Normally, I try to downplay my birthday. I really don't like the attention of big parties and the like. I've never been someone that enjoys the lime light.
But this year, I'm very excited about my birthday.
Why?
Nena told me recently that she's taking me to North Fork Table & Inn on the 28th for dinner to celebrate. That's why.
Every since it opened, I've been hearing from local winemakers and wine types that this is the best restaurant on the North Fork and very well may be the best restaurant on Long Island already.
But, between Nena being pregnant and now our little guy, we just haven't made it there. But, my loving wife has lined up a trio of babysitters (three good friends).
The focus at NFT is set squarely on local bounty...seafood, produce and wines. And the chefs at the help are celebrated and extremely talented as well. Before coming to Long Island, executive chef, Gerry Hayden ran Aureole and Amuse in Manhattan. And pastry chef Claudia Fleming was the pastry chef at Gramercy Tavern and won the James Beard Award as Pastry Chef of the Year in 2000.
You can expect a full report later this month. I can't wait.
Looking over their wine list, they've done something really strange; for many of the US wineries, they've listed TOWN, STATE rather than the Appellation of the wine. Sorry, but I do not view this as a service to the diner. It just makes it a messy confusion. As an added bonus, they put the vintage in the middle of the listing (most wine lists list it first or last on the line (before price):
http://northforktableandinn.com/uploads/Wine_List.pdf
Posted by: Jack | April 10, 2007 at 01:19 AM
Jack,
My guess (and that's what it is, a guess) is that they and playing up the localness of most of the U.S. wine selections. Most diners will know those towns (because they are on Long Island).
Of course, those pesky California wines are on there...and those same people very well may not know where they are in CA.
Posted by: Lenn | April 10, 2007 at 07:01 AM
Well, the food looks very promising! We're putting this restaurant on our Go To Someday List...perhaps by then the wine list will be fixed.
Posted by: Jack | April 10, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Went to North Fork Table and Inn for my birthday. Great food and wines, wonderful service, beautiful place. I highly recommend it.
Posted by: Susan | April 11, 2007 at 08:44 PM