First off, let me be clear that this entry of my blog will be fueled by blatant favoritism, and yes, I have been bribed with food and drink to say all of these things. That being said, everything written therein is one hundred percent my opinion and is one hundred percent TRUE.
My sister Amanda and brother-in-law Kyle opened Barrow Food House in Aquebogue in July of this past year, and the response has been incredible. Of course, my family and I always knew they were great chefs, having both worked at high end restaurants here on the North Fork. We also knew they were great home cooks, since we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying their food on many a wine-filled evening at home. But they’ve done such an amazing job of combing those two aspects of their cooking, and the result is a warm, inviting restaurant that has been wholeheartedly embraced by the community and visitors alike!
From the moment you walk inside, it feels like you’ve entered someone’s home. The white subway tiled open kitchen allows the sounds and smells of cooking and baking to fill the room, and regardless of how many people are in the restaurant, it always feels cozy. The seating is mostly communal, including the long mahogany bar with its retro green leather barstools. The counter is covered in freshly baked scones or muffins, unless they’ve sold out for the day, which they usually do. I can’t walk into the space without wanting to snap a photo. The pastries immediately make my mouth water, and they’re sure to inspire envy in your Instagram followers when you post your location to your story. Moments after posting a picture at Barrow, my direct messages are filled with responses that generally go something like “UGH SO JEALOUS”.
I never doubted that Amanda and Kyle would create an incredible menu filled with delicious food and pastries, but they also designed and decorated the entire space themselves, from the paint color to the light fixtures to the wallpaper. And oh my god, what wallpaper it is! I know this is a trend in restaurants these days, but Amanda’s choices are particularly chic. This is where your next photo opportunity comes in! One entire wall is covered in bold, 70’s-inspired floral wallpaper, making it a perfect backdrop whether you’re taking a selfie or featuring one of the brightly colored cocktails from the seasonal beverage menu. (Pro tip: there’s also beautiful wallpaper in the smaller of the two bathrooms, if you’re looking for a more discreet setting for your selfie.)
With all that in mind, the food’s really not much to look a—JUST KIDDING OF COURSE IT IS. It’s all so beautiful and perfectly plated, despite the fact that all dishes, whether to go or to stay, are served on compostable plates and bowls with compostable cutlery. And if the gorgeous plating isn’t enough, and you do decide to dine in, your food will come served on a vintage metal tray, painted with colorful floral designs. Can anyone guess where this rant is going? I honestly can’t remember the last time I ate something without taking an overhead photo of it first. Seriously, even at home I can’t help myself! Dining at Barrow is no different. Even though I’ve eaten there countless times, I still find myself getting up out of my seat to get that perfect aerial shot.
So in conclusion, was this blog entry a shameless plug for my sister’s restaurant? Yes. Do I feel bad about it? Not a bit! If you pay the restaurant a visit, I promise you won’t be disappointed, and as always, I’ll probably see you there!
Alice Falcone
Marketing Manager
