In 1973, by decree of then mayor John Lindsay, one block of 46th Street in Manhattan became known as Restaurant Row. But in Patchogue, few people venture even one block off Main Street for a good …
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In 1973, by decree of then mayor John Lindsay, one block of 46th Street in Manhattan became known as Restaurant Row. But in Patchogue, few people venture even one block off Main Street for a good place to eat. That is changing quickly. Perhaps we will someday see a decree by Patchogue mayor Paul Pontieri declaring one block south of Main Street on South Ocean Avenue as Patchogue’s Restaurant Row. There are some empty commercial sites there begging to become restaurants. Consider these fine eateries already there and literally next to each other:
MAZZA MEDITERRANEAN
Mazza is an Afghanistan and Greek restaurant operated by husband and wife, Wais and Zarry Omar, and their son and daughter, Sam and Sabha. Some Afghan appetizers to consider are the amazing Mantu dumplings and Aushak dumplings. The Boloni Kachaloo flatbread stuffed with grated potatoes, scallions and cilantro is delicious. Don’t pass up Borani Banjan, a pan-fried eggplant seasoned with spices, baked, and topped with yogurt and tomato sauce.
Delicious Afghan entrees include chicken kebab, lamb kebab, and kofta (ground beef) kebab. The Kabuli Palow, a lamb shank with rice, thin-sliced carrots, raisins, almonds, and pistachios is hearty and impeccably seasoned. As a side dish, try the lemon roasted potatoes, with a secret ingredient. Great Afghan desserts including Firni Pudding, which is finished with ground pistachio. classic Greek dishes, sandwiches, and platters are as finely prepared and presented as the Afghan specialties. Vegetarian dishes are also available.
The decor is white tablecloth Mediterranean. The ambiance is crisp, casual and friendly. Located at 58D S. Ocean Ave. Closed on Mondays. Delivery from Grubhub, and store pickup are available. A 10 percent discount is offered on Mother’s Day. 631-569-2020.
ART OF SPICES INDIAN RESTAURANT
I have been waiting for the opening of an authentic Indian restaurant for years! Headed by Kundan Singh and his team and family, fine appetizers such as Samosa Chatt and Gobi Manchurian are featured. Entrees include classic dishes such as butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, goat curry, tawa lamb chops, and chili shrimp. There are several Biryani dishes in which the meat is combined with rice. The preferred spice level is taken with each order. There are many vegetarian dishes that are strictly prepped and cooked separately from meat items. There are five kinds of naan bread on the menu. This restaurant adheres to the finest ingredients. Spices frequently used are turmeric, mustard seeds, fenugreek, fennel, chili, asafetida and saffron. These spices are explained on the menu.
For a refreshing beverage, try the creamy and delicious mango lassi. Or the Masai Chai tea made with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorn and milk. For dessert, consider RasMalai, a delicate sponge cake with a subtle syrup. Another dessert is Gulab Jamun, a sweet, ball-shaped classic.
The décor is bright and casual. Meat and vegetarian lunch specials are offered between noon and 3 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Located at 58 S. Ocean Ave., next to Mazza. Delivery from Grubhub, UberEATS, and Doordash. Store pickup is available. A free order of naan is offered on Mother’s Day.
BIRD AND BAO
This simple décor restaurant features Bao, a puffy, white bun stuffed with a choice of fillings and served open-faced. Think Asian taco. These can be a snack or meal, especially if you order two or more. There are four Bao listed on the menu as Most Popular: the Sweet Heat made with crispy chicken, sweet chili, pickled daikon radish, coriander and peanut; the Nashville Hot made with crispy chicken, Japanese togarashi oil, chili mayo, and black vinegar pickle; the Crunch Bao made with slow braised pork, kimchi, coriander, crispy wonton shell inside the Bao bun, chili mayo, and peanut; and the Original Bao made with crispy chicken, chili mayo, cabbage, coriander, and peanut. The Nutty Professor is a vegetarian Bao made with crispy tofu. There are also bowls (no bun) with tasty ingredients. A dessert Bao is called Smalls, a fried bun filled with charred marshmallow, milk chocolate, graham cracker and cinnamon sugar.
Bird and Bao is an informal and delicious addition to Restaurant Row. They are at 58b S. Ocean Avenue, right next to Art of Spices. Their web address is birdandbao.com. Pickup and delivery are available.
LINDO MEXICO
This restaurant bills itself as “authentic Mexican cuisine.” It has an extensive menu of classic appetizers such as shrimp ceviche and five kinds of soups. Entrees include tacos, nachos, and Mexican sandwiches. Platters come with a choice of rice and beans or salad and fries. They offer burritos, fajitas, alambre served in a hot skillet, salads, egg dishes, and a Kid’s Menu. Drinks include beer, sangria, smoothies, sodas, and juices. There are also seven desserts, including classics such as flan, churros, and tres leche. The menu states they are open seven days a week, but I discovered them closed last Monday. I suggest you call ahead at 631-307-9143.
YAAAS TEA
Yaaas Tea is owned by Kelly Zhou. The address is 38 S. Ocean Avenue is but one of her 12 stores. The features are bubble tea; plain, latte, and iced coffees; and iced teas with a variety of fruit flavors. They also serve Croffles, which are like a croissant/waffle combination that are stuffed with sweet or savory items such as ham and cheese. A variety of small cookie jars are available as well. They are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Pickup and delivery only. The website is yaaastea.com and the number is 631-730-8888.
Enjoy your culinary tour of Patchogue’s Restaurant Row. n
Dwight Lee Wolter is pastor of the Congregational Church of Patchogue on Main Street. Prior to ministry, he was Group Sales Manager of the Tavern on the Green; was on the opening team of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Jockey Club on Central Park South; and was Maître d’ Hotel of the Manhattan Ocean Club.
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