Let’s Do Brunch

Brunch is a valued culinary adventure that’s open to interpretation—a hangover cure, a way to slow down the end of the weekend or a quiet time with family and friends. But where to go for those endless eggs Benedict?

imageCaptain Bill’s
Bay Shore
(631) 665-6262, http://www.captainbills.com

Take advantage of the warmer weather and escape to the water in the low key boating hamlet of Bay Shore. At the base of Ocean Avenue, nestled among docked boats overlooking the Great South Bay, is a casual and attractive waterfront restaurant with a scrumptious Sunday brunch buffet. Pile into this white-tablecloth, nautically themed spot for a bite of tasty character and boatman’s flair.

Situated next to the Bayview House catering hall, Captain Bill’s serves brunch buffet-style from 11:30am to 2:30pm with unlimited bloody marys, mimosas and champagne. Gaze out of this historic landmark’s windows and feast on tempting selections including a made-to-order omelet bar, fresh crisp salads, hot chafing dishes of pasta, seafood or chicken and a mouthwatering selection of desserts. Treat yourself to a memorable afternoon on the water with an endless supply of bubbly and tasty bites.

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Huntington Social
Huntington
(631) 923-2442, http://www.huntingtonsocial.com

imagePerched above the busy corner of Huntington’s New York Avenue and Main Street is a hidden treasure with a fantastic Sunday brunch. From the street, a single roped door opens to a steep dark staircase leading patrons into what feels like the prohibition era. Huntington Social’s intimate speakeasy atmosphere coincides perfectly with its nostalgic live jazz. White marble tables and crimson velvet booths fill the dining area, while deep plush seats and exposed brick fill the gastropub lounge.

Enjoy top-notch service and an anything-but-boring menu every Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm. Ample windows wrap around the dining room, leaving a perfect view for people watching on a busy Sunday afternoon.

Famished diners are in luck with the Huntington Social Hungry Man, a dish daring you to conquer three eggs, smoked bacon, sausage, home fries and French toast. Tasty eggs Benedict is served with potato latke, smoked salmon and creamy béarnaise sauce. But wait, it gets better. Sunday brunchers are encouraged to use their imagination and perfect their own cocktails at the “build your own bloody mary” bar with vodka, tequila and sake. More than just brunch, Huntington Social’s array of excellent lunch choices includes their famous Mary’s meatballs with creamy polenta, basil and Parmesan cheese, and salmon served with fresh baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and a pomegranate gastrique.

If you get caught up on your Sunday errands and miss brunch, there’s no need to worry. Sunday Suppers at Huntington Social include four different menu options that rotate weekly with a main entrée, sides, and homemade pie for dessert. Choosing the night’s special is a tough call between pasta, backyard barbecue, lobster and clambake or prime rib. The good news is there are no clunkers.

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imageJonathan’s
Garden City Park
(516) 742-7300, http://www.jonathansrestaurant.net

Sundays are generally dedicated to spending time with family and friends. Relax and wind down after a hectic weekend at Garden City Park’s neighborhood gem. Situated on Jericho Turnpike, this brick faced, family owned and operated restaurant manages a menu that would appeal to all ages. Diners can enjoy a simple yet elegant experience in the main dining room or the newly renovated lounge. High ceilings and dark wood set the stage for virtually any occasion, and the familiar waitstaff and consistent quality draw customers back for more.

Jonathan’s contemporary American cuisine offers both a brunch and regular menu on Sunday. The brunch options include two complimentary flutes of champagne, mimosas or bloody marys. Dig into an array of egg dishes, like the Mediterranean omelet with sautéed spinach, red peppers, mushrooms, tomato and feta cheese. The scrambled eggs panini topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon and slices of fresh tomato is also delicious. Fresh salads, pastas and fish platters work well on their own or as sides for sharing.

Not ready to leave? Kick back in the lounge for a liquid dessert to spice up the afternoon.

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imageThe Living Room
c/o The Maidstone

East Hampton
(631) 324-5006, http://www.careofhotels.com/maidstone

Take a drive out east and indulge in fine food while enjoying the natural beauty of the Hamptons. The fashionable village of East Hampton houses the chic Swedish hotel c/o The Maidstone. The unique style of Swedish designer Jacob Felländer is proudly showcased throughout the dining room, lounge and garden. This homey atmosphere makes it easy to forget you are not nestled in your own cozy dwelling. But you don’t have to clean up after eating.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Living Room, serves brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm, with live music on Sundays, and always holds fast to its approach using fresh and local foods in the brunch menu selections. Pushing the “slow food” philosophy, Executive Chef James Carpenter takes time to make sure each flavor comes to life in your mouth, and his up-to-date menu items include seasonal produce picked from neighboring farms. A beautiful dining room wrapped in floral wallpaper with colorful chairs and a sweeping staircase charms patrons while dishing innovative cuisine.

Refreshing beverages glide down easily, like Hedvig’s punch, a concoction of freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit, cranberry and pineapple juices with grenadine. A wide selection of gourmet loose teas, including the calming chamomile flower from Egypt and white pai mu tan from China, make beverage options seem endless. Savor specialties like the räkmacka, a Swedish item consisting of baby shrimp, tomato, avocado, hard-boiled egg and aioli served on rustica bread and garden salad. Named for the Swedish opera singer, toast Pelle Jansson combines tenderloin, eggs and bleak roe on toast for a perfect late morning snack. The Living Room masters this Stockholm staple—ubiquitous among restaurants throughout the city—with grass-fed beef carpaccio, Swedish löjrom caviar, crème fraiche, greens, chives and Västerbotten cheese.

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imagePeriwinkles
Oyster Bay
(516) 922-5700, http://www.periwinklescaterer.com

The Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay hosts a unique brunch experience at the Periwinkles Garden Café in the Hay Barn. Taking full advantage of this historic Gold Coast site, Periwinkles Caterers serves a hearty Sunday affair each week from 11am to 3pm. Guests may sit indoors or out overlooking the beautiful park and enjoying the grounds. The old-fashioned barn indulges diners with an immense brick patio and cedar shingles topped with an old-fashioned clock.

Sip on Prosecco mimosas or refreshing sangria loaded with sliced fruit while munching on their delectable popovers. These popular puffs are light, crusty and eggy, served individually or in a basket of three. The French kiss—a crêpe filled with mouthwatering nutella and bananas (optional but necessary) with a sprinkle of powdered sugar—is the perfect excuse for a sweet morning treat. Not a chocolate fan? Go for the blueberry jamboree glazed with maple syrup or the confiture crêpe with your choice of three delicious fruit jams. Offset the decadent confections with sandwiches and signature salads. Bring the kids. A special menu is available just for them. Afterward, walk off some of those calories with a leisurely stroll through the fully bloomed gardens at one of Long Island’s living treasures.

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Waterzooi
Garden City
(516) 877-2177, http://www.waterzooi.com

imageBrunch isn’t always about mimosas. Take it upon yourself to taste beers that are far from average at a place that specializes in unique drafts. Beer lovers come together at Waterzooi in Garden City for a divine and sudsy experience. Specific glasses match with distinct beers for true authenticity and bursting flavors.

Despite the strip mall exterior, the venue has the charm of a quaint European bistro combined with old-world Brooklyn aesthetics. Stained glass, concaved ceilings and rustic architecture create an innovative vibe. Not everywhere on Long Island does a garage door roll up to illuminate a lounge with an open patio allowing patrons to dine inside or out. This sleek Belgian bistro serves brunch Saturday (another surprising rarity on Long Island) and Sunday from 12 to 3pm.

Bold and irresistible options veer clear of standard brunch dishes. The lobster eggs Benedict features large bites of truffled Maine lobster and poached eggs on an English muffin topped with warm tarragon hollandaise. Complete the thought with smoked bacon and oven-dried tomatoes stirred in a creamy farmhouse ale broth for an early afternoon delight. An addictive pile of seasoned fries accompanies each of the abundant mussel choices. Be greedy and order more to take home for a midday treat. The Brussels waffles are a tasty traditional Belgian treat served with a variety of toppings and sauces. Between Belgian chocolate sauce, wild raspberry preserve, candied pecans, fruit and gelato, the choices are too good to pass. Layer them or pick just one for a kick of flavor.