BARKIN’ BRUNCH, RESTAURANT WEEK APPROACHETH, NEW BESITO

The Refuge in Melville will be welcoming canine companions to its patio on Sunday for the return of Barkin’ Sunday Brunch.

BARKIN’ BRUNCH: The Refuge (515 Broadhallow Road, Melville) is bringing back its Barkin’ Sunday Brunch starting this Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. During that time, leashed dogs are welcomed to accompany their owners for brunch on the patio (weather permitting) at the restaurants. For the pooches, there will be complimentary treats and refreshments courtesy of Titos Vodka and the Petco Foundation. Meanwhile, owners can enjoy specialty-priced brunch cocktails, along with The Refuge’s typical Sunday Brunch Menu, which is available to view at Refuge110.com. Barkin’ Sunday Brunch benefits Huntington-based Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center. For more info, call 631-577-4444.

RESTAURANT WEEK APPROACHETH: The annual spring Long Island Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday. Through Sunday, April 30, restaurants across Long Island, including the Town of Huntington, will offer a three-course, prix fixe menu, offering plenty of tasty choices for foodies to make. Steve Haweeli, president of Long Island Restaurant & Marketing Hospitality Group, said this spring’s campaign is expected to draw more than 150 participants. They’ll offer a $29.95 menu each night of the week, but only ‘til 7 p.m. on Saturday. “With more than 2.8 million residents and 1,000 restaurants with varied cuisines, concepts and price points, it is no wonder why we started the highly anticipated Long Island Restaurant Week,” Haweeli added. Local restaurants set to participate include: 110 Japan (179 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, 631-673-6666); Athenian Greek Taverna (2187 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, 631-499-7660); Besito Mexican (402 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-549-0100); Black and Blue Seafood Chophouse (65 Wall St., Huntington, 631-385-9255); Cinque Terre Ristorante (872 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, 631-923-1255); Grasso’s Restaurant (134 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, 631-367-6060); Honu Kitchen and Cocktails (363 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-421-6900); IMC Restaurant and Bar (279 Main St., Huntington, 631-824-6222); Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall St., Huntington, 631-549-0055); Mac’s Steakhouse (12 Gerard St., Huntington, 631-549-5300); Mill Pond House Restaurant (437 E Main St., Centerport, 631-261-7663); Piccola Bussola Restaurant (970 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, 631-692-6300); Piccolo Mondo (1870 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, 631-462-0718); Ruvo Restaurant West (63 Broadway Greenlawn, Greenlawn, 631-261-7700); Sandbar Restaurant (55 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, 631-498-6188); and Taormina (34 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, 631-499-6900). To view the updated list of participating restaurants, and the menus of those that are, visit Longislandrestaurantweek.com.

NEW BESITO: Besito, which operates a location in Huntington village, plans to open another location on the South Shore. The Mexican restaurant is set to move into the 399 Montauk Highway space in West Islip that was previously occupied by Roots bistro. The restaurant’s Facebook page recently made a post asking foodies to keep up with Besitomexican.com for more updates, including an opening date. In the meantime, the Huntington village location at 402 New York Ave. is gearing up for Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, there will be a complimentary tequila tasting featuring Patrón Tequila from 2-5 p.m. There will also be two entrée special, the Bistec con Chicharron ($32) and Enchiladas de Mariscos ($29). Finally, there will be a raffle with prizes including a $500 Besito gift card. Check the website for information on how to enter.