The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jeans-George

The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jeans-George is a casually elegant restaurant ensconced in the picturesque town of Pound Ridge, New York. Here, Jean‑Georges cultivates a truly seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the Hudson Valley and New England, whenever possible. Constructed in 1833 as a residence and serving later as an inn, the building has been painstakingly renovated to preserve as many of the original materials as possible, including four working fireplaces.

Jordan Lobster Farms

Jordan Lobster Farms is one of the premier seafood restaurants in Nassau County offering the highest quality seafood with the best customer service. Dine by the waterfront, on the outdoor patio, or in the newly expanded indoor dining room - which is open all year round. Visit the lobster market inside and choose from a large selection of fresh seafood, prepared gourmet dishes, and gift items.

The Clam Bar at Napeague

The Clam Bar is an outdoor casual restaurant with the freshest seafood you'll find on the East End. Sit under an umbrella and soak in the atmosphere, listen to golden oldies, enjoy a bowl of clam chowder or dig into a fresh local lobster. There is no better place to eat fresh local steamers or fresh local clams, while letting the sand dry on your feet. Situated on the side of the Napeague stretch in Montauk, daily specials are available with a great selection of fresh fish.

South Edison

Just one block south of town, South Edison reflects Montauk's fun and casual atmosphere. Walk right off the beach to try the extensive raw bar, a wide selection of wines and beers, and their signature Pickle Martinis garnished with house-made local veggie pickles. After dinner, don't miss the extraordinary desserts created by Frank Fuschetto, formerly of Jacques Torres Chocolate.

668 The Gig Shack

668 The Gig Shack is a downtown chic café open for lunch and dinner that stays true to its Montauk roots, with an international twist. Featuring live music on most nights, fresh, local ingredients, homemade baked goods and a commitment to authenticity, the Gig Shack fuses global surf cuisine within downtown Montauk.

Peter Luger Steak House

When "Carl Luger's Café, Billiards and Bowling Alley" was opened in 1887, the restaurant quickly became a neighborhood favorite in the predominantly German Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, NY. Peter Luger owned the establishment, while his nephew, Carl, manned the kitchen. Peter Luger Steak House has since expanded from Brooklyn with another location in Great Neck, Long Island. We recently dined there to celebrate Keith's parents' 40th wedding anniversary.

Ubaldo's Italian Restaurant

With over forty years of experience, Ubaldo's Italian Restaurant is known for it's inviting atmosphere as well as it's savory and authentic Italian cuisine. Taking influences from Northern and Southern traditions, this family owned restaurant transports you from Long Island to the very streets of Italy. The food is always freshly prepared, and made with only the best of ingredients.

Travels to Brooklyn, New York

I have been to New York many times as Keith is from Long Island,  I have family upstate, and we have friends who live in Manhattan.  Depending on traffic, it is about a 4 to 5 hour drive from DC.  You can also take the Amtrak train from Union Station straight to Penn Station.  We recently went up to New York but stayed "across the bridge" in Brooklyn.  It was my first visit to the borough and so here is an overview of my travels there to summarize not only all the good eats, but also some of the fun activities to do and sights to see.

TALDE

TALDE is a casual Asian-American restaurant and bar brought to you by Chef Dale Talde (of Top Chef fame), punk rock photographer and bartender John Bush, and restaurateur David Massoni.  Located in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, NY we had the pleasure of dining at TALDE for our last meal during our weekend trip.

Vinnie's Pizzeria

Vinnie's Pizzeria specializes in unique and creative cuisine utilizing classic style and ingredients, then putting a twist with crazy combinations. With two convenient locations in Brooklyn, NY - Williamsburg and Greenpoint, I recently visited the one in Williamsburg for lunch.  I was expecting a classic NY-style pizza joint, but was taken aback by the unconventional options in the counter display.

Christina's Restaurant

For over 20 years, Christina’s Restaurant has pleased its customers with distinctive Polish cuisine at modest prices. Krystyna Dura, a native of Krakow, Poland, opened the doors to her namesake restaurant in 1993 and has been its proud, sole owner ever since. This casual dining establishment features a warm, welcoming atmosphere while simultaneously boasting delicious traditional Polish fare.  With convenient public transportation just a short walk away, Christina’s is located within the bustling neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  Closest Subway is G to Greenpoint Ave.

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop located in the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn, NY offers bagels, donuts and breakfast sandwiches.  Noted as making the favorite donuts to many locals and celebrities alike, Peter Pan Donuts are sought after by many.  Closest Subway is G to Nassau Ave.

Fortunato Brothers

In October of 1976, the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn inherited a great gift, when three brothers from Italy decided to open a bakery shop that would sell authentic Italian pastries. Thirty-seven years later, Fortunato Brothers has become a neighborhood landmark, celebrated for it fine pastry, cookies, cappuccino, cakes, and gelato. Although Williamsburg has changed over the years, customers can count on Fortunato’s to be the same in quality, style and service. With the same original recipes passed down to the next generation, Fortunato Brothers remains committed to serving the neighborhood and community with its fine products for many years to come.

Aurora

Aurora is a modern Italian restaurant in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, NY.  Committed to only serving the freshest ingredients available on the market, Aurora imports items daily from Italy such as mozzarella di bufala, burrata and fior di latte cheeses.  Most of the pastas are hand made on the premises and they serve locally grown organic products, hormone and antibiotic free meats as well as biodynamic and organic wines from all over Italy.

Compané

Run by the Cristofori family, Compané is a brick oven bistro that provides wood fired pizzas and Italian cuisine in a comfortable, home-like ambiance that refreshes the Italian scene in Fairport, NY.  I was in upstate NY visiting family for the weekend and we had plans to go to Compané for dinner.  Though we had reservations for our group of seven, it was very crowded when we arrived and had to wait almost 40 minutes to be seated.

Al Dente Italian Trattoria

Al Dente Italian Trattoria located in Harrison, NY is the "one dining experience that has all the right ingredients, where everything comes together for the perfect and memorable meal served family style or one dish at a time". Perfect place for celebrating one of life's momentous occasions, I recently ate here with family and friends for a rehearsal dinner.

The Inn at New Hyde Park

Centrally located in Long Island, NY the Inn at New Hyde Park is a banquet and catering facility popular for weddings, bridal showers and sweet 16 birthday parties.  The elegant atmosphere of the interior and the formal dressed staff sets the tone for your special event.  Chef Tony Salluzzi prepares his award-winning cuisine for both the regular restaurant, Brasserie 214, as well as the private events held at the Inn.  Customizable menus are also available.

All American Hamburger Drive-In

Known to locals as just "All American", this local fast food joint is old school and more of a drive-up than a drive-in. It has been apart of Long Island life for over 40 years.  Serving beef burgers and franks, fries, knishes, and milkshakes, All American Hamburger Drive-In is a local favorite with modest prices to satisfy that greasy fix.

Salumi Tapas & Wine Bar

Salumi Tapas and Wine Bar, located in Massapequa, NY recently opened its doors in Spring 2011. As you enter, you see the massive 32 foot antique timber bar with seating for 18 and the dark ceiling beams overhead. The atmosphere is warm and rustic with tons of reclaimed wood and brick, and even the barn-board booths, bistro tables and leather banquettes are custom made from gorgeous old board and timber. The unpretentious menu features a variety of interesting small plates of Spanish and Italian origin and is a nice addition to Long Island.

Phil's Pizzeria

This local pizzeria and restaurant is a favorite’s of Keith’s, and whenever we come up to Long Island , we always stop by for a slice or two.  Phil’s serves a variety of classic NY style pizzas (in both Neapolitan and Sicilian styles), as well as some specialty modern twists such as taco pizza, eggplant rollatini pizza, and Caesar salad pizza.  Calzones, heros, and pasta dishes are also available.  Phil’s offers casual dine in, carry out, or catering services.