Life Around Here Part 2: Non-Chain Food, and No Pizza

Thanks to all for the feedback on the first installment of 'Life Around Here' and since seemingly it was more than OK, here's a second installment.  This time, lets take a look at dining options-either family or date night.  The criteria though is no pizza (sorry to all the pizza places) and no chains.  I'll leave you to define chain places as you see fit.

At the top of my list has to be right on the Miller Place, Mount Sinai border.  This is kind of the "celebration" place for my kids and me.  The food is great, and the owner/chef and his wife make you feel at home.  Two suggestions-get a fresh fish dish (filleted table side) and try the grilled octopus-this is the only place in Suffolk County I would order that delicacy.

Speaking of date night, in Miller Place is a pretty easy option for that.  A great new American menu and paired nicely with wines.  Wine her and dine her.

For a good (and reasonable) family night out, I take my crew up to Sound Beach to on Echo Ave. Fresh food, cooked to order and a good selection make this place a destination. Downside is no credit cards, and I for one never have cash on me.

Not a fancy place, but downright good food is the Land and Sea in Mount Sinai.  Grab up some fresh seafood to cook at home, or sit down in the restaurant.

Speaking of seafood, my kids like a good sushi night.  For take out/bring home I hit up Mount Sinai Sushi on 25A. For dining in, I swing through

Chinese food is a tough one-in my opinion there are two kinds of Chinese food, good and bad. Very little in the middle.  The other problem my crew has is we are split for going out to Chinese-the girls like in Rocky Point.  I like also in Rocky Point.  The good news is they are across 25A from one another-so you can judge based on a full parking lot (I am not above that).

So there you have a couple of picks-let me know how far off I am, or if I left out one of your favorite places  If you know a good Indian food restaurant in the area, let me know here, or @esd714 me on Twitter.  Also, check my blog out-and let me know what you think there as well.