had to get the agnolotti again. My dad ordered the gnocchi with walnuts which was every bit as good as expected too. Unfortunately, the waitress lost my dad’s credit card, which put a damper on what had been an otherwise pleasurable evening.
A’lure, Southold
We ended up here because their sister restaurant was fully booked. We’ve been here before, and it is usually just ‘ok’ – this visit met that expectation. I went for the fish tacos, which are appetizer sized but big enough, and a Paumanok Chenin blanc (originally I ordered Paumanok rose, and they wanted to substitute a McCall rose.. nope). Leandra tried the poke (too much soy sauce) and then the mussels (bread was sad, and not that many mussels).
Lucharitos, Aquebogue
We’d meant to try Lucharitos on previous visits, but for one reason or another hadn’t yet. So on Sunday afternoon we went for a late lunch. Originally we found a table out front, which had a lot of road noise, but were able to move to the garden side seating which was much quieter. We started with a passion fruit margarita (yum!), then beef and cheese empanadas, fries, and one taco. Service was a bit slow, but the meal was generally tasty.
Lenny’s Pizza, Jamesport
We ordered takeout one evening, with mussels in red sauce for Leandra (she loves this sauce!) and a Chicken Parm for myself.