In North Fork news, food and drink are leading the way for the latest and greatest additions to the East End. From a new restaurant at its entry point in Wading River to the acquisition of one of the oldest vineyards and winery on the Long Island Wine Trail by a neighboring vineyard, and more restaurant and bar openings in between, there are some exciting things worth checking out during your next adventure. Here’s what’s new now…
Paumanok Vineyards Buys Palmer
After years of being on the market, Palmer Vineyards is being purchased by fellow Aquebogue vineyard and winery, Paumanok Vineyards. Owned and operated by the Massoud family, the purchase will add an additional 60 acres to Paumanok’s existing 120 acres. In addition to increasing the size of the vineyard and production, the sale will also increase their reach and clientele based as they will now have notable outposts on both the Main Road and Sound Avenue, the two main routes of the Long Island Wine Trail. Both vineyards were founded in 1983 and are among the first to plant vines on the East End, and have grown and expanded as the region gained notoriety over the years. The Massoud family has said they will continue on with the Palmer name at the winery and on the labels and looks forward to serving new and old guests.
Days Like These
The Lin Beach House’s bar, Days Like These, in Greenport is now open for business. Serving wine, beer, and cocktails made of the two (yes, sometimes together and it’s amazing), the bar showcases the beautifully revamped hotel and restaurant that was once the locally-popular Shady Lady. Expect popup dinners from various chefs throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall. Soon the bar will also stock spirits made at their own bespoke boutique distillery and incubator, Matchbook Distilling Co. Cheers!
North Tavern
Filet mignon stack with filet mignon, meatloaf, and crispy potato with blue cheese. Pan seared sea scallops with warm potato salad and pea puree. Vegetable pasta made of zucchini with red and white sauce. These are just some of the heart-warming comfort food dishes you can expect at the newly opened North Tavern in Wading River. Owned by chef Drew Wendelken and his brother Brian, and their wives Carol and Denise, respectively, the family-owned and operated restaurant aims to bring delicious and creative twists to classic pub-style fare. Don’t forget dessert – the “new school” banana split ice cream cake is a must.
Waypoint
Traveling to a restaurant by boat is one of our favorite ways to dine. New in Southold is Waypoint Restaurant accessible through the Peconic River, which inhabits the former Pepi’s restaurant space. The contemporary dockside restaurant and bar serves fresh pasta, high-end steaks, and seafood using local and fresh ingredients. Start with lobster deviled eggs, charred octopus, or burrata with grilled local peaches. For dinner indulge in paccheri pasta with braised beef short rib, Chilean seabass, or any of the steaks including petite filet, rib eye, or a 32-ounce dry-aged tomahawk. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy a great meal and a glass of wine or craft cocktail.
Ali Katz Kitchen
Chef Allison Katz is no stranger to delicious baked goods. She’s worked at some of the North Fork’s best culinary institutions and has sold her own Ali Katz baked goods at East End farmers markets. Having shifted her focus to her wholesale and pastry business, she is now gearing up to open her Mattituck retail space which will serve as a bakery and wholesale kitchen. Katz is continuing to prepare food for local purveyors and will soon open Ali Katz Kitchen on the weekends for customers to pick up delicious pastries, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods as well as coffee. Those with a sweet tooth will certainly rejoice.
