Bistro 25 East opens in Blue Point

A cozy bar and restaurant in the center of Blue Point has worn and shed a few identities over the past few years, but its new owners plan on the newest one sticking: Bistro 25 East.

The new spot, which opened just after Thanksgiving, takes the place of the former Corey Creek Inn, which had replaced the Blue Point Bistro and Grill. If the new name sounds familiar, that's intentional: This is the eastern spur of the nine-year-old Bistro 25 in Sayville. "This [place] has turned over so many times that we figured we'd bring some name recognition," said Marty Shea, who co-owns Bistro 25 East with Mike Turner, still the sole owner of the original Bistro 25. "We chose 'east' because we're east of Sayville, but also have a little bit of an Eastern influence."

Those Asian touches come from chef Chris Hendrickson, who worked at both Monsoon: Steak and Sushi in Babylon and Catch Oyster Bar in Patchogue before joining Shea in Blue Point. Hendrickson's winter menu, which differs completely from the one in Sayville, holds shellfish in high stead; there are local oysters on the half (with mignonette) and grilled oysters with citrus-herb butter ($14), as well as mussels in a coconut-saffron broth ($14) and fried calamari with Thai chili, chopped peanuts, apple and scallion ($12). Another Asian-inflected starter: duck buns with hoisin and pickled cucumber and sriracha aioli ($14).

Among the larger plates are a pork belly ramen ($22), salmon over lemon polenta and broccoli rabe in a beurre blanc sauce ($25) and local duck breast with lavender-orange hoisin sauce and a sweet potato and Brussels sprout hash ($28). Head bartender Dylan House is making bitters and syrups for $12 craft cocktails (such as a lavender-lemon gin martini) and local craft beers rotate onto the five taps.

With about 35 seats, the spot is still petite, but Shea and Turned renovated the dining and barrooms to a more "comfortable and modern," feel.

Bistro 25 East opens at 4 p.m. daily for dinner, and Sunday brunch will debut in February, Shea said.

Bistro 25 East, 154 Montauk Highway, Blue Point. 631-823-0400. bistro25east.com