ABBRACCIAMENTO
Brooklyn’s iconic Italian restaurant Abbracciamento on the Canarsie Pier is being reincarnated in Lynbrook thanks to longtime restaurateur Frank Abbracciamento and wife Aniko Molnar.
From antipasto such as steamed mussels with tomato and basil in garlic and white wine to main courses including line-caught crispy salmon smothered in savory Prosecco Zabaglione sauce, the menu proves to be true to the spirit of authentic Italian cuisine. Molnar, a graduate of the International Culinary Center, handles the baking and pastry components, creating from scratch all the bread, pasta, and desserts.
A bar made of quartz seats 14, with a wine list that sources from Long Island, California, Italy, and much more. The restaurant will expand its seating to the outdoors along with the addition of brunch in the spring.
174 Merrick Rd., Lynbrook abbracciamento.com
CATPURRCHINOS CAT CAFE
Fusing baked goods, artisanal coffee, and cute cats, this brand new café is one of Long Island’s most unique offerings.
It acts as both a café and animal rescue organization. One portion of the space has muffins and other assorted pastries, and offerings such as grilled cheese sandwiches are served alongside its signature coffee. The other portion, accessed via an additional fee, houses the cat room, structured like a living room and full of cats, all of which are available for adoption.
Those who are allergic or do not want to eat inside the cat room are welcome to enjoy the view from an expansive window in the café. Proceeds from the café, including 100 percent from the cat room entrance fee, support the 90-plus cats and the café’s rescue service, Feral to Family.
322 Main St., Huntington catpurrccinos.com
FOGO DE CHAO
With more than 50 restaurants worldwide, this upscale steakhouse chain is bringing the flavors of rural Brazil to Carle Place, its first Long Island location.
Fogo De Chao specializes in gaucho, or the process of slow-roasting meats over an open fire and then carving the meat directly onto patrons’ plates. Offerings include steak, pork, chicken, or lamb. Those with an empty stomach may opt for the full churrasco experience, an unlimited helping of meats served alongside the seasonal market table, which provides a selection of salads and other gourmet dishes.
A full-service bar offers a host of beverages and happy hour specials, with the most notable drink being Brazil’s very own cachaça, a spirit made of distilled cane sugar.
235 Old Country Rd, Carle Place fogodechao.com
