Caci North Fork

Photos by David Korchin

Photos by David Korchin

In Umbria, located in the northern region of Italy, chef Marco Pellegrini was biding his time for the right opportunity to move to the states to open a restaurant on the North Fork. A chance encounter with vacationers, Anthony and Daniele Cacioppo from Long Island made that dream a reality. Caci, located in a beautifully restored farmstead building in Southold is simply and thoughtfully decorated on two levels. The menu and preparation follow that same theme, simple and elegant with the menu changing every 6 weeks to take advantage of seasonal produce, seafood and meat. The code word in the kitchen is fresh right down to their pastas where they roll out their delectable varieties daily. Portions are generous so be sure to save room for dessert.

Caci North Fork |  56125 Main Rd |  Southold | 631-765-4383

Basso Cicchetti e Specialita

Photos by David Korchin

Photos by David Korchin

A little slice of Venice has found it’s way to the shores of Greenport at this Cicchetti, meaning little snacks. Pull up a chair, order a glass of wine and while away an afternoon sampling tasty bits from a menu of cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy, Spain and the US. If you’re looking for authentic Italian ingredients for your own kitchen there’s a nice selection of dried pasta, olive oil and canned fish for the perfect home cooked feast.

300 Main St | Stirling Square | Greenport | 631-333-2175

Stirling Sake

Photos by David Korchin

Photos by David Korchin

Quietly located at the end of Greenport’s commercial strip you’ll find another newcomer to the towns restaurant scene, Stirling Sake, with large paned windows showcasing diners and its traditional Noren blowing in the entryway waving guests in. The simple, sparse, modern décor mimics the traditional Japanese cuisine, sushi, sashimi, rolls and noodles all carefully prepared and simply executed. But as the name suggests this is just not a Japanese sushi restaurant but a Sake tasting room with 25 varietals on the menu. If you’re a newbie to Sake drinking don’t be intimidated, co-owner Yuki Mori will be happy to suggest one to suit your palette.  

477 Main Street | Greenport | 631-477-6782 | website

American Beech

Photos by David Korchin

Photos by David Korchin

American Beech Restaurant, Bar and Inn opens, bringing an immediate buzz to Greenport’s Stirling Square. We expected nothing less from Dennis McDermott, former owner of the Frisky Oyster and Riverhead Project and now manager of American Beech. The restaurant feels as comfortable as your favorite white T-shirt with it’s cool palette of bleached wood, grey and white and the menu is just as appealing. Executive chef, Arielle Farrara brings her culinary prows from The Riverhead Project now to Greenport and dishes out an array of simple, well executed plates from burgers to strip steaks - Lobster Rolls to Black Bass. The staff is finding their way but all in all everyone’s on the right path. Pull up a bar stool, grab a cocktail from their outdoor bar and enjoy the show. Though the temps are dropping this place is hot-hot-hot. 

300 Main Street | Greenport | 631-477-5939 | website

North Fork Roasting Co: An Artisanal Coffee House

Photos by David Korchin

Jennilee Morris and Jessica Dunne are serious artisanal coffee roasters bringing their passion for coffee to their new coffee shop, North Fork Roasting Company. Housed in a charming, weathered shingled, Dutch Colonial in Southold, the orange and green door welcomes coffee aficionados and novices alike.

Comparing their roasting and blending process to those of vintners the duo thoughtfully blend each of their roasts to pitch perfection in their 800 pound roaster. The end result, flavorful cups of cappuccino, lattes, espressos, drip coffees and the trendy pour overs. A carefully chosen selection of teas, for non-coffee drinkers, and assorted baked goods are available as well.  

North Fork Roasting Company | 55795 Main Rd | Southold

Little Creek Oyster Farm: You Shuck

Photos by David Korchin

Tucked behind a row of businesses that line Front Street and down a narrow alley called Bootleg Alley, sits a tiny shack known to the locals as The Bait Shop. The building has seen its share of history dating back to the 1800’s and could weave a tale of many a salty dog who drank, fought and passed the time there. Sticking to it’s historic roots, new owner, Ian Wile has opened the town’s first you shuck oyster joint, Little Creek Oyster Farm. Fresh oysters, harvested right from the Peconic Bay and served to you along with a glove, oyster holder and a quick 101 on shucking technique. Don’t worry, the choice to shuck or not to shuck is totally up to you, they’re more than happy to do the work for you.

Their daily menu board marks the oysters du jour with a nice selection of snacks, beer and wine. Whitewashed planking, wine barrel and communal tables make for an authentic, friendly atmosphere both inside and out. Be sure to check out their selection of t-shirts, Wm J Mills canvas bags and oyster shucking paraphernalia for souvenirs.

Little Creek Oyster Farm | Bootleg Alley | Greenport

Want to know more on local oysters? Check out our story on Pipe’s Cove Oysters.

PawPaw Pop-Up: Perfection

PawPaw is defined as a temperate fruit tree, native to eastern North America, but in Greenport, it’s meaning is being redefined by Chef Taylor Knapp’s new pop-up restaurant, PawPaw. His passion for food and foraging is making its mark and redefining dining on the North Fork.

It’s an event, a dining experience, that takes place just once a week with a communal table set to accommodate 16 guests. The menu is American and beyond inventive with items changing weekly adjusting to what can be sourced and foraged from the local farms, waters, woods, beaches and lakes.

Our dinner was held Monday, March 16th, the end of winter, taking inventive cooking to a whole new level. “I love this time of year. When there are so few things available it really pushes me creatively” Taylor said while pots of his Spice Bush tea simmered on the burners. Root vegetables that had been pickled or stored in root cellars, fruits dried or turned into jams, jellies and preserves, all mixed with the unexpected, making each dish so unique, yummy and memorable.

Go with a trusting palette and empty stomach. With 16 items on our menu I had little room left for the Beach Plum Jelly Donut I had been savoring since the first item, Carrot Salami, was served. Next time I’ll pace myself.

Located at Bruce and Son in Greenport. Reservations are a must.

PawPaw Pop Up  |  208 Main St  |  Greenport

1943 Pizza Bar

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All photos by David Korchin

A little over 6 years ago, Matt Michel, owner and pizza maker extraordinaire, started a business called Rolling in Dough, making and serving pizza out of a 1943, K-6 International Harvester, mobile pizza truck. Fast forward to 2014 and he’s now opened the 1943 Pizza Bar, named after his pizza truck, in Sterling Square, Greenport. The pint sized eatery accommodates up to 30 people with seating both inside and out and offers up a menu of tasty tidbits like marinated olives, crostini, garden greens and of course pizza.

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There’s a creative array of toppings including pulled pork, spicy fennel sausage, prosciutto, goat cheese, ricotta, carmelized onion, buttery mashed potatoes, arugula, basil pesto, and more. Take a seat, get it to go or plan a party using their unique catering services.

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1943 Pizza Bar | 308 Main Street in Sterling Square | Greenport

The Giving Room Juice Bar

 

Photos by David KorchinThe Giving Room, known for their yoga classes, art installations and charitable events and contributions to the community, has now added a Juice Bar and Health Food Shop to their creds.
 
The store carries an array of healthy, organic juices, smoothies, organic foods and cleansing packages. We go for "The Great Green", made with KK Haspel's spinach, kale, parsley, ginger, celery, dandelion and lemon. Others lay claim to "The What’s Up Doc", with carrot, apple and ginger. "The Flu Shot", with a blend of pineapple, lemon, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper and honey. And "The Sweet Heart", made with pineapple, cucumber, ginger, beet and apple.
 
Need more than one shot? Choose between a 3 or 5 day cleanse which include six healthy juices daily at a cost of $60 per day. Check out their menu options.
 
I’m a sucker for a smoothie and their Vitamix Smoothies are the best. The most popular, "The Yummy Smoothie" with vanilla protein, made with fresh-squeezed almond milk, bananas, strawberries and blueberries along with a vegetable-based protein powder and spinach. The name says it all.
 
The juice bar is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
 
 The Giving Room Juice Bar & Health Food Shop.

56215 Main Rd | Southold | (631) 765-6670

North Fork Food Truck

Photos by David KorchinFirst came The Lunch Truck, a food truck of sorts, parked in the parking lot of the North Fork Table and Inn serving up the best local fare to go. But Claudia Fleming, founder and owner of the NFT&I along with Chef Cindy Halloran put the pedal to the metal, taking their delectables on the road, with their new roaming truck called The North Fork Food Truck.
 

On a crisp Sunday afternoon we met up with Claudia in the parking lot of Bedell Cellars where they were busy setting up for that afternoon's lunch crowd and where we talked about their new venture. "We want to support and partner with the local businesses on the North Fork", says Claudia. "We had the truck in the Hamptons but we quickly found out it wasn't where we were suppose to be. It just didn't make sense for us to be there". So thankfully for us you can find them most Saturday mornings, serving up warm croissants and yummy breakfast sandwiches at 8 Hands Farm using the farms daily pick of fresh eggs. Or find them parked at the Greenport Harbor Brewery Company where the batter for their Fish and Chips comes straight from the brewery's tap. And on most Friday evenings find them at the McCall Ranch grilling up McCall grass fed, Charolais beef burgers. To keep track of their every move follow them on their Facebook page. It’s fun and definitely worth tracking them down.

Cliff's Elbow Room

Photos by David KorchinCliff’s Elbow Room has been grilling up their famous marinated steaks since 1958 and with a faithful following it’s no wonder there’s a need for two elbow’s, one located in Laurel and the other in Jamesport. Our favorite spot is at the bar in Jamesport where Nancy, the bartender, will gladly take your order and keep your glass filled. It's a true steak house who knows the meaning of a good steak served Black & Blue and where you can still get an order of clams casino or a shrimp cocktail. But if meat’s not your thing don’t worry, there’s a choice selection of local fish to satisfy your palate and keep you happy. Whichever Elbow you choose you’ll find a cozy retreat that'll make you feel like a local and warm your soul.

 1549 Main Rd | Jamesport | (631) 722-3292 | elbowroomli.com

Provisions + Ingredients

Photo by Joni RentzTucked in the little hamlet of Peconic on Peconic Lane is a store worthy of its name. Drop in to Provisions + Ingredients and you’ll be able to stock up on enough delectable goodies to prepare an artful dinner or grab some sandwiches and prepared foods to go. Artisanal and local are the two key ingredients to what stock the shelves at this tasty market, from local sausages and breads to imported pastas and olive oils. Paired with a nice bottle from their neighboring tasting room, The Winemaker Studio, and now you got something special!

2885 Peconic Lane | Peconic | (774) 641-7488 | Provisions and Ingredients on Facebook

Fork & Anchor

Photos by Joni RentzAngels Country Store now owned by Erin Fitzpatrick and Lucy Meullner, both transplanted New Yorkers, have rebranded their store, Fork & Anchor, creating a whole new vibe while remaining true to its origins. It’s still where locals arrive at 6am to grab their morning coffee, town bags, a pack of cigarettes or local newspaper. But the local news now shares the shelf with glossy magazines, t-shirts and bags are strung on a line for display and the new industrial shelves and refrigerators are now filled with local and imported food products along with a delicious line up of sandwiches and salads that can be boxed up for a vineyard or beach picnic. A refreshing facelift to a neighborhood favorite.

8955 Main Rd. | East Marion | (631) 477-3277 | forkandanchor.com

Lucharitos

Photos by David KorchinLucharitos en Greenport es muy fantástico. This "Little Fighter" located in a little spot on Main Street packs a punch with a tasty assortment of Burritos, Tacos, Nachos and daily specials. But this is no ordinary taco joint menu featuring BBQ Duck Nachos, Pulled Pork Tacos and Surf & Turf Burritos high on the list. The drink menu is fully stocked with a variety of Tequilas, Margaritas, Mojitos and the classic Sangria. The décor, colorful and festive with artwork lining the walls of comic like wrestlers. It’s hard not to find this place jumping along with the jukebox playing and the Margaritas pouring.

119 Main Street | Greenport | lucharitos.com

Jedediah Hawkins Restaurant

PHOTOS VIA LUCE+HAWKINSJedediah Hawkins is housed in the beautifully restored 1863 home of Captain Jedediah Hawkins now the Jedediah Hawkins Inn. It is by far one of the most unique dining experiences on the North Fork both in its atmosphere and its menu. Cozy rooms, outdoor terraces, hidden stairways all conjure up images of the buildings historic beginnings. The menu is a tribute to the regions riches using the most seasonal ingredients available and masterfully combining them to temp the taste buds. Casual, yet elegant it’s a perfect setting for a quick bite or to celebrate a momentous occasion. (Please note Luce & Hawkins is under the direction of a new chef. As of yet, this posting does not reflect the change in management).

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400 South Jamesport Ave | Jamesport | 631.722.2900 |  jedediahhawkinsinn.com

Aldo's Cafe

PHOTOS BY DAVID KORCHINFollow your nose or the signs of smoke billowing down Front Street to the home of Aldo’s Cafe. Aldo Maiorana, a Sicilian born Frenchman, first opened on the North Fork back in 1986 and has been roasting his own coffees ever since. Add his famous scones and biscotti to the mix and all we can say is..."heaven". The place is coffee house authentic down to the last drop with The San Franciscan roaster in the front window and mounds of burlap bags of coffee beans in the back. Can't live without Aldo's? Go to Aldo's website for your very own stash of coffee beans, scones and biscotti delivered right to your door.

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105 Front Street | Greenport | 631.477.6300 | Aldos

The Lunch Truck

PHOTOS BY DAVID KORCHINGet your lunch to go at North Fork Table and Inn's Lunch Truck, located in the rear of the restaurant's parking lot. Hidden behind the facade of a blue Ford pickup truck is a well stocked kitchen dishing out Artisan Frankfurters, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Lobster Rolls, desserts, drinks and more. All yummy! Open 7 days a week from 11:30-3:30.

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57225 Main Road | Southold | northforktableandinn.com

Vine Street Cafe

PHOTOS VIA VINE STREET CAFEA pleasant 5 minute ferry ride lands you on the oh so charming Shelter Island. Then another 5 minute drive takes you to the ever so charming Vine Street Cafe. With its simple, farm chic decor and its "pick anything its amazing" menu, makes this worthy of crossing a channel for. So really, try it all and let me know what you think.

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41 South Ferry Road | Shelter Island | 631.749.3210 | Vine Street Cafe

Noah's

PHOTO BY JONI RENTZA great new addition to Greenport that comes with delectable bit-sized portions. Since everything is so delicious on the menu it's a good thing chef Noah Schwartz decided on a tapas style menu. Go ahead, try a little bit of everything. Our favorites: the Crispy Tasmanian Red Crab Tacos, Gorgonzola Rosemary French Fries, Pulled Duck with Polenta, Warm Lobster Roll, Grilled Skirt Steak. And the Oysters, yum-me!

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136 Front Street | Greenport | 631.477.6720 | noah's

Salamander General Store

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINLocated on the main drag in Greenport sits a market and eatery whose kitchen is whipping up some of the best food in town. Try the Fish Tacos with pickled onions, shredded cabbage and spicy scallion sauce, and the not-to-miss Famous and Fabulous Fried Chicken (don't forget the Purple Coleslaw on the side). Tom Colicchio, North Fork resident, restaurateur and head Top Chef judge, names Salamander's chicken as one of his Top Picks in the May issue of Travel + Leisure. Take it to go or relax at a table in their cafe or bar.

GO FOR THE Fried Chicken, Purple Coleslaw and Lemonade

GOOD TO KNOW Plan ahead and order your Fried Chicken early on holiday weekends

38 Front Street | Greenport | 631-477-3711 | salamandersgreenport.com