Blackbird Kitchen & Cocktails and more Long Island restaurants to try this weekend
Among the small plates at Blackbird in Wantagh are tacos filled with braised pork. Credit: Newsday / Erica Marcus
Here are a couple restaurants you may want to try this weekend:
From restaurant critic Melissa McCart
Blackbird Kitchen & Cocktails is the kind of place anyone would want in the neighborhood. With a narrow bar and warm lighting, it offers interesting beer, wine and cocktails, and an intriguing small plates menu from chef and partner Chris Perrotta. Consider the tacos filled with braised pork ($10) or baby butternut squash with hot pepper and a hint of maple syrup. Served halved on a plate, it’s paired with crème fraîche and tastes like fall ($12). 3026 Merrick Rd., Wantagh, 516-654-9200
From food reporter Erica Marcus
Orto means “garden” in Italian, and Eric Lomando’s 4-year-old Miller Place restaurant really does change its menu to take advantage of seasonal produce. In fact, it changes every day, but right now beets are in the spotlight. You will find them roasted with stracciatella cheese and walnuts ($10) and made into gnocchi tossed with Swiss chard and goat-cheese crema ($14). Pork is slow-cooked with bacon-braised cabbage and fingerling potatoes ($25). Lasagna Bolognese is always in season ($25). No credit cards. 90 N. Country Rd., Miller Place; 631-473-0014, restaurantorto.com
