A gem. I would drive the three hours from Central NJ to eat here again. We had the pork belly, oysters Friskafella, pepper crusted filet of beef and truffle fries from which you could smell the earth coming off of them. The service was efficient and unobtrusive, and the atmosphere ordinary. Oh, but the food..... No better way to end a day of wine tasting.
Well prepared, imaginative food, in a sophisticated room. Don't miss the Oysters Friskafella or the Chocolate Pot de Creme. Attentive, friendly service. Usually vibrant with an interesting mix of customers. Recently sold by Dennis to Robbie, who was the chef. Much of the staff still in place; still one of the North Fork's best restaurants.
Rob Beaver has something very special going here: extraordinary local fish preparations (sea bass in a fresh tomato gazpacho; sushi-grade ahi tuna on noodle bed aside book Choy), great appetizers also emphasizing local ingredients w tomato, cheeses, corn, oysters; and super Truffle Parmesian fries. It should be a 27 or 28 food rating; this guy competes w anything in Manhattan. Both cocktail list + wine list are creative and innovative.
Excellent service, very knolwedgeable wine sommelier and overall excellent experience. We came in without reservation on Saturday night, were greeted and seated quickly. Wine discussion with Samy was at a very sophisticated level; frisky oysters and local scallops (in season) were exquisite. Indeed the place is a bit noisy but very worth it.
After hearing so much about the FO, this was a big disappointment. The menu and wine list were short to begin with---for example only one type of oyster was offered on the half-shell. Mussels were sent back as there was a horrible odor from the mussels. The reaction to the complaint was amateurish and unapologetic. The decor of the seating area of the restaurant was like a cheap chinese restaurant-and the noise level was horrendous.
Feb. 2003