Combat the polar vortex: Dine by a fireplace
Feel cold yet?
Find a good restaurant with a fireplace. Here are four choices (moderate to expensive in price) that will do the job better than a hot toddy. Ask for a table near the hearth.
Franina in Syosset warms you with a fireplace as well as its savory Italian food. Try the osso buco, the rib-eye, red snapper oreganata, mascarpone cheesecake. The fireplace is in the main dining area.
Cooperage Inn in Calverton has a traditional, homey look and the food that goes with it. Onion soup, chicken potpie, and marinated and grilled pork chops with garlic-mashed potatoes and apple chutney combat the chill. The fireplace is in the main dining room.
Barney's in Locust Valley hints of New England. Recommended dishes include the plump crab cake, rack of lamb, braised short ribs, and the combo of seared duck breast and confit of duck leg. The fireplace is a centerpiece of the cozy dining room.
Mario in Hauppauge stands out with soulful Italian specialties, from spaghetti Bolognese and all'Amatriciana to saltimbocca and tripe Neapolitan-style, eggplant Parmigiana and meat-filled cannelloni to calf's liver Veneziana with onions and spinach soup. The fireplace is downstairs.
Franina, 58 Jericho Tpke., Syosset; 516-496-9770
Cooperage Inn, 2218 Sound Ave., Calverton; 631-727-8994
Barney's, 315 Buckram Rd., Locust Valley; 516-671-6300
Mario, 644 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy., Hauppauge; 631-273-9407
