Filmmaker, playwright and Greenport resident Tony Spiridakis is a man who’s very, very good at the art of telling compelling stories, with movies like Ezra, If Lucy Fell and Queens Logic among his cinematic accomplishments. But he’s also the man bringing compelling stories to the North Fork.
In 2012, along with his partner, Lisa Gillooly, he created the Manhattan Film Institute, a nonprofit educational program created to train actors and filmmakers in their respective crafts. In 2023, the pair achieved their crowning artistic jewel: opening the North Fork Arts Center in Greenport, a hub for cinema, live performances, workshops and fine-art exhibitions that is open year round.
But Spiradakis is no recent transplant to the area. He spent his first summer in Greenport at just six months old; his Queens-based family spent every summer at the long-gone Blue Dolphin Motel, with long days on the beach at the end of Rocky Point Road. After moving to Southold for a time (his sons were attending Southold Elementary) and then maintaining a bicoastal lifestyle for many years, Spiradakis moved to Greenport permanently in 2018.
Here are a few of Tony’s favorite things:
Favorite place to take visitors One Woman Wines & Vineyards’ tasting room (5195 Old North Road, Southold, 631-765-1200). That’s where I proposed to Lisa. I love their wine and I love the family, the Puritas. Frank Purita introduced Lisa and [me].
Favorite thing to do on a day off Go on a boat ride and have a raft-up. We go right behind Orient Beach State Park (40000 Main Road, Orient, 631-323-2440), that long stretch of sand that goes out to Bug Light. We tie up, everybody brings something to eat, people swim and come and go; it’s just really great.
Favorite old-school North Fork business Orient Country Store (950 Village Lane, Orient, 631-323-2580). They should be in the Smithsonian; it’s the same as it always was. The new owners, Grayson and Miriam, are dear people. It’s like going back in time; I just love it. They have great food, especially the sandwiches and baked goods.
Favorite coffee spot Aldo’s (Aldo’s Coffee Company, 103-105 Front St., Greenport, 631-213-9353). It’s a gathering place. You run into friends, and you sit, and you might never leave!
Favorite activity to do with kids The carousel (Greenport Carousel, 115 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-0248) — the best!
Favorite local food ingredient Peconic Bay scallops and Peeko oysters. Pete Stein started Peeko Oysters (900 1st St., New Suffolk, 631-765-7994) and I’ve been an admirer of his since he began.
Favorite place to see a show The Sapan Greenport Theatre (North Fork Arts Center, 211 Front St. #A, Greenport, 631-477-8600). We have the Brooklyn Ballet, authors, art shows. I love the stage upstairs; Theater One is our crown jewel … it’s 295 seats but still intimate. We have a new screen, projector and surround sound, and a new stage.
Favorite restaurant It changes all the time, but the most consistent is The Frisky Oyster (27 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-4265). The quality never skips a beat; the feeling I get there is one of being home for me. It’s where I had my first date with Lisa. Also, First and South (100 South St., Greenport, 631-333-2200). I’ve never seen a harder-working person than Sarah; she’s just amazing. She has fought to make that place comfortable and friendly, and that’s the vibe you get.
Favorite place to buy a gift Clarke’s Garden and Home (416 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-6770). Peter and Anthony always have the best things to pick up for gifts; it’s where I get all my flowers. It always smells incredible in there; it’s a magical place.
Favorite spot to people watch The NFAC café (North Fork Arts Center, 211 Front St #A., Greenport, 631-477-8600). When the weather is not too hot and the doors are open, it’s the best place to people watch.
