Smithtown by the Sound - By Nancy Vallarella
Husk and Vine Kitchen and Cocktails - St. James Cheers!
Husk and Vine turned six-months-old! This kitchen and craft cocktail spot in St. James has become “the;)
photo Nancy Vallarella watering hole” for those with a discerning thirst and an appetite for adventure. The vibe is high energy with a menu of seasonal small plates that change weekly, live musical performances, reimagined craft specialty cocktails, and more hours to get happy! Husk and Vine’s happy hour is 3 pm – 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday.
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photo Mark GoldbergThe kitchen serves sharable small plates that are far from petite. Chef Nick Trovato and staff turn out a new menu every Wednesday offering new seasonal dishes and returning best sellers. Each week wings seem to make the final cut and are presented with a fresh twist. Jumbo Roasted and Grilled Chicken Wings prepared “House Buffalo” one week, “Flaming Whiskey Salted Caramel” another, “Red-Curry Pineapple” the following week and so on. The twists are creative and welcoming on the well-executed wings.
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Calamari Fritto Misto photo Mark GoldbergCalamari Fritto Misto (deep fried calamari, gulf shrimp, summer squash, and cherry peppers topped with lemon pepper aioli), Husk and Vine Charcuterie Board, and Steakhouse Bacon Candy, make encore menu appearances regularly. Expect seasonal seafood, beef, pork, vegetable, and salad dishes to round out H&V’s offerings. Returning or new, the recipes are flavorful, ranging from pleasantly assertive to bold.
On to the cocktails! Let’s start with the name … a broad selection of bourbons - (Husk) and wine - (Vine). Premium and craft beer, tea infused alcohols, and an eclectic menu of specialty cocktails ensure something for everyone.
Before Husk and Vine opened for business, they opened their hearts to the community and participated in the Smithtown Children’s Foundation annual tasting event, The Community Table. SCF Founder Christine Fitzgerald comments, “The foundation was amazed that Husk and Vine agreed to join us before they opened. They were prepared and wowed the attendees with a tasty bite that was beautifully displayed. It influenced my choice of where to go for an upcoming birthday dinner!”
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Doug Geed visits Doug Toledo at Stony Brook Incubator Kitchen in CalvertonHusk and Vine continues to support the local community. Nissequogue’s lemonade entrepreneur, Doug Toledo was recently celebrated at Husk and Vine where his product Doug’s Lemonade, is carried. Neighbors gathered to partake in a menu tasting and purchase specialty cocktails made with Doug’s Lemonade. Toledo states, “Chef Nick Trovato and business partner Maria Nodelman are kind and welcoming. I value the level of ingenuity that goes into their dishes and specialty cocktails using my lemonade. Doug’s Lemonade is delighted to be served at Husk and Vine.”
That evening, Husk and Vine mixologist Tori Miller was busy greeting guests, taking orders and displaying that high energy vibe while reaching, scooping, pouring, shaking and serving nonstop throughout the night. Top sellers that evening were Lavender Lemonade, Blueberry Lemonade with vodka, and bourbon- spiked Arnold Palmer made with Doug’s Lemonade!
A lively atmosphere, food and drink with a tasty flare, and familiar faces are found at Husk and Vine Kitchen and Cocktail. Husk and Vine’s dining room offers an atmosphere that is a bit more subdued. See for yourself and visit soon!
Husk and Vine is located at 655 Middle Country Road St.James.
More fun from Husk and Vine Kitchen and cocktails:
Wicked Wine & Cheese Pairing, Wednesday, June 26th 6:30-9:30
An evening of fine wines and award-winning artisanal cheeses. Wine and cheese experts, sample tastings, live music, free give-a-ways, and prizes!
Ticket Info:
www.eventbrite.com/e/wicked-wine-and-cheese-pairing-tickets-62172280966?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
**Contest**
Give a name to H&V’s cocktails made with St. James’ own Doug’s Lemonade and win Husk and Vine gift cards!
Entry and Contest Rules are on the following Instagram pages:
Doug’s Lemonade (@dougslemonade)
Husk and Vine Kitchen and Cocktails (@huskandvineny)
Long Island Locavore (@LIlocavore494)