Sea Slug Lounge in Napeague and more Long Island spots to try this weekend
Sea Slug Lounge at Fish Farm Multi Aquaculture Systems offers an interesting seafood-centric menu -- including lobster rolls -- and a fabulous view of Napeague Bay. Credit: Newsday / Melissa McCart
Seafood and ice cream. What could be better on one of the last weekends of summer? Our writers pick some winners.
From Melissa McCart, restaurant critic
If you see yourself visiting the Hamptons at least one more time this year and you’re looking for an off-the-grid spot for lunch or an early dinner, consider Sea Slug Lounge at Fish Farm Multi Aquaculture Systems in Napeague. Walk through the entrance past pools of sea bass, a gaggle of geese and the accoutrements of a working farm to the chalkboard menu. Here, you’ll find oysters and clams ($16), mussels ($23) and steamers ($28), bluefish pate on a baguette ($18), lobster bisque ($10), New England clam chowder ($10) and a “French box,” with scallops, shrimp, prawns, lobster salad, oysters, asparagus, tomatoes, and homemade potato chips for $46.
I went for the plump steamers, a serving so large it arrived in a trough, while a very good lobster roll ($23) was lightly dressed, served on a toasted brioche with homemade chips. I sat in the “lounge” — several picnic tables under umbrellas — and lingered over the view of the Napeague Bay on a perfect day. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner until sundown through at least September.
429 Cranberry Hole Rd Napeague, NY 631-267-3341
From food reporter Erica Marcus
With summer drawing to a close, it’s important to get in those last licks of ice cream—or gelato. Two of Long Island’s newest gelaterias are among the best. At Viale Gelateria in Lynbrook, the flavors rotate, but the resonantly nutty pistachio gelato is a must-order. Dress it up with a sprinkling of crunchy little meringue bits and have it to go in cone imported from Italy. 424 Sunrise Hwy., Lynbrook, 516-442-0094.
At Caffe Italia in Deer Park, classics like vanilla, strawberry and coffee (made with freshly pulled espresso) shine. Try a big scoop of gelato sandwiched inside a split brioche bun. 1745 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, 631-667-0201.
