It seems there are always new places to wine and dine, and this summer is no exception. Several new restaurants from casual takeout to sophisticated seafood have debuted across the North Fork, adding to the culinary landscape. There are new places to browse and shop for the family and the home. And of course, with Independence Day on the calendar, there are plenty of places to celebrate, dance the night away, and watch fireworks light up the clear night skies. There is almost too much to list for what’s new and what to do this month, but here’s a glimpse at some of our favorite North Fork happenings…
Where to Watch Fireworks
One of the most notable celebratory symbols of Independence Day are the fireworks. On the North Fork, pull up a seat – or boat – to watch the night sky light up at various beaches and parks. Shelter Island Fireworks will do their annual display at Crescent Beach on Saturday, July 13. Following the kick off of the Riverhead Business Improvement District’s Alive on 25 Summer Street Festival, fireworks will take place on Wednesday, July 3. The Riverhead Raceway is starting the celebration early with fireworks on Saturday, June 29. Watch over the water in Orient Harbor on Saturday, July 6.
Greenport Dances in the Park
On warm summer Monday nights, families flock to Mitchell Park in Greenport for free concerts. Grab a chair, blanket, and provisions to go to enjoy various performances each week from July 8 through August 26. This year’s lineup includes No Request Band on July 8, Cravin Band on July 15, The Motown Band on July 22, Winston Irie on July 29, Southbound on August 5, Vendettas on August 12, Who Are Those Guys? on August 19, and Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks on August 26. People are encouraged to dance into the night on the waterfront lawn and stage.
New Restaurants
New places to dine on the North Fork have arrived just in time for summer. Beginning in Aquebogue, Barrow Food House, helmed by husband and wife team Kyle Romeo and Amanda Falcone, offers farm-fresh food in creative, casual dishes for breakfast through early dinner. Latin Fuzion has opened in Southold, combining the flavors of Tex-Mex favorites with authentic Guatemalan tastes, a nod to owner Justo Choquin’s heritage. Find burritos, enchiladas, fajita platters, and other large plates. Greenport has several new restaurants open. Anker debuted Memorial Day weekend, launched by the same group that owns Green Hill Kitchen and Industry Standard. Chef Wolfgang Ban’s elevated, modern seafood dishes can be enjoyed in the bright and inspired space. Greenport’s newest hotel, The Menhaden, opened the doors to their tapas restaurant and café, called The Merchant’s Wife. Also in Greenport, Ellen’s on Front is dishing out Chef Jennie Werts’ Latin and Asian-inspired fare, including her take on a local favorite – fried chicken.
Pearl Cottage
From a pop up in 2016 to now finding a permanent place on the North Fork, Pearl Cottage on Main has opened in Southold, offering a hand-selected mix of vintage furniture and home accessories. With a mission to inspire others with their carefully curated inventory and unique design details, owners and sisters Laura Hansen and Susan Hansen Fasano learned from their mother the power of fresh white paint, classic upholstery, beautiful linens, weathered and vintage furniture, and unusual decorative elements. The home goods store plans to stay open year-round.
Ch-Ch-Changes
Douglas Elliman Real Estate welcomes a new agent, Jessica Koenig, to their Mattituck Office. Describing real estate as the meeting and matching of needs for clients, Koenig has learned to listen carefully and work hard to find that just right product that would be perfect for her customers. This is something she carries with her now, following in her own mother’s footsteps who was also a successful real estate agent. The North Fork resident brings a genuine work ethic and an enthusiasm for helping people achieve their real estate dreams.
