Melissa Azofeifa

New York

FeedMe Reporter at Newsday

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Articles

Nirvana restaurant opens in Huntington

1 week ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Huntington’s newest Indian restaurant wants to elevate guests to a new state of mind. Nirvana opened late April in the Main Street space that was House of India for more than 20 years before closing last summer. Like its predecessor, the restaurant serves traditional Indian fare. And you'll see some familiar faces, too: owner-manager Rohit "Roy" Tondon and chef Mukesh "Mike" Madhiyan have stayed on from their House of India days.
Domenico's Restaurant closing in Levittown after 58 years

2 weeks ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Levittown’s Domenico’s Restaurant is closing after 58 years. Its final day of business will be June 29, according to an announcement on the restaurant’s social media accounts Wednesday. "We want to thank you all for the last 58 years of unforgettable memories," the post read.
Shake Shack to open 5 new locations on Long Island by 2026

2 weeks ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Get ready for more milkshakes! Shake Shack will continue its expansion on Long Island with five new locations across Long Island through 2026. The Manhattan-based international chain known for its crinkle-cut fries, milkshakes, and burgers has expanded quickly across the country and on Long Island. These are the new Shake Shacks scheduled to debut on the Island through 2026.
The Empanada Spot opens in Farmingdale

2 weeks ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Long Island empanada fanatics have another reason to celebrate: The Queens-based Empanada Spot has opened a Long Island outpost in Farmingdale. The takeout-only shop on Main Street opened March 16, next to Ralph's Famous Italian Ices. The business is run by Marlen Otalora and her family, Colombia natives who arrived in the United States in 2002. At one point the family had as many as five locations of The Empanada Spot: now only one other remains, in Bayside.
Sunnyside Diner opens in Huntington

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

During a time when diners on Long Island seem to be endangered, Huntington’s got a reason to celebrate: Sunnyside Diner has opened on New York Avenue in the space that used to be Skorpios by Avli. Sunnyside Diner is owned by chef Kelvin Alfaro and managed by his nephew, Lucio Alfaro. Kelvin Alfaro owns two other Long Island eateries, Blue Angel Diner in Plainview and Station Coffee Shop in Huntington Station.
10 spots to try viral Dubai chocolate on Long Island

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

It’s hard to tell whether a viral trend will stick or fade with time — but right now, Dubai chocolate is taking Long Island by storm. Created in 2021 by Dubai chocolatier Fix Dessert, the rich and crunchy treat went global in 2023 after TikTok videos spiked awareness and it seems like it’s sticking around.
Sneak peek: Tulum Tacos opening in Baldwin

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Mineola’s Tulum Tacos will soon be shaking up Baldwin with the opening of the brand’s second location. The Mexican restaurant with a bohemian flair is taking over a former Friendly’s on Merrick Road. Owner Nicolas Geeraerts said he has been working on this location for about a year and a half and hopes to open by the third week in May. High ceilings, stucco walls, soft pastels, ambient lighting and golden accents adorn the crisp, elegant space with seating for about 100 guests.
Hampton Bays Friendly's now Dero's Food & Family

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

A new restaurant has opened in the Hampton Bays space that was once a Friendly's. Dero’s Food & Family has a crowd-pleasing menu of pastas, wraps and burgers. "If you’re going to build a restaurant for the community, you better ask the community’s advice, so that’s what we did," co-owner Andrew DeRobertis said, referencing how he and his brother Evan polled people in the neighborhood about what they'd want to see on the menu.
Sabor a Colombia: A family's restaurant journey on Long Island

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

"Cumpleaños feliz, te deseamos a ti" the Lenis family sang. It was just after midnight on March 4 and the family of 13 ended a staff meeting by dimming the lights and gathering around a birthday cake lit up with candles. They had discussed the launch of their first Suffolk County restaurant — Sabor a Colombia in Central Islip — but were also intent on celebrating one of their own, Brenda Mauricio Lenis, manager of their restaurant in Franklin Square.
LI celebrity chef opening 2 Brooklyn restaurants

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

For chef Eric LeVine of Farmingdale’s 317 Main Street, the opening of two new Brooklyn restaurants is a homecoming. LeVine, who won the Food Network's "Chopped" reality cooking show, is bringing two new concepts to the borough where he grew up: Evolution and Blackbird, a pair of restaurants at 42 Hotel in Williamsburg. "I’m not going anywhere. I’m just expanding like anybody else who wants to do more, have more opportunities," LeVine said.