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...