"Le Soir-A French Countryside Eatery Hidden In The Heart Of Bayport"

February 16, 2017 Rich at Definitely Delish

Driving through Bayport one could be excused for missing completely the precious little gem hidden on the roadside—and the amazing French fine dining experience it contains..

Nestled behind a hedgerow, with both building and sign almost invisible to a quickly passing motorist, lies a quaint cottage style house that not long ago underwent a complete remodel & refurbishment into an even more eye pleasing and beautiful establishment then before..

As far as French restaurants are concerned, Long Island is sadly lacking but the few spots that do grace our shores are blessed to be helmed by true blue francophiles such as "Chef Michaël"

Originally from Limon, France in the heart of that wonderful region that blesses the world with the luscious red wine from which it was named—Burgundy, and which bestowed on the world two of Frances famous dishes-Coq Au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon..

Chef and Co-Owner Michaël Kaziewicz and his wife Janis have owned this authentic French bistro since 1977. It is a testament to their skill, hard work and love for French cuisine that they deliver tasty, truly excellent, food "as advertised" time and time again for diners night in and night out..

From the moment you enter the light, open, airy restaurant with its white walls, white tablecloths, soft lighting and tasteful decorative accents you get a sense and come to realize that this is not some stuffy, haute French restaurant but is instead, very much so, a little comfortable French country cottage that doesn't give in to fads..

Value for your money, taste, freshness are what's important in "Le Soir"—so don't expect minuscule portions or tiny towers of artfully assembled ingredients that barely resemble food..

This is classic French countryside cuisine with depths of flavor and only the freshest of ingredients..

For this evenings affair we tried a little bit of several dishes and desserts, just to be sure—at least that's what I'm telling my over satisfied belly as I write..

Everything was superb and I wish I had room and time to try everything—but suffice it to say, there is more than an ample mix of dishes to choose from..

From the very authentic pate's, sweetbreads and escargot that not every guest accompanying you might enjoy—to the plethora of dishes such as steak au poivre, chicken fricassée, sautéed lobster, rack of lamb and duck with orange sauce (to name a few) which are sure to please nearly any guest in your party..

Wine selection was plentiful and well priced for the average diner with enough options for the truly special occasions when you desire to go all out without care for cost..

Follow that with excellent coffee (always a must for me) and delectable desserts, and this is one dining experience you don't want to miss..

"Le Soir" is a restaurant that is worth your time and money to try—even if the idea of French cuisine lies outside of your comfort zone. Because this fine French comfort food is most assuredly, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Trumpets on the Bay-For A Romantic Meal On The East End"

August 23, 2016 Rich at Definitely Delish

Living on an island like we do, here in New York, rewards us with a nearly unending assortment of beautiful dining options to choose from—and this is one of them...

"Trumpets on the Bay" is located in the charming town of Eastport, and about halfway to the Hamptons, right along the edge of Seatuck Cove & Moriches Bay—this lovely restaurant offers you magnificent water views and impeccable service by the polite, well dressed staff...

This "special occasion" restaurant lures romantics not only with the stunning seaside scenery but also with the fine American-Continental cuisine—which I happened to just adore...

Though its one me and my Baby don't get to quite as often since moving west to the Great South Bay area, it is still a wonderful restaurant to enjoy on a weekend excursion with your sweetheart—afterwards, especially if you stop in for Sunday Brunch, you can stroll through a few of the antique stores and boutiques in town for a little shopping or, better yet, take a short drive west to Moriches and enjoy discovering all of the interesting odds and ends inside of the "Barntique Village"

*"Perfectly Prepared Lobster & Desserts"*

Regardless of whether you're going to shop, head east to "Duckwalk Vineyard" or just go in for a meal—you will not be disappointed...

From seaside favorites such as whole Lobster, Halibut Veracruz (with jalapeño, wine & avocado) and Striped Bass with Confetti Rice or Grass Fed Filet, Hampton Salad (with bleu cheese, pine nuts & raspberry vinaigrette) and the Chef's Pasta du Jour—the menu might be smaller than some but there's more than enough options for any guest to choose from and each dish I've tried has always come out made to perfection...

Though the views and scenery come at a premium, "if you love the one you're with, bring them here"

Me, I'll be heading back soon, if only for the Lobster Bisque and whole Lobster dinner I had the last time I was there—definitely worth a visit, if only once, and oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Aria Melanie"-A New Gem Along The South Shore

August 3, 2016 Rich at Definitely Delish

This is a new experience for me—not the eating out at a restaurant of course; but this, my small and humble attempt of reviewing the escapade...

For the first in what I hope will be many entries; I've decided to introduce you to mine, and my Baby's, newest pastime—the "Sunday Brunch"

I have to say, this year especially, we've taken to searching high and low for new places to enjoy a Sunday meal—be it sit down or buffet...

Today I get to introduce you to our latest find...

Just recently opened on the site of the old Lake House; "Aria Melanie", named after the owner "Fred Mandato's" two granddaughters, is a lovingly renovated and simply furnished restaurant along the shores of "Lawrence Lake" in Bay Shore New York...

Soothing colors, modest decoration and a warm inviting bar welcome you as you enter—but the view that greets you, about the same time as the hostess, is all the decoration this quaint little gem needs...

Edged with patios and courtyards both enclosed, covered and open to the sky with ambient lighting and small touches such as a gas fireplace—"Aria Melanie" gives the guest more than a few options to enjoy, depending upon the weather and time of year, with each as charming as the next...

The staff, who both seated and served us, were neatly dressed, courteous and constantly on the move—though I have to admit that the older gentleman who served our table appeared to be a touch distracted, but my feeling was that the experience was new for him here and with time his speed and attention to detail would improve...

Now onto the food; because regardless of the perfection of the view, the tasteful decor or comfortable seating—it's the food that will have you coming back again and again...

In this regard "Chef Fabrizio Perinelli" did not disappoint...

For a sit down brunch I was more than pleasantly surprised by the variety of choices for the guest, or critic, to partake in—from the sweet or savory crepes and assorted breakfast skillets, all the way to the pan seared duck breast salad and Cajun chicken sandwich. There were more than enough options to please any member of your party...

We ended up by ordering ourselves the Summer Grilled Vegetable Skillet, Chorizo & Potatoes, Eggs Benedict, French Toast and a Short Rib Sandwich—to give us a chance at a small taste of, if not everything, at least a decent amount of their delicious offerings...

I definitely have to say that I was more than pleased with each item brought to table—from the warm dark cranberry nut bread they started us with, to each perfectly portioned dish...

It was just the right amount of food; neither to much or too little and filled with wonderfully prepared fresh ingredients, simply seasoned—I must admit I'm excited at the prospect of returning to "Aria Melanie" soon, but for dinner, so I can feast upon the much expanded selections "Chef Fabrizio" has put together for the evening connoisseur...

This new diamond along the south shore of Long Island is definitely worth your attention—I think you will find yourself as surprised as I was once you walk through the modest front entrance of this beautiful lakeside modern Mediterranean restaurant...