eastendbuzz.comfor visitors to the North Fork of Long Island, New York

Bright silky smooth texture with hints of banana, citrus, strawberries, vanilla and anise, with an elegant and clean finish

are some of the words being used to describe the North Fork’s latest tasting delight, but they are not remotely related to grapes. This is 100% about potatoes, and vodka, and not just any vodka, this is Long Island vodka. The island’s first new distillery since the 1800s has just opened its doors in Baiting Hollow, and offers a tasting barn with deck overlooking the potato fields, in the same style as the vineyards and wineries now well established throughout the North Fork of Long Island, New York. The distinctive “terroir” of Long Island that is much talked about in terms of the wine palette, now offers vodka afficionados a distinctive, clean, crisp, hand-made vodka, that is deliciously creamy with a smooth finish.

The North Fork was first one of the world’s best growing potato regions long before it was one the world’s best grape growing regions, so this is a welcome and elegant addition. Expect only 5,000 cases to be produced in the first year.

LiV (rhymes with 5) can be found at 2182 Sound Avenue, Baiting Hollow, NY 11933.

Looking for the real recipe for Long Island Iced Tea? Click the ultra cool site at www.lispirits.com for more information, directions and cocktail recipes.

From January 12th 2009, visitors traveling to the US for less than 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will need to enter personal details online into a website 3 days in advance of travel. This follows recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and was developed so that VWP travelers can give advance information on their travels to the United States. In return, they will be given authorization electronically to travel. This program is modeled on the Electronic Travel Authority scheme that has been used in Australia for many years, and is called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). To check the list of countries that can take advantage of the ESTA/ Visa Waiver Program, click here.

Caught fresh today from a farmstand on Main Road in Southold. For the veggie garden, two “patio” tomato plants ($5 each), and basil (4 for $10). For the table, a quart of Strawberries, $4.95, (with a few missing off the top already, sorry about that), 1lb bunch of asparagus (can almost eat raw), a bag of mixed baby spring lettuce, (romaine, boston and something else), and a dozen extra large farm eggs, $13 in total. All produce picked fresh this morning, washed and ready to eat. Best eaten before refrigeration is needed. Total investment in local economy $33.

The Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck is now serving dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cedar plank salmon, fresh local shellfish and seafood, crab cakes, Thai steamed mussels, steak frites, fish & chips, apple & sage smothered pork tenderloins and much more. BYOB for now - and better make it a local one, or the corkage is $10. You can find Mike, Patti & Jennilee at 240 Love Lane in Mattituck, next to the Post Office. No credit cards, please. Reservation required  for dinner - website link here

Love Lane Kitchen is a great addition to our eating options - unless you live close to Mattituck, this truly is somewhere that you will visit, eat and enjoy and go away wishing it were in your neighborhood - I know that we did! — Roy Bradbrook, Dan’s Paper September 7, 2007

Relax on the waterside deck of The Old Mill Inn with your favorite cocktail and enjoy the real charm of the North Fork lifestyle. There’s an inhabited osprey nest across the inlet and jumping stripe bass in the water. Unwind while watching boaters and fishermen pass by with the day’s catch at a leisurely pace - this is a “no wake” zone. Take a deep breath, unwind and let nature work its magic. Tucked away on the west side of Mattituck Inlet, this Inn was reputedly a romantic hideout for Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. It remains to this day ever so slightly under the radar, easily accessible by boat for lunch, and worth going the extra two miles by car for a comfortable atmosphere and serious food experience. Catch fun times in the pub listening to live music or relaxing by the fire, and don’t be surprised if you are asked to lend a hand unloading the lobster pots. This is the slow travel you have been looking for. Click here for the website.

Regarded by some folks on the south fork as the best restaurant on the whole of the east end, including all of the Hamptons and North Fork, the distinguished North Fork Table & Inn offers a progressive American menu committed to the highest standard of culinary excellence. Seasonally inspired menu using locally grown biodynamic and organic produce, the freshest seafood from the pristine Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound and award winning North Fork artisanal cheese. Exceptional wine and food pairings in the chef’s tasting menu, incorporating many local wines, as well as international counterparts. If you only have time for one restaurant during your visit, and you are looking forward to a treat, this is it! Click here to reserve your table (recommended) and here to check out up-coming events. Southold.

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mattituck movie theater - click here for current schedule

greenport movie theater - click here for current schedule (summer season only)

movies by the bay at the old field vineyards - back by popular demand! On thursday nights in August, classic movies will be screened outdoors under the stars in a magical waterfront location, that is the private vineyard estate. Bring chairs, picnic rug, snacks and soft drinks to spread out on the grass, but no alcohol please. Wines available by the glass and bottle throughout the evening. Nominal charge per car. The Old Field Vineyards is located 1 mile east of the traffic lights in Southold Town. Click here for directions.

Front and center in the Village of Greenport, a few doors down from the cinema, here’s a sample menu to tempt your palette -

Tortilla Soup with jicama, avocado and pepper jack 9.

Country Salad with pancetta lardons, roasted garlic and crumbled gorgonzola 14.

Crispy Fried Artichoke Hearts with lemon tarragon aioli 14.

Vegetable and Ginger Dumplings, Meyer Lemon and soy dipping sauce 13.

Oysters ‘Friskafella’ spinach, garlic and chipotle 15.

Crab and Avocado Salad with “Crab Louis” dressing 16.

Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quesadilla 13.

Steak Tartar with crispy waffled potatoes 15.

Avocado, Pink Grapefruit and Endive Salad with a citrus vinaigrette 13.

Classic Caesar Salad with shaved parmesan 13.

Grilled Shrimp Summer Roll with cucumber noodle salad 13.

Pacific Ridge Back Swordfish with tomato concassé and rosemary aioli, chickpea panisses 29.

Prosciutto-wrapped Sea Scallops with sautéed spinach and white bean ragout 27.

Florida Black Grouper, lobster essence and lobster potato hash 28.

Orecchiette Carbonara with sweet peas, pancetta and baby arugula 24.

Boneless Half Chicken with lemon and rosemary, Yukon Gold puree 25.

Calf’s Liver* Diablo with crispy polenta and haricots vertes 25.

Pecan-Crusted Loin of Lamb* with a potato and leek gratin 26.

Orange and Fennel Osso Bucco with herbed orzo 32.

French-Cut Pork* Loin Chop, Mongolian flavors, braised red cabbage 28.

Steak* Frites, (12 oz dry aged NY Strip) 38.

Grilled Filet of Beef* au poivre with crispy skillet potatoes 35.

photo taken during Maritime Festival at the end of September - the only time you will see the bar in the street! website link for further information

Fine dining, spirits and sports by the waterfront in the charming village of New Suffolk, and easy to reach from Cutchogue, this restaurant has a formal restaurant on one side and a more casual and lively pub setting on the other, serving mainly bar food. The food is creative American cuisine featuring fresh local seafood, fresh local produce, and premium steaks and chops. Add homemade desserts, local wines and fresh flowers at your table. click here for the website.

Click on the restaurant tag to see other North Fork restaurants