UP & RUNNING
Moules et Frites
4 Berry Hill Rd., Syosset
516-802-0713
Opened on Nov. 17, they call themselves a “biergarten and bistro.” Expect varieties of mussels, fries, sausages and the requisite burgers in the location that previously housed Pomorodino, Penang and another half-dozen ventures in between. The house has been done up to look like a Bavarian chalet.
Manila Hut Restaurant & Bakeshop
7 Main St., Hempstead
516-483-2983
This deceptively elegant storefront with a bakery counter in back has been turning out an endless array of Filipino specialties—influenced by both Chinese and Spanish cuisines—since February. Pick up savory Chicken Empanadas to go or stay and sample the beef and pork-centric menu which includes meatloaf called Embotido, Adobos made with pork or chicken, hardy soups and noodle dishes and the rarely seen Chop Suey. It’s hard to find, facing the V&T Market parking lot.
648 Motor Pkwy., Hauppauge
631-849-3661
Since early October this place in the former Pomodorino space has been offering Italian treats like wood-fired pizzas, Italian sliders made with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, Sicilian quesadillas made with chicken and bacon, a flat iron steak sandwich and all entrees coming in under $20.
2571 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow
516-520-7427
There are hundreds of these giant bargain steak-and-rib joints throughout most of the country, but this one, which opened in early October, is the sole LI spot, replete with its sports bar feel. They boast hand-cut steaks for under $20 and fresh baked rolls (with honey-cinnamon butter). The six-ounce sirloin for $9.49 with two sides is hard to beat for the money.
Banyan Asian Fusion
31 South Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck
516-829-2888
More pan-Asian than fusion but the menu at this newly opened bistro includes some curious choices like baked pork chops, chicken breast or fish with spaghetti and choice of cream sauce, tomato sauce or something called Portuguese sauce. There’s Malaysian Curries, Thai Style Fish, Korean Style Short Ribs, Black Pepper Fried Udon noodles and of course Pad Thai. A Hibachi room completes the scene.
REOPENED
Sally’s Cocofe
273 Main St., Huntington
631-546-7541
When Sally’s first opened about a year ago, they offered a mind-blowing selection of choctails, milk chocolate and white chocolate drinks, and wild concoctions made with chocolate teriyaki sauce. They even had Chocolate Pad Thai. All the rage for a while, people sipped and dipped into fondues on couches overlooking Main Street. They closed for renovations, and unlike many others, have actually reopened sans couches. There are more tables and plenty of unbelievable homemade desserts, but most of the drinks are gone. Entrees top out around $27 but there are plenty of large salads, pastas and apps for less, and signature fondues remain as well.
