Favorite Things of Father's Day

My favorite things...

It all began with a slow Sunday morning on our front porch. I read the latest issue of Edible East End while enjoying not one, not two, but three cups of Newman's Organics, extra bold coffee. Roger sat next to me and researched our vacation plans for Mt. Desert Island, Maine in October. We relaxed and enjoyed each other's company and then did some chores around the house (including gathering vegetables for a fresh salsa).

Later we joined my parents, sister and her family for a Father's Day celebration in Greenport. We dined at Claudio's Restaurant, which was perfect for its classy yet comfortable atmosphere, fabulous food and excellent service.

There were seven of us with my 11-month-old niece and our server made us all feel like we were right at home. The beautifully decorated, nautical-styled dining area of the restaurant was adorned with stained glass, paintings of ships and comfortable cushions on captain's chairs and in the booths. We were so impressed with everything we ordered.

My choices began with a glass of Raphael's 2008 Rose of Merlot and a starter of Country Salad. On this bed of arugula and other mixed greens, was crumbled goat cheese, fresh figs, yellow tomatoes and a dressing of truffle oil vinaigrette. It was absolutely amazing! We also enjoyed the special touch of the seasoned olive oil for dipping with the warm bread varieties in baskets on the table.

For the main course, we ordered a bottle of Jamesport Vineyard's 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve as it paired well with all of our seafood dishes. My selection was Claudio's Seafood Tureen, which consisted of lobster meat, scallops, jumbo shrimp and Chesapeake Blue Claw lump crab meat with a Beurre Blanc sauce over tricolor fettucini.

Claudio's Restaurant was the best choice for our Father's Day and we were all very pleased. I would recommend Claudio's to anyone and everyone!

To conclude my wonderful day, after dinner, we took my niece for her very first carousel ride on the Greenport Village Carousel. We were all smiles and laughs. It was perfect.

...and these are a few of my favorite things.