LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island has officially entered the middle of fall, which means harvest season is at its peak.
Whether you’re a resident or frequent visitor, many recognize the island for its various farms and vineyards.
Numerous restaurants partner with local farms throughout the year and use the freshest ingredients to create memorable, mouth-watering meals.
Patch has highlighted five farm-to-table restaurants on Long Island, that are a must-visit this time of year:
1. Rusted Root Kitchen, Woodbury & Blackbird Kitchen & Cocktails, Wantagh
If you’re looking for authentic Long Island ingredients, look no further than Rusted Root Kitchen in Woodbury or Blackbird Kitchen & Cocktails in Wantagh.
Both owned by Chef Chris Perrotta, the establishments base their menus off seasonal produce from Meyer’s Farm Stand.
While Blackbird has a wide cocktail and tapas selection, Rusted Root offers a sit down, dine-in experience.
Ally Gardener, manager of Rusted Root, says that Perrotta constantly strives to showcase the fresh flavors of the produce in different ways. For example, this past summer, Rusted Root offered corn pasta, heirloom tomato salads, zucchini tacos, peach cobbler, and fresh peach ice cream.
She says that there’s something for everyone on the menu.
“You can have a good date night experience, as well as you bring your family for Sunday brunch or hang out and just like catch up with friends,” said Gardener.
Using farm-to-table produce doesn’t stop with food, Gardner says. The restaurant’s drink menu offers handmade, juice from fresh fruit. This summer, they featured peach bellenis made with fresh peaches.
2. Barrow Food House, Aquebogue
Owned by a husband and wife team, Barrow Food House prides itself on making everything from scratch.
According to its website, most of its produce comes from Cedar Grove Farm, located right around the corner from the establishment.
The restaurant is described as a “fast, casual restaurant” that features sides, sandwiches, soups, veggie bowls and more.
3. North Fork Table & Inn, Southold
If you appreciate history in addition to farm-to-table cuisine, the North Fork Table & Inn is a must-visit.
Located on the iconic East End, the restaurant taps into its surrounding environment of iconic vineyards, farmlands, and fisheries, bringing fresh produce to every meal.
Owned by restaurateur & Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, the establishment offers “boutique” overnight accommodations, and offers one to two-night escape packages.
4. Farm Country Kitchen, Riverhead
Located on the banks of the Peconic River, this restaurant offers homemade soups, sandwiches, paninis, wraps, salads, and entrée specials.
The restaurant used produce from various farms and farm stands on the East End, and changes its options seasonally.
5. Tullulah’s, Bay Shore
Described as “eclectic, New American”, Tullulah’s partners with H.O.G. (Hamlet Organic Garden), to create mouth-watering dishes year-round.
Executive Chef Stephen Branciforte, told Patch that the restaurant even participates in their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) every week.
Each year, he tries to “switch up” the menu items, to reflect and showcase the farm’s harvest.
The farm provides a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables, Branciforte said, such as broccoli, Broccolini, beets, sage, honey nut squash, rainbow Swiss chard, garlic, five varieties of kale and five varieties of onions.
“We use everything that we can from them until the crops are no longer there,” said Branciforte.
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