Aunt Jake's, the beloved pasta haven, has finally arrived in Huntington Village, bringing with it a promise of culinary delight and a unique dining experience. This new location marks a significant milestone for the restaurant, which has been a staple in Manhattan's Little Italy for over a decade. With a focus on pasta and a commitment to providing memorable experiences, Aunt Jake's Huntington is set to captivate food enthusiasts across Long Island.
What sets Aunt Jake's apart is its unwavering dedication to pasta, a passion that has driven the restaurant's success. The menu boasts an impressive array of homemade pasta shapes, each crafted with care and a unique blend of ingredients. From tagliatelle to cavatelli, every dish is a masterpiece, showcasing the chefs' expertise and love for their craft. The real star of the show, however, is the pasta itself, which forms the foundation of every dish.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Aunt Jake's is its pricing strategy. In an era where dining out can be an expensive affair, the restaurant offers an affordable and enticing experience. The pasta combinations are reasonably priced, with most meals costing no more than $22. This approach is particularly appealing to budget-conscious diners, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a delicious meal without breaking the bank. The restaurant's philosophy of keeping prices accessible while maintaining a vibrant atmosphere is a refreshing change in the dining scene.
The Huntington location, housed in a beautifully renovated space, exudes a warm and elegant charm. The bi-level setting, previously occupied by Leilu, has been transformed into a welcoming haven. The bar area, in particular, stands out, offering a cozy ambiance that invites guests to relax and indulge. The menu, while featuring pasta as its cornerstone, also offers a delightful array of creative starters and mains, ensuring there's something for every palate.
Chef Carmine DiGiovanni's non-pasta dishes are a delightful surprise, showcasing a unique blend of flavors and textures. The avocado-grapefruit salad, for instance, is a refreshing starter, while the crisp-skinned salmon with citrus gremolata is a standout main course. The menu's diversity ensures that guests can explore a range of culinary delights, all while enjoying the restaurant's signature pasta creations.
Aunt Jake's commitment to pasta extends beyond its menu. The restaurant offers pasta-making classes, providing guests with an immersive experience. These classes, held in the second-floor dining room, allow participants to learn the art of pasta-making and take home their own ball of dough. The classes are a unique selling point, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the restaurant's passion for pasta.
However, the Huntington location seems to prioritize dining over instruction. The plan is to hold classes only on Sundays and Thursdays, allowing the restaurant to focus on providing a seamless dining experience. This decision reflects the belief that dining out is an experience in itself, and the restaurant aims to create an atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and savor their meals.
In my opinion, Aunt Jake's Huntington is a welcome addition to the Long Island food scene. The restaurant's focus on pasta, combined with its affordable pricing and unique dining experience, makes it a must-visit destination. The warm and elegant setting, along with the creative menu, ensures that guests will leave feeling satisfied and impressed. As a food enthusiast, I can't wait to explore the menu and discover the hidden gems that Aunt Jake's has to offer.
Aunt Jake's, 10 New St., Huntington, is open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with brunch served on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The restaurant's phone number is 631-470-3248, and you can learn more about their offerings at auntjakesnyc.com. So, mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the ultimate pasta experience at Aunt Jake's Huntington!
