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This is a magical time of year on the North Fork. The first fresh produce of the season is being stocked at local farm stands (hello, asparagus!) and nature trails are coming into bloom. There is also still a slight crispiness in the air, and these events give every opportunity to spring forward.
Macari wine dinner at aMano
If you haven’t visited aMano in the past few months, a special Macari Vineyards wine dinner planned for Sunday, April 7 is the perfect time to book a reservation. The Mattituck restaurant, co-founded by renowned chef Tom Schaudel, recently underwent a makeover and a re-vamp of its menu. The pairing dinner offers a chance to experience its cozy vibes and tasty dishes through a Tuscan-inspired five-course paired with award-winning Macari wine. Contact the restaurant for reservations at (631) 298-4800.
Song Swap fundraiser in Orient
Enjoy an evening of downhome jamming for a good cause. The annual Anne MacKay Song Swap to benefit Poquatuck Hall in Orient is Saturday, April 6. The Song Swap is an informal evening of eclectic music. Local musicians turn out to help raise funds to support the non-profit organization Oysterponds Community Activities and the ongoing maintenance of the historic Poquatuck Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 at the door.
Sound View’s Uncommon Art artist in residence series
The spring lineup for the Uncommon Art artist-in-residency program at the Sound View has been announced. The series, which debuted at the Greenport hotel this winter, features an eclectic mix of visiting artists across several forms of media.
From Saturday, April 13 through Sunday, April 21, visual artist Julia Bland, whose pieces incorporate painting and weaving, will be on hand, creating original North Fork-inspired works and mingling with guests and locals alike.
Additional residencies this April include composer and artist Jules Gimbrone and musician Mao Quiros. Take in the art while enjoying a drink at the piano bar, or sampling executive chef Stephan Bogardus’ new menu.
All three of the artists will be answering the public’s questions about their work during the hotel’s Creative Coffee discussion Sunday, April 14 at 11 a.m.Visit soundviewgreenport.com for a schedule of artists and to learn more about the Uncommon Art series.
Cooking classes at the Riverhead Ciderhouse
Liven up your recipe repertoire at the Riverhead Ciderhouse on Thursday, April 11. The popular Sound Avenue tasting room is now offering cooking classes led by Chef Jon DeKenipp, who runs the on-site café known for serving up fresh salads, hot pretzels and a variety of pizzas. Anyone who has visited the Ciderhouse in recent months is probably familiar with the irresistible guacamole station. Participants will learn how to make that signature guac along with an easy to prepare dinner for the family. The two-hour $55 classes include at least four courses of food paired with housemade cider or local wines. Visit riverheadcider.com for additional details and to register. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Splish Splash Polar Plunge
There’s a good reason to be freezing at the third annual Splish Splash Polar Plunge. Rather than brave the icy ocean, participants are taking a dip into the Kahuna Bay Wave Pool to help raise money for Special Olympics of New York.
The plunge takes place at noon on Saturday, April 6. Registration is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the day of the event or sign up as an individual or a team in advance online. Anyone who raises at least $150 will receive an official Polar Plunge sweatshirt.
Morning walk at Hallock State Park Preserve
Welcome the return of spring by getting back into nature. Hallock State Park Preserve in Northville is a relatively new state park with winding trails leading to the Long Island Sound. The Eastern Long Island Audubon Society is hosting a tour of the trails on Saturday, April 20. Guide Eileen Schwinn will point out shorebirds and ducks on the way to the beach. There is no cost to attend and no reservations needed. The meet up is at 8:30 a.m. in the Hallock State Park Preserve parking lot.
Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing’s Earth Day celebration
Raise a glass to Mother Earth at Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing’s Earth Day Celebration. The family-friendly event starts at noon on Saturday, April 20 at The Tap Room at Corey Creek in Southold. Learn how to make DIY “wildflower seed bomb” to attract garden pollinator, and DIY wine cork succulent planters. Adults will also receive a tasting of certified sustainable wines, and learn how local winegrowers are practicing environmental stewardship. Tickets are $30 and all proceeds benefit Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing. The event is free for children. Food Truck and Tap Room menus are available at an additional cost. Get tickets.
April Showers tea party
Step back in time for a traditional Victorian-era tea party at the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society on Sunday, April 28 in the charming 1841 Ira Tuthill House. The event will feature homemade petit-fours, cookies, tea sandwiches, scones and a large array of teas and other treats. The $25 tickets can be purchased at Bauer’s Gifts on Love Lane in Mattituck or online. All the proceeds benefit the historical society. Period of elegant dress is encouraged, but not required. No tickets will be sold at the door.
East End Restaurant Week
Sample the local bounty during East End Restaurant Week, which returns on Sunday, March 31 and runs through Sunday, April 7. There are 28 restaurants across the North and South forks participating this year. Almond crusted fried brie at Jamesport Manor Inn and creamy pesto bombolotti at the Preston House in Riverhead, are among the specialty restaurant week menu items being offered on the North Fork. Other local restaurants participating include Noah’s, North Fork Table & Inn, La Plage, Bistro 72 and A Lure Chowder House & Oysteria. All participating restaurants offer a three-course prix fixe dinner for $29.95.
Maker Fair & Food Truck Rally
(Credit: Monique Singh-Roy)
The Peconic Community School is hosting its annual Maker Fair and Food Truck Rally on Saturday, April 13. Local “makers” will present workshops and demonstrations of invention including robotics and legos, coding and felting, potion making and cardboard building, among others. Described as part science fair, part county fair, the event is family-friendly. The event, which is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a variety of food trucks. There is a suggested donation of $10 per family and all proceeds benefit Peconic Community School. The event will be at their campus at 269 Main Road in Aquebogue.
