Our "Not So Rainy Sunday"

Well the weather for the weekend was supposed to be a mix of rain and storms. Ben and I woke up expecting to have to change our plans on our first Sunday together since tax season ended. I wanted to pack a picnic lunch and head out east to some of the farms. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my plans just needed a little tweaking and not total abandonment. The lesson here is one in flexibility.

Ben and I decided to test out this pizza place he has been dying to try on Main Street in Jamesport. So we stopped off in Wading River to pick up our friend Joe and we headed out onto the North Fork.

Now for those of you who have never taken a ride out east on either 25 or Sound Avenue all I can say is...shame on you! Just moments out of Riverhead town you will encounter sights and sounds you believed to be only reserved for the mid west states. There are beautiful farms, livestock, flowers, tractors, vineyards, nurseries, the list goes on and on. You wouldn’t believe that you are still on Long Island.

So we made our first stop at Grana located on route 25 in Jamesport. The pizza was absolutely out of this world. Now don’t go into Grana expecting your typical pizza hut special! The pizza created at Grana is made by hand and cooked to perfection using a wood burning brick oven, inspired by those used today in Italy. All the ingredients used in the pizza, even the wine, is all from local farms and vinegards. For those of you who like to cook, or like to eat, you know there is nothing like farm fresh ingredients.   

So the three of us sat down to our meal. I started with their fresh salad made with local greens, beets, red onion, and tomatoes topped with their own house vinaigrette. It was just as beautiful to look at as it was to eat. We then moved onto the pizza. Each pizza is about 14” round and is said to feed one or two people and start at around $10. Since I was working with two men and their man size appetite for pizza we decided on two pies, one with pork and the other was a white pizza with fresh arugula on top (my favorite). The pizza crust is light and airy and it holds a wonderful smokey taste from the cooking process. The three of us were in heaven. We will definitely be eating here again, and I hope you will give it a try. It will not disappoint.  

In attempt to walk off our “food babies” (LOL) we decided to check out the local antique shops and get some exercise. There is a big red barn located just off the main road, down a driveway. There are many treasures within this barn for your bargaining spirit, as long as you are really looking to dig and hunt. The owner was very sweet and explained that she gets in new merchandise almost daily. She had some great furniture, dishes, old fashion canisters, the works...again, just be ready and willing to dig for those treasures.   

Now on our way to the pizza place I was distracted by one of the most marvelous sights, COWS!! Yes, COWS on Long Island. I begged for Ben and Joe to take me to see the dairy cows at Gabrielsen’s Country Farm in Jamesport. (If you view the video I say that we are on a farm on Sound Avenue...directions...not my strong point...we are actually on route 25...if you go to visit Grana you will pass the cows on your right hand side) These are dairy cows and are just beautiful. The farm also had a beautiful assortment of flowers and garden pottery. It is worth the stop.

So we piled back in the car and I thought we were heading home. Instead Ben turned to me and said...”Ok...lets got get you some goat cheese”...My heart missed a beat I was so excited. Why I am so excited? Well lets look back. About a year ago I was searching the web for grass fed beef and dairy. My cousin ans her husband are very into the whole organic way of living and I was a bit inspired. In my search I came across Catapano Dairy Farm in Peconic. They were not open for visitors at the time so I joined their mailing list to stay up-to-date on any upcoming events. About three weeks ago I got an email which said that the farm was open for business. It boasted about their award winning goat cheese and goat milk products. Now for those of you who don’t know me personally I LOVE ME some goat cheese. I literally eat it everyday. So rich and creamy I put it on everything...salads, sandwiches, chicken, even eggs. I love goat cheese so much that I tell me husband that I want to have two goats and name them Billy and Milly...he says I am totally nuts.

So we drove down to Sound Avenue and about 15 minutes further east until we reached Catapano Dairy Farm. This place is just wonderful. They have the most beautiful baby goats, chickens, horses, and even a sleepy little kitty. There is a small shop on the ground where you can purchase goat milk products, including skin care. The woman in the shop was very sweet and even offered us free samples of the different goat cheeses. All I can say is that I could have spent a fortune in there. With about 96 goats in their herd the Catapano family makes 7 different products with their goat milk. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. I picked up a package of green onion goat cheese and also some Gouda cheese. I also grabbed their official cookbook and some lavender honey from a farm in Orient...can you believe it? Long Island honey.

I can see that I will be spending a great deal of time at the Catapano Dairy Farm this milking season. I want to try all the different types of cheeses including their vanilla yogurt, ricotta, and goat cheese fudge...I am super excited about cooking with the goat cheese I got today. I think I am going to make it with some chicken for dinner tomorrow. Look for upcoming posts relating to my goat cheese, you already know how I feel about that...

So if you have not done so already pack the family in the car and head out to the North Fork for great food, creamy delicious goat cheese, and of course, COWS!!!

Happy Adventuring,

- Jeannie Sargent

If you own a business or have a suggestion for a place you would like to see me to visit and post on my blog please email me...

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