As usual, we tried out some new-to-us spots while returning to old favorites for things like pizza and bagels.
Watershed Kitchen + Bar
We ate outside on the back patio as it was a pleasant temperature. Eric got two appetizers for his meal, the pan-fried Brussel sprouts with chorizo & goat cheese plus the meatballs. I ordered the scallops with oyster mushrooms and cauliflower pureé and helped myself to a few spoonfuls of the brussel sprouts. Portions were generous, but pricey.
Red Rooster Bistro
Somehow we managed to get a reservation for seven on a Saturday night after July 4th! We started with the seafood cakes (shrimp, scallops, crabmeat) and chicken dumplings for the table – both were very good. Eric ordered the Chicken Milanese (panko pan-fried cutlet, topped with organic field greens, tomatoes, red onion, Bulgarian Feta, house vinaigrette) and the Bedell Cellars Pinot Gris. I got the Boeuf Bourguignon (tender pot roast, vegetables & mashed potatoes) and the 2016 Osprey’s Dominion Carménère. Service was great and we would definitely go back.
Turkuaz Grill
Another outdoor meal, this time on a breezy Wednesday. I ordered a Turkish Pinot noir and Eric got a ginger ale. We each got a platter, the Lamb Kofte was tender and flavorful and the bulgur side was delish. Eric’s Chicken Iskender was flavorful with a nice char, though the pita on the bottom of the dish got too soggy with the sauce. Both portion sizes were good.
Watermark of Wading River
We heard about their $14 lunch special so made a point to try it out on a Friday afternoon. Quite a few options were available, and all included a glass of wine, beer or soda. A fantastic deal! I got the mussels in white wine sauce and a malbec and Eric got the pulled pork sandwich and a Sauvignon Blanc. Everyone enjoyed their food and our waitress, Natasha, was especially welcoming. As the place filled up it was a bit noisy, but overall a comfortable and welcoming space. We returned for a second visit with Eric’s aunt and uncle, this time getting the beef shortrib quesadilla and the Monte Carlo sandwich (special), respectively. Both times we remarked at the high volume of onions in most dishes.
Caruso’s Pizzeria
Picked up a large cheese pie for dinner on a Friday night and reheated it on a frying pan. Solid LI pizza but we thought there was too much sauce this year.
Black Sheep Bagels
Eric picked up a bacon, egg, and cheese on sesame for himself and a cheddar jalepeño bagel for me on a Saturday morning. He arrived before the line got super long – thankfully! Delicious as expected.
Noah’s
Stopped in on a Tuesday for Happy Hour at the bar. Eric’s cocktail with smoked mezcal and pineapple was tasty but the advertised $10 wines for happy hour were just one white and one red. Boo. I ordered two of each of the local oysters and a California zinfandel, then followed up with the beef bulgogi soft tacos. Eric got the butter lettuce salad which was very small for the price. Ambiance was nice but the wait staff knew very little about the menu.
Dimon Estate
Went on a Thursday evening for happy hour in the bar area. Eric and I ordered a cocktail each and Mom and I split a dozen oysters. We decided to stay for dinner so we moved to a regular table in the main dining room. I got the mussels in white wine sauce and Eric got the pork chop. We were enjoying the ambiance so Eric and his mom each got a dessert and I ended up with a huge pour of VSOP! Their outdoor garden area was also lovely, and would make a nice spot on a cooler evening.
. 
Lenny’s Pizzeria
Ordered the Sicilian for takeout with the app portion of mussels in red sauce. Cheesy and garlicky per usual!
Cornell Oyster Stand
Walked to the oyster stand in Laurel and ate a dozen oysters I shucked over two days. Very tasty with nice salinity and sweetness. Good value at $1.25/each.
