Best of the Best...continued.
The Best of the Best on the North Fork and Beyond
We need to know!
Didn't you always want to know where to get the best...everything? Which farm stand has the best corn? Tomatoes? Locally baked pies?
Needing to know was the genesis of the Taste Tester. Best of the Best. series we began on Hummingbird a couple of years ago. Today we bring you our Best of the Best spin-off. You can count on the Hummingbird contributors to know the very best resources… especially when it comes to food! We present our findings with this caveat—we have not had the opportunity to try everything everywhere! If you have a favorite that you feel we’ve left out, please let us know in the comments section below. We will be happy to taste test!!
Here are our recommendations for the best on the North Fork. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
January 19, 2022
Collaborative Contributor Review
Best Egg Sandwich
We have many great places to get delicious breakfast sandwiches here on the North Fork—Wayside Market in Southold, Main Road Biscuit in Jamesport, and Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck all come to mind. But the best egg sandwiches of all can be found here:
Erik’s in Southold, 43715 County Road 48, Southold, NY 11971. Erik’s egg sandwiches are the best because they are made with all fresh ingredients prepared in butter—you can taste it. We usually get sausage or bacon with scrambled egg on a hard (seedless) roll with cheese. The eggs are cooked perfectly and not over cooked— they are light and fluffy, the bacon is crisp, the sausage not too spicy and delicious, and there is a thin slice of cheese on the top and the bottom. Truth be told, these sandwiches can be shared, with enough for two for a lighter breakfast. It doesn’t get much better than this. Now you know.
October 1, 2021
Collaborative Contributor Review UPDATE
Morning Glory Muffins + Corn Muffins
In May we weighed in on the best Morning Glory Muffins. We are pleased to report that our pick for the Best of the Best Morning Glory Muffin still stands. The Best of the Best Morning Glory Muffin distinction goes to Erik's in Southold.
Additionally, Best of the Best Corn Muffin also goes to Erik’s. While corn muffins are often heavy and/or dry, Erik’s corn muffins taste like corn (!) and are moist and light. Another thing that we lazy, food-loving people over at Hummingbird appreciate is that Erik’s muffins are not baked in muffin paper, which often does not come off “cleanly” if muffins are held past day one. And, Erik’s muffins (both “bests”) heat up beautifully after being stored in the refrigerator. We highly recommend!
Here is the original review of the Morning Glories.
Erik’s in Southold, 43715 County Road 48, Southold, NY 11971. Erik’s morning glory muffins have ample added ingredients… carrot, raisins, walnuts, etc., but what it truly unique about them is that they are light at the same time, not at all dense and heavy. They are also not “too sweet.” One of our taste testers thinks she catches a hint of molasses which adds to the overall great taste. Baked fresh daily!
Interestingly enough, our second place morning glory muffin fares from Wild by Nature in Hampton Bays. WBN’s morning glories are delicious and filled with goodies, including coconut! While great tasting, they are dense and heavier in comparison.
August 8, 2021
Collaborative Survey Update—Plus a Few New Veggie Add-ons
Farm Stand Update.
Well, halfway through the summer, we have some updates for you.
Best Corn
Wowak Farms, 2805 Main Road, Laurel, NY 11948. Hands down, Wowak Farms remains in the lead. It is so fresh and sweet, with bi-color kernels just the right size. No salt, butter, or anything required! For super fine and decadent eating, try Wowak’s corn in this recipe.
Best Cherry Tomatoes + Other Produce Picks. Certified Organic.
Sang Lee Farms, 25180 Route 48, Peconic, NY. Nothing to talk about.
-Cherry Tomatoes
I mix them up, each is sweeter and more delicious than the next.-String Beans
Yellow beans from Sang Lee Farms are a real treat. Crisp, sweet, delicious.-Rainbow Chard
Fresh, delicate, flavorful, clean (no grit). Perfect for a quick sauté or stir fry.-Potatoes
Yellow. These potatoes were expensive as far as potatoes go, but are so flavorful and “not heavy”—they seem to have little relation to the yellow potatoes one purchases in the supermarket. It is so worth it—baked or grilled simply. The skins are thin and delicious.
Best Peaches
Briermere Farms, 4414 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901. Just making their debut, we haven’t had the opportunity to taste many peaches yet this season, however, Briermere Farms white peaches are winners for sure. The inside of the peach is sweet and white shadowed in dark pink, the pit is small and separates easily, and the skin is complete with peach fuzz. Summertime perfection!
More farm stand and farm stand kitchens tasting will follow.
June 4, 2021
Reviewed by Sandra Novick
Hummus
Hummus, that garlicky, smooth chick pea mixture, with just the right seasonings, is… well… delicious. I love to have it in my fridge because it makes such a great, high protein, no-meat lunch, or quick appetizer when unexpected guests drop by. And, yes, that is actually becoming a new reality!! I make my own, and it’s pretty good, and I’ve purchased hummus from several gourmet food establishments here on the North Fork, but hands down, the very Best of the Best Hummus comes from Turkuaz Grill in Riverhead.
Turkuaz Grill, 40 McDermott Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901. Aside from being such a cute and cozy establishment right on the Peconic River, owned by a lovely extended family that sure know how to cook, the Turkish fare served up at Turkuaz is authentic and delicious. First, about the hummus. It is creamy, light, seasoned assertively, but not overpowering(ly!), and drizzled lightly with oil, which I believe is sesame. When I say light, I think that is probably the most extraordinary feature of Turkuaz’ hummus, as while it is full of flavor, it does not have the heavier quality often present in this chick pea dish. Served with Turkuaz’ pita bread… heavenly. Although, I did just recently prepare a wrap with greens, avocado, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, a dollop of Turkuaz hummus, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over all. Is your mouth watering yet? It was THAT good.
As a side note, Turkuaz features a full menu of Turkish foods—that you should feel free to try— everything we have eaten there has been fresh and delicious. The Adana Kebab plate is out of this world. We mainly carry out from Turkuaz, but it’s very pleasant to eat there as well, inside or on their patio.
May 6, 2021
Collaborative Contributor Review
Morning Glory Muffins
Who doesn’t love a morning glory muffin with a great cup of coffee or steeped cup of hot tea? Needless to say, we’ve tasted them everywhere on the East End. The Best of the Best Morning Glory Muffin distinction goes to Erik's in Southold.
Erik’s in Southold, 43715 County Road 48, Southold, NY 11971. Erik’s morning glory muffins have ample added ingredients… carrot, raisins, walnuts, etc., but what it truly unique about them is that they are light at the same time, not at all dense and heavy. They are also not “too sweet.” One of our taste testers thinks she catches a hint of molasses which adds to the overall great taste. Baked fresh daily!
Interestingly enough, our second place morning glory muffin fares from Wild by Nature in Hampton Bays. WBN’s morning glories are delicious and filled with goodies, including coconut! While great tasting, they are dense and heavier in comparison.
February 6, 2021
Collaborative Contributor Review
Farm Fresh Eggs Redux
A silver lining of the pandemic has been the collective effort of many on the North Fork to support our local shops and farm stands. In October, having tasted farm-raised eggs from various purveyors we “awarded’ Browder’s Birds Best of the Best distinction. (See review below.) Since then we have received recommendations from HB contributors to taste-test 8 Hands Farm eggs, so we did. The results, oh my goodness, who ever knew eggs could be so delicious? The yolks so “creamy,” rich and flavorful… even the whites are delectable, making them a stand-out for the best fried or over easy eggs. We can go on, but you get the picture. Available in various sizes, and pasteurized. So, moving alongside Browder’s in first place, is 8 Hands Farm.
8 Hands Farm, 4735 Cox Lane, Cutchogue, NY 11935. You MUST try the farm fresh eggs from 8 Hands. And while you are in their farm store, be sure to check out their locally grown and sourced meats, cheeses, house-made charcuterie, and delicious prepared foods. Yarns, soaps and other sheep related items are sold there and they have a cafe and food truck too!
Note: Farm-raised eggs from small local farms are expensive when compared to even organic eggs you might purchase in the super market, however, they are worth every penny.
December 8, 2020
Reviewed by Sandra Novick
North Fork Noodle Bowl
Really, where on the North Fork can you get authentic, freshly prepared, DELICIOUS Udon Noodles? Where else but Ali Katz Kitchen!
Ali Katz Kitchen, 55 Middle Road/Route 48, Mattituck, NY 11952. It is Fritz Beckmann, Ali’s husband and chef extraordinaire, who is in charge of the noodle bowls and for good reason. He is an expert… from the rich broth to the long, thick Udon Noodles, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, miso (I’m pretty sure), and subtle Asian flavors, everything is singing from the same sheet of music.
Available every Thursday evening for pick-up. Call ahead to reserve your order—they run out! You must try them. Trust me.
October 21, 2020
Reviewed by Sandra Novick
Farm Fresh Eggs
Everyone says that fresh eggs—like really fresh, right from the chicken eggs—taste completely different than the ones we are accustomed to that are purchased from the supermarket. We are happy to report emphatically… TRUE! Since the pandemic we have been purchasing as much as we can from the local farm stands, including eggs. We have tried eggs from several purveyors on the East End, and so far, the Best of the Best, hands down, come from Browder’s Birds.
Browder’s Birds, 4050 Soundview Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952. Fried, over easy, scrambled, for baking… tried every which way, they are just full of delicious flavor. Browder’s Birds eggs are pasteurized and certified organic. You must taste the difference for yourself! Browder’s eggs are also available at Sang Lee Farms in Peconic.
August 26, 2020
Collaborative Survey
Let’s Talk Peaches
Peaches are available at many farm stands here on the North Fork (and South Fork too!). Remember when you were a kid and the peaches had a layer of peach fuzz, and when you bit into them they were so juicy that the peach juice ran down your chin. It was always a several napkin affair. That’s what you can expect from local East End peaches—sweet, juicy, great texture (not mushy or mealy). Yellow peaches are bright yellow inside with the red trim close to the pit—and the pits don’t split apart. White peaches might be even a little sweeter, but I haven’t run into them yet. It has been reported that Wickham’s has white donut peaches that are “delicious.” Still loving Briermere Farms’ crop, and likely Harbes, although we haven’t had tasters reporting in on Harbes yet…
Wickham’s Fruit Farm, 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue is leading as best of the best peaches so far in the reviews from Hummingbird foodies and food purveyors. If you stop at Wickham’s you will find many other fresh fruits and veggies to sample as well as their baked goods. You won’t be sorry, we promise!
August 16, 2020
Reviewed by Sandra Novick.
…More About Tomatoes
Tomato Galette
Oh my goodness, who even knew there was such a thing? Well there is, and the best on the North Fork, or maybe even anywhere, can be found at Ali Katz Kitchen.
Ali Katz Kitchen, 55 Middle Road/Route 48, Mattituck, NY . Last evening we were invited for a socially distanced, outdoor dinner. Our hosts served Ali’s tomato galette as an appetizer. My advice would be run, don’t walk, to get one of these. Perfect for pre-dinner and also as a main course with a beautiful North Fork local salad. The galette has a delicate and delicious crust. Ali told me that the bit of vinegar she incorporates in the dough adds to its special flavor. It is filled with a layer of gruyere cheese topped with sweet local tomatoes, basil and garlic. EXCEPTIONAL!
Best Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
With tomatoes plentiful and delicious at almost all farm stands on the North Fork—please see our picks for the best tomatoes overall below in Sarah Ehrenson’s review—the varieties of cherry and grape tomatoes, the taste, sweetness, perfect ripe picking, and the gorgeous display as nearly every color possible is represented, my vote for best heirloom cherry tomatoes goes to Sang Lee Farms.
Sang Lee Farms, 25180 Route 48, Peconic, NY . Certified organic and certified DELICIOUS, Sang Lee Farms offers the greatest number of varieties and colors and the tastiest, cherry and grape tomatoes on the North Fork. Visually exquisite and perfectly ripe, it’s hard to get enough of these! Sang Lee also grows “full size” heirloom tomatoes which are fabulous for slicing. But don’t stop with tomatoes, their mini summer squash, potatoes, lettuces (heads and pre-washed baby greens) and a wide variety of other certified organic vegetables are among the best in several categories.
July 28, 2020
Reviewed by Sarah Ehrenson.
Best Corn
Wowak Farms, Main Road, Laurel. At Wowak you will find corn with small yellow kernels, delicate, delicious and exceptionally fresh.
Krupski Farms, Main Road, Peconic. White corn…delicious. Farm stand fully reopening on July 31.
If you find yourself further “out east,” you can’t go wrong at either Sep’s Farms in East Marion and Latham Farms in Orient—both East End traditions for generations.
Best Tomatoes
Windy Acres Farm, Middle Country Road, Calverton. Locally grown tomatoes have JUST become available. You can smell them when you walk up.
Sang Lee Farms, Route 48, Peconic. Organic, gorgeous and incredibly delicious. Sang Lee Farms has an exceptional variety of perfectly ripened tomatoes. The cherry/grape tomatoes are solidly “in.” The Sun Gold tomatoes are incomparable.
KK’s the Farm, Main Road, Southold. Beautiful, delicious and the favorites of local foodies for years.
Best Pies
The best pies discussion went on for some time. North Fork food aficionados are extremely serious about their pies. With Briermere Farms long held up as the best pie standard, and continuing to turn out the delicious pies they are known for, here are the top contenders in the pie category, listed in order from the very best.
Breeze Hill Farms, Route 48, Southold. We are quoting, “Their peach pie is the best pie I’ve ever had.” We think that says it all.
Hallocks Cider Mill, Main Road, Laurel. While their “traditional pies” are great, specialty pies were also given high ratings. Mouths began watering with the discussion of their Black Bottom Key Lime Pie, Sinful pie that involves pecans, coconut, cream cheese, caramel (need we say more?), and caramel covered apple pie, to name a few.
Windy Acres Farm, Middle Country Road, Calverton. Excellent and on par with the best you will find anywhere. The perfect, traditional, freshly baked fruit pie.
