Hey, it’s our birthday. Happy birthday to us!
Northforker launched six years ago today on May 23, 2013. Thanks to all of our loyal readers and advertisers, the future continues to look bright for us.
This special anniversary had us feeling a little nostalgic and so we began poking around our archives.
What follows is a roundup of the most-read post from each month of our existence. We hope this trip down memory lane is as fun for you as it was for us. It’s incredible to see how much this community has changed in six years and how much we’ve changed along with it.
May 2013
EXCLUSIVE: First look inside new downtown Riverhead restaurant
Joe’s Garage & Grill is under construction and won’t open its doors on Peconic Avenue in Riverhead until July, but until then, you can get a first look at exclusive photos of the car-themed restaurant. >>>
June 2013
GaGa, Kate Upton and friends hit downtown Riverhead
Some of the biggest names in film, music and modeling have been hitting the streets of downtown Riverhead and were spotted elsewhere on the East End this week, according to social media photos and postings. >>>
July 2013
Two new restaurants opening on the North Fork
Add two more businesses to the list of new restaurants opening on the North Fork this year. >>>
August 2013
Avicii to join Nile Rodgers at Martha Clara for dance party benefit show
Legendary musician and producer Nile Rodgers announced that he and his iconic band Chic will be joined by Swedish DJ sensation Avicii at an event at Martha Clara this August billed AFTEE Nile Rodgers Dance Party. >>>
September 2013
Grand Opening of Vines & Hops Café and Tavern in Riverhead
Vines & Hops Café and Tavern will have its grand opening celebration Sunday Sept 22 in downtown Riverhead. A ribbon cutting ceremony will kick off at noon with wine, beer, coffee, small plate food and desserts to be served. >>>
October 2013
Katy Perry’s new album cover shot at Schmitt’s Family Farm
It was anything but a typical day on the farm this August when pop star Katy Perry and a crew of about 50 people came to Schmitt’s Family Farm in Riverhead to shoot the cover art for her new album, “Prism.” >>>
November 2013
North Fork Trolley to become The Polar Express
The Polar Express has been a classic Christmas favorite for many children. The magical story will come to life on board the North Fork Trolley starting Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 24 (on select days). >>>
December 2013
Southold teen starring in NBC’s “The Sound of Music, Live!” with Carrie Underwood
Earlier this fall, Southold teenager Ella Watts-Gorman was sitting on a bench at the Mattituck ice cream parlor Magic Fountain, finishing a soft-serve vanilla cone, when she received a call telling her she had been cast as Louisa, one of the von Trapp children, in NBC’s upcoming production of “The Sound of Music, Live!” >>>
January 2014
Pace’s Dockside opens on the North Fork
Long Island-based, family-owned Pace’s Steakhouse expanded to Mattituck with its new eatery Pace’s Dockside over the summer and after a few sample runs in August officially opened its doors just before New Years. >>>
February 2014
PHOTOS: Jodie Foster films ‘Orange is the New Black’ in Riverhead
Downtown Riverhead was transformed into a setting for “Orange is the New Black” on Friday morning, as Academy Award-winner Jodie Foster directed a part of the Netflix series in front of the Suffolk Theater. >>>
March 2014
Rolling in Dough to run bar, pizza place at Stirling Square
Matt Michel, owner of the popular mobile pizza company Rolling in Dough, has found a permanent home in Greenport’s historic Stirling Square. >>>
April 2014
Screen legend Christopher Walken films in Riverhead
The Academy Award winner was on the set of “When I Live My Life Over Again” Monday, when the film was shot at Temple Israel on Northville Turnpike. >>>
May 2014
North Fork in the News: Where does a supermodel hang out in Riverhead?
Where do supermodels and their families go on the East End to get away from it all?
Why Splish Splash water park in Riverhead of course! >>>
June 2014
Kim Kardashian spotted at Mattituck Cinemas
If you were driving past Mattituck Plaza late last night and saw a woman being escorted to her car by two security guards as cell phones and cameras flashed, we have the answer to what that was. >>>
July 2014
Second map proves even judgmental people love the North Fork
Some people just cannot get enough North Fork wine — we’re looking at you Judgmentalmaps.com; not that this is a bad thing. >>>
August 2014
Required Dining: 5 must-try North Fork restaurants
Every region has its go-to eating spots. Known to locals and savvy out of towners alike, these North Fork mainstays are essential for your bucket list. You can’t be here without visiting each at least once. They’re high-end, high-quality and perfect when you have out-of-town guests or even when looking for just a quiet dinner for two. >>>
September 2014
North Fork Table & Inn is on the market
North Fork Table & Inn, perennially rated Long Island’s best restaurant by Zagat, is on the market, according to the property’s listing agent. >>>
October 2014
Polar Express Trolley Ride returns to Riverhead this season
Since the moment it was published in 1985, Chris Van Allsburg’s story “The Polar Express” has charmed readers of all ages with its fanciful tale of a little boy who meets Santa Claus after traveling to the North Pole aboard an enchanted steam engine. >>>
November 2014
Restaurateurs sign deal to lease ‘Riverhead Project’ space
A pair of power restaurateurs — who between the two of them have been involved in successful ventures from New York City to St. Thomas — have inked a deal to lease the former Riverhead Project building on East Main Street, according to the parties involved. >>>
December 2014
Holiday cheer and cold beer at Santacon
‘Twas three weeks before Christmas and all through downtown
Hundreds of wet Santa Clauses had come ’round. >>>
January 2015
Claudio’s owner on why iconic restaurant is for sale
Claudio’s restaurant, the Greenport treasure that has served North Forkers since the village’s days as a whaling town through Prohibition and into modern times, has hit the market. >>>
February 2015
O’Mally’s in Southold reopens Thursday with a new look, owner
O’Mally’s in Southold is reopening Thursday afternoon with the same family-friendly atmosphere, but with new owners and a new look. >>>
March 2015
Brew Crew Cycles to offer Riverhead brewery tours
You can say goodbye to trudging across pockmarked parking lots during your Riverhead craft brewery tour — there’s a new ride coming to town. >>>
April 2015
Spotlight on Orient in new murder mystery novel
Christopher Bollen can recall the moment he knew that Orient would make the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery novel. >>>
May 2015
High-speed ferry to carry passengers from NYC to East End
Weary travelers tired of sitting in traffic and who can’t afford those fancy helicopter rides will soon have a new way to travel the tri-state area. >>>
June 2015
Pharrell, Beck and Nile Rodgers to perform at Martha Clara Vineyards festival
Music producer Nile Rodgers will host a two-day festival at Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead this August featuring big name acts like Pharrell, Beck, Duran Duran and many more, the performer and songwriter announced on his Facebook page this morning. >>>
July 2015
Long Island wines receive record-breaking reviews in The Wine Advocate
Long Island wines received enthusiastic and record-breaking reviews from one of the industry’s most influential wine publications last month. >>>
August 2015
Peconic Bay Yacht Club will host some of the North Fork’s grandest weddings
After standing vacant and unused for years, the former Mill Creek Inn in Southold will once again host some of the North Fork’s most elegant weddings and stylish shindigs. >>>
September 2015
Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck to change hands
A Love Lane staple that offers a taste of Europe in Long Island Wine Country will soon have a new owner. >>>
October 2015
Long Island Restaurant Week: Our top five picks
We here at northforker look forward to Long Island Restaurant Week with the same anticipation of a kid counting down until Christmas. >>>
November 2015
23 things to do in Long Island Wine Country this holiday season
‘Tis the season of decked halls, mulled wine and ugly sweater parties. >>>
December 2015
Hydrant Hotel opens up its doors today for your ‘fur baby’
We all like the finer things in life. So why not do the same for the family pet? That’s the thinking behind the Hydrant Hotel, a luxury pet hotel, grooming and retail facility that opens its doors in Riverhead today. >>>
January 2016
With adult coloring books on the rise, library hosts coloring groups
Grab your crayons and markers and head over to Greenport’s Floyd Memorial Library the next few weeks to enjoy some coloring books. >>>
February 2016
Skipper’s in Greenport changes hands
A decades-old Greenport eatery has been sold for just under $1 million. >>>
March 2016
Claudio family to return when restaurant reopens April 14
The National Restaurant Association classifies Claudio’s in Greenport as the “oldest, same-family run restaurant” in the United States. It’s a distinction the Claudio family is proud of and one that will still be relevant when they open their doors for the 2016 season next month. >>>
April 2016
Blue Canoe Oyster Bar & Grill will not reopen this year
Greenport has one less seafood restaurant as Blue Canoe Oyster Bar & Grill will not reopen for 2016. >>>
May 2016
These stores are opening soon at Shoppes at East Wind
Its restaurant, spa, catering halls and hotel have for years made East Wind Long Island an arguable commercial tour de force. The addition of its Shoppes at East Wind, an outdoor complex poised for a July opening, transforms the 27-acre Wading River property into a veritable lifestyle village. >>>
June 2016
First look at the new Phil’s Waterfront Bar and Grill
Ever since we first learned more than a year ago that you soon won’t have to cross Route 105 to pick up an order of Phil’s Buffalo wings we’ve been salivating. >>>
July 2016
20 photos from the first Alive on 25 in downtown Riverhead
Thousands filled downtown Riverhead for the first Alive on 25, one of this summer’s most anticipated events on the North Fork. >>>
August 2016
Christina Ricci filming Amazon series in Wading River
Christina Ricci brought a bit of Jazz Age glam to Wading River this morning while filming scenes for her Amazon series “Z: The Beginning of Everything.” >>>
September 2016
Davis Peach Farm in Wading River closing for good Sunday
Operator Christine Davis announced Sunday that Davis Peach Farm was going out of business. A real estate broker has since confirmed the 62-acre property is under contract. >>>
October 2016
Main Road Biscuit Co. to open Thursday
It’s hard to imagine a venue that has generated as much anticipation as Jamesport’s Main Road Biscuit Co. has these past few months. >>>
November 2016
Lucharitos is coming to Aquebogue this spring
The new restaurant, which will be called Little Lucharitos and will have a similar theme and menu as its Greenport counterpart, is expected to open April 1, according to owner Marc LaMaina. >>>
December 2016
Main Street Heros set to open next month in downtown Riverhead
One of downtown Riverhead’s longest running businesses is being split in half to make way for a new sandwich store called Main Street Heros. >>>
January 2017
SALT restaurateurs to open Greenport eatery
The restaurateurs behind one of Shelter Island’s most popular restaurants are coming to Greenport. >>>
February
Scrimshaw closes, NYC chef Frank DeCarlo to open restaurant
Scrimshaw restaurant in Greenport will not reopen this season and a Manhattan restaurateur and chef has signed a lease to operate in its place, northforker has learned. >>>
March 2017
Riverhead Ciderhouse opens on Sound Avenue: First look
There’s a little something for everyone at Riverhead Ciderhouse in Baiting Hollow. >>>
April 2017
Shinn Estate Vineyards sold; Old Mill Inn will not re-open
It’s that time of year when businesses re-open for the season on the North Fork, announcing changes and outlining plans for the future. But for a pair of Mattituck businesses, those future plans will include new owners. >>>
May 2017
These eight eateries could soon open in Greenport
Let’s catch up on all the Greenport restaurant news you might have missed this season.>>>
June 2017
LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige spotted at North Fork wedding
It was quite the Father’s Day weekend on the North Fork for one of rap’s most beloved pioneers. >>>
July 2017
Introducing the new northforker restaurant
This restaurant has no address. It’s not on the North Road or the south and offers no dock and dine option. >>>
August 2017
Peconic River Salt opening in Riverhead
Salt therapy and all of its purported benefits are soon coming to Riverhead. >>>
September 2017
North Fork Roasting Co. co-owner to appear on Chopped
The 27-year-old co-owner of Southold’s North Fork Roasting Co. recalled watching Food Network’s Chopped when she was 15 years old and remarking to her father that she had what it takes to compete on the series. >>>
October 2017
Little Lucharitos to open in Aquebogue on Friday
Bring on the tacos, Lucharitos is officially opening its new Aquebogue location on Friday.>>>
November 2017
Our favorite cozy North Fork bars for the offseason
Whether you’re getting together with old pals while home for the holidays or just want a cozy bar to nestle up in this winter, the North Fork has no shortage of great options. >>>
December 2017
Secret’s out: live music company pops up with first Greenport show
Three touring musical acts performed a live show in Greenport Village Saturday night and you might not have known about it. That’s actually somewhat by design. >>>
January 2018
East End Italian chain has plans for downtown Riverhead
Downtown Riverhead’s most notable vacant restaurant location is poised to have a new tenant with a familiar North Fork name. >>>
February 2018
First look inside Riverhead’s new Preston House and Hotel
From a more than 100-year-old historic house to a modern 21st century hotel and restaurant, the new Preston House and Hotel on East Main Street in downtown Riverhead is just about ready to open its doors. >>>
March 2018
After 148 years, Claudio’s in Greenport has sold
Co-owner Jan Claudio confirmed the sale of the iconic waterfront property Monday. The main restaurant was opened in 1870 by Manuel Claudio and has been billed as the longest continuously family-owned eatery in the United States. >>>
April 2019
New Claudio’s owners announce Memorial Day opening
The new owners of the Claudio’s restaurant complex in Greenport announced Monday that they plan to re-open the restaurants in time for Memorial Day weekend. >>>
May 2018
Five North Fork restaurants with great outdoor dining
Dear cozy tables by the fire, we’ve had a good a run. But springtime is here, and that means we’re ready to find a spot where the ratio of sun to refreshing breeze is just right, the food is colorful and fresh, and the cocktails use all the best flavors of the season. >>>
June 2018
Rocco’s Caddyshack has opened in Greenport
Rocco’s Caddyshack has moved into the former Skipper’s Restaurant space in Greenport. >>>
July 2018
After 35 years as neighbors, Palmer Vineyards purchased by Paumanok
Paumanok and Palmer vineyards are two of the North Fork’s oldest wineries, each having been founded in Aquebogue in 1983. >>>
August 2018
Sunflower maze crops up at Sidor Farms in Mattituck
You don’t have to wait until fall to walk through a farm field maze. A sunflower maze recently cropped up at Sidor Farms in Mattituck. >>>
September 2018
Take a peek inside the newly opened EAsT on Main: Photos
Eat like a farmer. Drink like sailor. That’s the motto at the newly opened EAst on Main, where diners can stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night eats seven days per week. >>>
October 2018
Father-son duo creates Treiber Farms in Peconic
Peter Treiber Jr. recalls his father planting a vegetable garden with a handful of fruit trees and tending to beehives at his childhood home in Sea Cliff. >>>
November 2018
Where to eat on the North Fork for Long Island Restaurant Week
Long Island Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to scope out local restaurants you’ve always wanted to try or indulge at your old standbys. >>>
December 2018
Sale of Emilio’s building paves way for expansion of popular Greenport restaurant
Foodies and real estate enthusiasts who stumbled across a transfer for the building that is currently home to Emilio’s pizzeria in Greenport might be excited to learn of the new owner, but they’ll have to show a little patience before future plans come to fruition. >>>
January 2019
Brent Pelton is northforker’s 2018 Person of the Year
Since purchasing the historic Stirling Square property in Greenport almost five years ago, the Manhattan lawyer has worked to bolster the community through events such as the holiday walk and charitable acts benefiting Community Action for Southold Town, a nonprofit serving low-income individuals and families on the North Fork. >>>
March 2019
7 great walks every Long Islander should take
Hustle, bustle and traffic can feel like they define life for Long Islanders — especially for those who commute to New York City during the week. It’s nice to slowdown, stop and smell the roses. As the weather warms, explore Long Island by foot. From harbors and shorelines to gardens and Gold Coast mansions, these are Long Island’s greatest walks. >>>
April 2019
Phil’s Waterfront Bar and Grill in Aquebogue becoming ‘On the Docks’
Phil’s Waterfront Bar and Grill in Aquebogue has sold, but fans can still expect much of the same casual American fare. >>>
May 2019
Chef Stephan Bogardus to appear on ‘Beat Bobby Flay’
Does chef Stephan Bogardus have what it takes to beat Bobby Flay? Tune in to the Food Network Thursday to find out. >>>
