Long Island Restaurant Week

It’s that time of year again! Long Island Restaurant Week is here and I’m happy to indulge in a satisfying three-course meal at a great price. Unfortunately, I’ll miss most of it due to a scheduled trip to D.C., but if you live on Long Island I highly recommend you take advantage of the event. If you are unfamiliar with Restaurant Week, you can peruse some of my past reviews here, here and here, but simply, it is a week in the fall and spring when participating restaurants offer up a special prix-fixe menu at $27.95 per person. This spring, Restaurant Week runs from Sunday, April 26th to Sunday, May 3rd. I have my tried-and-true favorites, but when this week rolls around I always try to add a new place to my growing list of ‘best places to dine on Long Island.’

This time Sea Basin in Rocky Point, NY made the cut, and let me tell you, it was fantastic. This may very well have been my favorite Restaurant Week meal of all time…and I’ve had some pretty good meals! If you are looking for an Italian restaurant that specializes in seafood then you have found your match. I was intrigued by their Restaurant Week menu when I viewed it online. The half-pound lobster was calling my name! But in person, Sea Basin is quite the establishment. Elaborate enough for parties, I was struck by how quiet the large dinning area was and how courteous and caring the servers were.

Once seated, I was immediately greeted by a drink menu, which I was powerless to resist. The array of choices from martinis to more decadent cordials kept me occupied and made my mouth water. After inquiring with the server about her drink of choice, I ordered the X-rated martini, which she endorsed. With a name like that, who could resist, right? So, I went ahead and indulged in the Grey Goose L’Orange, X-rated cranberry juice and pineapple juice concoction. It was as delicious as my server said (she even checked back with me to make sure I enjoyed it!) and well deserving of its X-rating.

The dinner was all about that tail…as in lobster. I ordered the lobster bisque for my appetizer, which had soft chunks of lobster in a rich and creamy bisque. Next up was the half-pound lobster with bay scallops and crabmeat stuffing. As much as I dislike having to work for my food, I make an exception when that food is lobster. The lobster meat was very fresh and paired nicely with the bay scallops.

You know when I pass up a cannoli for dessert that the other option must be even more decadent. And it was. The salted caramel tartufo was unlike anything I have ever had before. The ice cream and caramel center was covered with a hard chocolate exterior and sitting on a bed of whipped cream. It was a delightful combination, and one that I certainly would return to Sea Basin for!

Overall, this restaurant impressed me. Despite passing it numerous times driving through Rocky Point, I’m so glad I finally stopped in for a meal. It has earned a well-deserved spot on my list.