If you find yourself in Locust Valley, on the north shore of Long Island and you're in the mood for a relaxing meal, take a ride over to the Locust Valley Inn at 225 Birch Hill Road. After spending the better part of the day and early evening at my clients' home in this quaint and charming village, I was invited to join them for what turned out to be an altogether delightful evening, replete with good food, a homey atmosphere and even better conversation.
An institution in town, and known for its good food and moderate prices, The Locust Valley Inn feels more like a well established, low key private home into which you've been invited and made to feel instantly welcome. We were treated to a generous and varied buffet, with more choices than a hungry eye should contemplate. I chose to sample the soup du jour, a delightful asparagus pea concoction with delicate flavoring and satisfying taste, and a house salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. From there my choices grew harder, the temptation to sample a little of everything finally giving way to my better judgment. I tasted the potato croquette (twice), eggplant rollatini, perfectly done string beans and carrots and baby back ribs that literally fell off the bone and were lip smacking good. I couldn't speak to the shellfish since I'm allergic, or the talapia, pork or chicken, but the empty plates of my companions would suggest they enjoyed theirs as much as I did mine.
Now if only I'd stopped there, but I'm the type who can bypass an entire meal and head straight for the dessert. After watching serving after serving of pistachio ice cream go by, I opted instead for the chocolate mousse as I witnessed the most decadent plate of apple strudel with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream topped with strawberries deposited just to my left.
Next time I'll go for the ice cream . . . and you can count on there being a next time. This little piece of real estate in Locust Valley is permanently on my to do list.
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