Vigneron Returns Home for Wine Dinner at Mirabelle. Rocky Point native Michael Affatato has spent the past 15 years living in France, where he has represented wineries and even made his own wine. He returns to Long Island every few months, and this time, his return will have him leading a five-course wine pairing dinner at on Monday. What was supposed to be a 40-guest event has ballooned to 60 – plus a waiting list. Affatato will deliver a presentation including the background stories of each of the wines the guests will be tasting. Rich Mora, owner of , called Affatato a dynamic and expert industry professional. "Someone like Mike, he can get someone excited about wines and make wine lists more interesting," Mora said.
Jake Starr Cafe Acquires Full Liquor License. It's been about two years since Scott Koppelman opened , which has recently received its full liquor license. According to Koppelman, it's a game-changer for his restaurant.The license has allowed him to launch a full menu of specialty drinks – along with martini specials that change every day – and has really upped the ante for happy hour, when drinks and appetizers are half-price between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day. "We had beer and wine since we opened, but it's so much better now that we have it," Koppelman said. "A lot of people don't drink beer or wine. It's definitely great."
Land & Sea Fish Market Launches Website, Delivery Service. is enjoying a boost in business thanks to a newly launched website and delivery service. In fact, owner Ray Ortiz compares it to opening a whole new business. "We didn't have much of a lunch crowd due to the fact that most people only have a 30 minute lunch break. By the time they come to pick up and get back to work, their lunch break is over," Ortiz said. "Now that we deliver that's no longer a problem. We get it to them right before their lunch break and they have plenty of time to enjoy a freshly cooked, healthy lunch." Delivery requires a minimum purchase of $25, or a $2 surcharge for orders under $25, and orders can be placed online.
