Mother's Day on Long Island: 5 reasons to head east
Bouillabaisse at Bell & Anchor in Sag Harbor. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Mother's Day, this Sunday, May 12, signals the peak of spring with the sun warming the grass and setting well past 7 p.m. On Long Island, an impromptu day trip out east could be just the way to celebrate, whether with scenic views, wine, or the bountiful seasonal produce that awaits. Grab your sunglasses (and your kids …), jump on the LIE, and beat the traffic.
SOUTH FORK
Sit on the dock of the Bay in Sag Harbor
Overlooking Mill Creek and Noyak Bay, The Bell & Anchor celebrates Mother’s Day with a special brunch and dinner menus with a la carte options. Brunch choices include a classic eggs Benedict ($25) or lobster Benedict ($36), plus a house-smoked salmon plate ($24). Non-brunch dishes include appetizers like crispy portobello ($18) and burrata ($22), and entrees like pan-roasted salmon ($38), lobster garganelli pasta ($48) and roasted chicken breast ($36).
The Bell & Anchor, 3253 Noyac Rd., Sag Harbor, 631-725-3400, bellandanchor.com; Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wiggle your toes in the sand in Montauk
Caesar salad at Navy Beach in Montauk. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
The picturesque Navy Beach, located on 200 feet of Montauk sand overlooking Fort Pond Bay is one the East End’s best places to catch a sunset. This Sunday, there's a special three-course prix fixe menu ($55) for Mother's Day, with a complimentary glass of rosé for moms with their meal. Choose between clam and corn chowder, a Buddha bowl or Maine mussels and frites for starters, rigatoni ratatouille, Asian chicken salad or salmon for main courses. It's the chef’s choice for dessert.
Navy Beach, 16 Navy Rd., Montauk, 631-668-6868, navybeach.com, Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.
NORTH FORK
Celebrate National Rosé Month
Sipping rosé in the garden at Croteaux Vineyards in Southold. Credit: Randee Daddona
Croteaux Vineyards is the only Long Island winery exclusively devoted to the perfectly pink wine. Seating at the Southold winery is first-come, first-served, and flights in the cozy pebbled garden — or on laid-back couches overlooking the vineyards — run $30 for six wines, bottles from $37 and glasses at $14. Bites include Moroccan olives, lobster roll sliders and fries.
Croteaux Vineyards, 1450 S. Harbor Rd., Southold, 631-765-6099, croteaux.com, Open daily noon to 6 p.m.
See Lieb Cellars’ newly renovated Tasting Room
In Cutchogue, the Lieb Tasting Room recently reopened under new ownership with an updated look featuring “natural materials, a modern color palette, and a blend of sleek and rustic fixtures,” said owner Renee Fondacaro. Founded in 1992, the 54-acre Lieb Cellars, known for Pinot Blanc, was purchased by its longtime winemaker, Russell Hearn, and his business partners. With a new menu, the space now features tufted leather banquettes, a private tasting area, bar and table seating. If it’s a nice day, head to the patio for picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. Wine flights run $20-$30 and feature both of Hearn’s Lieb and Suhru wines, nibbles include build-your-own charcuterie boards (cheese, prosciutto, soppressatta, smoked trout).
Lieb Cellars Tasting Room, 13050 Oregon Rd., Cutchogue, 631-734-1100, liebcellars.com; Open daily from noon to 6 p.m., reservations on Tock.
Have lobster for lunch at Meadowlark
On May 12, Macari’s Meadowlark, the wine bar that highlights the winery’s portfolio, is partnering with The Catered Fork to offer mom (and her entourage) a lobster roll and French fries alongside a half-glass of Macari Wines' sparkling rosé, Horses, and a half-glass of Macari's new release, 2023 Rosé. A special dessert from The Treatery completes the meal. Reservations available for parties up to 12, $65 a person.
Meadowlark, 24385 Main Rd., Cutchogue, meadowlarknorthfork.com, Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.
