Bar Petite Is Not Small On Flavor

/

By Amy Kelly
akelly@longislandergroup.com

Bar Petite had some pretty big shoes to fill when proprietor John Conzone took over the space on Stewart Avenue which was previously the home of Bin 56. With Chef Edgar Quintanilla in the kitchen, they did just that… and then some, and have quickly established their own following among Huntington foodies.

The restaurant is small in comparison to some, but with the new configuration of tables including banquette seating along one wall, it feels more open and airy.  The bar has been redone with an amber backdrop that creates a golden glow that accents warm wood tones throughout. When the weather is nice, the French doors are flung open to evening breezes and there are additional bistro tables outside welcoming you to enjoy the sunsets.

Located just two blocks north of the Huntington village hub, Bar Petite is close enough to grab a bite before a concert, or a fun stop on a pub crawl.  Or grab a good table at Bar Petite on a Tuesday or Wednesday night when they host local musicians. Just passing by any night of the week from Tuesdays through Saturdays (they are closed on Sundays and Mondays), you get drawn in by the music and friendly people who have discovered this gem of a gathering spot.

Bar Petite has an extensive cocktail menu and our waiter, Anthony, was knowledgeable in helping us decide which crowd favorites we needed to sample.  We settled on the Jack Rabbit, an unlikely pairing of Patron Anejo tequila and Campari with fresh mint; a Whiskey Jammer made with Maker’s Mark and Aperol; and an ice cold Moscow Mule – all refreshing and way too easy going down.  We also loved the classic mainstay Big Dirty Martini highlighted with bleu cheese stuffed olives.  There’s an extensive list of martinis with colorful names like the Bee’s Knees, Firefly, Montauk, and Gold Rush, but our favorite was the L.I. Tini, a cool Long Island favorite served straight up.

Bring your appetite to Bar Petite because the options are endless. Our favorite appetizer is the bacon wrapped apricots stuffed with manchego cheese, drizzled with balsamic reduction and sprinkled with gorgonzola.  Tucked within the smoky bacon, a slice of jalapeno adds a surprisingly non-spicy finish. A charcuterie board menu allows you to create your own appetizer from an array of cured meats and artisan cheeses, which come with toasted baguette, jam, olives, nuts and berries. Chicken wings are tender and delicious with a sweet, orange glaze. Truffle fries are also not to be missed. They are dusted with shaved parmesan, fresh herbs, and accompanied by house-made lemon aioli and honey mustard dipping sauces.

If you are a seafood lover, feast on Bar Petite’s light and crisp sashimi tuna tacos. Fresh tuna is accented with mango and cucumber salsa, house-made wasabi cream sauce, and sprinkled with chives.  The roasted vegetable flatbread is a flavorful mix of peppers, mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella and jack cheeses, topped with a basil oil drizzle.  Sesame crusted Ahi tuna salad is fresh and tasty with avocado, pickled ginger, seaweed salad, and a unique hazelnut vinaigrette. If you are the adventurous type, grilled baby octopus with fingerling potatoes is tender and sure to please.

Bar Petite is a great late night destination which has something for everyone. From lobster ravioli to stuffed shrimp, to burgers and barbecue pork sliders, to crab cakes to fish tacos, Bar Petite will tantalize all taste buds. For a great vibe and delicious food, venture a block or two off the beaten path and discover a refreshing new place to wine and dine. You’ll be so glad you did.

 Bar Petite
56 Stewart Avenue, Huntington
631-759-7619
Cuisine: Creative small plates
Atmosphere: Casual
Price Range: Flatbreads, $14;
Salads and small plates, $8-$20
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m. – midnight; Friday and Saturday. 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.