North Fork Table Shines Again
July 26, 2010 | Comments Off
One of the highlights of each of my North Fork, Long Island visits has always been a splurge meal at the North Fork table, and this latest visit exceeded my very high expectations. The dining experience here rivals some of the best in the world. Its no surprise, since its run by two restaurant veterans with impressive pedigrees. Chef Gerry Hayden (Aurole, Amuse) and Claudia Fleming (Gramercy Tavern) run the show and the consistent high-quality of food and service is impressive. We dined there on a steamy summer night that made me crave the spare coolness of the simple and elegant farmhouse. The service is outstanding, very much to the standard of Gramercy Tavern. We chatted for a bit with Samy, a delightful server and weekend manager, who has been with the restaurant since its inception. He adds much to the experience there. The menu is set-us as a three-course prefix for dinner. The Fluke Ceviche was sublime, as was the tuna tartare with a complex yuzu-sesame broth and tarro chips. The scallops over fresh corn risotto with wild mushroom sauce was somehow light and summer, but decadently rich at the same time. The beef was extraordinary with delicate baby vegetables and an earthy onion tart. The desserts were what truly floored me, however. This is pretty rare, as I don't have a big sweet tooth. I was utterly speechless upon tasting the updated rendition of a frozen lemon meringue pie with coconut crust and blueberry sauce. The deconstructed apricot-almond cake with apricot ice cream was delicious too. You will want to save your pennies to experience this amazing spot if you find yourself in Long Island. Its worth every last one...
I've recently moved my life from Brooklyn, New York to Sonoma County, California to pursue a life in food and wine. I am now the executive chef at