Among the many very competitive races in this year’s Best of L.I. vote is the Best Romantic Restaurant category. Voters must do some research to make the right choice…and what better way to research then to try them all! To help out, we’ve devised a detailed two-week dinner plan that allows voters to stop at all the nominees and enjoy some romance along the way.
Week One
Monday: Start the week right with some sushi! Make your way to Centerport’s Mill Pond and get your palate ready for an eruption of flavor with the Volcano Roll. Don’t forget warm sake!
Wednesday: Hump Day is lively in Huntington. Get your jeans on and head downtown to Jonathan’s and try a fabulous Italian dish like black linguini with fresh tomato sauce. On your way home stop by Panama Hatties in Huntington Station for dessert and order homemade caramelized banana ice cream.
Friday: Celebrate the start to the weekend by visiting last year’s winner—Palm Court at The Carltun in East Meadow to remind yourself what a winner tastes like. Then head to nearby West End Café and order warm Granny Smith apple pie along with a cappuccino.
Saturday: On your way to Montauk, stop by Bliss 2 in Blue Point. Opt for appetizers and try beer and cheddar cheese fondue or crispy prosciutto and goat cheese fritter salad. When you arrive in Montauk head to Star Island Grill and order the Carl Fischer: lean pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on grilled marble rye with Star Island sauce, served with Cole slaw and a pickle.
Sunday: Make Sunday a scenic drive to Sag Harbor and dine at the American Hotel. Pair the North Atlantic Grilled Lobster dish with a sweet wine like Riesling or toast to the night with Louis Roederer champagne.
Week Two
Monday: Monday is the new Friday in Huntington, so head down to Porto Vivo and split a basic margherita pizza with your date. Don’t forget to order the homemade mozzarella for appetizers! After you finish up dinner cross the street to Prime Restaurant and watch the sunset with Valrhona chocolate cake and a dessert wine.
Wednesday: Get over to Mirabelle Restaurant at The Three Village Inn in Stony Brook, go all out and put your taste buds to the test by ordering the popular eight-course tasting menu.
Friday: Make a beeline for Calagero’s in Garden City. Start with Judith Point Calamari and graduate to favorite eggplant rollatini.
Saturday: Head to Lake House in Bay Shore for dessert like warm Granny Smith apple and sour cherry crisp, or patron favorite Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.
Sunday: Your last day as a food critic must go out with a bang. Go to beautiful Great Neck spot La Gioconda. Have chicken sorrento topped with eggplant and mozzarella cheese. Romantic and delicious!
Best of L.I. Party 2012 – Recap, Photo Gallery
