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With a new season comes new beginnings. This spring, those new beginnings are coming in the form of new businesses opening on the North Fork. Running the hospitality gamut covering food, beverage, and accommodations, the community is expanding for locals, second homeowners, and tourists alike. As we eagerly await the openings of their respective debuts – or celebrate their recent openings – here’s what you have to look forward to on the North Fork.

Kate’s Cheese Co.
Tapping into the local community, Kate’s Cheese Co., opening this spring on Front Street in Greenport, and plans to operate as more than just a cheese counter. Sure, there will be cheese – a couple hundred varieties to choose from – but the space will also serve local and imported wine, craft beer, and seasonal menu items that highlight the local farms. Order a cheese plate or panini and listen to live acoustic music on the weekends at the cheese shop that will also function as an art gallery promoting different local artists every four to six weeks. Owner Kate McDowell aims to further support the community by offering local artisans a place to showcase and sell their wares. Sharing the love, and the cheese.

Matchbook Distilling Company
Something new is coming to a glass near you. Greenport’s Matchbook Distilling Co. is new to the scene, opening up shop as a full scale, at-your-service, bespoke distillery and incubator. Their mission is to work with clients like bars, restaurants, farmers, startups and brands to create custom spirits they dream up. This unique service prioritizes the science, tradition, anthropology, and agriculture that make up the art of alcohol. They’re changing the game of craft distilling, making small batch spirits accessible to all. Want to learn more or have an idea for a spirit of your own? Check it out at www.matchbookdistillingco.com.

MattiTaco
There is no such thing as too many tacos. Chef Noah Schwartz has been making moves on the North Fork in recent years with his successful Greenport restaurant, Noah’s, and catering business. Chef Schwartz is also now the executive chef of The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead. A popular extension of his business has been the silver bullet food truck, Noah’s on the Road, operated by his brother Justin Schwartz who just recently leased the former Crazy Fork space in Mattituck to open MattiTaco, set to open this spring. Expect a revolving menu of tacos featuring local ingredients and fun recipes. More tacos, please.

The Preston House and Hotel
Just last month a new boutique hotel and restaurant opened in downtown Riverhead. The Preston House and Hotel, just across the street from the Long Island Aquarium, has four floors of suites and rooms, three private dining rooms, an intimate bar, and 850-bottle wine cellar. The new American restaurant seats 88 guests and is sure to please with a menu created by Chef Matthew Boudreau whose resumé includes Vine Street Café on Shelter Island and Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor. Expect local, fresh East Coast oysters, prime strip steak, and chef’s signature Bombolotti, veal and pork Bolognese. Make a reservation:
www.theprestonhouseandhotel.com.