Going strong into Labor Day, the North Fork is awash with all things new. Anticipated restaurants have finally opened their doors, catering to the hungry masses looking for cuisine ranging from comfort Italian food to elevated grab and go. A popular winery is now under new ownership, and a historic Southold business has found new life in its 100th year. New home décor and lifestyle shops have opened, a sign of a growing retail industry on the North Fork. Here’s what’s new and can be enjoyed now…
Restaurants Now Open
Talks of new restaurants opening have left diners eagerly waiting to try something new on the North Fork. Good news has finally arrived with anticipated sure-to-be hotspots finally opening their doors to the crowds. In the Village of Greenport, Ellen’s on Front is offering creative dishes and beverages that combine global flavors with local ingredients. Little Oak, located at Jamesport Vineyards, is serving up wood-fired pizzas and other Italian-inspired favorites. It is also the first on-site restaurant at a vineyard on the North Fork. Open for pick up only, Maroni’s Southold is dishing out their famous pot of meatballs and other heat-at-home comfort food dishes. Barrow Food House in Aquebogue offers a casual setting to indulge in homecooked food to enjoy onsite or to go for breakfast through early dinner.
Croteaux Vineyards Under New Ownership
The popular rosé-only winery, Croteaux Vineyards in Southold, had been closed for the 2018 season due to the Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals’ ruling that the tasting room was not located on the proper parcel. Now, a pair of business owners on the North Fork have teamed up to purchase the winery. Randy Frankel, who purchased Shinn Estate Vineyards in Mattituck two years ago, and Kristen and Daniel Pennessi, owners of the new Menhaden hotel in Greenport, have joined forces to buy the business from founder and former owner Michael Croteau, who will stay on as a consultant. They are working diligently with the town to reopen the tasting room to guests. Stay tuned for when you can sip your rosé at the tasting room reminiscent of the French countryside…
Einstein Square Open in Southold
The Rothman’s Department Store has been a staple in Southold for decades. After a complete update and renovation, the property has been unveiled to the public. The building and adjoining property, now known as Einstein Square, features potential commercial and residential opportunities for tenants, which will be represented by Douglas Elliman’s Scott Bennett and Susan Romano. Co-owners of the building Jonathan Tibett and Glenn Heidtmann, Jr., worked to revitalize the street-level storefront and surrounding green space while preserving and refurbishing the residential spaces upstairs. The dedication, which took place on August 2, was historically significant as 2019 represents the 100-year anniversary of Rothman’s Department Store and the 80th anniversary of the summer Albert Einstein spent in Southold when he and Mr. Rothman formed a legendary friendship. Einstein would later refer to this time as his “happiest summer ever.”
Home Décor Shops Open
If you want to feel good and do good while shopping, check out Greenport’s latest popup retail shop, General Good. The hand-picked selection of home goods, apparel, beauty, accessories, and more come from brands that support various charities, causes, and communities. Visit soon – the South Street popup is open daily now through September 2. Fez and Ivy, a décor and design shop in Southold, just opened and is stocked with antique and vintage furniture and home décor pieces. The globally inspired shop will also offer a number of gift items and accents to complete living spaces. Happy shopping!
