September 20, 2022 Long Island ,NY
All last week, our mornings were cool and crisp and most gave way to warm sun filled days …one of the reasons why we enjoy Long Island at this time of year. This morning we woke to warmth and a touch of humidity…more like July than mid-September and I’m reminded of how quickly this summer flew by and how soon Autumn will be upon us. Although the leaves are 99.9% still green, I did notice a few harbingers on my morning walk.
In June, summer stretches out long and vast before us, full of promise and anticipation. I try not to hold expectations…but I do anticipate with excitement returning to Long Island. The Lovebugs are, of course, the best thing about our return, but summers here can be magical. Since our return from Montreal, we’ve enjoyed some lovely visits to the North Fork. There are few joys in life like driving east on Sound Avenue, heading to a favorite vineyard. We usually venture out mid-week to avoid (city folk) traffic, but we did spend a wonderful Sunday afternoon at Clovis Point Vineyards. This was our first visit post-Covid and it was perfick. Clovis Point holds an annual “Tapas in the Vineyard” event…it was super in every way.
We nibbled on a cheese sampler, crackers and fig jam while enjoying the music and dancing. So much fun.
We love that Clovis does not accept parties over six people, limos or busses. This is important to us…we prefer a relaxed, laid back experience.
Another vineyard fave is Croteaux. Any sunny day might find us in the car on our way to Southold, LI …home of Croteaux Vineyards. Croteaux is the only vineyard in the United States exclusively dedicated to producing rose’ wines. They have a saying ”Once you go pink, it’s all you’ll want to drink”. On a warm summer day, we agree. My favorite is ”Chloe” Sauvignon Blanc Rose’ followed closely by the Sparkling Merlot ’Cuve’e Rose’.
Lot’s of seating choices…out near the vines, under the shade trees…or in one of the barns. We love the piped in music too…a very eclectic mix…each day seems to have a different theme…we’ve enjoyed reggae, country, blues and on Bastille Day…classic French from the 1950s.
Before the pandemic, Palmer Vineyard in Riverhead was always a must visit destination, when we discovered that they were hosting ”Sunset Fridays” we said count us in! A Friday evening at Palmer is perfick in every way…low key, cool music, good food and great wine. Yes, perfick.
His selfie may be better…but I do have fun practicing 😊
I wish these photos could convey just how delightful this evening was.
Our forays out and about weren’t all about the wine… we enjoyed some really terrific meals…some of them at waterfront eateries featuring some spectacular sunsets.
We used to say that we live in a restaurant wasteland…prior to 2020 our hamlet only had a small pizza place and Chinese take out. We are so fortunate to now have two new lovely eateries. Here we have Tim enjoying a burger at Drifters Kitchen and Bar. The hand cut french fries are to die for and oh my…the flatbreads!
Our other delightful option is Lucia…Salvadoran food and terrific Margaritas.
Jedidiah Hawkins Inn is one of our favorite go to restaurants … it’s not waterfront but it’s a wonderful property, with exceptional service and great food.
La Plage Restaurant in Wading River offers beautiful Long Island sound views along with yummy seafood and delicious cocktails.
View Restaurant is located on the South Shore in Oakdale – on the Connetquot river. One of my favorite foods in the entire universe of food is their Thai Calamari. I first tasted it about 15 years ago and we almost always order it. It’s an enormous appetizer.
Another South Shore delight is Lombardi’s on the Bay in Patchogue. Once again we timed our dessert to coincide with sunset on the Great South Bay.
So we love Wave Kitchen at Danfords in Port Jefferson…but they did away with valet parking during Covid and parking is always a problem …our work around is to arrive around 2:00 -2:30 pm…the sweet spot between lunch and dinner.
We have so many favorites that we only tried one new restaurant this summer…Fortinos in Greenport. As you can see, we had another beautiful day…but unless you look closely, you might miss the fact that it was beyond windy.
We’d requested a table on the dock…clearly that was not to be.
We love this new addition to the Greenport food scene… the menu is eclectic Mediterranean seafood.
I stepped outside to snap the sunset and was nearly swept off the end of the dock…no lie.
Weather not withstanding, we have a new favorite in Greenport and hope to return soon.
Last but not least I’ll include some pics of us with the family at La Buena Vida…love the Paella♥️
I had fun recapping some of our favorite summer places…thanks for following along.
