(This article first appeared in the December 6, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)
Wanting to switch out your traditional coffee for something on the sweeter side? How about a cup of rich, hot chocolate?
National Hot Cocoa Day is on December 13, but it’s never too early, or too late, to celebrate. Here are five spots across the East End to savor every sip.
Hampton Coffee Company never disappoints. What would the holidays be without its Peppermint Hot Chocolate? Deliciously homemade hot chocolate with natural peppermint syrup and topped with Instagram-worthy whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and peppermint candy pieces. http://www.hamptoncoffeecompany.com.
Located inside Harbor Books, Dobra Tea loves to whip up creativity as the seasons change. Stop in for the Chocolate Chai made with locally-sourced honey, almond milk, and homemade whipped cream. Located at 20 Main Street in Sag Harbor, visit http://www.harborbookssgh.com/dobra-tea.
North Fork Roasting Company is a great option for its comfortable chairs and ever-growing food menu. But when the days become shorter try a roast to boast — cocoa beans! For a kick add in a shot of espresso, it’ll taste like chocolate-covered coffee beans. Located at 55795 Main Road in Southold, visit http://www.noforoastingco.com.
Aldo’s Café boasts a dark hot chocolate — as a must-have to warm up. Located at 103-105 Front Street in Greenport, visit http://www.aldos.com for more.
Marie Eiffel Market on Shelter Island has a cocoa that’s whipped up like a latte — only this cup contains chocolatey goodness! The water views and Christmas lights surrounding this year-round location make it picturesque for sipping. Located at 184 North Ferry Road on Shelter Island, visit http://www.marieeiffelmarket.com.
Get ready for 28 new flavors to add to your foodie bucket list!
The number 28 was originally inspired by a blog documenting my Golden Birthday Adventure. This number transitioned into an entire series on how to live life to the fullest. After Springing to Action comes a more concise post about my true passion- FOOD! They say don’t go shopping when you’re hungry, so I’ll advise the same warning: Do not read the below on an empty stomach.
Strollo’s Lighthouse is a soft serve Italian ice spot with several locations in New Jersey. As with any experience, I went to ‘the original’ in Long Branch. All the flavors were tempting but I went for the Strawberry, Pistachio & Peanut Butter combo!
Myself & Friend at Strollo’s
American Whiskey is a whiskey aficionado’s dream! A New York Sour or Old Fashioned done right, there’s no messing around here- you’ll be tempted to drink yourself back to college days. To [slightly] sober up eat their classic burger or butcher steak. Simple in design, memorable in flavor.
Vauxhall, in Huntington, had the largest warm pretzel I had ever seen. With Ale Mustard Cheddar Dip and Espelette House Mustard (just enough spice!) the entire thing was gone in minutes. I paired that with their original Vauxhall Stout (GUINNESS, VANILLA VODKA, SAIL AWAY COLD BREW), a sure fire way to ensure a returning customer!
Verde Kitchen in Bayshore’s town is great for some quality T&T- taco’s and tequila! Pulpo taco and Pomegranate Margarita were the top favorites (so many options, so short a lunch break).
The Lake House, also in Bay Shore but on the water, provided a Roasted Berkshire Pork Chop worth salivating over. Green Apple, Yam, Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Gratin, Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette, Cranberry Mostarda- it’s fall freshness in your mouth (though, technically I had it in summer).
Bay Kitchen, in East Hampton, though closed until May 2018, had a $1 oyster happy hour. Right on the water, the shells were ripe for the picking.
Serafina’s location in East Hampton was a popular spot for a Saturday night. I’d been to the locations in NYC but this was a first. The ALLA NORCINA & 4 STAGIONI personalized size pizza pies were perfecto!
Caliente, an inaugural Hamptons event to benefit Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Food Bank and OLA of Eastern Long Island, was an evening of delectables!
Estias Sag Harbor is a quaint local spot right off the Bridge-Sag Turnpike. Freshness you almost wouldn’t believe (if you haven’t been yet). You’ll likely see the owner Colin Ambrose around as well- who can take the best Instagram food photo?
Estia’s Cole Combo
SagTown Coffee reopened this summer 2017 after months of renovation. The newly inventive draft latte made with cold brew espresso is nothing short of a caffeinated miracle. Read more about the reopening, along with other caffeine spots, here.
SagTown Coffee with owner Shane Dyckman
Cowfish in Hampton Bay’s has a great outdoor bar aside from a lofty inside. The iron skillet cookie is every bit of sugary sweetness one could ask for.
Isola is a fresh take on an old space in the Historic District of Shelter Island. Every dish tied into the next in a distinctive flow of flavors. Read my full review here.
With Isola Owner Brad Kitkowski & Chef Seth Nathan
Over to Jackson Wyoming….
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is the quintessential bar in Jackson, Wyoming. Technically, I didn’t eat here and drinking at that elevation (6,200FT) with acute altitude sickness was ill-advised. However, I’m adding it to the list because it’s an absolute must-see in town!
Cowboy Coffee, a few steps away and sticking to the theme, has a list of food items with suitable names to lure in tourists (it worked for me). Try the Cow Puncher of turkey, cheddar cheese, red peppers, banana peppers, lettuce and mayo on their outside deck as you people watch. Don’t forget a cup of coffee!
The Outside of Cowboy Coffee
Picnic and Persephone are two individualized coffeehouses I wanted to group together because of their unique personalities. Picnic is more of a locals spot whereas Persephone is in the main town. Grab some coffee, a pastry or a light lunch and take in what the area has to offer. Picnic also serves alcohol, best of both worlds.
Coffee & Breakfast Bread from Picnic
Bin22 is a tapas bar in the back of what appears to be just a wine store. After you’ve navigated through the endless bottles, sit outdoors and try the housepulled mozzarella or grilled snake river wagyu steak- you will thank me. I’m hungry just remembering it!
The Housepulled Mozzarella at Bin22
Chicken Fry benefiting the Wilson Fire Department. It’s an entire fundraiser [hosted by the fire fighters themselves] revolved around frying chicken in the woods. Tin garbage cans filled with the stuff. Dozens of them. Add in some ‘sloshies’ to the mix (a heavily infused alcoholic slushie that apparently I never knew about here on the East Coast) and you’ve got a good ol’ country time!
Buckets of Fried Chicken at the Chicken Fry
Back home to the North Fork….
Little Creek Oysters paired with Greenport Harbor Brewery, a delicious combination. I shucked my first oyster at this little establishment on the docks, hidden in the back with Bait & Tackle written above. Every week they feature an original Greenport Brew (O.G.). My personal favorite (after visiting the 2nd brewery location in Peconic) was the Black Duck Porter beer. For a full review on the pairing read here.
Oysters and Brews at Little Creek
Claudio’s in Greenport holds title as the oldest single-family run restaurant in the United States. Go for the lobster, anything else seems uncharacteristic. Thirsty? Try the Sangria or Prohibition Lemonade.
My Father With His Lobster at Claudios
Bruce & Son is situated for ideal people watching in town. Sad to say, the deliciousness I consumed no longer seems to be on the menu- Duck Hash- duck leg confit, potato, shallot, frisée, chive blossom, citrus, fried duck egg & toast. Hopefully it makes a reappearance!
Duck Hash at Bruce & Sons
Noah’s is a culinary masterpiece on the North Fork. Its farm to table restaurant boasts unique savories such as Goat Cheese Stuffed Squash Bottoms and Crescent Farm Duck BBQ (the polenta cheese, mmmmmm). Keep an eye out for Noah’s on the Go- a food truck with its own dishes (loaded steak fries, just say yes).
Loaded Fries From Noahs On The Road Chef Justin Schwartz
Luncharitos for some East End T&T! Shrimp taco’s, strawberry margaritas. Enough said.
Taco’s from Luncharitos
Industry Standard switches up the menu constantly, so it’s hard to make a suggestion if it’s not on the menu a week later. That in mind, go for the atmosphere, the revolving flavors and a bartender that mentally transports you to the East Village.
The Giving Room is both yoga studio and health center in Southold. Their juices are guaranteed to give you the immunity boost you need- plus they’re delicious! Check out more here.
The Giving Room Juices With Owner Paula DiDonato
North Fork Roasting Company gives another kind of boost- caffeine- and only steps away from The Giving Room. While all of their drinks prove better than any Starbucks, their breakfast Waffle Egg Sammy is a home run hit. And make sure to say hello to the resident dog, Sinatra, who’s on most of the NoFoRoCo gear.
Iced Chai & Waffle Sammy from NoFoRoCo
Love Lane Kitchen on Love Lane in Mattituck is the perfect breakfast nook (but they serve lunch & dinner too). For people watching, for a local feel and for filling plates. I’d recommend a meal but let’s go with the generic ‘gotta try them all.’
That’s the roundup of my Summer of Food. May your bellies be full and your taste buds satisfied.
Until next time [check back for 28 Reasons to FALL]- In Omnia Paratus!
