In the late summer of the Long Island restaurant universe, drinks and ambiance are highlighted as we soak in the last of the season’s warmth. But the inaugural brew of a thoroughly local beer company marks a new beginning rather than an end.
Look for Lighthouse Ale, the first offering from the Fire Island Beer Company (fireislandbeer.com) in stores near you. Called “the other New York” by the family-run company, Fire Island’s chill ambiance was the inspiration for the beer, which is a golden to amber American style ale produced with four types of malts and three varieties of domestic hops. Distributed by industry leader Manhattan Beer, Lighthouse Ale will be available in single 12 oz. bottles, 6-packs and 15.5 gallon kegs.
Day & Night Restaurant Beach Club at the Capri Hotel in Southampton (631) 731-3099, has introduced the European practice of extended dining on Saturdays and Sundays in their chic, innovatively designed indoor/outdoor space. Transitioning from brunch to dinner, one can enjoy selections from a French American menu poolside, the raw seafood bar and seafood entrees being highlights. Another eatery with stylish digs is Mirabelle Restaurant at the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook (631) 751-0555. On Fridays starting at 9pm, they will be hosting “Tapas and ‘Tinis’” with live music, reduced-price tapas, cocktails and martinis on the patio, weather permitting. A Thursday special at The Library Cafe in Farmingdale (516) 752-7678 also features the Martini-Steak Night offering a steak dinner, two side dishes and dessert for $21.95 along with specialty martinis, such as “Jack Kerouac’s On the Road” and “Dr. Seuss’: All the Places You’ll Go.”
If you already have the scene but need gourmet food to complete the picture, Citarella of East Hampton (631) 726-3636 is now selling four-person gourmet picnic baskets. The $400 Classic Picnic Basket includes Filet Mignon, lobster salad, Camembert Cheese, chocolate cake and other dishes, while the $150 Backpack Picnic has tomato mozzarella sandwiches, seedless grapes, roast turkey bites and more.
And ending on a charitable note, the “Ladles of Love” organization will be hosting a concert and VIP food and wine tasting event, on August 3rd at Principi Farm in Amagansett (631) 267-6400 to fulfill the goal of collecting 10,000 lbs of food for local food pantries.