Briermere Farms

4414 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-722-3931 

The standard-bearer. The traffic stopper. The lines of cars prove that people truly do come from east and west for a chance to take home a Briermere Farms pie. Apple, pumpkin and pecan are late-fall favorites.  

Schmitt’s

3355 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-983-6565

“Holy Schmitt’s” isn’t a reaction reserved for the fourth-generation family farm’s next-level horseradish. Guests will say the same (or similar) about the caramel apple nut pie made with fruit fresh-picked from Schmitt’s orchard. Pre-order pies by phone or at the farm stand. 

Lombardi’s Love Lane Market

170 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-9500

Local apple, pumpkin and pecan pies are among the options. But the most popular choice, the “fruit of the forest,” takes the fork in the road (or on the table) less traveled. It’s a sweet-meets-tangy mix of berries, pear and apples.

The Cooperage Inn

2218 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow, 631-727-8994

Cooperage Inn is known for its pot pies, but don’t sleep on the baked desserts. Key lime, coconut cream and pumpkin cream are some of the crowd pleasers, and you can grab a pot pie while you’re at it. Pre-order and pick up at Cooperage and its sister store, NoFo Pot Pies (11160 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-548-7437), on Thanksgiving. 

See more on northforker.com

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1. Create core memories 

Get a head start on autumn activities at Harbes Orchard (5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-683-8388), which offers 27 varieties of apples ripe for the picking. Learn more at harbesfamilyfarm.com.

4. Grammy-winning guitarist at The Suffolk 

Larry Carlton will take The Suffolk (118 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4343) stage with his mix of jazz, blues and rock on Sept. 19. To nab tickets and read more about his generationally acclaimed hits, go to thesuffolk.org. 

6. ‘Tis the sea-son 

The East End Seaport Museum puts on its 35th Annual Maritime Festival in Greenport Village where, from Sept. 20 to 21, you can dive into sea-centric activities like the always fun Merfolk Parade, kayak races, cardboard ship regatta and street fair, plus music and local food and drink. And don’t miss the chance to put on your dancing shoes for the annual Land and Sea Gala on Sept. 12 at Safe Harbor Greenport Marina. Info for both events is at eastendseaport.org.

8. A shindig on Sound Avenue  

Folk arts and agricultural heritage are at the forefront at the Hallockville Country Fair at Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-298-5292) on Sept. 27 and 28. For details, visit hallockville.org. 

The post Fun things to do in September in Riverhead and the North Fork appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Fill up on fun and meet the faces behind the operations on the self-guided 19th Annual North Fork Foodie Tour, set for Sunday, Sept. 7. 

“It’s like a house tour,” says Ellen Zimmerman, chairman on the event. “But the places you will be visiting will be places that produce food in one way or another, or something food related.”

For $30 for adults and free for kids, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can visit and learn about nearly 20 different locations presented by the North Fork Reform Synagogue.

Plus, five different speakers stationed at Charnews Farm (3005 Youngs Ave., Southold) will be teaching about their respective industries and roles. 

Gail Watson, local chef, nutritionist and food writer plans to put on cooking demonstrations and tastings at Golden Acres Organic Farm (625 Peconic Bay Blvd., Jamesport) from 11 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 2 p.m.

At the end of the day organizers will auction off gift certificates to some of the North Fork spots. 

The celebration of fresh flavors on the North Fork will feature the following retuning locations:

• Lavender by the Bay Calverton (47 Manor Road, Calverton)
• Farrm Wines (156 Youngs Ave., Baiting Hollow)
• Red Barn Farm (1857 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow)
• Goodale Farms (250 Main Road, Riverhead)
• 1760 Homestead Farm (5412 Sound Ave., Riverhead)
• Mattituck Mushrooms (6960 Sound Ave., Mattituck)
• Borghese Vineyard (18150 Middle Road, Cutchogue)
• Disset Chocolate (28080 Main Road, Cutchogue)
• 8 Hands Farm (4735 Cox Lane, Cutchogue)
• Breeze Hill Farm (31215 County Road 48, Peconic)
• Catapano Dairy Farm (33705 County Road 48, Peconic)
• Greenport Harbor Brewing Company (234 Carpenter St., Greenport)
• Sweet Woodland Farm (3005 Youngs Ave., Southold)
• North Fork Flower Farm (48455 Middle Road, Southold)
• KK’s the Farm (59945 Main Road, Southold)
• Matchbook Distilling (230 Corwin St., Greenport)

The new additions for the 2025 event include:

• Golden Acres Organic Farm (652 Peconic Bay Blvd., Riverhead)
• Pendleton’s Harvest Moon Farm (5558 Sound Ave., Riverhead)
• Little Ram Oyster Co. (61600 Main Road, Southold)

Many of the foodies taking the tour return year after year.

“I think what they like is meeting the people who are responsible for the location,” says Ms. Zimmerman. “Meeting the farmers and vendors and people who make the chocolate and learning from them, what they do. Sort of getting that behind-the-scenes tour.”

To get tickets click here and check in at any of the listed locations. 

The post North Fork foodie tour: faces and flavors appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Riverhead

Paleteria Mexicandy

221 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-591-0226, paleteriamexicandy.com

Owner Christopher Aguilar is a Riverhead local with Mexican heritage, which he brings to his handmade popsicles and ice cream in traditional flavors like mango, tamarind and horchata. 

Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe

1148 W. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4394, snowflakeicecream.com

Open since 1953, Snowflake is the OG of homemade ice cream on the North Fork, famous for a stellar selection made with local fruit. Check out unique flavors like Peconic Swamp Thing and Black Magic Woman; soft serve ice cream is also available, as is sorbet in the summer. 

Dari-Land

51 Main Road, Riverhead, 631-727-0220

For 72 years, this busy shop has been a great stop for a cone on the way to or from Riverhead. Look for Hershey ice cream with tons of toppings, soft-serve cones, froyo and shakes.

Mattituck

Magic Fountain

9825 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-4908, magicfountainlongisland.com

Since 1977, Magic Fountain has attracted long lines for their house-made ice cream in novel flavors like sweet corn, coconut avocado and Dubai chocolate. And don’t miss the flying saucers (in six packs) or ice cream cakes.

North Fork Chocolate

8700 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-779-2963, northforkchocolate.com

If you’re a chocolate purist, North Fork Chocolate has made-on-premises flavors by chef/owner Steve Amaral. Ice cream flights, milkshakes, floats and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are highlights

Southold

Country Corner Café

55765 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-6766, countrycornersouthold.com

This luncheonette offers over 30 Hershey ice cream flavors, like the popular Moose Tracks and Cappuccino Crunch, milkshakes, banana splits, brownie sundaes and an array of ice cream cakes. Open late during the season. 

Greenport

Greenport Creamery

142 Main St., Greenport, 631-333-2818, greenportcreamery.com

This family-run business (formerly Sandpiper) has homemade ice cream with fresh ingredients, frozen yogurt, Italian ices, non-dairy ice cream and cakes made to order. 

Amazing Flavors

216 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-5042, amazingflavors.online

This little shop across from the North Fork Arts Center is a good stop for sundaes, shakes or cones, with a nice selection of coffee and teas (there’s even a Brooklyn egg cream on the menu) and lots of arcade games for kids to play while the adults chill in the outdoor seating area.

Shelter Island

Tuck Shop

75 N. Menantic Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-5939 

The Tuck Shop is an island fave for coffee, sundaes (try the Mashomack S’mores Sundae), ice cream cakes and pints to go. Open late during the season. 

Whale’s Tale

3 Ram Island Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-1839, shelterislandwhalestale.com

Whale’s Tale has an 18-hole mini golf run, arcade games and a full complement of ice cream, frozen yogurt, cannoli, smoothies, cakes and pies, and a patio to enjoy it all al fresco. 

The post The North Fork’s best shops for a cold, tasty treat appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Owner Mike Dzanoucakis grew up in Queens and has been in the restaurant business for 30 years; he and his father opened the original Hampton Gyro in Hampton Bays in 2018.

“We offer a fusion of Greek and American food,” Mr. Dzanoucakis said, noting that Hampton Gyro’s fast casual style provides quality food quickly and consistently. The restaurant’s motto (posted on the wall of the restaurant) is “Greek Favorites, American Classics.” 

The restaurant serves Greek specialties like gyros, souvlaki, spinach pie and avgolemono soup, along with platters, wraps and pitas. American classics like burgers, hot dogs, salads, grilled cheese and grilled chicken sandwiches are on the menu as well. A variety of Greek desserts like baklava and kouroumbiedes (powdered cookies) should not be passed up, and beer and wine are also available.

“We do catering also,” Mr. Dzanoucakis said, with trays of appetizers, mains and salads available for office parties, meetings and get-togethers. Customers can choose from three different catering packages based on the number of guests. 

But most of Hampton Gyro’s customers are in and out quickly, and takeout is a large part of their business. “We don’t have waitress service,” Mr. Dzanoucakis said. “People are not sitting down for a meal as much.” Customers may order online and get delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Mr. Dzanoucakis has been pleased with Riverhead’s response to Hampton Gyro. “This is a nice community—they’ve been very welcoming to us,” he said. “We’re excited to be here.”

Hampton Gyro is open Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The post Hampton Gyro brings fast gyros and burgers to Riverhead appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

This beloved bready treat got its start when European monks twisted dough into the shape of a pair of crossed arms, the traditional posture for prayer at the time. The ingredients for these pretzels — flour, salt, and water — meant that they were an acceptable item during lent, which prohibited dairy, eggs and meat during the Middle Ages. 

In the 1700s, German immigrants brought pretzels to the United States when they emigrated to Pennsylvania, and Julius Sturgis built the first hard pretzel factory there in 1861. This change from a soft to a hard consistency allowed the snack to be mass produced and also meant it lasted much longer when stored in an airtight container. According to pretzels.com, the birthplace of the hard pretzel continues to lead the nation in pretzel production: Pennsylvania manufactures 80% of the 1.2 billion dollar industry in the United States.

Whether your tastes tend towards flavored, chocolate covered, or traditional, be sure to celebrate the twisted history of the pretzel this weekend.

The post In a twist: April 26 is national pretzel day! appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The new restaurant and bar will be re-opening, possibly by Memorial Day weekend, as the fourth in a chain of Long Island bar/restaurants called the Village Idiot Pub, with outposts in Patchogue, Lake Grove and Oakdale. The Riverhead branch will be called Village Idiot Pub on the 19th Tee, according to John Sarno, one of the owners of the restaurant chain.

“The place has crazy potential to be a busier place,” Mr. Sarno said of the new spot. “It’s a no brainer. There is untapped potential there.”

Mr. Sarno and partners Tim Kelly and Mike Krohn are banking on their unique brand of hospitality and entertainment to draw in new customers as well as previous patrons. He said Kenny’s regulars will likely see some familiar faces behind the bar and around the restaurant, as he intends to keep “most” of the staff from Kenny’s, as well as bringing in new people, including a new manager.

“He apparently had a very good staff,” Mr. Sarno said of previous tenant Kenny Sawler, adding that he’ll be meeting with everyone on the staff.           

It remains unclear why Kenny’s on the Green closed abruptly earlier this month, even as bands were scheduled to play at the venue throughout spring and summer 2024. Mr. Sawler, an electrician by trade who grew up in Riverhead and opened Kenny’s in the fall of 2021, declined a request for comment.

Mr. Sarno said that besides weekly specials, the menu at the new restaurant will be the same as the other three VIP locations. The new Riverhead outpost will have a space for private parties and offer catering services.

The new owners are also planning for entertainment, including live music, bingo and trivia nights and plenty of new TVs in the bar area.

Mr. Sarno said a significant renovation will begin this week, including replacing the roof and gutters and tearing out the main entrance, across from the pro shop. The place will also be repainted, inside and out.

“We’re going to rip out that front part, which is where Kenny’s main entrance was and replace it with brand new decking.” The space will be repainted as well, inside and out.

The partners are also planning to bring in string lights, fire pits, Adirondack chairs and cornhole targets for the patio area.  

Mr. Sarno said his team is also planning to cater to golfers on the course.

“We’ll have our own group of idiots in golf carts out serving food and drinks.”

The post Colorful new pub on tap at Indian Island golf course appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Starting on Saturday, Nov. 11, the market located at 139 Main Road in Riverhead will run every Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. through the end of the year.

It will include over 40 local farm, food, beverage, and craft vendors including Sang Lee Farms, Aki’s Kitchen, Catapano Dairy Farm, Milla’s Puffs, Sweet Woodland Farm and many others.

East End Food Market is a project of the Southampton-based nonprofit, East End Food, which helps connects local farmers and producers with the community to promote sustainable food systems. They have been working on renovating the 5,000 square-foot building which was the former Homeside Florist & Greenhouses, which closed in 2018. The popular winter market opened at the site in November 2021. 

The project is estimated to cost $3 million. As of this July, when they held their groundbreaking to begin construction on the project dubbed East End Food Hub, they had secured over $1.3 million in grants and private donations towards the project. They also recently announced the receipt of a $250,000 grant award. The grant added momentum to their goal to raise $600,000 by the end of the year. They have currently raised $63,820 towards that goal.

Shopping the market provides a great opportunity to get a sneak peek at the construction progress at East End Food Hub. The construction will provide space for a farmers market, demonstration spaces for nutrition education, a shared community kitchen, a food processing area and warehouse as well as cold storage for aggregation and distribution of locally sourced food. Kate Fullam, East End Food’s Executive Director, will host hub tours on select Saturdays in November and December where the community is invited to visit the site and learn about plans for the facility as a center for aggregation, processing and distribution of local food. Those interested can view the full tour schedule and reserve a spot at eastendfood.org/food-hub.

“East End Food Hub is a significant step in our mission to support local farmers and producers and we’re so excited to share what we’ve been working on and invite everyone to be part of our vision for a more sustainable regional food system,” Ms. Fullam said.

For a full list of vendors and more information visit eastendfood.org

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On July 13, the restaurateur behind the ever-expanding Lucharitos brand opened Burgercade, an inexpensive American eatery with old-school video games at 87 East Main St. While renovating that space, he kept another property in his back pocket: 131 West Main St., a property with a two-story structure just a stone’s throw north of the Peconic River, which he purchased last year. The building previously housed the offices of family law attorneys Schaub & Daly, LLP.

The name and offerings of the restaurant that will occupy that space remain a secret — even to Mr. LaMaina himself. No matter what cuisine he ultimately decides to serve, its success will be a roll of the dice.

“Any energy we put into downtown Riverhead takes away from a product that we know works, Lucharitos,” Mr. LaMaina said with his wife, Jennifer, at his side. “We have a new project in Mineola, a project in Ronkonkoma, both Lucharitos. The margin works, our standard operating procedures are all set in stone, we have a team that knows Lucharitos. Everything else that we do is a risk, a gamble.”

“We love taking risks, we’re risk takers,” Ms. LaMaina added. “Failure only makes you stronger.”

Before he unveiled Burgercade, Mr. LaMaina filled the same downtown space, formerly a diner,  with LuchaCubano, a Cuban eatery. Within 11 months, that venture went belly-up, and Cuban sandwiches gave way to $5.55 cheeseburgers. According to the restaurateur himself, this second chance is already proving more successful.

“Burgercade, we’ve been open [less than] six months and we broke even,” Mr. LaMaina said. “That’s a celebration for me because I’m not in downtown Riverhead to make money. I’m in downtown Riverhead so my kids can go somewhere downtown and have fun. It sounds corny, but it’s true. Anything we’re doing right now in Riverhead and Aquebogue is not for the money.”

Although they do not yet know what food they will serve, the couple have a vision for the new restaurant, which will rise diagonally across from Griffing Hardware. Last Thursday, Mr. LaMaina received a setback variance from Riverhead Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals to construct a wraparound deck on the west side of  the property. 

“We’re looking to renovate the building … bring it back to life [and] turn it into a hustling, bustling restaurant with 33 indoor seats [and] 60 seats outside,” Mr. LaMaina told the ZBA members last week..

“We’re going to bring a riverfront restaurant to downtown Riverhead focusing on the outdoor riverscape,” he said in an interview after the meeting. “My wife has her day care here, we have three children that go to school in Riverhead, so we’re invested in Riverhead. We want Riverhead to work, not just to make money, but to bring places where families can go, have moments, experiences.”

“And memories,” Ms. LaMaina added.

The post Marc LaMaina developing restaurant with outdoor experience in downtown Riverhead appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

“You can’t hope for better than this,” she said Sunday.

Ms. Weiss said that weather is “50% of the stress” leading up to the annual chalk art festival held each Memorial Day weekend.

The festival was inspired by artists in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy, where an annual street painting competition draws chalk artists from all over the world.

Ms. Weiss said that nearly three decades ago, her predecessors at East End Arts thought, “why not bring that to Riverhead?

“And after 27 years — as you can see — it’s just getting bigger and bigger.”

Ms. Weiss was thrilled with Sunday’s turnout.

“It’s amazing. There’s just so many people of all different ages having fun, some serious artists who are doing amazing things you could never imagine could happen in chalk, lots of smiles [and] lots of vendors. Just a really fun, fun day.”

She said the festival is a favorite for residents and visitors alike.

“People keep coming down and telling me they love Riverhead like this and they wish this happened more than once a year.”

She gave a shoutout to some of her “serious chalk artists,” many of whom return year after year: Ryan, Melissa, Zooey, Chrissy, Summer Paul, Jack, C.C. and Greta among others.

Ms. Weiss said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was held virtually.

“It was really important to the team here to keep the spirit of that alive,” she said. “Chalk was sent out to people who participated, and they did [mosaics] in their driveways or on their sidewalks or on the streets in front of their houses. There was still a festival, it’s just that everybody stayed home and submitted [mosaics] through videos and photos.”

At the end of the day, the beauty is fleeting: the colorful chalk art mosaics are no match for traffic and weather.

“They go pretty fast,” Ms. Weiss said. “When the street reopens and the cars come back you can actually see clouds of chalk in the beginning, which is kind of fun. Then the rain will take away the rest.”

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