Articles Tagged "Specialty Foods"

Sweet, savory, filling, and satisfying, acai bowls are a favorite breakfast choice for some of our REALTORS®. Not only are acai bowls tasty, they have loads of health benefits. Acai berries have strong antioxidant properties, and when adding extra fruit, oatmeal, or peanut butter, you can also get some extra protein, fiber, and Vitamin C in your diet.

Because acai bowls often have many ingredients, making them at home isn't always convenient. However, if you're lucky enough to live in an urban area like Long Island, you can easily find several great local smoothie shops that make some fantastic acai bowls. Here are some of our favorites.

• Bare Naked Bowl - 2565 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
  One of the top Long Island destinations for acai bowls, Bare Naked Bowl uses fresh, organic ingredients and gives you the option to customize your bowl any way you like it. They offer six bases, four types of granola, and 23 superfood toppings. If you don't feel like customizing, you can easily choose from one of their six signature bowls. The menu also features smoothies, snacks, and coffee. On your way home, make sure to check out these Nassau County homes for sale.
  
  
• Food For Thought - 154 7th St., Garden City, NY 11530
  This health food cafe is just down the street from some beautiful Garden City homes for sale and also happens to serve some of the best acai bowls around. Try the Original AB, The Dynamic Duo, Mango Madness, or create your own acai bowl. There are tons of toppings to choose from. Looking for something different? The menu at Food For Thought also features tons of other healthy eats.
  
  
• Acai Beach Bowls - 917 W. Beech St., Long Beach, NY 11561
  Acai Beach Bowls is a great spot on Long Island for a healthy snack. Choose from organic acai, banana, or apple juice for the base of your acai bowl and add in your favorite toppings. There are five pre-made variations on the menu if you need some inspiration. You'll also find some great Rockville Centre homes for sale not too far away.
  
  
• Brekky - 2 Sound Rd., Wading River, NY 11792
  Brekky is a small cafe with a large number of healthy food options. Choose from 13 acai bowls or create your own. We recommend the Yoga Bowl, acai, Greek yogurt, granola, coconut, honey, and any three toppings. 
  
  
• Bango Bowls - 199 Main St., Setauket-East Setauket, NY 11733
  You can find some of the tastiest acai bowls on Long Island at Bango Bowls. Choose from an acai, pitaya, or green base, add in oats & honey, vanilla nut, or chocolate granola, and choose from over 25 toppings. The menu also features poke bowls, warm bowls, and salads. If you like the area, there are some beautiful Stony Brook homes for sale nearby.
  
  
• Sarikopa Coffee and Tea - 226 Riverleigh Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901
  Sarikopa Coffee and Tea might be known for their brewed beverages, but they make a great acai bowl as well. Top your both with strawberries, blueberries, banana, coconut flakes, and granola. They also have a fantastic breakfast menu. Afterward, be sure to swing by these amazing Suffolk County homes for sale.

Acai is known as the superfood of superfoods, so it's not surprising these delicious bowls have become so popular in recent years. Luckily, they're easy to find around Long Island. Contact us today for more local recommendations.

Pi Day is observed on March 14, but instead of trying to remember exactly what pi stands for, it's a great excuse to stop by a local bakery for some pie. The Long Island area is home to many bakeries worth visiting on Pi Day or any other.

Our REALTORS® suggest taking a tasty trip to one of the bakeries around Long Island to enjoy pie on Pi Day.

Nassau County

• Buttercooky Bakery - 217 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY 11001
  Buttercooky Bakery, located near Floral Park homes for sale, is a third-generation family business that's served up delicious sweets for over 50 years. This location is the bakery's original flagship store, and its success has allowed the family to add two more locations. Whether you want a small pie all to yourself or a larger one to share, you'll be able to choose from 4-, 8-, and 10-inch pies. Available flavors include pecan, lemon meringue, brownie, and several apple, cherry, and blueberry variations.
  
  
• SugarBerry Bakery - 312 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
  With the goal of being an ambassador of the European art of baking, SugarBerry Bakery uses the highest quality ingredients to create its pies and other sweets. The bakery, located just around the corner from Rockville Centre homes for sale, is a cozy space where you can select desserts directly from a beautiful gallery. Pie flavors include apple, blueberry, cherry, coconut, custard, and chocolate mud.
  
  
• Whistle Stop Desserts - 3424 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside, NY 11572
  Whistle Stop Desserts has made treats in Nassau County for over 40 years. The bakery got its start with cheesecake and has since expanded to pies and other sweets, with fine-tuned family recipes forming the basis for most of its offerings. Choose from a selection of coconut custard, pecan, chocolate pecan, and fruit pies, including key lime and banana caramel creme, made with no added sugar.

Suffolk County

• Torte Jeff Pie Co. - 218 E. Main St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777
  Not surprisingly, pies take center stage at Torte Jeff Pie Co., located near Port Jefferson homes for sale. Choose from apple crumb, toasted coconut, pecan, lemon meringue, key lime, and chocolate cream, as well as vegan options like apple, blueberry, and strawberry rhubarb. You'll also find savory pies like chicken and brisket pot pie.
  
  
• Kerber's Farm - 309 W. Pulaski Rd., Huntington, NY 11743
  Kerber's Farm has the distinction of being one of the last remaining working farms in Huntington. It's also the site of a shop that sells pies, among other things, and the business has been featured in national publications, including Oprah magazine and The New York Times. You'll find its shop near Huntington homes for sale and can order a small or large apple, apple crumb, strawberry rhubarb, banana cream, s'mores, and more. 
  
  
• Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe - 75 Woodbine Ave. A, Northport, NY 11768
  Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe uses no preservatives or fillers in its pies and other offerings, and some ingredients are even imported from Denmark to provide an authentic flavor. Located near Northport homes for sale, the friendly bakery has tables inside and outside by the water where you can relax and chat. Customer favorite pies include raspberry peach, coconut custard, and blueberry crumb.

Contact us to see Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. We've served Long Island's real estate needs for 65 years, earning a reputation for experience, finesse, and a deep commitment to our agents, community, and people who are drawn to live on Long Island. 

It's crunchy. It's chewy. It's cheesy! What could be better than pizza? Many people share our opinion of pizza because there's a national holiday dedicated to this food. National Pizza Day is February 9th, 2022, and our REALTORS® have some awesome pizza restaurants to recommend in honor of the occasion. 

• Rustica Brick Oven Cafe: 1 Nassau Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530
  Rustica Brick Oven Cafe is a great place to grab a pizza when you're looking at Garden City homes for sale. Offerings include 8" personal pizzas, along with 12" and 17"pizzas for sharing.
  
  A favorite here is the Rustica pizza, which comes topped with tomato basil sauce, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, and house-made mozzarella. The BLT pizza is also awesome if you're in the mood for something more creative.
  
  
• Village Pizzeria: 169 Tulip Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001
  If you're in the area looking at Floral Park homes for sale, stop by Village Pizzeria for a traditional Italian experience. The restaurant uses top-quality ingredients and old family recipes to create fantastic pizza.
  
  Top menu items here include the Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Margherita pizzas. Most are sold by the pie and by the slice.
  
  
• Gino's Pizzeria: 48 Main St., Port Washington, NY 11050
  Gino's Pizzeria is a great place to celebrate National Pizza Day. It's a family-owned restaurant that uses recipes directly from Southern Italy. Pizzas are made with real San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella for a truly indulgent experience.
  
  If you're looking at Port Washington homes for sale, Gino's is just minutes away. The Marinara and Pizza Bianca are local favorites, and the Mac-n-Cheese pizza is a creation everyone deserves to try at least once. 
  
  
• Giovanni's Pizza: 149 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Commack, NY 11725
  Giovanni's Pizza is known for its friendly service and great food. The pizza offerings are creative, including the BBQ Chicken and Buffalo Chicken pizzas. The restaurant also has a good selection of calzones for those who prefer their pizzas in pocket form.
  
  Giovanni's would be a convenient place to stop if you're looking at Commack homes for sale. With plenty of soups, salads, heroes, and pasta dishes on the menu, it's a great choice for families, too.
  
  
• Emilio's: 2201 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725
  If you prefer to dine in a high-energy atmosphere, Emilio's is a good place to grab a pizza. The destination features a full bar, televisions on the wall, and upbeat servers. 
  
  While Emilio's does offer some incredible seafood dishes, you have to try the pizza on National Pizza Day. The Old World Pies are made on classic, thin Italian crusts. There's also a delicious baked cheese calzone, along with a delightful roasted cauliflower pizza.
  
  
• Nina's Pizzeria: 487 Main St., Northport, NY 11768
  Nina's Pizza is a cozy restaurant located in what used to be a private home. When the weather is nice, you can dine on the front patio. Nina's is known for its Caprese Salad, which can round out your pizza order.
  
  One of the top pies to order here is the Spicy Thai Chicken pizza. The sweet and spicy sauce is incredible. Make sure you allow some time to look at East Northport homes for sale after your meal. 

National Pizza Day could not be easier to celebrate. Grab yourself a slice at one of the above restaurants and enjoy. If you'd like help viewing Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, we're ready to help. Contact us to learn more about our real estate services. 

National Cake Decorating Day is celebrated on October 10 to recognize the skill and creativity of those who can turn a cake into an artistic masterpiece. Long Island is home to some excellent cake decorators, so why not celebrate the day by ordering a custom cake at a local bakery?

Our REALTORS® suggest dropping by one of the following Long Island bakeries that offer custom cakes.

Nassau County 

• Buttercooky Bakery - 217 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY 11001
  Buttercooky Bakery, located near Floral Park homes for sale, has helped Long Island make sweet memories for over 50 years. The third generation of owners is still supplying fresh cookies, pastries, and custom cakes for every day as well as special occasions. Use their on-the-menu options like Banana Vanilla or Silk and Satan (chocolate mousse and New York cheesecake as inspiration), or go with a unique idea.
  
  
• The Sweet Peace Specialty Cakes & Boutique Bakery 26A Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook, NY 11563  
  Located near Nassau County homes for sale, The Sweet Peace Specialty Bakes & Boutique Bakery creates custom cakes as well as other delicious treats. The chef and her trained staff will work with you to make sure you get the custom cake you'll love. And while you're placing your order, make sure to take a look at the bakery counter and treat yourself to some mini cupcakes, truffles, or doughnuts.
  
  
• Dortoni Bakery and Pastry Shoppe 3264 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756 
  Dortoni Bakery and Pastry Shoppe opened its doors in 1976, starting with a nod to the traditional yet simple pastry shops in Naples, Italy. Today, it has expanded to use the highest quality ingredients to bake delicious European tortes, Italian pastries, cakes, and more. Their custom cakes are beautifully designed and created using your choice of over 30 flavors of fillings made of the fresh, highest quality ingredients. Whatever type of cake you can imagine, Dortoni's takes pride in making it a delicious reality.

Suffolk County

• Alpine Pastry - Shoppe 59 Route 111, Smithtown, NY 11787  
  Whether you're planning a celebration for your child's sports team or an elaborate upscale wedding, you're in good hands with Alpine Pastry Shoppe. Open for over 30 years, the bakery has been continuously owned and operated by the Cuccia family. It's conveniently located just around the corner from Smithtown homes for sale and offers a long list of cake and filling flavors you can choose from. 
    
• Fanny Cakes Custom Cakes & Gourmet Desserts - 127 Smithtown Blvd., Suite 10, Nesconset, NY 11767 
  Fanny Cakes Custom Cakes & Gourmet Desserts was named in honor of the owner/baker's grandmother, who nurtured her love of baking. She creates sweets using the finest all-natural ingredients like Madagascar bourbon vanilla, fresh fruits, and sweet creamery butter. And if you're feeling inspired to create your own at a later date, the bakery offers baking and decorating classes for every age group.
  
  
• Rustik Cake Studios - 39 Tuckahoe Rd., Southampton, NY 11968
  Rustik Cake Studios is known for its artistry as well as its tasty creations, having won prizes at competitions such as The Ithaca New York Cake Competition and the Atlantic Bakery Expo. Check out the studio's website to see their online portfolio for inspiration as well as a list of flavors and fillings. You'll find the shop conveniently located just around the corner from Suffolk County homes for sale.

Contact us if you'd like to buy or sell a home in Nassau and Suffolk counties and to find out about the bakeries and other small businesses that help make the area unique. 

If you love bread, then September is your month! Sourdough September is the perfect opportunity to slice into a loaf, spread it with butter, and dig in. Making your own sourdough is fun, but there are also plenty of great Long Island bakeries that sell this style of bread. Here are a few that our REALTORS® recommend visiting.

1. Marie Blachere: 550 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck, NY 11023
   If you're looking at homes for sale in Manhasset, this French bakery is a short drive away. While pastries are their main focus, they also make traditional breads, including an artisan sourdough that sells for $5.50 a loaf.
   
   Marie Blachere has a cozy dining room, so consider enjoying a meal on-site. They have a whole menu of sandwiches, some of which can be enjoyed on a sourdough roll. Their raspberry mint lemonade is also a fan favorite.
   
   
2. Roast Sandwich House: 100 Main St., Mineola, NY 11501
   Roast Sandwich House is a great place to visit if you prefer your sourdough in sandwich form. It's near homes for sale in Garden City, too. 
   
   The BBQ turkey grilled cheese is popular. It's made on fresh sourdough and stuffed with NY cheddar, pickled jalapenos, crispy onions, and southwest ranch. Consider pairing your sandwich with a side of the tomato bisque soup or loaded potato soup.
   
   
3. Flour Shoppe Cafe: 486 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
   With a name like Flour Shoppe Cafe, they have to serve great sourdough! If you visit for breakfast, the Croque Madame sandwich is a good choice. It's made with incredible ham and aged cheddar. For lunch, try the Dewey, a sandwich consisting of turkey, avocado, maple pepper bacon, cheddar, Sriracha, and tomatoes on sourdough.
   
   This cafe is near plenty of homes for sale in Rockville Centre, and they have a nice, outdoor patio where guests can dine.
   
   
4. Duck Island Bread Company: 201-C East Main St., Huntington, NY 11743
   Duck Island Bread Company was founded by a baker who studied in France and Germany. They make their bread in small batches, so every loaf is special. Most of the breads here are naturally leavened, which means they're classified as sourdough.
   
   Bring home a baguette, some sandwich rolls, and maybe even some pastries. This bakery is conveniently located near homes for sale in Huntington.
   
   
5. Blondie's Bake Shop: 90 A Washington St. Ste. A, Centerport, NY 11721
   Blondie's Bake Shop is just a short drive from homes for sale in Northport. This classic bakery relies on traditional recipes and techniques to make some incredible creations. The sourdough boule is a popular choice. It's wonderful spread with butter or made into a sandwich.
   
   While you're visiting to celebrate Sourdough September, consider also trying the black pepper Romano biscuits or the apple pie sticky buns. The scones are also incredible. 
   
   
6. Park Bake Shop: 112 Main St., Kings Park, NY 11754
   Park Bake Shop is just north of many homes for sale in Commack. It's a small and inviting shop that makes a bit of everything, from bread to donuts. Their sourdough is crusty and tender — perfect for sandwiches.
   
   If you're stopping by for bread, you might as well try some cookies or donuts, too. The chocolate-covered pretzels are a great snack that you can take home for later.

If you're planning to look at Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, feel free to contact us. Our real estate agents are ready to help.

Wednesday, July 7th, is World Chocolate Day! You should celebrate with a trip to a chocolate shop, to get some good, high-quality chocolate. Our REALTORS® can help you find the perfect home for you, but where can you find delicious chocolate in the Long Island area? Here are our picks for the best candy shops and chocolatiers to help you celebrate Chocolate Day the right way.

• Kilwins Chocolates - 109D Main St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777
  Kilwins prides itself on both high-quality chocolate and great customer care. With locations all around the country, there's one in Port Jefferson that features both in-store shopping and DoorDash delivery. Their selection includes delicious, hand-paddled fudge (buy two slices, get one free), their signature rich, creamy ice cream, and of course, a variety of chocolates and truffles of all types. Their products are all lovingly made on-site and a treat for anyone who stops by.
  
  
• Chocolate Works - 160 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, NY 11746
  With several locations around Long Island, including one in Walt Whitman Shops mall in Huntington Station, Chocolate Works has something for every taste and price range. That includes gourmet, Belgian chocolate truffles, hand-dipped, chocolate-covered cinnamon bun pretzels, and a variety of delicious sugar-free options, from vanilla caramels to cognac cherries. You can even special order a chocolate pizza for parties and events. Plus, they offer chocolate workshops, where you and your family can learn to make sweet treats of your own!
  
  
• Sugared Up - 522 Main St., Islip, NY 11751. This Islip gem has both a candy shop and a cafe, which provide a plethora of amazing chocolate products. The candy shop features fresh truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, and much more, all lovingly handmade. They also do beautiful gift baskets for every occasion. The cafe includes a wide assortment of hand-dipped milkshakes, in every flavor you can imagine, from birthday cake to cookie butter to Nutella and more. So whether you go to the shop, the cafe, or both, Sugared Up is the perfect place to get your chocolate fix.
  
  
• Jacques Torres Chocolate - 630 Old Country Rd., Garden City, NY 11530
  Widely known as Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres is one of the best chocolatiers anywhere. You may have seen him as the head judge on Netflix's Nailed It! He has several Jacques Torres Chocolate shops around New York, including one in the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City. There are chocolate chip cookies, macarons, a bonbon counter, and of course, Jacques Torres's signature hot chocolate.
  
  
• Minty's Candies and Treats - 33 S. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815
  Minty's Candies and Treats is a wonderful, locally-owned candy shop in Norwich. Open Tuesday through Saturday, they sell a variety of chocolates and truffles, as well as four different types of fudge: chocolate, peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter, and chocolate nut. They also sell several different types of chocolate pizza, both whole and by the slice - and don't forget the chocolate wings! Minty's even sells a selection of retro candies that many customers may remember from their youth, such as Mallo Cups and Charleston Chew bars. Whatever you're looking for, Minty's has just about everything you need to celebrate World Chocolate Day.

Whether you're looking for Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, there's guaranteed to be some excellent chocolate nearby. Contact us to help you find a home in the area that's convenient to everything you need.