Foodie Vue: The Stone Goat Restaurant and Brewery

552 North Country
 Rd.,
St.
James
(631)
400-4628
stonegoatsmithtown.com

Originality, creativity with a sense of eclectic curiosity has made The Stone Goat the new shiny object of the St James community. A free-standing structure located near the intersection of North Country Road and Lake Avenue appeals to those that want to experience far more than what meets the eye. As you enter the space, you’ll find a welcoming bar with high tops, adjoined by a well-appointed dining room with alluring u-shaped booths. There is also an upstairs Tap Room with a separate pub style menu that is perfect for private gatherings. From the Tap Room there is access to a one-of-a-kind brewery where events and live music will soon be taking place this Spring.

Owners Nick Gounaris and Al Hand (executive chef) hatched the name to create a certain sense of intrigue. Once perusing the menu, you’ll understand why. The care and attention that went into the development of each entrée was skillfully thought out to connect the true food enthusiast with something special. The lineup of fare is not overwhelming, but manages to touch upon all the colors, textures and flavor profiles from the land and sea.

For starters, we had the Grilled East Point Oysters; Spooned into five delicate shells in a savory herbed compound butter elixir with a hint of char, were delicious. I could have easily devoured a dozen or two but wanted to leave room for what was to come. The Beets and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad with candied walnuts and vinaigrette was light and refreshing.

For the mains I had the Bone in Rib Eye. A 22 oz. 45-day dry aged steak. In all candor I am a little bit of a steak snob and was initially reluctant to order it. However, I can tell you straight away that it was one of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time. Cooked medium rare the steak was tender, and packed with that beefy flavor, mostly found at old-school New York City steak houses. My partner ordered the Black and White Sesame Tuna: A generous size cut with Black Forbidden Rice infused with Coconut, Lemongrass, with Bok Choy and a touch of Soy. A generous loin served medium rare. Buttery and savory, nothing beats that “meaty taste” you get from a fresh tuna steak. Though there was plenty of food on the table, my curiosity got the best of me and went in for the Short Rib Surf. Beautifully braised, buttery, rich in marbling, fall off the bone with a melt in your mouth texture (have I gotten your attention?). Embedded within a rich and creamy risotto was a small lobster tail. Once taking a bite of this dish, you’ll close your eyes and say ummm!…trust me on this one.

Wanting to end on a good note, their in-house masterful pastry chef brought us The Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding; soaked in rye, topped with salted caramel gelato, pecans, and fresh cream. A sweet and savory sensation! Following suit was the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Though rich and decadent, the chef goes over the top with a Dark Cherry Gelato, Fresh Cream, and yes Chocolate Sauce. A chocoholic’s dream come true.

The next time you are planning a night out, allow your curiosity to be your guide and follow your passion to The Stone Goat Restaurant and Brewery.