Foodies, it’s here! Long Island Restaurant week 2016 kicked-off Sunday, October 30th and if you haven’t made your reservations yet, don’t worry there is still time. For those who are Restaurant week novices let me give you a quick run-down of what to expect.
Participating restaurants island-wide will be serving three-course, pre-fixe meals for $27.95 all week. That’s right; you get an appetizer, entree and dessert, all for less than $30. Have you been holding back from trying that new place or been putting off a romantic dinner with the one you love? Well here’s your shot to get out there and treat yourself to a luxurious dining experience without breaking the bank. Just be sure to check ahead to see what restaurants are participating.
Not sure where to start? Here are two spots in Nassau that are totally worth the trip.
Parade on down to The Bayou in Bellmore. One bite of their authentic creole-style cuisine will transport you right onto Bourbon Street, but hold-off on the beads; this is a family restaurant. Serving staples such as chicken and andouille gumbo, fried catfish and the classic po’boy, this menu would do Chef Emeril Lagasse proud.
Looking for something slightly fancier with a little less heat? Give Waterzooi in Garden City a shot. This Belgian bistro is notorious for their enormous mussel pot steamers. These delectable little shellfish come dressed in the house-made sauce of your choosing. If mussels aren’t your thing; that’s no problem. With an entire menu of exciting items such as sweet potato gnocchi served with english peas and creamy goat cheese; or a warm, tender escargot puff pastry – Wazterzooi would wow anyone.
What about out east?
If you have the time to take the trip, the obvious place to go should be the Topping Rose House by Jean-Georges in Bridgehampton. With three Michelin stars and numerous four-star reviews from The New York Times, Chef Vongerichten brought his brilliance to the east end this past summer. Utilizing an orchestra of farm-fresh ingredients chef has the ability to create more than a menu; he composes a symphony. Although the restaurant week menu hasn’t been posted on the website, you can rest assured that if Jean-Georges is preparing you dinner; you are in good hands.
Can’t make the hike out the Hamptons? Understandable. But if you want to head east just not that far, then stop in at Brookhaven and check out Painters’. Like Topping Rose House, Painters’ has not posted their restaurant week menu but everything they do there is art. Every inch of wall-space is draped in it, and every dish that comes out of the kitchen is treated like a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Unleash your inner-artist while you wait for the food or join the fun on Wednesday’s for paint night.
Happy eating and stay tuned for the upcoming Hamptons Restaurant Week 2016!
