October means pumpkin time and Pumpkin Picking On Long Island. Every year we visit the Stakey Pumpkin Farm for the best pumpkin picking on Long Island. Getting lost in the Corn Maze is also alot of fun. Halloween and Pumpkin picking time is persoanlly one of my favorite times of the year. This is our first Halloween here at Good Long Island Eats and nothing could have been better then taking a few moments to speak with the best pumpkin farmer around Jim Stakey himself.

Does size matter will a bigger pumpkin taste better then a smaller one?

Small pie type (3 to 5 pounds) pumpkins have better flavor than big Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins. All pumpkins make good pies.

Will a bigger pumpkin last longer then a smaller one?

No.  Small pie type pumpkins last longer.

What are the best ways to preserve your pumpkin before and after carving?

Avoid bumps and bruises.  Keep the pumpkin cool but avoid frost and freezing.  Once you cut the skin, the pumpkin will begin to deteriorate.  The best way to preserve a carved pumpkin is to take good pictures of it.

What’s the difference between a pumpkin and a gourd?

They are different species of the same plant family that includes cucumbers, squashes, cantaloupes and watermelons.  Pumpkins have a  thin skin and thick edible flesh.  Gourds have a thick hard shell and no edible flesh.  The seeds of both species are edible.

How long should a pumpkin last carved and uncarved.

A carved pumpkin will last about a week, then slowly turn into a “science project” as it decomposes.  An uncarved pumpkin will last for many months if:

1/ it is fully ripe when picked,

2/ it is protected from cuts and bumps that break the skin, and

3/ it is protected from freezing.
Wiping your pumpkin with a mild bleach solution will reduce the chance of molds and rots attacking it.

How many pumpkin seeds are in an average pumpkin?

Hundreds!

Do you have any tips to help people pick out a good pumpkin? Size, Texture, weight?  Any suggestions you could offer would be great?

Every pumpkin is a good pumpkin! Pick a pumpkin that matches your personality or your mood.  A little guy might want a pumpkin that he can carry himself or a giant that his Dad has to struggle with.  If you want to cook your pumpkin as a vegetable or in a soup, select the smaller pumpkins with thicker flesh.  The best “pumpkin” pies are made from Boston Marrow squash but all pumpkins and all winter squashes make good pies.  If you want to make a really frightful Jack-O-Lantern you need to get a big one that is either perfectly round and symmetrical or really ugly and gnarly — it’s up to you!!

Special thanks again to Jim Stakey at Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm for answering all of our questions and helping every one get the most out of their pumpking picking fun this year.

Give them a visit, and when you carve your pumpkins we want to see them. We will even feature them on the site. Send a picture of your pumpkin along with your name and age to: Editor@goodlongislandeats.com Carved pumpkins of all types sizes, from all age groups are welcome.

Stakeys Pumpkin Farm

http://www.stakeyspumpkinfarm.com/
270 WEST LANE, P.O. BOX 950
AQUEBOGUE, NY 11931
Phone: (631) 722-3467

OCTOBERFEST WEEK AT LIBRARY CAFÉ
With Sam Adams Beer Tasting
274 Main Street
Farmingdale, NY
www.thelibrarycafe.com

Celebrate Oktoberfest October 19 through October 26 with a Sam Adams Oktoberfest dinner on Tuesday, October 20.  The restaurant will offer German food specials, craft beers, German beers and a $25 three-course tasting menu all week.  The Oktoberfest dinner featuring Samuel Adams brews on Tuesday, October 20 will begin with a Sam Adams Happy Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. followed by a five-course tasting menu beginning 5:30 p.m.  Guest speaker Josh Havey from Samuel Adams will be on-hand.  Cost of the dinner is $35 per person.  Reservations are recommended.  The menu is as follows:

Pretzel, Mustard
Boston Lager

Potato Pancake, Apple Sauce, Sour Cream
Imperial White Ale

Veal Schnitzel, Red Cabbage
Black Lager

Wurst Platter: Pork Bratwurst and Knockwurst, Potato Dumpling
Oktoberfest

Black Forest Cake
Double Bock

The $25 three-course Oktoberfest tasting menu will be offered for lunch and dinner.  The menu features Sam Adams beer and will begin with a free sampling of “Lessing’s LOCAL Ale” and a Bavarian pretzel.  The menu is as follows:

Potato Pancake, Apple Sauce, Sour Cream with Imperial White Ale

Veal Schnitzel or Wurst Platter, Potato Dumpling, Sauerkraut with Oktoberfest

Black Forest Cake with Double Bock

For further information, call Library Café at (516) 752-7678 or visit www.thelibrarycafe.com.

VIP and VVIP ticket holders are invited to a tented food and wine tasting from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring signature dishes from East End restaurants paired with local wine and beer.  VIP participants include: Ace Metro Beverage, Art of Eating Catering, Artisanal Premium Cheese, Babette’s, Channing Daughters Winery, The Clam Bar, The Clam Man, Cynthia Battaglia Distinctive Catering, Dark Horse Catering, Della Femina, Estia’s Little Kitchen, Exquisite Foods, Foody’s, Four Seasons Catering, Gosman’s Restaurant, Gurney’s Inn, Hamptons Coffee Company, Indian Wells Tavern, Janet O’Brien Caterers, La Fondita, The Laundry Restaurant, The Living Room at The Maidstone Arms, Maui Wowi, Martha Clara Vineyards, Meeting House, Naturally Good Café, Peconic Bay Wines, Pop Chips, Rugosa, Runaways, The Seafood Shop, Second Horse Tavern, Southampton Publick House, Stuart’s Seafood Market, SURU Wines, Taste of the North Fork, Thyme & Again Catering, Turtle Crossing, Vine Street Café, Wildthyme, Wolffer Estate Vineyards, and Zrii. All leftover food from the tasting will be donated to the food pantries immediately after the event.

The public is encouraged to bring non-perishable items that will be collected at the door. Kowalenko has set a donation goal of 10,000 pounds. All profits from the event will be donated to the East End Food Pantry Network. Food pantries that will benefit include: Southampton Food Pantry, Mother Theresa Outreach Center in Montauk, East Hampton Food Pantry, Sag Harbor Food Pantry, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton, Wainscott Food Pantry, Springs Community Presbyterian Church, St. Rosalie’s Church in Hampton Bays, Community Action Southold Town, Inc. and Immaculate Conception in Westhampton.  Amagansett Food Pantry will be formed using monies raised from “Ladles of Love” and will also receive donated items.

Tickets will be available for purchase at all Bridgehampton National Bank branches and Art of Eating Catering at 74 Montauk Highway in Amagansett beginning Saturday, July 11. Ticket holders are not allowed to bring coolers, bottles, or alcoholic beverages, and a blanket or beach chair is recommended for field seating.

Ticket levels include:

*“Velvet Rope” VVIP Sponsor Tables ($10,000) and Solo Seat ($1,000) Levels includes:
*Admission and seating in VVIP Lounge (within VIP tent)
*Admission to food and wine tasting
*Admission to concert and stage-front seating
*Backstage meet-and-greet with talent
*Limited edition VVIP field chair and concert t-shirt
*Bar, hors d’oeuvres and table service
*On-site preferred parking nearby VIP tent with golf cart shuttle to/from VIP tent to parking area
*Air-conditioned luxury restroom trailer
*Sponsor Tables includes admission for ten and private VVIP table
*Solo Seat includes single admission and VVIP table seating
Limited availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Contact “Ladles of Love” directly for reservation at (631) 267-3312.

*VIP ($250) includes:
*Admission to VIP tent and reserved seating
*Admission to food and wine tasting
*Limited edition concert t-shirt
*On-site preferred parking nearby VIP tent
*Air-conditioned luxury restroom trailer

*Preferred Admission ($75) includes:
*Admission to concert
*Preferred seating area
*Limited edition concert t-shirt
*On-site parking
*May purchase food and beverages at refreshments tent

*General Admission ($50)
*Concert field seating
*On-site parking
*May purchase food and beverages at refreshments tent

*General Admission – Kids Under 10 (FREE with non-perishable food donation)
*Concert field seating
*On-site parking
*May purchase food and beverages at refreshments tent

$10 UNLIMITED WINE TASTINGS FROM FEATURED SELECTIONS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Liberty School, Paso Robles
*Friulano, Keber, Collio, Italy
*Hoffstater, Pinot Grigio, Italy
*Malbec, Ernesto Catena, Argentina
*Merlot, Chateau Pascaud, Bordeaux Superior, France
*Merlot, Lieb Cellars, Long Island
*Merlot, Shafer, Napa
*Pinot Blanc, Lieb Cellars, Long Island
*Prosecco, Zardetto, Brut, Italy, Sparkling
*Riesling, Maria Schneider “Jazz”, Pfalz, Germany
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
*C. Donatiello, Russian River, Chardonnay
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Crios, Mendoza, Argentina
*Cabernet/Merlot Blend, Newton Claret, California
*Friulano, Keber, Collio, Italy
*Merlot, Chateau Pascaud, Bordeaux Superior, France
*Merlot, Frog’s Leap, Napa, CA
*Mouton Rothschild/Castellare, Cabernet/Sangiovese, Le Sughere di Frassinello, Tuscany
*Purple Mountain Chardonnay
*Riesling, Maria Schneider “Jazz”, Pfalz

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
*C. Donatiello, Russian River, Chardonnay
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus, Napa
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Crios, Mendoza, Argentina
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Liberty School, Paso Robles
*Chardonnay, Domaine Chandon, Monterey County
*Chenin Blanc, Pine Ridge, Napa
*Crozes Hermitages, Jaboulets, Rhone, France
*Gentil, Hugel, Alsace, France
*Merlot, Pine Ridge, Crimson Creek, Napa
*Merlot/Cabernet, Newton, Claret, Napa
*Sauvignon Blanc/Robola, Gentilini, Greece
*Syrah, Austin Hope, Paso Robles, California
*Touriga Nacional/Touriga Franca, Muxagat, Douro, Portugal
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
*Cabernet Blend, Vindeta, Panacea, Napa
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Twenty Bench, Napa, CA
*Cabernet/Merlot Blend, Newton Claret, California
*Chardonnay, Barrel Fermented, Paumanok, Long Island
*Chardonnay, La Ferme Martin, Long Island
*Merlot, Falesco, Umbria, Italy
*Merlot, Frog’s Leap, Napa, CA
*Merlot, Miner, Napa
*Merlot, Paumanok, Long Island
*Merlot, Wolffer Reserve, Long Island
*Prosecco, Zardetto, Brut, Italy, Sparkling
*Sauvignon Blanc, Hartwell, Napa
*Spiroulos, Red Stag, Greece

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
*Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Duckhorn, Decoy, Napa, CA
*Cabernet Sauvignon/Monastrel, Altos de Luzon, Jumilla, Spain
*Chardonnay, Tilia, Mendoza, Argentina Chianti Classico, Castello di Bossi, Italy
*Chardonnay, ZD, California
*Merlot, Chateau Pascaud, Bordeaux Superior, France
*Merlot, Martha Clara, Long Island
*Pinot Grigio, Stella, Umbria, Italy
*Pinot Noir, Jelu, Patagonia, Argentina
*Sangiovese/Merlot, La Massa, Tuscany, Italy
*Sauvignon Blanc, Culley, Marlborough, New Zealand
*Sparkling, Martha Clara, Long Island
*Spiroulos, Red Stag, Greece

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
*Cabernet Sauvignon, Crios, Mendoza, Argentina
*Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Duckhorn “Decoy”, Napa, CA
*Chianti Classico, Castello di Bossi
*Malbec, Catena, Mendoza, Argentina
*Merlot, Chateau Pascaud, Bordeaux Superior, France
*Merlot, Frog’s Leap, Napa, CA
*Merlot, Shafer, Napa
*Pinot Grigio, Elena Walch, Alto Adige
*Prosecco, Zardetto, Italy
*Sangiovese/Merlot, La Massa, Tuscany, Italy
*Sauvignon Blanc, Culley, Marlborough, New Zealand

Celebration deals are in addition to ongoing events at the Gold Bar. Live music on Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. is by piano player Lenny Dell (Tuesday & Wednesday) and Wayne Sabella (Thursday). Half-priced sushi is available on Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

For more info visit www.Tellerschophouse.com
Tellers Chophouse
605 Main Street, Islip, NY
(631) 277-7070

Long Island is filled with beautiful beaches and long summer walks in the sand. Jones Beach is Long Island’s most popular beach but Fire island is equally as nice and not as crowed with tourists. The view of the light house from all angles of the beach is breath taking especially when there is a nice. breeze.

You can also take a tour of the Fire Island Light House and walk to the top. The view is breath taking, the volunteer staff is very friendly. They often have events and crafts for families and children on the weekends.

The Fire Island Light House

Bobby Flay Burger Palace

As you know we are continuously searching for the Best of Long Island Food. After eating a juicy and delicious burger creation at  Bobby Flays Burger Palace I believe the search of best burger could be called off!  Located in Suffolk at 355 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, N.Y. 11755 (631)382-9590.  The food at this fast food gourmet establishment will satisfy your burger cravings with a thick mouth watering burger patty that is then enhanced with complementary toppings that, when mesh together  bring out unthinkable flavor creations.  Sides offered include an appetizing order of french fries (my husbands favorite), sweet potato fries (my favorite and the healthy route), and/or onion rings.

Cactus Pear Margarita

Watching Bobby on TV you can’t help but wonder does the food taste good, is the drink that he just put  together really that good?  YES, YES, YES.  We ordered the Frozen Cactus Pear Margarita and fell in love with the presentation and taste, wouldn’t expect anything less.  We also ordered a Vanilla Bean Milkshake, OMG.  Real ice-cream, not some processed crap that everyone else offers.

For two people you could easily spend $30.00, a little high for just a burger, but that’s just it is not your ordinary burger joint. Set in a trendy atmosphere with a staff that attends to your needs and maintains good cleanliness my overall experiences have been wonderful.  Now for the ratings:

FOOD:                                  9 out of 10
SERVICE:                            8 out of 10
ATMOSPHERE:                 8 out of 10
PRICE:                                 8 out of 10
CLEANLINESS:                 8 out of 10

Share and Enjoy:

]]> http://goodlongislandeats.com/reviews/bobby-flays-burger-palace-hmmmm/feed/ http://goodlongislandeats.com/new/bobby-flay-give-president-obama-lesson-grilling/ http://goodlongislandeats.com/new/bobby-flay-give-president-obama-lesson-grilling/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:37:21 +0000 LI Food Man http://goodlongislandeats.com/?p=539

This is a true symbol of how far the Food Network has reached into the lives of American familys. Food Network celebrity chef gets grilling with President Obama. Bobby shows the president how to grill some nice spiced rubbed Rib Eye steaks with corn on the cob brushed with butter, garlic, and basil.