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!

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.

Vinoco Wine Bar and Tapas Restaurant

Vinoco Wine Bar and Tapas Restaurant

147 Mineola Blvd.
Mineola, NY 11501 

(516) 307-8056 or (516) 307-8055

www.vinocony.com/

Here We Go:  I stopped at Vinoco on a whim and wasn't exactly sure what to expect.  The small area filled with packed seating, tiny bar and an open view of the kitchen left me a little uncertain.  I grabbed a seat at the bar and watched waiters whiz by with plate after plate of amazing looking food.  I ordered several dishes from the menu and each one seemed better than the last (the Tropical Lobster & Peach Crunchy Summer Roll was a dream).  The dress is polished-casual, so jeans and a nice top will work.  Expect to wait a little while if you do not make a reservation (although there isn't really a place to wait inside), and parties over 2 should definitely call ahead.  As for parking, bring along some quarters for the meters or prepare to swipe your card to pay for the lot located behind the restaurant.

Feast Your Eyes:

Tropical Lobster & Peach Crunchy Summer Roll

Chicken & Chorizo Paella

Bottom Line:  Definitely check it out!