Small Celebrations

Each time we gather at the table it should be treated as a celebration. Food is not just the means of filling our appetites, but is rather a resource and a reason to spend time together. It is time that we must set aside to slow down, talk, savor the meal (and perhaps some wine), laugh and simply relax. Dinner is also the best way to acknowledge a special occasion. This past week, I was lucky enough to share multiple dinners with family, friends and my husband to mark our two-year anniversary.

It began with my parents at a special wine dinner at Teller's Chophouse in Islip. If you have read my earlier posts, you'll know how I emphatically endorse Teller's for their ambiance, food and professional staff. Well, during the Raphael wine dinner there, we were treated like a royal family. Our experience was exquisite. I'll share my menu choices with you to give you an idea: Raphael's Sauvignon Blanc 2009 paired with frisee salad with bleu cheese and pears; Raphael's First Label Merlot 2002 paired with melt-in-your mouth lamb complemented by carmelized brussel sprouts and Long Island potatoes; finished by the Raphael Port 2007 with a Panna Cotta and a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream.

Our next celebratory dinner was for two. After a visit with my best friends at Pindar Vineyards' tasting room for some of their delicious Brut and Cuvee Rare, my husband and I dined at Jamesport Manor Inn. We enjoyed a surprisingly generous Long Island Restaurant Week menu. Pictured above, the dining room is more of a home feel with soft lighting as you walk through the would-be foyer and living room. Our table was cozily tucked in a window nook, which seemed as though it was in another world from the rest of the guests. This was my first time enjoying a dinner at this famed spot. I was more than impressed. The menu was full of unique and delicious choices, the portions were generous and the service was impeccable. I chose a Wolffer Cabernet Franc 2007 then started with sea scallops over creamy risotto. My main course was perfect - pan roasted French chicken breasts topped with goat cheese over Acorn squash puree and asparagus. I finished with a cappuccino and chocolate ice cream (my favorite finish). I highly recommend this spot, whether it's for a romantic dinner or a family meal. Even the bar area has an inviting, "stay awhile" atmosphere.

We then were able to round off the very different dinners with a gathering at the Martin home. The family dined on a meal that could've given any North Fork restaurant some competition. Prepared by my brother-in-law, Jeremy, a chef in his own right, we were served a surf-n-turf dinner fit for a king. The starters included plantains, while I sipped on some wine and we waited to gather, then were followed by plump shrimp cocktail. We then enjoyed a mixed green salad with gorgonzola, cranberries and sweet & spicy roasted pecans on top. The surf was the reveled Peconic Bay scallops, which were sweet and savory, broiled to perfection. The turf was a lager-marinated steak. Both complemented by rice and candied baby carrots. Dessert was a red velvet cake. This was truly a homemade celebration on a grand scale. Thank you, Jeremy.

These varied places, people and dishes can all be classified as the finer things in life that make the daily routine easier to bear. However, we all need to be sure that we make time for these things as often as possible.