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Christoper J. Davies Publisher, LongIsland WineCountry.com  reproduced and presented with permission View other Restaurant Reviews, Articles and News |
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Story and photography by Christopher J. Davies, Editor
California chef brings his own philosophy to Long Island! I was recently delighted to discover Painters Restaurant in the quaint Hamlet of Brookhaven. This surprisingly funky restaurant/art gallery is located a little off the beaten path, on South Country Road just 1/4 mile south of Montauk Highway. From the outside, Painters looks more like a factory building than a restaurant. And when you step inside, your eyes will be treated to truly unique visual experience. Order a meal at Painters and you will be treated to a foodies delight.
New at the helm is Chef Michael Keaveny who recently relocated to Long Island from Napa, California. Keaveny is the former Chef at the Oakville Grocery Café, the unpretentious, Americana-styled grocery with restaurant. Located across the street from Mondavi Winery, the "Oakville" is a Winemakers hangout. Having cooked for Robert Mondavi and other wine industry greats, Chef Michael walks the wine walk and believes that wine are essential compliment to food. He has recently implemented a new wines by-the-glass program, with more than 13 delicious wines & sparkling wines available. Chef Keaveny's goal is to make Painters Restaurant known as a place where you can try quality wines by the glass. Just like he had done before in Napa, Keaveny hopes to build a strong relationship with Long Island Winemakers. He now carries wines from Bedell Cellars & Castello di Borghese. In the up coming months, more Long Island wines will be selected for the list.
Chef Keaveny has set out to make Painters stand out from other area restaurants. He is introduced a creative Specials menu which has been well received by patrons. " Specials are now 75% of our weekly restaurant sales," explained Keaveny. "It is really rewarding to hear our customers positive feedback". Owners Larry Wollhandler, a seasoned restaurateur/artist and Steve Laird, an Attorney and businessman, have owned Painters for over 4 years. "We like to think of Painters as a destination restaurant" explained Wollhandler. The restaurant is decorated with over 100 pieces of art from approximately 30 artists. An accomplished painter and artist himself, Mr. Wollhandler has lived in Europe where the display of artist works in restaurants is commonplace.
The restaurant building spans 10,000 feet divided into several unique rooms, which are ideal for catered parties and winemaker's dinners. The art and dˇcor make for an interesting atmosphere. And yes, if you see a painting that you just have to have for the special wall in your den, you may purchase it with your meal. Painters' is open 7 days for lunch or dinner. On Friday and Saturday evenings for the summer they feature live bands. Catering is offered for parties of 20 to 299 people. If you are looking for a unique visual and culinary experience, try this place on for size. You won't be disappointed! CD For additional
information visit their web site: Painters
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