During our time on Long Island we got to try a number of places, including some old favorites, and some new-to-us.
Black Sheep Bagels, Jamesport – I’d heard good things about this re-branded bagel place and made sure to try it out. On our first trip I got a bacon, egg, and cheese on a slim sesame bagel (regulars were out of stock), and on a different morning got the same on a full-size sesame. Both had crispy bacon and were quite good. Leandra tried the cheddar and jalepeño bagel and it was great – whole sliced peppers under melty cheese. The interior layout is a little awkward, but quite good overall, and less busy than Goldberg bagels in Mattituck.
Goldberg Bagels, Mattituck – I was up early on Saturday and found myself craving bagels for breakfasts, and even before 8am, they were busy! As per my usual, I went for the bacon, egg, and cheese on a sesame, and it was delicious. I also got a salt bagel for later, and it was seriously salty.
LuchaCubano, Riverhead – Located in a former corner diner and offering a Cuban-inspired menu. I had to try the Cuban sandwich – the interior was good, but the bread was a bit thicker and denser than I prefer, and sides are extra (and quite pricey- $7 for fries?) Leandra’s smash burger was quite dry, though her fries (which were included) were good. For drinks I tried the blackberry mojito (tasty), but the dark and stormy for Leandra was the winner.
Haiku, Riverhead – Leandra and my Mom did some outlet shopping mid-week and stopped into this sushi place for lunch beforehand. The lunch specials are a great deal and the sushi tasted fresh. They had no trouble finding street parking at lunchtime.
il Giardino, Aquebogue – We ate outside in the back garden which was pretty but a bit warm – some fans to move the air would be nice. I ordered the pappardelle with chicken bolognese, while Leandra got the North Fork Paccheri with zucchini, arugula, and goat cheese – her plate was molten hot! Definitely better than our previous meal there, service was uneven, but overall it was pretty good.
Goodfood., Mattituck – Our experience was not great. We went for a late lunch, second in line but it took 10 minutes before we could order between staff managing orders from the kitchen and phone calls. We ordered 4 empanadas (already made in the display case) and said we were seated outside. Twenty minutes later we were still waiting- turns out they forgot our order. The actual empanadas were just OK – nice pastry, but a little sweet and dry. The pork and mango was our favorite. The store wasn’t that busy, but the staff still seemed very overwhelmed. I doubt we’d return.
Cafe Volo, Westhampton Beach – Located at the Gabreski airport, we were seated on the patio providing a nice breeze off the ocean and views of the incoming private jets. They serve breakfast and lunch, so I opted for the short rib and caramelized onion omelet (better separate than together), while Leandra had the ‘Korean’ short rib tacos (messy!).
The Modern Snack Bar, Aquebogue – Like in 2021, we went to dinner here with family one night, and as usual, I couldn’t resist an old favorite, grilled cheese with bacon, then the chocolate cream pie. Both were as good as ever! This year, Leandra went for the BLT, and then the famous blueberry pie.
Demarchelier Bistro, Greenport – We noticed this restaurant that had both indoor and outdoor seating last summer, and marked it for a visit in 2022. On my first visit, the Croque Monsieur was tasty and the accompanying salad was a nice palate cleanser. Leandra wasn’t in town, but my parent’s enjoyed the crab and avocado crudo (for mom) and the turkey and avocado sandwich (for dad). We also tried some desserts: the Crème brulee was great, very smooth and vanilla with a nice top, and the rum cake was seriously alcoholic!
I wanted to make sure Leandra tried it, so we returned on our last night of the trip, this time sitting outside for dinner. I ordered the osso bucco and rosé, while Leandra went for the classic pate followed by steak tartare. And since my Dad had talked it up, Leandra tried a decaf cappuccino and was quite impressed!
Alpina, Greenport – After two good meals last year we returned once in 2022. Our waitress was quite pleasant, and when asked about the Austrian Riesling offered me a taste – mostly dry, nice fruit – so I ordered a glass. For dinner I couldn’t resist the cacio e pepper agnolotti with veal and pork, which was great.
Ruggero’s, Wading River – The house made cavatelli and meatballs were great, and paired nicely with a rosé. This restaurant is quite large, and it was completely full when we left on a Wednesday evening.
Caruso’s Pizza, Riverhead – My parent’s favorite, we ordered takeout one evening, and went for a lunch slice another day. Always good!