SIDE DISH:

Arrive early and enjoy drinks in the sophisticated city style lounge at Northport’s John W. Engeman Theater.

Theater Drinks: With Saturday Night Fever, The Musical now playing at Northport’s John W. Engeman Theater, ticketholders will want to arrive early to spend some time in The Green Room Piano Bar and Lounge in the theater at 250 Main Street in Northport. It is an upscale, Manhattan-style bar serving great beverages before, during and after each performance. They have an extensive wine list by the bottle and glass, full cocktail selection, draught and bottled craft beers as well as gourmet cheese and cracker platters.

Daniel Pedisich readies a platter of cured meats and cheese in the kitchen at Konoba in Huntington village.

Brunch and Beverages: Konoba at 46G Gerard Street in Huntington village offers a great weekend brunch. Try the Palacinke (Croatian style crêpe with Nutella); eggs benedict (Canadian bacon or smoked salmon with poached eggs, hollandaise, home fries); Raznjici (traditional style pork kebabs, fries, red onion, pita, and Avjar, a mixed vegetable spread); Mjesano Meso, or mixed grill (Ćevapčiči, Ražnjići, Kobasica - pork sausage, fries, red onion, pita, Ajvar). Couple that with a fantastic wine list and fun drinks makes for a great meal.

Bistro and Brother: The owners of Bistro 44 in Northport have opened a little brother down the block where 7T8 used to be. The Harbor House menu highlights seafood, and from what we have tried to date – is excellent. It is a smaller restaurant with some outdoor dining and we recommend reservations. Harbor House is on Open Table.

The Mac ‘n Cheese at Sweet Mama’s.

Very Sweet Mama’s - We always knew they had great breakfasts and lunches – but dinners? Why, yes! Seems it is a great place for an early dinner too. Of course you can get their great breakfast menu all day and the burgers make a fantastic dinner, but they have a varied dinner menu too. From the Thanksgiving Style Turkey with all the trimmings ($20.99) to Papa’s Buffalo Mac and Cheese ($19.99), there’s a wide variety to fit all members of the family. Located at 9 Alsace Place in Northport, they offer a full bar, great ambience and outdoor dining as well.

Lale night dining at Crabtree’s in Huntington includes a bird’s eye view of the action on the street.

Late Night Dining: If you work long hours and want a place to unwind with good food near Huntington village, the following places offer late night menus. Try Crabtree’s NY & Main (on the second floor) at 330 New York Avenue, Huntington, 631-923-0920; Bar Petite at 56 Stewart Avenue, Huntington,  631-759-76191; Konoba at 46 G Gerard Street, Huntington, 631-824-7712; and Nicky’s of Centerport at  8 Little Neck Road, Centerport 631-757-7277. Each will make you feel at home and welcome – even at 10 p.m.! Call before going since hours of operation vary depending on the day.

More Lessings: We all know the great Huntington places to dine under the Lessing’s umbrella – Hatch, Finnegan’s and Sandbar – but if you venture a little out of town you can be treated to Mirabelle at 150 Main Street in Stony Brook. When we were there, we started with the Duck Liver and Foie Gras Mousse ($10), then moved to their small plates menu and had the Flammkuchen – Alsatian thin crusted pizza with bacon, onions and sour cream ($10), and the Kobe Beef Sliders ($14). All were excellent.

Eat, Read, Repeat: Buy breakfast or lunch ... and The Long Islander. Scott’s Vernon Valley Delicatessen and Caterers at 143 Vernon Valley Road, Northport 631-261-1994. offers great food but also The Long Islander newspaper for sale. Please stop in and visit Scott. Even if you already subscribe to the paper with home delivery, stop in and grab a Boar’s Head Deli Meat sandwich, or a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll, or a hamburger. You can see the menus on vernonvalleydeli.com. Tell Scott that you read about him in The Long Islander.