Center Cuts in Mattituck throwing weekend food festival

If you’re planning on heading out to the North Fork this weekend, swing by Center Cuts butcher shop because there will be a lot more than butchering going on. To celebrate the shop’s fourth anniversary, owner Justin Aronoff is throwing a party in his parking lot that will feature not only his wares, but those of other North Fork purveyors. The festivities will be on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (In the event of rain, the celebration may be postponed, check @centercuts_mattituck on Instagram for updates.)

Aronoff is taking this opportunity to showcase his shop’s sandwiches. He is particularly proud of the Steak & Cheese, made from marinated, prime sirloin tips, peppers, onions and cheese, and the Philly, which he would put up against any challengers from the City of Brotherly Love. The meat here is prime rib eye, and it is sliced and then diced so that it mingles deliciously with the melted white American cheese (not Cheez Whiz; sue him). Sandwiches range from $11 to $15.

Will Burrell, a 17-year-old fledgling burger impresario, is planning a summer residency at the shop and he’ll be flipping burgers, made from Center Cuts’ own freshly ground brisket and short ribs. Burrell’s classic burger is $9, the double classic is $12, the smashburger with roasted garlic-bacon-onion jam is $13. Ten percent of every sale is donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which provides support to wounded veterans.

At the other end of the gustatory spectrum, Southold Fish Market will be shucking fresh oysters. Mattituck’s Village Cheese Shop will be serving artisan cheeses, Fields of Dough (Cutchogue) will bring fresh baked bread, Country View Farm Stand (Southold) will bring homemade pies. To drink, North Fork wines from Macari Vineyards and Bedell Cellars.

Aronoff was only 20 when he opened his first Center Cuts, in Roslyn Heights. In 2021, he opened a second shop in Mattituck, and it has become an integral part of the culinary landscape, offering fresh meats, prepared foods and catering.

Center Cuts, 11155 Main Rd., Mattituck, 631-298-2200, centercutsroslyn.com