Melissa Azofeifa

New York

FeedMe Reporter at Newsday

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Articles

Sunnyside Diner opens in Huntington

1 day 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 week 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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.
Babylon Social gastropub opening this spring

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Babylon's former Horace & Sylvia’s Publick House is getting new life, transforming into Babylon Social this spring. The local eatery, Horace & Sylvia’s, operated for 20 years before it closed in 2024. As Cappiello and his business partner James Economou have been renovating, they discovered a historical sign dating to 1919, according to Judy Skillen, president of the Babylon Village Historical & Preservation Society.
World Taco Factory restaurant opens in Garden City Park

4 weeks ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Garden City Park just got an injection of culture with the opening of World Taco Factory. Co-owner Jay Thawani Ahmed’s newest restaurant that opened April 5 on Jericho Turnpike was inspired by his travels across the world to places such as Thailand, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Spain. "I met my wife 24 years ago when I was in school and we went all around the world and just traveled," he said.
10 top freebies at Long Island restaurants

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

While everyone knows there is no such thing as a free lunch, with spiking food costs, it’s hard to blame anyone looking for a good deal. The following Long Island eateries provide unique and interesting freebies for customers to enjoy with their lunch and dinner. Whether it’s free cotton candy or a popover with chicken broth, garlic knots or zeppoles, these treats are a wonderful way to start or end your meal, on-the-house.
Macchiato coffee shop opens in Mattituck

1 month ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Mattituck is getting a taste of Manhattan with the hamlet’s newest coffee and breakfast spot, Macchiato Espresso Bar. The shop opened on Main Road in the former Meat’s Meat BBQ and North Fork Donut Company, next door to a new yoga studio. Owners Tal and Sue Inbar started roasting coffee in New York City in 2006. When COVID forced the couple to close two of their four locations in 2020, they moved out to the North Fork full time with their family.