Typically our 10 things to do posts include events, gatherings, wine dinners and more, but during a time of social distancing, our recommendations are quite different these days.
Instead of attending events out and about on the North Fork, below are 10 ways to experience the North Fork in the comfort and safety of your own home.
George Giannaris’ YouTube channel: Aware House Chef
Chef and owner of Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant, George Giannaris, publishes weekly videos on his YouTube channel Aware House Chef. Tune in to learn how to make recipes such as Greek shrimp and pasta, Striper ceviche, or a stuffed leg of lamb. The channel also features videos on kitchen gadgets, knife sharpening skills and more.
Blooms by Ollie Gardening Kits
Blooms by Ollie, located on Sound Avenue in Wading River, has created the perfect way to introduce kids to planting and gardening with its gardening kits. There are two kits to choose from, which are priced at $16.99 and $18.99. Each kit contains one pot, two bags of soil, one shovel and vegetable and herb plants. The higher-priced kit also includes seed packets. To place your order, call 631-905-3270 or via their social media pages.
Brix & Rye Cocktails To Go
No, it’s not just you, we really miss nights out at Greenport’s Brix & Rye, too. And while we can stir up our own Negroni at home, they’re always better from Brix. Lucky for us, the cocktail bar is serving bottled beverages to go, garnish and all. Call 1943 Pizza Bar at 631-477-6984 to place your order, and don’t forget to order their amazing pizza while you’re at it.
Sherwood House Vineyards At-home Tasting Flight
Looking for a way to take your virtual happy hour to the next level? Sherwood House Vineyards has created an at-home tasting flight, which includes five 2 oz. bottles of select wines and a tasting note card for $25. Visit sherwoodhousevineyards.com to order.
The Preston House & Hotel Date Night
Don’t cancel date night just because you’re stuck at home. The Preston House & Hotel in Riverhead is offering an amazing date night package that’s available daily. With a minimum order of $35 from their to-go menu, you’ll also receive a free bottle of sparkling wine and two votive candles. Visit their website theprestonhouseandhotel.com to view the full menu.
RGNY’s At-home Blending Session
During the quarantine there’s a good possibility that you’ve acquired a few additional titles – does homeschooler, gardener or bread-maker ring a bell? Well, here’s another to consider: winemaker. With RGNY’s at-home blending session kit, you’ll get to create a custom blend from RGNY’s merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit Verdot. The kit also comes with videos of winemaker Lilia Perez to guide your blending session, wine glasses, blending place mats, RGNY brand book, eight tasting note cards, how-to wine cards, one bottle of 2018 Scielo Tinto and an RGNY corkscrew. The kits are priced at $80 and can be ordered on the vineyard’s website rgnywine.com.
Jamesport Farm Brewery Virtual Trivia Night
If you’re tired of watching Jeopardy, this recurring virtual event is for you. Join Jamesport Farm Brewery every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom for a virtual trivia night. Although there are no prizes other than the feeling of intellectual satisfaction. Visit the brewery’s Facebook page for details on how to join and don’t forget to pick up some of their beer to enjoy along with it.
Lieb Cellars & Lombardi’s Love Lane Market Friday Night Dinner Box
Raise your hand if you’re tired of meal planning. Lieb Cellars and Lombardi’s Love Lane Market have your Friday nights covered. These two great local businesses have collaborated and created a Friday Night Dinner Box with a menu that changes weekly. This Friday’s box includes all of the ingredients you need to make rigatoni with sweet and spicy Italian sausage, Caesar salad, four fresh cannolis and a bottle of 2018 Lieb Cellars Estate Merlot. Each box serves four and costs $70. Order online at liebcellars.com by Thursdays at 5 p.m. and boxes are available for pickup on Fridays between noon and 5 p.m. at the Lieb Cellars Tasting Room.
A North Fork Affair Virtual Chunky Blanket Class
If crafting has become your quarantine calling, there’s a virtual class you won’t want to miss. North Fork event collective, A North Fork Affair, will be hosting virtual chunky blanket classes via Zoom on May 1, 5, 8, and 12 at 6 p.m. (NOTE: May 1 is sold out). Not only will you receive the materials and virtual guided instruction to create your own blanket, but you’ll also receive a bottle of Osprey’s Dominion wine and four North Fork Doughnut Company doughnuts. The price per class is $99. Email Tracy at [email protected] to reserve your spot and to get more details.
Bedell Taste in Place: Instagram Live with winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich
Spend your Thursdays virtually with Bedell Cellars winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich as he guides us through a tasting of two of his wines, while sharing his perspective and answering your questions in real-time. These Instagram Live sessions will be held Thursdays throughout May at 5 p.m., however, the first is set for April 30.
