Dan's Papers - July 3, 2009 - Givin' You The Business

Not all of Riverhead had been hibernating during the dreary winter. Some businesses were, well, busy - some old, some new, some different, some improved. Several have been busy striving to open for the spring/summer awakening on the North Fork, others reacquainted themselves with new owners or chefs, and yet others said goodbye and moved on to greener pastures.

The restaurant circle has a couple of newcomers. Hizir Baba is a Turkish Mediterranean restaurant one block west of Atlantis on Main Street in Riverhead. They serve up traditional dishes such as falafel, babaganoush, all kinds of kebabs, and baklava (if it sounds Greek to you, you're on the right track). They offer free local delivery and al fresco dining.

Michael's at the Boardwalk (also on Main), which featured the revered chef Michael Meehan, bid the area farewell after only two seasons and made room for Casa Rica, a Spanish restaurant with authentic fare. Jedediah Hawkin's, as many of you may know, had a change in the kitchen: Tom Schaudel, former head chef, has walked away after a fall out with the partnership. Executive Chef Matthew Murphy has now taken the hot seat in the kitchen.

The Farm Country Kitchen, disguised as a private home, has been in its same location on West Main for five years. There's one small change: This diamond in the rough has finally started to serve dinner as of this year. The recent buzz about the place (patrons raving about their fresh salads, sandwiches and other local cuisine) was such that I thought it was brand new, but it seems the evening crowd started the hype. All this time the lunch folk managed to keep it under the radar, all to themselves.

In case the kids have had enough of the aquarium and the movies this summer - about all there is to do out here on a rainy day (and it may not ever stop raining) - the Safari Adventure on Pulaski Street in Riverhead has come to the rescue. A component-built indoor playground, the space boasts a 4-level jungle gym, inflatable bouncers, 40 interactive video games, a concession area that offers some healthy choices along with the usual kid fare, birthday party rooms, et cetera. They expect to open by late July.

Yet another winery is upon us this summer and is unveiling their new tasting room - this one in Jamesport. Although Jason Damianos (yes, part of the wine-making Damianos family) has been producing wine for years, he finally has a place to call his own. Jason's Vineyard is anticipating opening for the busy 4th of July weekend, as long as the final details are smoothed over. Staying true to his Greek heritage, the interior of the room has a nautical theme, complete with a wooden bar modeled after the ancient Spartan ships (like the one he uses on his wine labels). There is an outside covered deck and a second floor balcony that overlooks the vineyard.

In keeping with the alcohol related content, LI Spirits, makers of LiV, a premium vodka, introduced their new tasting room in Baiting Hollow this past Memorial Weekend. The 1,000-square-foot space in a converted barn overlooks acres of potato farms and vineyards, and although new, exudes old-fashioned charm with its coveted post-and-beam construction. Vodka is available for sampling or by the bottle. They are open until 8 p.m. on the weekends.

Of course all eyes are on downtown Riverhead, where plans are simmering (some bubbling over, others fizzling out) for some exciting recruits, including a Hyatt Hotel, Mariott Courtyard and Residence Inn, catering hall and spa on the old Woolworth property, and more. Route 58 also has a potential lineup: "The Shops in Riverhead" at the Hazeltine site, a Lowes at the Suffolk Life gravesite, a Super Walmart, and Bowl 58, which has recently stopped construction due to some financial obstacles but intends to resume soon and open early fall.