LocalGrubber.com

Author: David Brensilber

Danny’s Chinese Kitchen: Don’t Judge a Book (or a Takeout Spot) By Its Cover

November 12, 2025

Sunday night and Chinese takeout are a timeless pairing. This past weekend, a friend’s recommendation led us to Danny’s Chinese Kitchen in Syosset, a spot I’ll admit I approached with a healthy dose of skepticism. My usual preferences lean towards restaurants with a sit-down dining room (offering that reassurance of a full establishment) and names […]

Best Ice Cream in Williston Park: Hildebrandt’s

November 11, 2025

We wanted some ice cream and we decided to try Hildebrandt’s in Williston Park.  IT has been there for 100 years.  It has the classic ice cream parlor décor.   It was clear that the new owners invested some money to refresh this shop.  The vibe remains an old-school soda shop vibe with vintage décor.  Everything […]

Bettina: A Slice of Artisanal Pizza Perfection in Santa Barbara

November 7, 2025

We were in Santa Barbara and people recommended Bettina in Montecito.  The atmosphere is a balance between modern sophistication and cozy warmth. The space is often bright and airy, with clean lines and tasteful decor that speaks to a relaxed yet refined dining experience. But the best part of Bettina is the outside eating area […]

Naya is a Poor Man’s Cava

November 6, 2025

I have enjoyed my trips to Cava with their build-your-own bowl concept and fresh, vibrant ingredients  My only complaint has been the wait time there.  A Naya restaurant has opened in the food court in Roosevelt Field so we wanted to see how it measured up.  Naya offers a similar concept of build you own […]

The Tipping Point: Why Suggesting a Tip After Tax is Just Plain Wrong

November 4, 2025

The act of tipping has always been a confusing and awkward part of dining out.  Tipping has evolved over the last 20 years.  There was a time that you would tip 15% to 20% on the food cost and another percentage on the drinks.  This evolved to an across the board tip for the entire […]

Buttermilk Farmhouse: Homestyle Brunch in Bay Shore

November 3, 2025

Buttermilk Farmhouse in Bay Shore has become a beloved local gem with its charming ambiance. But even more important, they serve delicious pancakes. Atmosphere & Ambiance: The decor perfectly balances rustic farmhouse charm with modern, cozy touches. Think reclaimed wood, soft lighting, comfortable seating, and tasteful accents that create a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The […]

Arturo’s: A Fading Legend on the Upper East Side

October 20, 2025

We headed over to Arturo’s on the Upper East Side for dinner with the extended family.  Our first reaction was that we stepped into a restaurant from another era.  This restaurant opened in 1982 with its classic red-sauce Italian joint feeling.  Arturo’s is a classic Italian Neighbor Restaurant. The menu at Arturo’s is classic Italian-American, […]

Pacha in Mineola: A Decent Option, But Not Quite a Standout

October 15, 2025

We wanted to find a new place for Peruvian Chicken.  We decided that we would try Pacha in Mineola.  The food was good but nothing truly memorable. It’s the kind of place you would visit if you’re in the neighborhood and have a craving, rather than one you would go significantly out of your way […]

Franklin and Phoebe Brunchery: Perfect Pancakes in Franklin Square

October 14, 2025

With the loss of the Morning Rose Café, we needed to branch out and find another place for breakfast and brunch.  We have been thinking of trying Franklin and Phoebe Brunchery in Franklin Square for awhile and this past weekend we took the plunge.  Our first impression is that Franklin and Phoebe must have been […]