Northern
WINTER
DESTINATION
Here the ‘catch
of the day’ was
likely hauled in
that morning
from the waters
off our Island
shores
culturally rich region in all of New
York State; and where better for a top
chef interested in the trendy ‘farm
(and sea) to table’ movement to be?
Long Island has a vibrant fishing
community, featuring local delicacies
like Blue Point Oyster and Peconic
Bay Scallops. Its wine country region
(named one of the Top Ten Wine
regions in the world, by Wine Enthusiast magazine) has over 50 producers
of wine and tasting rooms open to
the public.
And if you haven’t visited our farms
lately, you’re missing out on local
mushrooms, French Charolais beef
(considered the best in the world);
Long Island duck; fresh herbs, spices
and organic produce all grown right
here. Along with potatoes for vodka
and potato chips; even hops for our
local beer.
LONG ISLAND WINE COUNTRY
Long Island Wine County has grown
from one vineyard in 1973 to over
3,000 acres of vines and over 50 producers of world-class wines.
Suffolk County’s ideal climate produces high quality wines in nearly
every style. Although best known
for its crisp, dry whites wines made
from Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay,
Chenin blanc and Pinot Grigio, and
complex, elegant red wines made
56 FOOD TRAVELER | WINTER 2013
Fire Island, Long Ireland, Greenport
Harbor, Spider Bite and more. Many
are served at local restaurants and
some breweries have their own tasting rooms.
Or, how about a finding some local spirits made from Long Island
potatoes at Long Island’s own LiV
distillery.
LOCAL SEAFOOD
from Merlot or Merlot-based blends,
Long Island also produces fine traditional sparkling wines, white wines
from Riesling and Gewurztraminer,
rich, oaky Chardonnays, and an array of rosé wines made from Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Refosco, and Syrah. Fruity red wines
are made from Pinot Noir, Merlot,
and Cabernet Franc, spicy red wines
from Blaufrankisch, Lagrein, Malbec,
and Petit Verdot, and luscious dessert
wines, according to the Long Island
Wine Council.
If local beer is more your style, Long
Island’s Suffolk County has more than
its share of local brews and breweries.
Some of the best known local brews
include Blue Point, Southampton,
Where better to get the freshest seafood than from Long Island’s Suffolk
County. Surrounded by water, the
region is known for its rich ocean
bounty. From local stripers, flounder,
bass and swordfish to locally harvested oysters and Peconic Bay scallops,
you’ll find plenty of restaurants that
serve the local catch, usually caught
right off-shore.
LOCAL PRODUCE
A visit to Long Island’s farm stands
brings with it a myriad of sweet flavors, scents and abundant variety.
In addition to fresh produce, enjoy
homemade jams, honey and pies at
local farm stands and markets. Many
produce stands also offer pick your
own peaches, strawberries, apples,
pumpkins and other local fruits.
And Long Island has a variety of
organic farms and produce stands,
and some of the best apple orchards
in New York State.
So if you’re wondering where the
top chefs have gone to… take a look at:
www.discoverlongisland.com/
suffolk-epicurean