The North Fork has long defined itself as a foodie destination with its bars and restaurants receiving notable accolades over the years. Coupled with its beaches and open space, these attractions continue to draw people out east for the summer months. Marking the start of the season, Memorial Day weekend will bring with it new business openings, including specialty shops with artisanal treats, the expansion of local establishments into new spaces, and more ways to eat, drink, stay, and play on the North Fork. Here’s what to look forward to…
North Fork Doughnut Co.
The weekend just got a little bit sweeter. North Fork Doughnut Co. in Mattituck is set to open its doors for Memorial Day, offering delicious homemade doughnuts for the masses. Indulge in classic flavors like glazed or powdered, or artisanal options that are fun and playful takes on coffee’s favorite sweet treat. Owners Kelly Briguccia and Jimmy Lyons have long dreamt of opening a shop like this. Briguccia has always been a baker, creating sugary and savory treats, including doughnuts of course, using family recipes. Lyons also has experience in the hospitality business as a craft beer brewer. Just around the corner from Love Lane patrons can pop in for fresh, warm doughnuts in a variety of flavors including gluten-free and vegan options. If you’re ready to throw a party, they offer catering as well.
Aqua
A new luxury hotel in Aquebogue is open just in time for summer. Aqua, an 18-room hotel overlooking Peconic Bay, is an extension of Greenport’s American Beech restaurant and hotel with its own lavish 11 hotel rooms. Large, lush beds in a bright and airy space are complemented by simple and elegant touches. Fashion designer and co-owner Alex Vanish designed the suites after the hotel underwent extensive interior and exterior renovations at what was once the Cove Place Inn. The new hotel offers direct beach access, a dockside garden and lounge area, and bocce ball court with plans to expand amenities in the future. Guests will also get priority reservations to the Greenport restaurant.
SpecialTea House
Special Effects Salon and Spa has officially opened their SpecialTea House in Greenport. Housed in two separate spaces inside the salon, delicate white linen tables are accented by simple floral arrangements and mismatched china, each with unique and colorful designs. They offer a selection of freshly steeped teas, both hot and cold, along with various menu options featuring bites like classic cucumber tea sandwiches, apricot ginger scones with clotted cream and fruit jams, lavender egg salad tea sandwiches, citrus drizzle cake, and other sweet and savory treats all made in-house. New will be the outdoor tea garden, set to open soon, with tea refreshers and other delectable small bites.
Caci Shelter Island
Southold’s regional Italian restaurant Caci is opening a second location this summer inside the historic Shelter Island House hotel. Chef Marco Pellegrini says he is inspired by the North Fork’s agriculture and aquaculture, aiming to highlight these locally-sourced ingredients while combining them with authentic Italian ingredients to create his signature dishes. Guests can expect the same fare with some new dining options including breakfast and happy hour menus. There are also three intimate dining rooms, a cozy bar area, and spacious covered patio for dinner. Sip specialty cocktails and enjoy raw bar items, artisanal cheese plates, crostini, and more for happy hour at the bar, outdoor lounge, and bocce court.
