Long Island Restaurant Week Returns

Who doesn’t love an affordable meal at a top restaurant? How about an eight-day week of special offers at Long Island’s best eateries, including some great dining in the Hamptons?

The 6th Annual Fall Long Island Restaurant Week runs Sunday, November 6 through Sunday, November 13.

Here’s the deal: a special three-course $24.95 prix fixe dinner is offered by all participating restaurants. The prix fixe runs all night, except Saturday, when it is offered until 7 p.m. only. Each prix fixe is unique to the particular restaurant, so you get a taste of what these very different chefs are up to. It’s a wonder-filled opportunity to check out new places and re-visit old faves. This event is like chocolate to treat-or-treaters—it’s POPULAR—so you’ll want to make your reservations as soon as possible. [expand]

This year there are more than 200 restaurants participating—more than 30 on the East End, including many of my favorites. Love it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Ah yes, if I ate out every night of Fall Restaurant Week it might break down something like this:

Sunday, Comtesse Therese Bistro in Aquebogue. I’d go with my husband because it’s so romantic, French even. But he likes it too, doesn’t find it too girly. It’s where he first began to embrace eating what he calls “killer snails.” This is the only restaurant attached to a winery on Long Island. Pairing local wines with local foods? Good stuff.

Monday, hmmm, I’d go to Matsulin in Hampton Bays because—somehow—I haven’t had the pleasure yet. They offer “Japanese, Chinese and Asian” dishes. A friend who says she’s “not a fish person” LOVED their food.

Tuesdays are always stressful because this is the day we have to get the week’s paper out to the printer. I could relax at the Jamesport Manor Inn. My husband and I could gaze out at the idyllic horse barn across the way or at the latest art exhibit on the walls of the Rosalie Dimon Gallery, on the second floor.

I just ate at the Cooperage Inn in Baiting Hollow recently, so that’s covered. (Try the cakes!)

That Wednesday I have appointments at the John Dillon Salon in Southampton to get my beauty on. (Waxing, massage, facial, mani- pedi.) So I could plan to get gorgeous and then go to Rumba in Hampton Bays. I’d have my husband meet me there. If he didn’t recognize me I’d know that my facialist Angelina had worked her special magic. I haven’t been to Rumba yet—sounds like a fun scene.

Thursday is a great day to take off and head to the North Fork. After a day of glorious wine tasting I’d head to Legends Restaurant in New Suffolk. I’ve never been there but our “summer foodie intern” Arianna Johnson spoke very highly of it. It’s good to take a non-drinker along on an outing like this, provided he or she drives.

That Friday I have a hair appointment with my beloved stylist Marc Zowine. Where would I most like to show off my hot hair? Hmmm, maybe La Plage. Maybe more people I know (people who rarely see me on good hair days) could be found at the Publick House in Southampton…Oh, that’s just silly—I’d like to revisit Amarelle in Wading River. No one knows me there and that’s cool. The food, the presentation, the service is spot-on.

I could feel like getting away after the workweek. I’ve often felt like checking out Mirabelle in Stony Brook. This would be just the week to do that. I could have some old friends meet us there. We’d have to be in and out on the early side because this is the night the special prix fixe ends at 7 p.m. That’s all good—we’d need to hit the road to get back east.

Sunday would find me and my husband and son at Luce & Hawkins at the Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Jamesport. I’m not saying I’m “saving the very best for last.” I am saying L+H is great and I’d do it last so…draw your own conclusions. And say “HI!” to resident wine genius Michael Kaminski for me whenever you’re there. Chef Keith Luce will be far too busy to chat, for sure.

I’m VERY tempted to try some of the many restaurants participating “UpIsland,” as we say. I just can’t face a long ride home, especially during the week. Maybe next year I’ll find a nice place to stay, after finding a nice place to eat…Long Island Hotel Week, anyone?

Long Island Restaurant Week is presented by WordHampton Public Relations, the creators of Hamptons Restaurant Week. For a complete list of participating restaurants and reservation information, visit: www. longislandrestaurantweek.com