Took a friend's advice and tried Bayberry Cafe' this weekend. It is located at 526 Main Street in Islip. It's a small place. I guess there are 15 tables, maybe 20. It almost looks like a bar that they turned into a restaurant. The atmosphere is nice. It's cozy without being cramped. There's convenient parking in the back.
We were presented with the menu that also included a full page of specials. Both menus listed dishes that interested me. The descriptions made me want to order one of everything! The entrees are in the $15-$30 dollar range. They came with a salad and a choice of potato or rice.
We started off with the crab cakes with sweet corn relish and horseradish remoulade. Very tasty. I would have liked more crab. The sweet corn relish and horseradish remoulade did not disappoint. Both delivered on flavor. Excellent accompaniments to the crab cakes.
I ordered the steak au poivre. My wife ordered the veal athena which was veal with artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes in a white wine sauce. My steak came out perfectly cooked to a medium rare. The sauce was flavorful. It could have been seasoned more (salt), but otherwise was very, very good. The vegetables that they served were a bit more al dente than I like, but they were cooked (as opposed to raw), fresh and tasted great. I tasted the veal and it also was excellent. We both enjoyed our food.
We didn't have room for dessert, so we didn't order any.
The service was very good. Everyone was very friendly. I even saw the chef come out to greet people. Nice touch. They also say on the menu that they will accommodate your special orders. So, take an ingredient out or add one. They are willing to give you what you want. to make you happy. I like that.
We will certainly go back. There are many things on the regular menu I want to try like the Pasta a la Bayberry with chicken and shrimp tossed in a roasted garlic and herb broth and the Sole Monte Carlo that boasts two fillets. One with lump crab stuffing and the other topped with spinach and lemon dill butter.
Try Bayberry Cafe' for a cozy dinner in a comfortable friendly atmosphere.
