One of the perks of clerking for Judge Efman in Riverhead came by surprise last week.. a personal invite to a pre-opening event at the Riverhead Project, a spanking new restaurant opening May 18th (don't quote me on that) in Riverhead. Its 300 East Main Street address is not only GPS and short-term memory friendly, but familiar. This address has undergone a complete transformation from plain-ol-bank to a hot new restaurant full of swank. Yup. That rhymed. That just happened.
The team at the Riverhead Project invited members of the court community to a VIP-style sneak peak, complete with refreshments, good company, full tours, and ego-boosting photos on their celebrity-style logo wall. If a red carpet were cool enough for this place, they would have one. But it's not. See exhibit #1. James Vlahadamis, Touro alum, and I, along with a staffer, whose name I will surely learn after visiting this place weekly after opening. Photo credit: the lovely and talented Charmaine, in charge of Marketing, who wore a stunning vintage navy and white graphic print dress. I over-complimented on this one.
The Riverhead Project is completely out of character, yet absolutely necessary in Riverhead. The original floors of the bank are intact, interrupted by a fabulous gas fireplace wall separating a lounge area and the main seating area, adjacent to the bar. Mod and creative prints hug the walls, in chic brown and ivory, with bold pops of accent color. You really will have to see this for yourself. The outdoor [s]eating area is in process, and the lower level boasts a VIP private bar and space for a party of 30-35.. all at one big, fabulous table. Where else? It's true.. bigger is better. The attached private bar (aforementioned) becomes cooler yet, due to the original bank vault door separating the men from the boys.. or those waiting for a drink from, well, the others. It goes without saying, that even two-weeks prior to opening day, the bathrooms are fabulous. A must.
The appetizers were totally tasty, and hot. I can't remember the last time I had a passed hors d'oeuvre (yes, I typed that without spell check) that was actually warmer than room temp. It's impossible to pick a favorite, but one was a felafel-ish-shaped ball of deliciousness with edamame and other lovely things.. Oysters that were not followed by a cringe fit.. Steak tartare to die for (or at least to come back for).. Some stylish pulled-pork (yes, there is such a thing), and more. I'm typing fast because I'm eager to get to the drinks.. As eager as I was when I walked in the place. Very eager.
The Ha Ha Fraiche.. a signature drink, that I may be spelling in a fancier way than intended (it's how Chanel spells it, in their "eau Fraiche" parfum.. perfect for Summer; a lesser-worn fragrance every gal should test). The Ha Ha Fraiche was the perfect balance of blood orange juice (all one ingredient, no comma), lime, vodka, and... cucumber water. Woah. Garnished with orange peel. It was wonderful.. fresh to death and the quickest fast-forward into Summer. And for all you men, and beer drinking women out there, they serve Pabst Blue Ribbon. Yep. Go. Now. Well.. wait until they open.
Big things are in the works for the old bank drive-up atm apparatus. This restaurant instantly makes Riverhead a destination for professionals, foodies, and socialites alike. This is surely a place to see and be seen.. even better when you have an iPhone, and the RedLaser app.. this place is peppered with goodies and a wall-graphic QR Code (short for "quick response").. those cool square bar-code things.. the ones at the Riverhead Project lead you to a variety of links.. location, random trendy YouTube music videos, etc. They will be rotated and changed frequently.. as if you need a reason to come again.
I certainly can't forget to mention some of the fabulous elbows I rubbed at the party. Exhibit #2 for your review. If ever you are wondering what to wear to a swanky restaurant sneak peek, look no further.. Most of us worked until 5:30 and went right to the event. On days like that, ladies, just remember to slip on stilettos if you didn't in the am, and grab a fabulous handbag. Men are lucky enough that a standard suit is never out of style. And for those who are lucky enough to make their own hours, and change out of the work attire on a Friday post-work, you have more leeway. Apparently the garb of choice included blue gingham or striped button-downs and khakis or jeans. Men, you just can't go wrong. So thank your local criminal defense attorneys, Dan Russo (left), and James Vlahadamis (right), for the tip. And although both would be competent to defend you if you needed them, always remember, drunk driving, or even drunk-ish driving is never in style.
www.TheRiverheadProject.com
