EAT, GRAPE LEAVES
The latest addition to the popular local chain of Grecian eateries of the same name, you feta believe Greek Xpress is cooking up simply delicious and proven healthy Mediterranean meals.
The eatery touts their commitment to using organic vegetables and meats, while importing their yogurt, figs, feta and olives directly from the homeland, making for a mouthwatering Tzatziki that’s tough to beat.
In addition to standard Greek fare, they also offer Souvlaki sticks ($3.95), Greek burgers ($7.95-$9.75) and smoothies.
Their other locations are in Brooklyn and at 59 Main St. in East Rockaway.
Greek Xpress, 7 Great Neck Rd., Great Neck Plaza, 516-570-6814, greekxpress.com.
LET THE DOOR HIT YOU
Serving up a fresh take on the farm-to-table trend is Barndoor 49, one of several new spots recently joining the burgeoning bar and restaurant scene in downtown Bay Shore.
The owners of Milk & Sugar closed the café after two decades and reinvented the locale as a rustic hideaway replete with reclaimed barnwood, a centrally located fireplace and retro details aplenty.
Stars of the menu include the Crispy Pork Belly with blackberry and raspberry jalepeño chutney and robiola bosnia cheese ($16), Pastrami Salmon with grilled red onion, tomato and horseradish creme ($15), and Buttermilk Pork Medallions with cauliflower puree, local potatoes and apple cider reduction ($25).
Barndoor 49, 49 West Main St., Bay Shore, 631-969-3655, barndoor49.com.
THE ROYAL TREATMENT
Celebrity Chef David Burke is rebooting The Garden City Hotel’s fine dining spaces, with King Bar and Red Salt Room making their debut this month as well as relaunching the Patio Bar.
Burke, of Top Chef Masters fame, is transforming the Polo Steakhouse into The Red Salt Room, which showcases his whimsical approach to regional and seasonal dishes. King Bar will feature New American with delightful shareable plates in an upscale lounge setting. The Patio Bar will have Burke’s unique spin on Tapas and craft libations.
His signature dishes include Angry Lobster, Burke’s Dumplings, Clothesline Candied Bacon, Cheesecake Lollypops and more.
The Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh St., 516-747-3000, gardencityhotel.com.
