3 restaurants that are hidden gems
Turkuaz Grill, located in Credit: Randee DaddonaRiverhead, serves Turkish and Mediterranean authenic cuisine. Turkuaz has tables that face the Peconic Riverfront. (June 15, 2011)
Some restaurants are right in your face, situated on well-traveled thoroughfares. Others, you have to know about. We give you three worth the hunt.
PITA HOUSE, 100-27 S. Jersey Ave., East Setauket, 631-675-9051
Only 25¢ for 5 months
Some restaurants are right in your face, situated on well-traveled thoroughfares. Others, you have to know about. We give you three worth the hunt.
PITA HOUSE, 100-27 S. Jersey Ave., East Setauket, 631-675-9051
Heritage Square is barely a strip mall -- it's more like a building with a parking lot. That building, situated well behind the Wild by Nature market in East Setauket, houses this surprisingly large Turkish restaurant, a source of savory dips as well as juicy kebabs.
TURKUAZ GRILL, 40 McDermott Ave., Riverhead, 631-591-1757
Hidden from street view is this charming Turkish restaurant near the Riverhead Aquarium, off the municipal lot that fronts the Peconic River. A major lure is the river view from the restaurant's porch. Another, is the food: a vibrant shepherd's salad, an assortment of lively meze (small plates) as well as grilled marinated kebabs.
BISCUITS & BARBEQUE, 106 E. Second St., Mineola, 516-493-9797
Secreted away in an industrial section of Mineola is a sideways-facing 1940s vintage railroad-car diner serving up satisfying Louisiana-style food. Try the hot flaky biscuit with andouille sausage gravy or the fiery-sweet blackened catfish. Swell house-smoked chicken and ribs, too.