The Bay Breeze Inn & Bistro in South Jamesport has been reinvented as The Bay Breeze Inn & Chophouse — with a new menu that stands up to the moniker. Guests can expect a variety of prime cuts of meat in addition to sharable-sized sides courtesy of new head chef Tom Fazio.
Fazio, the owner and chef of Waterside Caterers in Northport, took over as chef and general manager of the Chophouse, formerly known as the Bay Breeze Inn & Bistro, in mid-January. He has since rolled out steak-forward dishes patrons have been craving.
“As we were working on this new menu, we kept the doors open to listen to customers,” he said. “The North Fork has a great selection of high quality wines, seafood and fresh produce — we wanted to bring high-quality beef.”
The steaks are 100 percent certified angus beef. Options include a 10-ounce bone-in filet mignon and the instantly popular 32-ounce tomahawk steak for two. Osso Buco, T-bone pork chops, roasted chicken and stuffed veal chops are new to the dinner menu along with large portions of sides like mac n’ cheese.
“Tom is an innovative chef,” said Bay Breeze Inn & Chophouse co-owner David Perrin. “I met him through various vineyard and winery events and we hit it off. We have been wanting to collaborate for years and this was the perfect fit. He brings a great balance and energy to the front and back of the house.”
For now, Bay Breeze Chophouse has done away with weekday lunch and all-day breakfast. The restaurant and bar opens at 4 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for dinner and happy hour specials. A new brunch menu with riffs on chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy and other must-haves is now available on the weekends as well.
The new menu caters to locals and to guests of the hotel, said Mr. Perrin, who purchased the historic inn along with his wife Donna and partners Frank and Donna Scarola in 2015. The long-time business partners also own the Cedar House on Sound Bed & Breakfast in Mattituck.
It’s not the first time the owners have changed course on the menu offerings since opening in spring 2016 following extensive renovations. The owners initially did not plan to open the restaurant at the inn, but changed their minds after receiving feedback from guests and neighbors. The new menu is a departure from the bistro-style small plates and sandwiches of the past.
“The main change is that we’re really entrée focused,” Mr. Perrin said. “Instead of a mix of lighter fare, we have become a true multi-cut steakhouse.”
The dining room received a mini-makeover to become more in line with the steakhouse concept. Historic photographs of South Jamesport — left behind when the property was still the Bayview Inn — replaced beachy décor. The lobby has also been reimagined as more of a causal lounge. Tables, chairs and comfy couches positioned around the fireplace have been a cozy respite for travelers and locals looking to enjoy a glass of wine and a light bite away from the formal dinning room and bar area.
Bay Breeze Inn & Chophouse is located at 46 Front Street in South Jamesport. For more information call (631) 779-3454 or visit baybreezeinnli.com.
