Turkuaz Grill in Riverhead and more Long Island restaurants to try this weekend
When it comes to waterside dining, the ocean, the Sound and the bays get all the attention. But while Long Island is hardly known for its inland waterways, we’ve got our share of rivers and creeks — and there’s no better way to appreciate them than by dining on their banks.
Turkuaz Grill (40 McDermott Ave., Riverhead): Originally called River Head, Suffolk’s county seat is situated where the Peconic River empties into the Peconic Bay. The town built a lovely boardwalk along the water and, a skipping-stone’s throw from it is Turkuaz, a Turkish restaurant offering good food, views and even bird-watching. Nibble on a vibrant shepherd's salad, and an assortment of meze, or small plates, of housemade gyro and juicy kebabs. Creamy sutlac (rice pudding) makes for an optimal conclusion. More info: 631-591-1757, turkuazgrillriverhead.com
Claws Seafood Market (20 Montauk Hwy., West Sayville): The mighty Green Creek runs for nearly 2 miles from the Great South Bay north into West Sayville and, along its western bank is Claws, one of Long Island’s best fish markets. Claws also has an outdoor dining area where you can stake out a picnic or umbrella table and order from a menu that includes steamers, mussels, lobsters and Maryland-style hard-shelled crabs. Claws serves Long Island’s largest and most expensive lobster roll — more than a pound of meat for $85.95 — as well as two smaller versions. Even if you plan to meander your way home, buy some fresh fish, too; the staff is happy to pack it up with ice so it stays cold in your car. More info: 631-256-5900, clawsseafoodmarket.com
La Buena Vida (714 Montauk Hwy., Moriches): When Tom Freck, owner of Portside Bar & Grill in Port Jefferson, first saw the sprawling property overlooking the Forge River in Moriches, he envisioned a Spanish restaurant that specializes in seafood. He built an equally sprawling series of decks alongside the lazy, tree-lined shore and there you can enjoy such tapas as seafood-stuffed mushrooms, chorizo sausage sauteed in white wine, ham-potato croquettes and pulpo (octopus) both a la Gallega (Galcian-style, with paprika and olive oil) and a la plancha (grilled). Mains include mariscada (seafood stew) and paella. More info: 631-909-1985, labuenavidaspanishrestaurant.com