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La Bussola, Glen Cove, LI, NY: Excellent Upscale Neapolitan Cuisine & the Freshest Seafood- A Fred Bollaci Hometown Favorite!

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Fred Bollaci

La Bussola Ristorante
40 School Street
Glen Cove, NY 11542
516.671.2100

When contemplating the ultimate homecoming, Fred Bollaci looks no further than Glen Cove, NY, the small, cosmopolitan city on Long Island’s famed Gold Coast, where he was born. La Bussola, a classic Neapolitan mainstay in Glen Cove for forty years is one of the top Italian restaurants on Long Island, not only a Fred Bollaci Preferred Destination and Favorite, featured in his upcoming memoir, La Bussola’s hearty, wholesome, high-quality, expertly prepared and served cuisine with seafood brought in daily from the famed Fulton Fish Market, excellent salads, noteworthy veal dishes, and excellent “al dente” pasta, served as they would in Italy (the best Puttanesca anywhere), Fred always feels at home in Glen Cove, and when heading to his hometown and looking for an excellent place to dine that sums up where Fred is from, all signs point to La Bussola, “the Compass.”

La Bussola offers age-old tradition and timeless classical Neapolitan recipes that have been passed down through generations, combining the best of Neapolitan cuisine and elegant atmosphere to create a memorable dining experience. Quiet and elegant, La Bussola Ristorante is the kind of place that could be your home away from home – aromas of homemade cooking fill the air while a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff caters to your every need. The menu features traditional specialties as well as modern adaptations. La Bussola is truly THE place for a power lunch on the North Shore, and is a great spot for a memorable dinner to celebrate any occasion. The restaurant features a full liquor bar and a very approachable, easy to read wine list with great choices from Italy, the US, France, South America, New Zealand, and more.

The Bussola Restaurant Group is a family owned and operated business. Three generations of the Lubrano family have been serving the people of Long Island for over thirty years. Pasquale Lubrano, an Italian immigrant came to America in 1957. After many years of hard work, he achieved the “American Dream” in 1980, by opening La Bussola Ristorante of Glen Cove to rave reviews. As the business grew and expanded to Huntington and Mineola, each of his four sons joined dad in the family business. Tony, John and Carlo each manage a restaurant while executive chef Marco oversees the kitchens for all locations. For the Lubrano family, their customers, both old and new are like extended members of the family. The four sons along with the next generation and a dedicated expert staff take pride in their cuisine, and in treating their customers with the Old-World hospitality they learned from their dad. Fred Bollaci appreciates that the famiglia knows that nothing but best ingredients and “above and beyond” service is what is needed to continue the legacy established by Pasquale. In addition to the Glen Cove original, also visit Piccola Bussola locations in Huntington and Mineola, Long Island. Be sure to tell the Lubrano family that Fred Bollaci sent you and Buon’ Appetito!

Posted in Fred Bollaci on Dining | Tagged Glen Cove, italian, La Bussola, neapolitan, southern italian | Comments Off

Buy Fresh, Buy Local! In Busy Nassau County, LI, Young’s Farm is a Must!

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Fred Bollaci

Young’s Farm
91 Hegeman’s Lane
Glen Head, NY 11545
516.626.3955

Young’s Farm, located in the heart of Long Island’s Gold Coast on beautiful Hegeman’s Lane has been a Nassau County landmark and local institution since 1892! The Youngs family still raises local produce and brings in additional fresh produce from farms on Eastern Long Island.

During the month of August, the peak of the Long Island summer growing season, Young’s Farm is featuring their Field Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Blackberries, Zucchini, Carrots, Red and Gold Beets, Yellow, Green and Purple String Beans, Eggplant, Bell and Cubanelle Peppers, and Fresh Herbs. In addition, they offer Greenhouse Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes from Flora Nurseries in Mattituck, Shiitake, Oyster and Maitake Mushrooms from LI Mushrooms in Cutchogue, and Arugula, Romaine Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce, Boston Lettuce, and Radishes from Schmitts Farm in Riverhead. The Youngs Family has been baking their own homemade pies and cookies, as well as making their own jams, soups, and dips for over 100 years! The farm sells fresh bread from Sullivan Street Bakery in NYC and a Gluten Free Multigrain loaf from Eli’s Bread in NYC, Battenkill Whole and Chocolate Milk, Fresh Mozzarella from Razzano’s Italian Store, a Glen Cove Landmark, Burrata from Spatola Latticini in Queens and select local Long Island and New England Cheeses.

There is nothing better than summer on Long Island, and nothing tastes better than fresh, locally-grown and picked produce during the summer months on Long Island! Young’s Farm is a must stop: their fresh produce and baked goods are a real treat and will enhance any classic summer BBQ on Long Island! Once you savor the produce from Young’s, you will agree that fresh and local simply taste better!

If you are in Nassau County, LI, you must stop by Young’s Farm (open Tuesday-Sunday) and tell them Fred Bollaci sent you!

Posted in Gourmet | Tagged farm, glen head, long island, old brookville, organic | Comments Off

Jedediah Hawkins Inn, Jamesport, LI, NY: Epitomizing Farm to Fork in an Elegant, Historic Setting

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Fred Bollaci

Jedediah Hawkins Inn
400 South Jamesport Avenue
Jamesport, NY 11947
631.722.2900

Jedediah Hawkins Inn, one of the premier restaurants on Long Island’s North Fork is a Fred Bollaci Enterprises Preferred Destination.

Surrounded by 22 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and farmland, Jedediah Hawkins Inn is a luxurious North Fork boutique hotel, celebrated for its history, excellent hospitality, fantastic food and local wines. The Inn is a great place to spend the weekend, conveniently located in Jamesport, minutes to dozens of Long Island’s top wineries. The perfect escape from the city or romantic retreat, you will want to stroll the gardens, enjoy a glass of wine in the gazebo visit the surrounding vineyards, farm stands and beaches of the North Fork.

The inn was built in 1863 by Captain Jedediah Hawkins as his home in the popular Italianate style, complete with ornate architectural features. It was considered one of the finest residences on the North Fork. Over a century later, the property had fallen into disrepair and was reportedly “haunted” and marked for demolition, the house was spared from the wrecking ball and meticulously restored as has become one of the top places to stay and dine on Long Island. Today, Jedediah Hawkins Inn is a cozy blend of traditional and contemporary design and has received The New York State Historic Preservation Award for the owners’ efforts to restore and preserve this important piece of Long Island history.

Over one hundred and fifty years since Jedediah built his house, guests can enjoy this luxurious landmark.

Aside from the history and beauty of the inn and the incredibly lovely surroundings, Jedediah Hawkins Inn is equally known for its fantastic cuisine, exemplifying the farm to fork concept in a way that few others can, paying tribute to the North Fork’s agricultural bounty and acclaimed wines and micro brews. Our wine list is a balance of local wines and a selection from the rest of the world. Much of the herbs and produce featured come from the surrounding 22-acre property and kitchen garden, and the eggs are from their own chickens! It doesn’t get any better or fresher! Additionally, the restaurant sources the freshest local seafood, duck, and the highest quality products available, contributing to delicious and unpretentious farm to table cuisine. In addition to the garden, the Inn offers many distinct spaces to enjoy their marvelous cuisine or a cocktail, as the weather permits: breakfast in the solarium, brunch al fresco, and dinner by the fireplace are three favorite choices. In addition to featuring an outstanding list with wines from Long Island’s top local vintners, the inn grows their own grapes and produces their own label of wine, which is quite good!

Truly some of the most amazing food I have ever had, quite a statement! We enjoyed the house made Burrata with heirloom tomato jam (think sweet) and saba, the best rendition I have ever had! (pictured below). The Long Seasons Farm Corn Chowder with rock shrimp and chorizo was fantastic, sweet local Long Island corn, harvested at its peak in late summer, with succulent rock shrimp and the spicy hints from the chorizo–outstanding! The Bacalao Cake (cod) with pepper confit and preserved lemon aioli was enjoyable, as were the local duck wings from Crescent Farm, with a plum ginger sauce and yogurt raita as a dip (think herb-infused tzatsiki). The Clam Bake has become a house special, as has the Portuguese Fish Stew (fantastic poached lobster tail and claw meat, local clams, mussels, perfectly cooked local striped bass, chorizo, saffron, as well as the surprising and refreshing touch of coconut, basil, and lemongrass, like a globally-inspired Bouillabaisse, borrowing inspiration from classic French Provencal cuisine, Portuguese seafood traditions, and Thai cuisine, featuring the best of eastern Long Island’s seafood! The house-made herb Fettuccine with heirloom tomatoes, chanterelle mushrooms, fennel, and shaved reggiano was fantastic!

I had the pleasure of dining at Jedediah Hawkins Inn the night of the Supermoon, spending the evening enjoying excellent fresh, local, seasonal food in the beautiful gardens, and finishing with a nightcap in the beautiful Speakeasy lounge. I met the new Executive Chef, Craig Attwood, who took great pride explaining the source and inspiration for his cuisine, which was truly among the top meals I have had.

The mystique of Jedediah Hawkins comes alive in The Speakeasy, a comfortable, Old-World sanctuary with flagstone walls and old brick and timber from the barn. Legends abound, with some claiming that Jedediah Hawkins was an abolitionist and the house was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Others claim that Jedediah was a gunrunner. There are numerous unexplained secret passages and trapdoors, which lend support to the stories.

The inn features a spectacular suite and 5 gracious guest rooms with gas fireplaces and private bathrooms, and the restaurant has received Forbes’ coveted five star rating.

Please tell Chef Craig and the folks at Jedediah Hawkins Inn that Fred Bollaci sent you!

Posted in Fred Bollaci on Dining | Tagged farm to fork, Jedediah Hawkins Inn, long island, North Fork | Comments Off

Noah’s, Greenport, LI, NY: Excellent Locally-Inspired Cuisine, and Wine Program

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Fred Bollaci

Noah’s

136 Front Street
Greenport, NY 11944
631.477.6720

Noah’s, located in charming Greenport Village is considered one of the top restaurants on the North Fork of Long Island, and is a Fred Bollaci Enterprises Golden Palate Partner.

Executive Chef Noah Schwartz, a Long Island native and graduate of New England Culinary Institute, began his culinary career in Sonoma, California. While working as a chef in Sonoma, he met his wife, Sunita. A restaurateur herself, Sunita always had a passion for wine, having studied under one of the best winemakers in the region. The wine list reflects Sunita’s extensive knowledge of wine, and features many top Long Island wines. It was a pleasure to be able to do a local “wine flight,” 3-ounce pours of 6 whites and 5 reds from local producers. After they wed, the couple relocated to Long Island’s North Fork, an increasingly important wine region, known also for excellent local bounty of produce and seafood to open their own restaurant.

Noah’s is located in the heart of Greenport, a picturesque seafaring town, and offers outdoor seating during summer months. Since its opening in 2010, noah’s has received numerous accolades. Chef Noah has been lauded by Best Chefs America in both 2012 and 2013. Known for its trademark seafood inspired small plates featuring locally sourced ingredients, a raw bar with fresh oysters shucked to order, as well as an extensive wine list that features one of the largest selections of local wines, all hand-picked by our Wine Director, Sunita Schwartz, Noah’s is not to be missed! On a recent visit, we enjoyed local Peconic Bay and Blue Point Oysters, fresh local clams, locally-grown zucchini flowers, excellent Scallop Ceviche and Fluke Crudo. Noah’s emphasizes fresh, local, seasonal, and organic ingredients, and also features creative cocktails, including a Grilled Shrimp Bloody Mary, and Strawberry Mojito in honor of Long Island’s sweet, delicious local strawberries in the summer months.

Please tell Chef Noah that Fred Bollaci sent you!

Posted in Fred Bollaci on Dining | Tagged chefs, Greenport, long island, noah schwartz, Noahs, seafood | Comments Off

Water Street Cafe’: Great Brunch and Jazz in Historic Stonington, CT

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Fred Bollaci

Water Street Cafe’
143 Water St.
Stonington, CT 06378
860.535.2122

Water Street Cafe’ is a Fred Bollaci Enterprises Preferred Dining Destination. Located in the heart of the charming, historic seaside village of Stonington Borough, minutes from Mystic Aquarium, Water Street Cafe is known for their mouthwatering Oyster Bar, fresh local seafood and daily specials that include Stonington fisherman’s catch of the day and seasonal produce from local and organic farmers.

The cuisine is multicultural, innovative and consistently delicious. Very good food becomes excellent at Water Street Cafe’ with little touches that go a long way: owners brought in Iggy (Ignazio), an Italian native who was working in New Jersey to be their full-time, in-house fresh mozzarella maker! Having traveled extensively in Italy, I can tell you that Iggy’s mozzarella is the real deal: pulled fresh and still slightly warm when served along with local organic tomatoes and fresh local basil, drizzled with balsamic syrup was pure Heaven! The addition of fresh dill to their hearty New England Clam Chowder was a nice touch, and the Curry Lentil Soup, a daily special, was a pleasant surprise! The Seared Sashimi Tuna over organic salad greens was perfectly seared rare, and my dining companion enjoyed some of the best Eggs Benedict she’s ever eaten, atop exquisitely fresh, perfect smoked salmon that made you want to dance in your seat! My friend and I both enjoy a lot of smoked salmon, and this was among the best ever, a really bold statement from two aficionados!

In addition to the great food, the ambience was warm and convivial, the staff friendly, and extremely accommodating, the drinks were perfect (an excellent Bloody Mary), full bar, and a small, but thoughtful, reasonably-priced wine list, and excellent Jazz on Sunday afternoons by local musicians, make Water Street Cafe’ THE place to be in the Stonigton area, and definitely worth the ride up the beautiful Connecticut coast or a must stop in your travels. The brunch menu and level of quality reminded me of some favorite brunch spots in New York City.

Fred Bollaci, CEO/President New York and Palm Beach-based Fred Bollaci Enterprises, THE definitive international healthy, gourmet lifestyle expert and Deborah Burns, Brand Architect and Media Strategist of Southport, CT-based Burns Communications enjoying lunch at Fred’s newest Preferred Dining Destination, Water Street Cafe’.

Head Chef/Owner Walter Houlihan, an accomplished chef with a very impressive career grew up in Westchester county New York. His culinary experience began at various restaurants in California and New York and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. He was Sous Chef at the Grand Hyatt in New York, then worked at the United Nations Plaza Hotel. He was Executive Chef for Mr. Robert Abplanalp at Eldredge Preserve in upstate New York and at Walkerʼs Key, Bahamas. He has cooked for President Nixon, Bebe Robozo and many dignitaries from the United Nations. Walter returned the United Nations Plaza Hotel in 1990 as Chef of the Ambassador Grill Restaurant.

His specialty became wine dinners working with the Robert Mondavi family and other wineries. Walterʼs culinary style is contemporary American, influenced by French and Asian cuisine. He was also mentored by the most renowned Chefs of Gascony, France. While in New York he was a Member of the James Beard Foundation and cooked at the James Beard House. He was also a member of the Escoffier Society where he participated in a benefit held at Windows of the World under the auspices of Julia Child. He has received numerous awards and accolades.

Owner Stephanie Hayes-Houlihan grew up in Europe and the United States, the daughter of Air Force pilot Chuck Hayes. She lived and worked in the hotel industry in New York City, focusing primarily on catering sales, as well as working in restaurants. She met and worked with Walter at the Ambassador Grill.

Stephanie started her career in catering at the United Nations Plaza Hotel under June Martinez. She became Banquet Sales Manager at the French owned Parker Meridien Hotel in 1989 and at Peter Kalikowʼs Hotel Millennium across from the World Trade Center in 1993. Stephanie speaks English, Italian and Spanish and is a student of environmental studies, supporting the restaurant’s philosophy of featuring fresh, local, seasonal, and organic.