On Main Road in Southold, opposite Old Field vineyard and due south of Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast is to be found one of the top restaurants on Long Island, and the New York area, the North Fork Table & Inn. Quite a few of my guests of late have been visiting the North Fork specifically to eat here; the restaurant has itself become a destination amongst lovers of good food. It is easy to understand why. Some friends and I took advantage of their prix fixe menu during last month’s Long Island Restaurant Week and were delighted as usual. Food, ambience and service left nothing to be desired.

And my friends, guests and I aren’t the only ones to be impressed. The Suffolk Times Review reported this week that The North Fork Table has just been given a score of 29 out of 30 in the recently published ‘Long Island Restaurant Survey’ 2011-2012 rankings. The survey included 901 restaurants reviewed by 6,217 diners.

The cuisine has been described as ‘dynamic American fare that is fully devoted to providing the highest standards in culinary excellence’. Inspired by homegrown organic produce, award winning North Fork artisanal cheeses, and the freshest of seafood (as is only possible when the fishing fleet docks less than a mile away on Southold and Peconic Bays), North Fork Table & Inn has all the attributes needed for drawing such a consistent crowd of admirers.

Add a wine list highlighted by many acclaimed and awarded Long Island wines, dining at the North Fork Table is an experience any restaurant patron and food aficionado is sure to enjoy as their reviews attest:

“A world-class gem on the North Fork. Food is exceptional: creative, local, beautifully presented. Service is outstanding: quiet, professional, unobtrusive, extremely knowledgeable. Ambiance is what you expect with food and service of this quality: simple, beautiful space, casual elegance, serene. And, in keeping with the setting and the ambiance, our birthday celebration was acknowledged without disturbing other diners. A truly beautiful experience.”

“Best food experience in my life. Excellent service!”

There are a variety of menu plans to choose from depending on what time of the day you are visiting the restaurant and  based on seasonal options. Some current menu choices are a $68 3-Course Prix Fixe menu and the Chef’s Tasting menu for about $30 more including wine paired with your dishes.

Menu options and opening hours

Lunch is available in the restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 2:30pm. You can check out the 2011 lunch service menu and lunch tasting menu here. 

Dinner is served from 5:00pm until 10:00pm Friday and Saturday evenings and from 5:00pm until 9:00pm Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. These links will take you to a sample dinner menu and sample dinner tasting menu.  Children 12 and under can enjoy a 2-Course Prix Fixe meal for $28.

Visitors should plan ahead as reservations are commonly taken one month in advance during high season. I can usually find my guests a table however if I have a few days notice. The restaurant  is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Lunch Truck Service

Only the North Fork Table could come up with such gourmet food served from a truck. The best fast food stop I’ve ever come across, the lunch truck is open for service from 11:30 to 3:30 7 days a week. The ‘sublime stylings of Chefs Fleming and Hayden meet astounding, quick lunch convenience, head on’ with their lunch service menu.
If you don’t have time to come in and sit, but must eat on the move, this is a great option.
The North Fork Table is one of my top recommendations to guests when they ask for dining suggestions and I am delighted to have such a splendid culinary attraction as a neighbor; just remember to save room for breakfast!

I look forward to welcoming you to the Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast and to enjoy the epicurean delights of beautiful Southold soon!

And my guests aren’t the only ones to be impressed. The Suffolk Times Review reported this week that The North Fork Table has just been given a score of 29 out of 30 in the recently published ‘Long Island Restaurant Survey’ 2011-2012 rankings. The survey included 901 restaurants reviewed by 6,217 diners.

Service is always excellent and consistent. Maybe having lived and worked in New York City for over 30 years has made me such a stickler for being properly served; it is almost as important to me as the food. I am very comfortable at The Frisky, as we locals call it, love the unobtrusive yet observant service, and am always sure to run into someone local I know; a sure sign of a great restaurant when it has such a following of loyal fans. Chef Robert Beaver who took over as owner just over a year ago has continued to grow the reputation for superior quality that the Frisky Oyster had built up over the last seven years under former owners Denis McDermott and Hank Tomashevski .  Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Robby developed his culinary skills by attending the renowned Culinary Institute of America, as well as receiving expert tutelage under celebrated chef Patrick O’Connell during his time at the five-star, Inn at Little Washington. During his time at the Inn he began a relationship with local farmers, enhancing his dishes by using the absolute freshest ingredients.

Farm-to-Table Cooking

Working closely with local food producers, Chef Robby became an advocate for sustainable fishing and farming, and for using those ingredients, the freshest, therefore most nutritious and tastiest in his kitchen. In 2008 his move to the North Fork, Long Island’s wine and farm country, gave him the opportunity to mesh his love for farm-to-table cooking with Eastern Long Island’s unique abundance of locally produced ingredients. Home to the world renowned and locally grown Long Island Duck, artisanal goat cheeses, organic vegetable and chicken farms, Peconic Bay Oysters and scallops and one of the finest most productive fisheries in the world, placed him in the perfect place to obtain the freshest ingredients needed for his craft.

The Frisky Oyster menu changes depending what is available on the local market and my guests who eat at the Frisky are never disappointed. ‘Oysters Friskafella’ are a much recommended favorite (alas, not for me as although I might like them, they don’t like me!). For information on opening hours scroll to the bottom of the page or click here for a printable menu. For readers not familiar with the area or the location of the restaurant in Greenport, please visit the Home page of my website www.shorecrestbedandbreakfast.com and click on the area attractions tab in the navigation bar. There you will find maps for all local restaurants, including the Frisky Oyster as well as local wineries, vineyards and other places of interest. I look forward to hearing from you if you have any comments on my articles and to sharing more information on things to do and places to go on the North Fork. Meanwhile, enjoy your next meal at the Frisky, but save room for breakfast! I hope to welcome you the Shorecrest soon!

• It is suggested to make reservations ahead of time.
• Hours: Sun, Wed, Thu, 5pm – 10pm; Fri, Sat, 5pm – 11pm
• Accepted Payments: Cash, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Personal Check,
• Food Options: Natural, Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
• Services: Eat-in, Take-Out, Phone Orders, Catering
• Menu: Available in PDF’s here.
• Specialty Dishes: Local meats, produce, and seafood.
• Free Parking
• Private Events Catering
• Neat Dress suggested

A ride along Route 25 through Southold takes visitors past the Port of Egypt Marina where a new restaurant is about to open in one of the best water front locations on Long Island, formerly home to the renowned Seafood Barge.  Named A Lure, the specialty will be ‘impeccably fresh fish’, which is always available from the Southold fishing fleet that has its base here. The restaurant is owned by three of the most well known and successful restaurateurs in New York; Tom Shaudel, Adam Lovett, and Jeff Uguill who also operate another very popular  local establishment, aMano, an Italian eatery, Oysteria and Wine bar in Mattituck.

Chef Jeff Uguil, who has served at Patagonia West in Westhampton Beach, Vespa in Manhattan, and Tequila Jack’s on Fire Island, will be moving from aMano to A Lure to help create the platform for displaying his culinary expertise. This elegant self-described “Chowder house and Clam Bar”, is certain to also have a relaxed and comfortable ‘down-home’ feel, catering to the boaters and sailors that dock here, as well as locals and tourists.

Waterside Elegance

Surrounded by the pristine waters and open skies of Southold Bay, this waterside eatery will feature a thirty foot bar as well as a wrap-around deck, providing visitors with a uniquely aesthetic experience with all the amenities of fine dining. Breathtaking views from floor to ceiling windows and al fresco options during warm weather offers seating for up to one-hundred diners on the deck. On cooler days the 85 seat wood lined indoor dining room with double sided fireplace is a welcome addition to the original building.

Local Fare with Creative Originality

The concept behind this North Fork waterfront restaurant is to provide their diners with homegrown produce from nearby farms and fresh caught local seafood. Menu items will include a raw bar as well pastas, lobster, and a limited selection of steaks. Live entertainment will soon make A Lure a local night scene that is hard to top.

A Lure is promoting its commitment to ‘eat local’ by promising to be one of the few restaurants in the area that will feature only Long Island wines. Specialty cocktails based on local farm grown fresh fruits will also be a regular feature of the A Lure bar.

The restaurant is set to open in late May, so keep checking in to our blog page for updates. Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast will be offering special mid week package stays featuring this and some of our other fine, and favorite, North Fork restaurants during high season.

We welcome your comments, reviews and news you might like to post here regarding happenings on the North Fork, and look forward to welcoming you to Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast soon!

Growing Greenport

As it has grown it has also managed to retain its unpretentious attitude, small town feel, and a real slice of Americana. Although its nearby Manhattanites have brought with them more modern foods as well as the wine scene, Greenport should definitely be noted for its lovely summer cottages with beach or boating activities not more than a few minutes away. With top-notch dining such as the fare presented at The Frisky Oyster, Greenport is one of the towns nearby to Shorecrest Bed & Breakfast.

Greenport’s old-school looks may be deceiving to those who think that means that Greenport is behind the times. Although it boasts its own art galleries, coffee shops, and plenty of shopping for Shorecrest BnB visitors, its more welcome feel can be found in the nearby inns, lovely beaches, and a fishing heritage that caters a bit more to those who may prefer rest and relaxation in their travels as opposed to glitzy star-gazing.

Many of our past guest have expressed their delight at the welcome feel of nearby Greenport and many returning guest look forward to subsequent visits there. The next time you stay at Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast, ask us about Greenport, and we will be glad to let you know what other delights you may find in one of America’s Prettiest Towns.

Women Sharing Art Exhibit at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

Women Sharing Art, Inc. is a multi-media group of women artists who Share
Energy & Explore Artistic Passions …… The Women Sharing Art Exhibit will
include Watercolor, Oil & Acrylic Paintings, Photography, Fiber Art,
Mosaics, Art Glass, Asian Brush Painting and more, at Castello di Borghese
Vineyard is located at 17150 County Rte 48 in Cutchogue, NY.  Call
631-734-5111 for more information or visit our website at
www.castellodiborghese.com.

Saturday, June 12, 2010
1pm

Winemaker’s Walk at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

A guided tour of the winery and production facility and wine tasting at
Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery. $20 per person. Please call to make
reservations (631) 734-5111 or purchase tickets online securely with your
credit card at www.castellodiborghese.com.

Saturday, June 19, 2010
1pm

Winemaker’s Walk at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

A guided tour of the winery and production facility and wine tasting at
Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery. $20 per person. Please call to make
reservations (631) 734-5111 or purchase tickets online securely with your
credit card at www.castellodiborghese.com.

Saturday & Sunday, June 25 & 26, 2010
11am – 5pm

Piano Tasting at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

Enjoy this wonderful afternoon event ‘showcasing’ beautiful pianos
graciously supplied by Frank and Camille.  Castello di Borghese Vineyard is
located at 17150 County Rte 48 in Cutchogue, NY.  Call 631-734-5111 for more
information or visit our website at www.castellodiborghese.com

Saturday, June 26, 2010
1pm

Winemaker’s Walk at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

A guided tour of the winery and production facility and wine tasting at
Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery. $20 per person. Please call to make
reservations (631) 734-5111 or purchase tickets online securely with your
credit card at www.castellodiborghese.com

Saturday, June 26, 2010
12-2pm

Rolling in Dough A Traveling Wood Fire Brick Oven Pizza at Borghese Vineyard

Rolling in Dough, a mouth watering, wood-fired, brick oven pizza on wheels
will be tantalizing your taste buds at Borghese as part of the Long Island
Wine and Food Festival events being held throughout the weekend.   Pizza &
Wine available for purchase for your visit.  Castello di Borghese Vineyard
is located at 17150 County Rte 48 in Cutchogue, NY.  Call 631-734-5111 for
more information or visit our website at www.castellodiborghese.com

Saturday, June 26, 2010
2-4pm

Long Island Wine and Food Festival Event featuring Executive Chef Lia Fallon
at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Amarelle, Lia Fallon is a seasoned culinary
executive, food stylist and producer. Educated and trained at the Culinary
Academy in New York where she received her culinary arts degree, will be our
featured Chef during the first “Long Island Wine and Food Festival”.
Chef Fallon began her career in Manhattan at The Food Network as a food
stylist, working for celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay and now
will bring her incredible talent to Borghese for this special tasting
experience.  Chef Fallon evokes food to perform and achieve beyond ordinary
expectations and will pair everything with Borghese’s Award-Winning wines.
Castello di Borghese Vineyard is located at 17150 County Rte 48 in
Cutchogue, NY.  Call 631-734-5111 for more information or visit our website
at www.castellodiborghese.com

Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tasting at Two with Castello di Borghese Vineyard at Sang Lee Farms 2-3:30pm

A North Fork Delight!  Perfectly paired wines will be served alongside Sang
Lee Farms specialty prepared produce.  The menu will be planned entirely
around organic produce harvested within hours of preparation.  Enjoy
delicious foods, fabulous and unique combinations, and award winning wines.
Cooking demonstration and recipes by Karen Lee.  Wine pouring by Ann Marie
Borghese. Fee $60  Advance reservations required.  Please call Sang Lee
Farms at 631-734-7001.  Sang Lee Farms is located at 25180 Country Road 48
in Peconic, NY.    Future Dates:  July 14, August 11

Thursday, July 1, 2010
1pm

Winemaker’s Walk at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

A guided tour of the winery and production facility and wine tasting at
Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery. $20 per person. Please call to make
reservations (631) 734-5111 or purchase tickets online securely with your
credit card at www.castellodiborghese.com.

Thursday, July 8, 2010
1pm

Winemaker’s Walk at Castello di Borghese Vineyard

A guided tour of the winery and production facility and wine tasting at
Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery. $20 per person. Please call to make
reservations (631) 734-5111 or purchase tickets online securely with your
credit card at www.castellodiborghese.com.

Friday, July 9, 2010
Set Sail with Castello di Borghese Vineyard Around Manhattan “Princess on
the Princess” Cruise

See the magnificent Manhattan skyline while enjoying a classic wine tasting
dinner with Prince Marco and Princess Ann Marie Borghese of Castello di
Borghese Vineyard.
This cruise sails aboard the Skyline Princess and features a 4 hour New York
Skyline Cruise, Formal Buffet Dinner, Scrumptious Dessert,
Soda/Juice/Coffee/Tea, and DJ Entertainment.  Port of Departure: Worlds Fair
Marina, Flushing Queens, NY.  Parking: Free Parking, right across the
street!
Skyline Cruises Reservation Number: (718) 446-1100 or check out their
website at www.skylinecruises.com.  Click on the July 9th date on the
calendar.

Ready for some Long Island romance?  Long Island Winterfest may be coming to the end for its season, but Peconic Bay Winery is taking it to another level with Mambo Loco on March 20 from 1-5 P.M..  Let the Latin music of Mambo Loco take you to new heights as you listen to the best of “Old School” Latin music.  Mambo Loco is of Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican origin and they are regulars at bringing Latin music to the Long Island residents.  This year Peconic Bay Winery wants to get everyone into the spirit of dance is taking it another step further and getting everyone up and dancing.    

Kelly Ficara, owner of Rhythms & Soul Dance Studio, will be on-hand from 1-3 P.M. and will be teaching free Salsa and Mambo dance lessons.  Kelly has been dancing professionally for 15 years and as an established Latin dance instructor, she is sure to get your “hips moving”.  

This is will be an energetic afternoon and a great way to share a special a romantic getaway with loved one or friends!

The Long Island Comedy Festival’s mission is first, to bring stand-up comedy back to Long Island; and second, to give up and coming comedians the chance to showcase their talents.  The Martha Clara Vineyard is just one of the stops planned for the 2010 Long Island Comedy Festival.  The schedule continues on Saturday, March 27th with two performances the same evening.  Join them at either the Avram Theater in Southhampton or the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown.  All performances begin at 8 P.M. and tickets are $20.00 each with advance purchase and $25 at the door.      

Surely in the middle of winter, this is just what is needed to get you through until spring arrives.

The performance will then be followed by a special Valentine’s Day Wine and Cheese Pairing from 4-6 P.M. which will feature a variety of fine local cheeses from The Village Cheese Shop and of course, locally grown wine from Peconic Bay Winery.  The Valentine’s Wine and Cheese Pairing will feature a variety of five cheeses, each paired with two different wines.  Thus, showing the diversity of the wines and how different wines can be paired with a specific cheese.  Of course, the Valentine’s Day Wine and Cheese Pairing would not be complete with a chocolate surprise!  

While the jazz performance will be free of charge, the Wine and Cheese Pairing is $29.00 person and reservations are required.  This is a very popular event and call 761-734-7361 for reservations. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A major highlight of this year’s Winterfest will be the Steinway Series.  Steinway & Sons is moving at least seven of its grand pianos into select vineyards for special performances, including two Jazz on the Vine kick-off concerts.  On February 6th JaLaLa, reminiscent of a contemporary version of the Andrews Sisters, will perform at Raphael Vineyard.  Lauren Kinham of LaLaLa also will sing with New York Voices.  The second concert is planned for February 12th at Wolffer Estate Vineyards.  Judy Carmichael and her band will transport listeners back to the golden age of Jazz.  Another great way to kick-off Jazz on the Vine!

A complete calendar of events for Jazz on the Vine will keep your weekends busy through March 21st.  We encourage you to make your room reservations in advance for your visit to the Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast.

I have jazz on my mind and can not wait for the series to begin!

The Winter Harbor Gallery is a two story building and prides itself on being very friendly. The gallery is home to 31 artists, 28 of which are local to the North Fork.  Their artists are a very eclectic mix and range in age from 20 to 80 years of age.  Visitors to the gallery will not only find art, but artisans as well.  Art is varied and features paintings, photography, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and more. 

 The Winter Harbor Gallery is also a member of the Greenport Gallery Walk and East Ends Arts Council.  Make sure to visit them on your next stay at the Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast and explore the treasures created by local artists and artisans!