#85 Shinnecock Road's Shangri-la

Finding a casual food spot that offers a charming atmosphere and delicious light fare can be a challenge, so when you do come across a restaurant that serves food as outstanding as the setting, it quickly becomes your favorite hangout and a well-guarded secret.

That’s how many residents along Shinnecock Road feel about the  It’s not only their favorite local eatery, but also a relaxed space to chat with neighbors over a cup a coffee or take advantage of a quiet morning on the café’s outdoor patio by reading the newspaper with a fresh Florentine omelet.

Originally a farm stand dating back several decades, the was opened in 2005 after an extensive three-year renovation by local restaurateur Pete Charos.

“We wanted to create a neighborhood mini-market with a friendly cafe,” said Charos. “I don’t do a lot of advertising. It’s a word-of-mouth type of place, which works because people want to pass along their good experience.”

With ample shrubbery and blooming flower baskets adorning almost every inch of the building, the charming country-style café feels like a summertime sanctuary, with its verdant décor and welcoming vibe.

The café offers seating in its covered patio area, but during the high season, tables and chairs flank its walkways.

The menu has a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items, with the breakfast selections sticking to simple and honest favorites like a western omelet, French toast and blueberry pancakes, all very reasonably priced.

A favorite morning starter is the house special #4 with scrambled eggs, fried onions, peppers and creamy mozzarella served in a wrap and paired with a side of paprika-dusted homefries.

Or to quell the early morning sweet-tooth, the decadent chocolate chip short-stack of pancakes is a delicious treat for kids and adults alike.

Generously glazed danishes and other baked goods are all made daily and on-premise.

For lunch choices, the egg stravaganza sandwich with homemade egg salad, crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato is always a good call.  

From the gourmet sandwich offerings, ‘the godfather’ makes a flavorful midday meal with grilled capicola and salami topped with grilled onions, roasted peppers, melted mozzarella on a roasted garlic hero.

As part of the café’s special brand of charm, take-out orders can be delivered down to Ponquogue Beach so if you’re maxed-out on French fries and ice-cream sandwiches from the beach concession stand, call in your order for a fresh-pressed panini or chef salad.

Although under one roof, the farm-stand style produce market is a separate entity owned by Steve Schumejda of the Close to the Earth Farm. The market carries a bounty of in-season fruits and vegetables, which make great healthy snacks for your beach cooler.

On your way home from a day in the sun, you can stop by the market to pickup some sweet local corn and a few lobsters for the perfect post-plage party.

In addition to a wide selection of produce, the market also stocks an assortment of honey, award-winning North Fork goat cheeses and herbs.

Category: Food

Price: Inexpensive to Moderate. Breakfast items like an egg and cheese on a roll start at $2.85 and banana pancakes are $6.95. Lunch items like Cuban paninis and reubens are $8.95 with other gourmet sandwiches priced at $9.95.

Season: May to mid-October

For more information call the Green Door Market  Cafe at  631-728-8811 or visit www.greendoormarketcafe.com

Stay tuned for #84 next week, same time same place. And click here if you missed , #98, , , , , , , , ,  , , or .