Things are hopping on the east end of Long Island these days. The fourth of July festivities have just passed us which means those of us in the hospitality (specifically the restaurant) business are under siege. The connotation seems bad but this is a good thing. This is Cooking on the East End in 2014.

Let me explain how it works in our neck of the woods. The east end of Long Island is, during the summer months, a vacation destination for New York City. It is in fact a destination for people from other parts of the world as well. The EU, California, Chicago and many other areas are well represented in our area this time of the year. And this influx of people also happens to coincide with the pristine offerings from our local agriculture, aquaculture and viticulture. What does this mean?

It means that a lot of people come out to enjoy the ocean, parties, wine and food that are a part of summer on the east end. I think of it all as the perfect storm. We have the wine, the produce, the meat and fish and artisanal brewers working together to make the east end of Long Island a food and wine and beer lovers dream. The beaches are nice, too.

If you are thinking of paying a visit to this part of the world here are some links and pictures to check out. And patience is always a virtue.

Our fish and the culture it embodies is well presented here from Dock to Dish. My good friend Liza de Guia has a great website she calls Food. Curated. Check it out.

The local wineries are checked out here.

A round-up of local farm stands is here.

Locally raised meat and poultry is here.

Local oysters can be found here.

Great chickens and eggs are available here.

Artisanal Sheep can be purchased here. They raise Icelandic sheep for meat and fiber.

If you like goat cheese you should certainly visit Catapano Farm.

Locally grown and delicious fruit is available from Briermere Farm, Wickham’s Fruit Farm and Oysterponds Farm.

I will knock out some more places to buy delicious local foods in the coming days.