Huntington Social

GUEST CHEF APPEARANCE

SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2013 AT 12PM

CHRISTOPHER LEE- EXECUTIVE CHEF AND OWNER:

A nationally recognized culinary talent, Executive Chef Christopher Lee left his position as executive chef at New York City landmark Aureole to return to his hometown of Huntington, New York and open Huntington Social. Lee is a winner of the 2005 Rising Star Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation and is regarded as among the nation’s most gifted chefs. Prior to his work at Aureole, he oversaw the kitchen at another Manhattan stalwart, Gilt, at the New York Palace Hotel, where he earned two Michelin stars. He has also worked as executive chef at Philadelphia’s beloved Striped Bass, where he earned a coveted Four Bells review from The Philadelphia Inquirer, a designation held by only two to four restaurants in the city at any given time. Lee appeared on the inaugural season of Bravo’s wildly popular Top Chef Masters and was named one of 2006’s 10 Best New Chefs by Food & Wine magazine. He and the other owners of Huntington Social first worked together on Miami, Florida’s Eden, a sensual, seasonal restaurant and nightlife destination, which has since been sold.

Huntington Social (330 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 [631] 923-2442 www.huntingtonsocial.com) was opened by co-owner and Executive Chef Christopher Lee with partners Frank Bruno Esq., Larry Rizzo and Kevin McCaughan in July 2011. Located in the village of Huntington, New York the gastropub and cocktail lounge features seasonal new American fare spotlighting comforting, flavorful interpretations of classic dishes alongside a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and carefully chosen wines and beers. Joanne Starkey of The New York Times awarded the restaurant a Don’t Miss rating and raved, Huntington Social is a hidden gem. Peter Gianotti of Newsday exclaims, Huntington Social, a nimble combo of gastro pub, lounge and stylized restaurant heightens the rivalry among eateries in a very competitive neighborhood.

The second story restaurant’s entryway is a single, unmarked wooden door with a peephole that sets the stage for the 1920’s speakeasy atmosphere. A carpeted staircase leads to a scarlet-washed den designed by Andrew Alford of Dirty Lines Design. The dining room features circular red velvet booths and a long banquette, white marble tables and dark leather chairs. Custom-painted fabric wall coverings, salvaged light fixtures and a striking vintage chandelier lend character to the room, while exposed brick walls, matchstick blinds and private liquor lockers complete the design.

Award-winning Executive Chef Christopher Lee presents a new American menu with whimsical twists on classic comfort foods. Appetizers range in price from $8 to $17 and feature Mary’s Meatballs with creamy polenta, basil and Parmesan cheese; soft shell blue crab with yellow corn, chiles, caramelized onions and tomato oil; and charred Spanish octopus with chorizo, saffron rice, green olives and smoked paprika. Entrees are $15 to $38 and include The Social grilled cheese with stinky cheeses, slow roasted pork and creamy stout soup; whole roasted branzino with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and roasted garlic; and Long Island duck breast with black lentils, English peas and honey apricot jus. Pastry Chef Jennifer Calvet’s desserts are $7 to $8 and feature bananas foster sundae with vanilla ice cream, caramelized banana and rum caramel sauce; Black Forest panna cotta with dark chocolate cake, cherry compote and Chantilly cream; and s’mores cupcakes with graham cracker, chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow. Sunday Supper is served in addition to the a la carte menu and features family-style entrees, side dishes and a homemade pie for dessert. A Sunday jazz brunch features a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar with all the accoutrements for a gourmet cocktail, special kids menu with prices ranging from $5 to $8 and children under five years old may enjoy a complimentary brunch.

The restaurant boasts an assortment of artisan cocktails with both classic recipes and contemporary variations inspired by chef’s seasonal cooking that provide ideal accompaniments to the flavorful fare. Contemporary cocktails are $10 to $12 and include signature cocktail 50 Shades of Grape with Russian Standard Vodka, white grapes, lemon and ginger beer. The wine list focuses on regional and domestic offerings and draft beer selections highlight a variety of local breweries. Frequent guests may lease a private liquor locker to store bottles between visits and receive preferred seating.

Executive Chef Christopher Lee has partnered with a prestigious sake brewery to create Iki, the first collaborative sake between Japan and America. The first in an annual line of collaborative sakes between American chefs, Japanese rice farmers and master sake brewers, Iki is one-of-a-kind and a limited number of 6,900 bottles were produced.

Legs Malone stars in a burlesque show every other Friday from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Internationally known burlesque dancers perform burlesque theater featuring comedy, satire and sultry costumes. Every Saturday the DJ WonderTwinz, Huntington locals who recently completed a global tour with Naught by Nature, will be spinning tunes beginning at 10 p.m. Other nightlife events include live acoustic musical acts on alternating Fridays, Ladies night every Thursday offering ladies half-priced drinks and social hour Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with drink and appetizer specials.

The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and the bar is open until midnight. Friday and Saturday dinner is served from 5 to 11 p.m. and the bar is open until 2 a.m. On Sunday, brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday.