J. Michaels' Tuscan Steakhouse makeover
"New World" meatballs are made with lobster, lightening up an old favorite at J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse in Northport and, here, in Oyster Bay. Credit: Barbara Alper
J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse in Oyster Bay is closed and expected to reopen next month with a new emphasis on Italian cuisine.
And the original J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse in Northport, where prime steaks have reigned, is offering a fixed-price dinner focused on the Italian part of the menu. It's likely to be the template for the Oyster Bay restaurant.
Both establishments will continue to prepare the well-marbled steaks but, overall, dining will be less expensive, said owner-chef Vincent P. Michaels. (J. Michaels is on Newsday's list of Long Island's top 10 best steakhouses.)
The Oyster Bay location will be "more Italian," Michaels said. And the name may be changed to J. Michaels Italian Restaurant.
Northport will remain J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse. The Northport restaurant currently is offering a special "under the Tuscan sun" fixed-price dinner for $65, plus tax and tip, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. That menu includes "80 percent" of the main menu, Michaels said, but not all the steaks.
Michaels also plans to open a primarily small-plates "modern Italian cafe" in Huntington in September, at the former site of the Huntington Social Club on New York Avenue. It will be called "V."
J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse in Northport earned a three-star rating in Newsday in 2012. The Oyster Bay restaurant ranked first among new restaurants in 2013, with a three-and-a-half star rating.
J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse, 688 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport, 631-651-9411; and 160 Mill River Rd., Oyster Bay, 516-628-2800.
