Michael Anthony's Food Bar

Fine food and family. This is just a start to what you can expect from Michael Anthony's Food Bar tucked away off of a Northern beach road in Wading River. What better way to celebrate my birthday, then by trying an exciting new dining experience in a place that came well-recommended by so many of my friends and colleagues.

I don't proclaim myself a critic of any sort. My purpose is always to share restaurant hot spots and recipe ideas that really wow me. I want to spread the word to as many as possible. That being said, I can firmly stand by my word when I tell you that Michael Anthony's is hands-down the best place I have dined this year and I have made a decision to call this restaurant our new "local go-to" dinner spot. When I find a favorite, it's where my family and I will celebrate everything. Being a cut above in atmosphere, service and food and still offering reasonable pricing, I can call Michael Anthony's home.

Upon being greeted for our reservation, we were treated as old friends or visitng family immediately. The sommelier, Cassandra, was absolutely charming and truly knew her wine pairing art. The welcoming ambiance and table set-up were extremely comfortable. The dining room was filled with an energy and buzz with live music humming from the bar area. However, it also offered a romantic island of solitude at our corner window table.

The chef sent out a tuna tartare muse course first, along with warm breads served with olive tapanade, red pepper hummus and garlic butter spreads. Nice touch. Then we began our four course meal. Each was more exquisite than the last and all worked together perfectly! My dinner menu consisted of the following.

• Polenta toast with mushroom ragout and white truffle oil paired with the smooth Bedell Taste Red blend.


• Butternut squash bisque paired with a spicy Sardinian red from Cannonau Di Sardegna.


• Main course of tender veal rolled with spinach, breaded and served with a bechamel cream sauce. This was paired with a unique South African wine called Chocolate Block, which was jam in a glass. Terrific!


• I finished with a Swiss chocolate pyramid that featured carmelized sugar. I sipped on a Cappuccino with this one.

The experience of these dishes went beyond the ordinary in the flavor combinations and the beautiful presentation. Plus, Chef Michael visited our table twice that evening. He, Cassandra and all of the staff truly exceeded my expectations.

If you have not been to Michael Anthony's Food Bar yet, please plan on it for the new year. It is an absolute must!

'Tis the season to be extremely busy but don't forget to take a moment with your loved one(s) to share a glass of wine, a cup of coffee or if the time allows, a relaxing meal together.