Since opening in 2018, the Preston House restaurant has established itself as a hub for eclectic fine dining in downtown Riverhead.
Now, they’re taking on street food with the launch of a new food truck this summer.
“We thought. How can we make [our menu] a little bit more approachable,” said managing owner Jennifer Petrocelli. “We get tons of people going across the street to the aquarium, so we wanted to cater to more of that casual guest.”
Petrocelli developed the menu with Dmytro Guydash, who took over as executive chef within the last month. “We’ve been getting rave reviews about the food while he’s been in the kitchen,” Petrocelli said, adding that Guydash plans to introduce his seasonal summer menu in the next few weeks.
Originally from Ukraine, Guydash has extensive experience in European cuisine and has worked at the acclaimed Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, Lulu Kitchen & Bar in Sag Harbor and Insignia steakhouse in Smithtown.
The menu is focused on classic street food and there’s something for everyone from classic smash burgers, chicken fingers and fish and chips to an octopus salad, Hawaiian poke rice bowl and ceviche available.
Daily specials include a taco and slow-cooked gyro of the day, plus wine, spiked seltzer, beer and soft drinks.
“It’s our casual take on the Preston House restaurant,” Petrocelli said.
In addition to apps, gyros, tacos, burgers, rice bowls and fries, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth with an extensive dessert menu of brownie bites, doughnut holes, Belgian sugar waffles, cake pops, fruit or an ice cream sandwich.
By far, Petrocelli said, her favorite dessert is the Belgian waffle, which is dipped in chocolate. “When you come off the slopes when you’re snowboarding or skiing, they have those waffle trucks at the end. We tried to replicate that,” she said. “It’s fun. It’s great for adults and great for kids.”
The launch will coincide with the return of the Alive on 25 street fair along Main Street on Friday, July 1. The free, walkable street festival runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and features live music on multiple stages, local craft beverages, food trucks, local artisans, face painters, stilt walkers and other activities for the whole family.
The kickoff event on July 1 will feature fireworks at 9 p.m. and three more events are scheduled for July 15, July 29 and Aug. 12. The following day, July 2, the truck will be serving at übergeek Brewing on Hallett Avenue in Riverhead.
It will be open on the hotel and restaurant property regularly from Thursdays to Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is also available to rent for private catering events.
For more information, call the restaurant at 631-775-1550 or email [email protected].
