For me to venture out to Long Island on the 4th of July weekend, either takes blunt force trauma to the head or rumors of an eatery worthy of the maniacs on the LIE. The Frisky Oyster is indeed tasty enough to take the risk. Located in the charming hamlet of Greenport, on the very tip of the North Fork, The Frisky Oyster is one of a few boutique restaurants to grace Main Street. Nestled among ice cream shops, Italian coffee and biscotti shops, antique stores and the corny kitsch of a seaside locale, the FO buzzes like a West Village hot spot. An 8:30 reservation on a holiday weekend was easy to snag a few days before the date. Book ahead, but don't fret if you wait til the last minute.
The store front is unremarkable, but inside, the bar, banquettes, red print fabric walls, paper lanterns and low lighting make you feel like you've walked into another world. Known for their dirty martinis, I quickly ordered one, though the plethora of wines by the glass, including an extensive rose list and a prosecco and blackberry sangria, almost distracted me. The martini was in a word, dirty, and as good as any you could find in the city. While I was sipping my cocktail, I noticed how much room there was between the tables. In the city you could have easily put a table on either side of us (me and my beau). I could freely get up to powder my nose and not worry that me or my ass would knock over wine glasses on the table next to us.
The menu pulls from local ingredients (seafood, greens) and Asian, Southern, and European inspiration. We opted for Spicy Shrimp Summer Rolls and Crispy Squash Blossoms stuffed with goat cheese. The summer rolls were served with a tangy and spicy sauce that in large quantities obscured the flavor of the rolls. A mere drizzle of the sauce enhanced the delicate flavor of fresh, sweet shrimp. The squash blossoms were divinely fried and filled with creamy goat cheese. These unforgettable blossoms had a perfect balance of crunchy and creamy, and sat on a refreshing bed of local arugula.
The main courses ranged from local seafood to steak frites. Having already decided we were going to taste as much as possible, we opted for lighter dishes, Grilled Swordfish on a bed of Hominy and Green beans and Pan Roasted Halibut on a bed of Local Greens and Yucca Fries. The swordfish was a bit dry, and need a hint of salt. The halibut, however, was expertly pan roasted with paper thin yucca fries, tangy tomato tapenade and tasty greens.
I had read that their key lime pie was excellent. I had hoped that it lived up to its name on the menu, dubbed The Best Key Lime Pie. We also ordered their Vanilla Brownie a la Mode and a White Chocolate and Coconut Mousse in a Tuile Cup. The key lime pie had a perfect graham cracker crust and the filling had a bite to the tang. The brownie was overwhelmingly chocolately, but was topped with smooth vanilla ice cream. The mousse was boring, but did have a wonderful coconut flavor and the tuile cup buttery and crunchy.
The trip was entirely worth it; the food at the Frisky Oyster was sublime. Greenport is a wonderful weekend getaway, and by getaway, I don't mean a transplant of New Yorkers ala Hamptons. It's a mix of Rhode Islanders, low key New Yorkers and foodies like me. If you need a place to stay, check out the Greenporter. A renovated 1950's motel with high thread count sheets, pool and hot tub surrounded by lavender and a wine bar with over 60 local selections by the glass. Oh and if you don't have a car for the 2 and 1/2 hour drive, the LIRR drops you off in the center of Greenport (approx 2h 45m).
The Frisky Oyster
27 Front Street
Greenport, Long Island
631-477-4265
Oinks: 4/5
Why Bother? : Dirty Martini, Crispy Squash Blossoms, The Best Key Lime Pie
Average Set Back: 2 drinks, 2 starters ($8-16), 2 mains ($24-31), 3 desserts ($8) 140.00
Hired Help: 2.5/3
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