A refreshing stop is the
Tiger Lily Cafe, bastion of the healthful and the alternative. The cafe specializes in fruit juices and fruit smoothies, soy protein energy drinks, and assorted wraps and sandwiches, many of them vegetarian. The cappuccino-espresso bar will provide the drive for the rest of your day. Tiger Lily Cafe, 156 E. Main St.; 631-476-7080.
For a Mexican side trip, there's
Salsa Salsa, the self-proclaimed "burrito bar" that offers plenty of familiar dishes and a few surprises. The two-bean chili, pork taco, black bean soup and assorted wraps are staples. The burritos include roast pork, grilled chicken, grilled beef and a breakfast production with scrambled eggs. Salsa Salsa is at 142 Main St.; 631-473-9700.
The Spanish caravan can head to
Costa de Espana, a veteran establishment for paella and more. Try the octopus Galician-style, zesty chorizos, shrimp in garlic sauce, clams in green sauce and either the paella with lobster or the paella Valenciana, with seafood, chicken and sausage. Costa de Espana, 9 Traders Cove; 631-331-5363.
Lombardi's on the Sound, the north shore offspring of Mamma Lombardi's in Holbrook, is situated at the Port Jefferson Country Club. Hearty southern Italian food, consistent and very good, is the magnet at each location. Sample the halibut Livornese, chicken campagnola, pork chops with vinegar peppers and the fritto misto, loaded with squid, shrimp and sole. For pastas, consider the fiery penne arrabbiata and the gutsy linguine puttanesca. The obligatory desserts: cannoli and cassata. Lombardi's on the Sound, 44 Fairway Dr., perched in Belle Terre above downtown Port Jefferson; 631-473-1440.
Big cuts of beef naturally are the essentials at
Pace's Steak House, the amply marbled scion of the Pace's in Hauppauge. This clubby, evocative eatery is recommended for the porterhouse for two, shell steak, filet mignon, chopped steak and more. You'll enjoy the center-cut pork chops, too. And the two or three-pound lobsters are expertly broiled. Garlicky mashed potatoes and sauteed onions are the right sides. Pace's Steak House, 318 Wynn Lane; 631-331-9200.
Kimi updates the usual Japanese restaurant menu with some flair. The seafood-stuffed eggplant stands out, along with shrimp-hot-and-sour soup. The sashimi of fluke also is appealing. Likewise, fatty tuna sushi, tuna tartare, and the inventive sushi rolls. The Port Jeff roll combines spicy tuna and cooked eel. Kimi, 115 Main St.; 631-928-8868.
And to herald the most American holiday, you should reflect upon the nation's great, popular food: pizza. Have your fill at the aptly named establishment,
The Pie. Coal-fired, brick-oven pizzas are why you're here. Start with the fundamental tomato-and-mozzarella pie. Or become creative and start your own fireworks. The Pie, 216 Main St.; 631-331-4646.
