July 26, 2010 Wilfred Joseph

Biking on the North Fork of Long Island offers many options for guests of the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast.  Seaview trails in the Southport area offers over 57 miles of bike trails.  Trails can range from 5 5 to 14 miles and can accommodate all levels of experience.  The trails include Southold Bay Loop, Mattituck, Orient Loop, and Southold View Loop.  The ocean views are spectacular and their trails are safe and easy.   
Of course, bike riding is a year around activity on Long Island and if you are an avid biker then consider joining one of the many bicycling groups in the area.  If you are just visiting the area, stick to the defined bike trails, as traffic can get busy on the main road.  Some of the biking groups include:

  • Bicycle Long Island
  • Suffolok Bicycle Riders Associations
  • Huntington Bicycle Club
  • Massapequa Park Bicycle Club
  • GBSC Bicycle Racing Team
  • Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers
  • Low-Impact Bike Paths in the New York/Long island region

Happy biking!



July 19, 2010 Wilfred Joseph
The Store-front of the Frisky Oyster Restaurant
The storefront of the Frisky Oyster Restaurant

The Frisky Oyster remains one of the best restaurants in Greenport, Long Island.  Opened in 2002, the Frisky Oyster is a trendy restaurant that is sure to please everyone.  This modern restaurant is a little piece of Manhattan in Greenport.  Many visitors to the North Fork come for the small, lively bar and contemporary fare, such as seared foie gras atop roasted pineapple and mache and penne with pancetta, littleneck clams, leeks, and tomatoes.

Executive Chef Robby Beaver owns the Frisky Oyster.  He has trained under renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.  One of the signature dishes at The Frisky Oyster is the “Oyster Friskafella,” which is a twist on Oysters Rockefeller.  The result is a flavorful oyster dish that is both indulgent and satisfying.  In addition, The Frisky Oyster’s menu also includes a variety of other seafood dishes and meat and vegetarian options.  We love the warm and inviting ambiance, with a cozy dining room and a bar area where you can enjoy a drink or a light bite. Of course, this is just the beginning, and the complete menu has a great variety to choose from.

So what are the patrons saying?
“Phenomenal!! The food was outstanding- creative, complex, fresh flavors cooked to perfection (all except the Truffle Fries). (The) the atmosphere was romantic, and the service was excellent. We will definitely go back!!!”
Reservations are highly suggested, and the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast will be happy to assist their guests in ensuring they do not miss out on this hip restaurant for dinner!

Noah’s restaurant is known for its exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and talented chef, Chef Noah Schwartz.  Chef Noah is known for his creative use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.  One of the restaurant’s most famous dishes is the “Baja Fish Tacos,” which have been recognized as one of the best fish tacos in the country by several food critics and publications.  Their specialties include local seafood bouillabaisse, pan-seared tuna niçoise, crispy fish tacos, and lobster rollsIn addition, Noah’s Restaurant offers a variety of other seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options.  The restaurant’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a rustic-chic interior that combines modern and traditional elements.  There is also an outdoor patio where you can dine al fresco during the warmer months.  Overall, Noah’s Restaurant and Chef Noah Schwartz are known for their innovative and delicious cuisine and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

American Beech is a stylish restaurant and bar in a historic building that has been beautifully restored and is another favorite with our guests.  The menu features modern American dishes with international influences and emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and waters.  Some of the signature dishes at American Beech include the Beef Wellington, a classic dish of tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry with mushroom duxelles and foie gras, and the Lobster Tagliatelle, a pasta dish featuring fresh lobster, cherry tomatoes, and a white wine sauce.  Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.  Outside is a beautiful bar, the quadrangle around the beech tree from which the restaurant takes its name.

The Olive Branch – is a farm-to-table restaurant in Greenport, offering a contemporary Mediterranean/Turkish menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.  The restaurant is known for its delicious and creative dishes, such as the grilled octopus and the crispy eggplant parmesan.  They also have a great selection of wines and craft cocktails to complement the food.  This restaurant, even though it is on Front Street in Greenport, is located off the beaten path; look for it.  It is worth the effort.

Bruce & Son – Bruce & Son is a restaurant located in Greenport, NY.  The restaurant is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.  The restaurant’s interior features rustic decor with a blend of vintage and modern elements.  The restaurant is divided into two dining areas, one in the front and one in the back.  The front dining area features a bar and a few tables, while the back dining area has a communal table and additional seating options.  The restaurant offers a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu, ranging from classic American comfort food to more sophisticated and innovative options.

The Hellenic – The Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant is a family-owned and operated Greek restaurant located on the North Fork of Long Island, NY. It was originally a shack; they even rented cabins to the Greek families who came to the North Fork.  The restaurant is known for its authentic Greek cuisine, warm hospitality, and charming ambiance. The restaurant’s interior features a rustic decor with whitewashed walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and colorful accents. Both indoor and outdoor dining areas are available, with the outdoor seating area providing a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.  there are several seating areas with firepits to choose from.

The menu at The Hellenic features traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita, as well as seafood, salads, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers a selection of Greek wines and spirits to complement the meal.

In addition to its dining offerings, The Hellenic also has a market where customers can purchase Greek foods, wines, and other products imported directly from Greece.

Overall, The Hellenic offers a charming and authentic Greek dining experience, with delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service.

Some of the other restaurants in the area:

First and South

The Olive Branch

The Best Restaurants in Greenport


July 7, 2010 Wilfred Joseph

A romantic getaway to Long Island would not be complete without  some  time spend on the waters of Long Island Sound.  There is an abundance of ways to enjoy the sites, but one company seems to offer it all.  The Peconic  Star offers a variety of lighthouse tours, excursions, fireworks cruises, and sightseeing cruises.  So take your pick!
It always seems that guests’ favorites are the lighthouse tours and The Peconic Star makes trips to all eleven lighthouses in the Southold area.  This includes Horton Point Lighthouse, Bug Light, Plum Island Lighthouse, Latimer Lighthouse, Race Rock Lighthouse, Little Gull Lighthouse, Cedar Island Lighthouse, Orient Point Lighthouse, North Dumpling Lighthouse, South East Lighthouse, and Block Island North Lighthouse. 
Orient Long Beach Bar Light “Bug Light” is a lighthouse off Orient, New York.  It is interesting because it was originally a screwpile lighthouse that was later converted to a concrete caisson foundation.  This is how it received its nickname “Bug Light” as there were no other such lighthouses in the vicinity. 
Race Rock Light is a lighthouse on Race Rock Reef, southwest of Fishers Island.   The reef is a dangerous set of rocks off the coast of Fishers Island on Long Island Sound and was the site of many shipwrecks.  It was built between 1871 and 1878 and is an excellent example of 19th century engineering and design.   The Coast Guard automated the light in 1978 and it is still operational.   
Enjoy visiting all of the lighthouses during your stay at the Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast!