Trip to the vineyards!

Long Island has over 30 vineyards. Most of them on the north fork. A bunch of friends and I decided to visit 3 of them. Macari, Martha Clara and Baiting Hollow

 Luckily we had some sunshine while we were there so we could walk around the vineyards.

 Macari has a big patio at the back that overlooks the vineyards. You can bring your own picnic and have lunch here.

 Obviously you buy the wine here. We did a wine tasting before and then decided on a bottle of Malbec.

 Macari had a 13th anniversary and a big sale on that day.

Wine here was best of the three vineyards in my opinion. My favorite was Bergen Road so we bought a few bottles of that and a few of the Malbec. They also had some really delicious dessert wine which I don't remember the name of, but it tasted like honey and was super sweet.

Then we continued to our next stop, Martha Clara.

 This was everybody's favorite. They had picnic tables outside, food, a live band and a petting zoo with farm animals. Very nice atmosphere.

 The tasting room was very busy. All the vineyards had lots of bridal showers and big groups coming and going.

 After a wine tasting indoors, we bought some sangria and sat outside at the picnic tables.

They had some goats and pigs etc..

Then we went to the last one, Baiting Hollow.

 They rescue horses at this place and have a huge stable at the back.

 The profits of some of the wines go to the rescue horses.

 They also had a live band at this place and it was very busy.

 Inside they had two little bars and a gift shop.

What a fun day trip this was. Looking forward to visiting more vineyards in the future.

Girls night at Lucy's

I LOVE the food at this restaurant Lucy's, so I wanted to take our "girls night" here and enjoy the delicious organic/all natural food they have to offer.

The place is tiny and all tucked away in an alley, but so cozy and nice and quiet. Our waiter Billy was super friendly and attentive. 

We shared three appetizers between the three of us and they were all delicious. 

Braised All-Natural Beef Short Rib With red wine reduction and horseradish pure

Morrell Mushroom and English Pea Risotto With a hint of black truffle

 Tuna Tartar With avocado, lime, and shallot. This tasted soooo good!

For Entrees, I of course had to go with salmon, my favorite.

Scottish Salmon Over peas, asparagus, chanterelle mushrooms, ramps, purple potatoes, and Dijon vinaigrette

My friend Ellen had one of the specials of the day

Beef Wellington, which she said was very tasty.

My friend Christina had the Monkfish

Oven Roasted Monkfish Over sautéed spinach, with a parsnip puree and beurre rouge

I can't wait to come here in the summer when the french doors are open to the street and you get a nice breeze in.

Art by the Falls

 In Argyle Park there was a fourth annual outdoor art exhibit featuring local artists.

 Didn't buy anything, but it's always fun to look around.

 This guy was walking around playing a saxophone..

Fire Island Avenue - Seafood restaurants and biker bars

Pier 44 

I can see this joint from our window, so the location couldn't be more convenient. Pier 44,  a cozy home-style, family friendly restaurant. They serve traditional food as well as seafood. Escargot is good here.

As far as I know, they don't serve shark here despite the giant one outside..

Babylon Fish and Clam restaurant

Next to Pier 44 is another restaurant, specializing in seafood called Babylon Fish and Clam. I love seafood and the clams here are always good. They also have a big terrace which is a great place in the summer to enjoy one of their tasty cocktails. Bikers seem to like this joint too, so in the summer you'll see a lot of motorcycles parked in the front.

Sea Breeze

Next to Fish and Clam and before the Venetian Yacht club there is a biker bar with live music, called the Sea Breeze Cafe. I've actually never been inside, but I've walked passed it when the band has been playing and it looks like a fun and lively place. Outside there are a lot of motorcycles usually and sweet rides from the 50s which I love. 

Not a great photo, but I feel awkward taking photos of strangers cars, so I was trying to do it quick

One of these days I'll borrow my friends Harley and go check this place out :)

Morgan's Bay Confections

On the opposite side of the road from Sea Breeze, there is a shop called Morgan's Bay Confections. If you need gourmet truffles and delicious chocolates, this is the place to get them. Apparently. I have never found the door to get in the shop :D But I hear they make really delicious chocolate covered strawberries etc.

Boat yards and marinas around the neighborhood

Sunny day in March

Little Boat Shop

Giant old anchor.. not a very good photo of it though..

Walk around the neighborhood

I love boats and the sea, so Babylon is the perfect town for me.. oh look that rhymes!

There are boat docks everywhere, along the roads and on peoples backyards

This little boat looks like the perfect size for me. I don't know how to sail, but I would love to learn. 

This day was freakishly warm so it was nice to finally get out for a walk. Spring is finally here!

There's a yacht club around the corner called Venetian

 No yachts to be seen though at this time of the year..

View of the bridge, what more could you ask..