Each month, Niko Krommydas serves up a steaming bowl of gossip goulash made with the latest restaurant news on Long Island.
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BESITO The third Long Island outpost of this elegant Mexican place has opened in the former Roots Bistro Gourmand space. The restaurant also has locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Its name means “little kiss” in Spanish: 399 Montauk Highway, West Islip, 631-620-3222, besitomexican.com.
ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA Anthony Bruno, 55, who moved from Franklin Square to Florida when he was 18, opened his first Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Fort Lauderdale in 2002. There are now more than 60 company-owned restaurants serving coal-fired pizza in Florida and the Northeast, including eight on Long Island. It recently opened adjacent to the north side of the Smith Haven Mall: 2302B Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook, 631-444-0818, acfp.com.
ELIJAH CHURCHILL’S BBQ HOUSE This longtime pub in Northport is now focusing on barbecue, done in Kansas City, Texas and St. Louis styles by Tom Fazio, who runs Waterside Caterers nearby. Fazio said there is “nothing magical” about making great barbecue. “You just treat proteins properly with seasoning and smoke and serve it at reasonable prices to customers,” he said. Brisket, sausage, pork and chicken are being served: 1031 Fort Salonga Road, Northport, 631-261-9678, elijahchurchills.com.
GOLDEN DOLPHIN DINER A diner is not a new concept, but this one, which was seized by the state in July for $163,000 in unpaid taxes, has new owners who reopened it last month. One owner, Spiros Dimas, also runs diners in Williston Park and Old Westbury: 365 West Main Street, Huntington, 631-351-9680, goldendolphinli.com.
YUM YUM DUMPLINGS This spot offers 15 varieties (pork and chive, egg and spinach, bok choy and mushroom, buffalo chicken), all available freshly boiled or pan-fried. You’ll also find scallion pancakes, noodles, wonton soup and rice dishes: 2432 Middle Country Road, Centereach, 631-676-3148, yumyumdumplings.com.
MOO BURGER The cow statue that sat atop Ribeye Bros. Cheesesteaks has remained, but now it’s perched on this burger stand. Terry Hasapoglou, the former chef and co-owner of the Rhumb Line, which closed last year, is running the kitchen: 4455 Broadway, Island Park, 516-431-1198.
ARIANA RESTAURANT AND CAFE One of Long Island’s first Afghan restaurants and a fixture in Huntington for 17 years (it was originally located in Commack, from 1990 to 1995) is now gone.
CAFFÉ OLE After just a few months, this small Colombian restaurant and bakery in Huntington Station has closed.
ADAM ANDERS is the new chef de cuisine at Morrison’s in Plainview. He will add to the gastropub’s menu with a section inspired by his time living and cooking in New Orleans.