Vacation Foods

472.  While on vacation recently we had the absolute pleasure to enjoy favorite foods on Long Island, New York.  It is so hard to resist since there are so very many great food options.  Like that small bowl of coleslaw at a local diner.  And every location has the best along with a kosher pickle.

And who can resist fried Calamari with a side of Marinara Sauce?

Breakfast is so much better at a local diner with the enormous portions, endless coffee and great service.

My favorite by far is the delicious bakeries filled with amazing cookies, breads, cakes and pastries.

And who can leave without having a slice of cheese pizza?

We visited family and friends and ate wonderful meals all during our stay.  SugarBerry Bakery was a highlight not only for the amazing pastry but the belly-laughs and sharing time with dear friends!  

I'm still dreaming of all the delectables consumed on this trip.  Sorry it went so fast.

"All you need is love.  But a little chocolate (and cake) now and then doesn't hurt."

~ Charles M. Schulz

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Kerber's Farm Long Island New York

327.  Do you like to explore?  Try new foods or go to new places?  This has always been a happy place for me.  To jump in the car with a fresh cup of coffee, my yarn project and good music.  Heading off to a new destination mapped out or unknown.

The day after Thanksgiving, for the past 35 years, we have always made a day of cutting down our Christmas tree from a local tree farm.  I heard about this great little place on Long Island that celebrates good food and has been making a name for themselves recently,  Kerber's Farm.  Here is their website:  http://kerbersfarm.com    They have delicious homemade foods and baked goods, guest houses for overnight visits, produce and antiques.  It is rustic and basic, a farm stand vibe yet upscale Hamptonesque.  The fact that they describe their offerings as provisions leads your expectations to experience something needful, homey and gosh, I can't live without it!

It was an A+ from my experience!  We set out earlier than usual and when we pulled into the parking lot at 9:00a.m., it was busy.

Walking in the front door you are welcomed with large cases filled with everything that makes life delicious!  Pies, muffins, biscuits, cookies calling to you..."You need me!"

We ordered breakfast sandwiches and coffee and found a garden table to sit and wait for our order.

My sandwich was egg, cheese, bacon and Swiss on a homemade biscuit.  Hot, fresh, delicious and so satisfying! 

 
 Outside was a small yard with chickens, antiques and quaint seating.

 If you go onto their website you can read their 75 year history.  It is a great place to visit, enjoy baked goods, breakfast or lunch or just to sit and read a book.

 If you live on Long Island or plan to visit sometime, make a day trip to Kerber's Farm.  You will be happy you did.  Article features here: http://kerbersfarm.com/press/

"The farm was always known for its

 fine baked goods, chickens, eggs, ice cream and fresh produce."

- Kerber's Farm History

Sorrento's Pizza

225. If you live anywhere near Long Beach, NY you have to try Sorrento's pizza! It is a small family owned Italian Deli and Pizzaria. Located at 255 West Park Avenue, this local shop has an old world feel. The moment you step in the front door you are greeted with a wonderful aroma of cheese, and meats and fresh baked pizza from their stone oven.

Neon signs in the front window welcome you to enjoy espresso and "fresh" meats.

You can eat al fresco outside or pull up a chair at a table inside. It's enjoyable to take in the sites of all the imported products lined around the shop and watch the locals stop in for their daily needs. The friendly butchers behind the counter are more than happy to share a sample or answer any questions you may have.

This shop was originally a butcher shop and the perfect place to purchase a variety of Italian specialties, pastas, oils, cheeses and other choice selections of prepared foods. Several years ago Sorrento's expanded and installed a brick/stone oven and bakery items.

Our pizza of choice was a "small" with riccotta. And this is what was brought to our table!

It was served on a long wooden paddle and cut by the baker right at the table.

The mozzarella is freshly made every morning and has such a wonderful flavor. And the sauce is fresh plum tomato marinara. To finish the layers of flavor, parmesan is grated over all and fresh basil leaves.

The crust is perfect, crispy, thin and very flavorful. And while you indulge, an Italian and American flag flutter in the beach air.

You will also be given "real" plates instead of paper plates and plastic utensils. The restaurant staff was pleasant, friendly and very eager to serve. The "small" can serve 4 people, although they say it is for 2. And the price was only $10.00 with an additional cost for each topping.

Now this is a reason to drive to Long Island...and Long Beach for this Italian treasure.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

~Leonardo da Vinci