Sunakkuba, a small storefront that opened last february along Merrick road in Massapequa Park has a new identity and owner. it’s now itako Sushi. Like Sunakkuba, Itako is a Japanese restaurant. Kenny Cheng, one of the original owners remains and has joined forces with a new partner, Maggie Chen, who is also chef.

Perabell Food Bar, a longtime mainstay on the Patchogue dining scene is opening a second restaurant in Riverhead. It is moving into 65
East Main St, previously occupied by Cody’s BBQ. Construction began in late October and should conclude in time for the warm weather season on the East End.

Argentinean restaurants are few and far between on Long Island but a new one is opening at 169 Commack Rd in Commack. Called Café Mendoza, it’s owned by Hugo Garcia who also owns the Argentinian Café Buenos Aires in Huntington. Garcia, who was born in Mendoza, indicated his 65- seat spot has replaced Mannino’s at this site. Diners who already patronize Café Buenos Aires will no doubt enjoy Café Mendoza as well since Garcia is replicating most of his Huntington restaurant’s menu at his new enterprise.

Tom Schaudel was recently honored by the Family Service League as Long Island’s restaurateur of the year for his longtime involvement as an owner and chef with many premier Long Island restaurants. Presently he operates Jewel and Be-Ju Sashimi and Saki Bar in Melville, A Mano in Mattituck, ALure in Southold and Petulant Wino in Aquebogue. His first venture in 1983 was Panama Hattie’s, a well- remembered restaurant in Huntington.

Dirty Burger in Plainview is the winner of Best Wings on Long Island at the 2014 Long Island Wing Fest. The restaurant took numerous honors at the festival including: Best Family Restaurant; Best Traditional Buffalo Sauce; Best Takeout and Best of Nassau County. Chef Ian Russo was also a featured chef at the NYC Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray.