A new year often starts with resolutions, most of which involve food. We start reading up on what to stay away from, what has the most nutrients and what has the least amount of fat and sugar. But before you start counting calories, splurge on one more delicious meal. These five dishes are worth the indulgence.
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Fries
Spuds Pommes Fries, Bellmore
image: facebook.com/spudsfries
Warm, salty and covered in sauce, any of the fresh cut potatoes at this new restaurant are a real treat. Diners can choose from sauces like basil pesto, roasted garlic aioli, spicy buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese sauce or curry ketchup. And those feeling extra hungry can add special toppings like pulled pork, Philly cheese steak and chili with black beans on top. Phone: 516-665-8333 | Address: 2600 Merrick Rd Click to go
Muffuletta Sandwich
Rose & Joe’s Italian Bakery, Oyster Bay
An Astoria institution, this beloved bakery opened in Oyster Bay in May bringing its famous muffuletta sandwich to hungry locals. Made of semolina bread packed with cured meats, provolone and mozzarella, it is certainly worth every salty, juicy and rich calorie. Phone: 516-584-6485 | Address: 19 E Main St Click to go
Rice Ball
Bella Cucina Pizzeria, West Islip
image: carl corry
Stuffed with chopped meat, green peas and mozzarella, the rice ball at this cozy Italian eatery is love at first bite. To top it off, it is covered in Japanese breadcrumbs before it gets fried to perfection. Phone: 631-482-9555 | Address: 424 Montauk Hwy Click to go
Pizza
Locale, Patchogue
Diners craving a good, honest Italian entrée look no further than Locale. It specializes in pizzettes, a personal pie consisting of sauce, cheese and an assortment of vegetables or meats. Savor your last carb and cheese overload with an order of the pazzia di carne. A thick crust is topped with mozzarella, sweet Italian sausage, meatballs and pepperoni. Phone: 631-714-5220 | Address: 15 W Main St Click to go
Pancakes
Maureen’s Kitchen, Smithtown
image: facebook.com/maureens-kitchen
Offered all day, the pancakes at this cow-adorned morning mecca are simply to-die-for. They come in creative variations like pumpkin walnut, chocolate chip, pistachio and Oreo cookie. The portions don’t go light on sweetness either. Phone: 631-360-9227 | Address: 108 Terry Rd Click to go