View

View

3 Consuelo Pl.

Oakdale, NY 11769

(631) 589-2694

www.lessings.com/restaurant_home.aspx?uniid=8

Here We Go:  View is open and airy, with a fast and friendly staff.  The location is just beautiful - right on the water, so the option for outdoor seating comes with a plus.  This meal, from start to finish, was literally the best overall meal that I've had in a long time.  Everything was just spot on: the drinks were perfect, the appetizers were memorable (see the pics of the Peking Duck Tacos and Morning Roll below), and the entrees were absolutely savory.  I look forward to the next time that I stop in at View, so that I can try more of what is sure to be an amazing meal!

Feast Your Eyes:

Disaronno Sour and a Key Lime Pie Martini

Morning Roll

Peking Duck Tacos

Maine Lobster Pasta

Pappardelle Bolognese Pasta

Churro Bites

Bottom Line:  Get there and take me with you!

The Pie at Salvatore's

The Pie at Salvatore's

120 E. Main St.

Bay Shore, NY 11706

(631) 206-1060

salvatorescoalfiredpizza.com/

Here We Go:  Casual, quick, coal-fired, fresh - all words I'd use to describe The Pie.  Whenever we go, we get the The Original Neapolitan Pizza.  I've tried to get other pizzas there, but I just can't!  This pizza calls to me like a mystical pizza siren and I'm left helpless.  It's just so deliciously fresh and cheesy...and the pepperonis are these flavorful slices of heaven.  If you're able to ignore the lure of the Neapolitan, you can find other interesting pies, like Clams Casino Pie and a Salad Pie.  Something you should know is that The Pie doesn't take credit cards, so bring cash or you can use their in-house ATM.  Also, don't expect to walk in for a slice - you get a full pie or niente (nothing).  Plenty of parking in the back, and outdoor seating if it's nice out.

Feast Your Eyes:

How fresh does that salad look? And the dressing is fantastic!

Oh yeah!

Bottom Line: Check it out!

Pancho Villa's

Pancho Villa's

311 New York Ave.

Huntington, NY 11743

(631) 549-0022

www.panchovillalongisland.com/

Here We Go:  When I start to crave great Mexican food, I know Pancho Villa's is the place to go.  As soon as you walk in, you're hit with the aroma of what you know is going to be awesome food and then the decor takes you right to Mexico.  The Guacamole is so fresh and delicious that if you're a fan of guacamole I'd strongly suggest you give it a try.  Go for the combination plates just so you can try a variety of things, otherwise, you're likely to end up sampling food from around the table.  Parking isn't usually an issue, but they do offer valet for dinnertime.  The dress is casual, so feel free to wear anything with an elastic waist, or prepare to unbutton.

Feast Your Eyes:

The salt rim is done in the colors of the Mexican flag.  Sweet!

Bottom Line: You know what to do.  Check it out!

Changing Times

Changing Times

29 East Main St.

Bay Shore, New York 11706

(631) 647-7871

http://thechangingtimespub.com/bayshore/

Here We Go:   Even though half the place is restaurant seating, there's just something about Changing Times that says that it's a good bar.  Maybe it's that every Thursday is $2 drinks for the ladies, and there are enough TVs to remind you of how a man cave really should be.  Who cares?  What matters is that the beer is cold, the drinks are strong and the food is pretty frickin' good.  You can count on people bringing their kids in early on for dinner once in awhile, but um...did you catch that part about the drinks being strong?  Yeah, so who cares!  The dress is casual, there is parking on all sides...and the drinks are strong.

Feast Your Eyes:

Rocket Fuel

The Changing Times Rita (crazy good)

Bacon Cheeseburger

Chicken Cordon Blue Sliders (do you see that cheese??)

Bottom Line:  This is definitely one to check out!

Jewel

Jewel

400 Broadhollow Rd.

Melville, New York 11747

(631) 755-5777

www.jewelrestaurantli.com/index.php?m=off

Here We Go:   Lamps mounted to the ceiling upside down, water features, wine beautifully displayed in glass cases, and slick design details that exceed at impressing, dining at Jewel is an immediate treat.  And that's before you ever taste a bite!  Lucky for all of us impressed gawkers, the rest lives up to the decor.  From their Duck Jambalaya to their savory steaks, I have yet to find a dish there that didn't taste great.  Another bonus is that they know their way around a bar.  Wine, cocktails - you name it - it's going to be good!  There is plenty of parking in the attached lot and you should dress up enough to blend with the business crowd, which can definitely include dressing up a pair of nice jeans.  Entrees are an average of $25 and that doesn't include the $9 for sides.  (And before we forget, make it a point to visit the men's restroom. Regardless of your gender, you'll find something to laugh at there... .)


Feast Your Eyes:

You can't argue with that!

What can be better than dessert with chocolate dipping sauce?  Adding a mini root beer float to the mix!

Bottom Line:  Check it out! 

Athenian Greek Taverna

Athenian Greek Taverna

2187 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725 

(631) 499-7660

www.atheniangreektaverna.com/

Here We Go:  Located in the corner of a shopping center, someone might easily overlook Athenian, but that would be their loss.  All I keep thinking about are those amazing Athenian Spring Rolls (see picture below) and the Moussaka - they were delicious!  I thought it was a little odd that there weren't any wine glasses (wine comes in a little metal pitcher that keeps it super cold, but then you just pour it into small drinking glasses), and the Lentil Soup was really just carrots and celery with a few lentils at the bottom.  Those are about the only complaints that I have.  This is a good place to go if you're looking for a casual place that can make you feel like you'll need someone to roll you back to your car about halfway through your meal.

Feast Your Eyes:

Cups of wine?

The Lentil Soup is more carrot and celery than anything else.

Athenian Spring Roll

Classic Gyro

The Moussaka is amazing! 

Bottom Line:  Get there!

D'Franco's Pizza

D'Franco's Pizza

2038 Sunrise Hwy.
Islip, NY 11751

Here We Go:  D'Franco's looks like any other pizzeria, and it basically is: young people behind the counter, seat-yourself dining area, and pre-made pies with slices ready to get tossed in the oven for you.  But then you look over the slices and, once you get past the plain cheese pies, you see toppings like penne, salad and even Fritos.  I wouldn't say that the quality of pizza here is completely different from any other pizzeria, but I can that D'Franco's knows how to give pepperoni a run for its money.  Oh and don't worry about parking, since this place is in a shopping center, you're covered.

Feast Your Eyes:

Just a few of the options available for you to try!

Bottom Line:  If you're looking for something a little different, you should give this place a try.

Lombardi's on the Bay

Lombardi's on the Bay

600 South Ocean Ave.
Patchogue, NY 11772

http://www.lombardisonthebay.com/OnTheBay/

Here We Go:   Lombardi's on the Bay is part restaurant, part catering hall, but right now we're focusing on the restaurant part.  You can eat in the main restaurant, a more casual second restaurant that is located toward the back of the building, or outside right on the water.  The food was fresh, perfectly cooked and delicious.  It couldn't have been better...well, unless you add on a Pomegranate Martini or any one (or several) of their specialty drinks!  As for parking, you can opt for finding a spot in the attached lot (which we did) or pulling up to valet.  Dress up some jeans or go in business-casual attire, and you'll be fine.  It was such a great experience from start to finish that we are looking forward to our next visit. 

Feast Your Eyes:

Fried Calamari

 Clams Casino

Long Island little neck clams with red yellow peppers, & crispy bacon

Fried Zucchini with Marinara Sauce

Sides are large enough for 2 (or more) at Lombardi's

Filet Mignon

Rigatoni with Shrimp, Scallops and Fresh Spinach

 in a light creamy grape tomato sauce

Short Fusilli with Lobster Meat

in a creamy grape tomato sauce with fresh asparagus

Bottom Line:  Go already!

Gino's of Tuscany

Gino's of Tuscany

517 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751

http://www.ginostuscany.com/

Here We Go:   Gino's is a definite place for go-to Italian food.  My only gripe is that they changed the bolognese sauce awhile ago and now it tastes like it has less of the traditional flavor and more fennel or anise (it tastes like it has hints of black licorice).  Other than that, the portions are big, the pizza is greasy and the eggplant parmesan knows me by name.  Parking can be pretty discouraging if you can't find a spot in the back lot or right out front on the street.  Still, the food is worth circling until a spot opens up, which I've done several times.  Come casual and wear some loose clothing - you'll thank me later.

Feast Your Eyes:

Pepperoni Pizza

Eggplant Parmesan with Spaghetti 

Ravioli

Bottom Line:  Check it out and don't forget to walk out with a to-go menu!

Dixie's Smokehouse

Dixie's Smokehouse

12 Indian Head Rd.
Kings Park, NY 11754

http://www.dixiessmokehouse.com/

Here We Go:   Dixie's is just a nice, laid back place to grab some good BBQ, a cold beer and a breezy spot in their outdoor seating area.  You'll find Dixie's in a shopping plaza, so parking isn't an issue, and the dress is casual.  The ribs are always delicious, the atmosphere is relaxed, service is quick and the staff is always friendly.  Best of all, you'll undoubtedly leave full and satisfied.  Another bonus is that there's something for everyone on the menu.  The kids menu (for Little Outlaws) includes a drink, a side and favorites like mac and cheese and chicken fingers, but you'll also find pulled pork and riblets - all for under $6!  You can't beat that.  And for those who want some BBQ, but want to trim down on the calories (crazy, I know) you'll find  the rotisserie turns out some good options. 

Feast Your Eyes:

Rotisserie Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries

Full Rack of Ribs with Waffle Fries, Mac N Cheese and Corn Bread

Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Texas Toast and Mac N Cheese

Hot Wings

Bottom Line:  Check it out!

McCann's Pub

McCann's Pub

5590 Merrick Rd.

Massapequa, NY 11758

(516) 798-1496

mccannspubnyc.com/massapequa/main.html

Here We Go:   McCann's is such an easy going place that's loaded with flat screen TVs, leather couches, good drinks and delicious food.  I haven't ordered anything that I haven't liked, and the staff is always very friendly.  It's nice to have a place that you can just drop in for a good plate of food and a cold beer.  Parking isn't an issue - just grab a spot in the attached lot, and dress is casual.

Feast Your Eyes:

A quick glance inside.

The French Onion Soup never disappoints and the Chicken Cordon Blue Bites with Gravy are delicious!

The Ring of Saturn Burger, Pretzel-Wich, and Philly Cheese Steak.

Bottom Line:  Did you see those pictures?  How could you not check it out?  Get in there!

Verace

Verace

599 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751

http://veracerestaurant.com/

Here We Go:   Beautifully decorated and a great place for a get together.  Their outdoor space is slick and definitely a spot where you can just kick back with your date/friends for cocktails, or a nice open meal.  I will go ahead and say that martinis for $12 ring up the tab pretty quickly, and you can munch on a pizza for about the same price.  Just so you know, their Fig & Prosciutto pizza, Clams Casino, and martinis rock!  With all that being said, this is a pretty pricey place that is big on atmosphere, and you can likely get equally good food for less elsewhere.  However, it's still a nice spot to experience and try out.  On Friday nights and on the weekend, I would definitely call ahead to make reservations.  Parking can be found at the back of the restaurant, if you can't find a spot out front.  If you're wondering about what to wear, the dress is pretty casual during the day, but dress it up a little at night.

Feast Your Eyes:

Bottom Line:  Check it out if you have some cash to throw down.

Four Food Studio

Four Food Studio

515 Broad Hollow Rd.
Melville, NY 11747

www.fourfoodstudio.com/

Here We Go:   The 4 different areas of the restaurant are decorated to represent each of the 4 seasons, respectively.  The modern decor amounts to simple and subtle implications, but you'll get it.  There's just something about FOUR that makes you feel like you're in a special place and that you're about to have some good food.  I'm a huge fan of their Butternut Squash Soup, because of it's simplicity but smooth, rich flavor.  But, don't count on finding this soup at just anytime of the year (menu items vary by the season, of course).  The FOUR Cheese Flatbread shouldn't be overlooked either.  Parking can be found in their attached lot, or you can opt for valet.  Dress is business casual during the day, but should be polished up at night.  Meals are average about $14 for lunch, and $17 for dinner.  It can get pricey, but FOUR is a nice to place to head to when you're in the mood for a simply modern treat.

Feast Your Eyes:

The steaks and burgers are juicy and delicious!

You can't really go wrong with Guinness Chocolate Cake for dessert.

Bottom Line:  Check this place out.

Blackstone Steakhouse

Blackstone Steakhouse

10 Pinelawn Rd.
Melville, NY 11747

www.blackstonesteakhouse.com/

Here We Go:   I can't say enough about this place!  The atmosphere is amazing, the staff is beyond courteous, the view of the full sushi bar is impressive, and the cocktails are perfect.  I have tried several items from the menu and I have never been disappointed.  (Make sure you get all 3 sides of their signature sauces with your steak.)  Parking isn't an issue, and there is a valet option.  The dress is business casual during the day, but polish it up at night.  It's always obnoxious when people decide to go to some place like Blackstone in a Jets jersey (shame on you, sir).  Regardless, from steaks to sushi, you will find a special place in your heart and your stomach for this amazing restaurant!

Feast Your Eyes:

Mexican Signature Roll

Spicy crunchy lobster, apple, spicy tuna, Chipotle mango sauce, tobiko

No. 3

Crab, masago, spicy mayo, crunchy, soybean sheet

Volcano

King Crab, Pepper Tuna, Honey Wasabi Sauce with an Open Flame

Bottom Line:  Check it out...immediately!