We’ve had to change our expectations about gathering with family and friends, but our favorite food and drink for the holidays will still be available from Shelter Island’s purveyors. Celebrate this special time of year by treating yourself and your loved ones to something special.
Here’s what members of our Island Directory are offering:
Vine Street Café and Market
At this special time of year, Terry Harwood and Lisa Murphy are sure to amaze your palate. New menu items for the holidays such as fluke almondine and a three-course prix fixe are available. The market will be open for an extra day on Wednesday, December 23 from noon to 6 PM for last-minute shopping. Stock up on prepared foods like mac ‘n cheese and five new soups, plus grocery items, beer and wine from the pop-up wine shop, and gift items from the market such as vintage ribbon candy, Truff truffle hot sauce or Dreamy brand hot cocoa mix.
Open: Café, call for details, Thursday to Monday from 5 to 9 PM (until 10 PM Friday and Saturday); and Market, Thursday to Monday from noon to 8 PM (until 9 PM Friday and Saturday), plus Wednesday, December 23, from noon to 6 PM
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
631-749-3210 | 41 South Ferry Road | vinestreetcafe.com
Shelter Island Wine and Spirits
Start the celebration with your favorite wines or spirits or grab gift sets for last-minute hostess gifts. New this year Billy has NYS booze balls, a 50 mil spirit-filled ornaments, great for the tree or present topper. Special orders and discounts on case prices are just an ask away. Not sure what to buy? No worries. The knowledgeable and friendly staff knows all about customers’ preferences.
Open: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM; Sunday, noon to 5 PM
Closed: Christmas Day
631-749-0305 |179 North Ferry Road | Shelter Island Wine and Spirits
The Ram’s Head Inn
Chef Joe is infusing the holiday week with delicious specials and creating a unique menu to ring in the New Year. The Inn also hosts a New Year’s Day brunch. Live music is scheduled as follows:
- The Grease Trap Jazz band, Sunday, December, 27, 6 to 9 PM
- Lizzy and the Makers, Thursday, December, 31, 6 to 9 PM
- Sara Mundy, Friday, January 1, 11:30 AM to 3 PM
- Vanessa Trouble, Sunday, January 3, 6 to 9 PM
Open: Dinner, Thursday to Sunday from 4 PM; Lunch/Brunch, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM to 3 PM
Closed: Monday to Wednesday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
631-749-0811 | 108 Ram Island Drive | ramsheadinn.com
Shelter Island Slice
At Shelter Island Slice, Frank Venesina offers items the whole family will love: incredible pizza, classic sandwiches, salads, soups and pasta all available for take away or served in the family-friendly pizzeria. Create your own pizza favorite or ask for Frankie’s specials like grandma pie, broccoli rabe and sausage pie, or cauliflower gluten-free crust.
Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Sunday until 8 PM, Christmas Eve to 4 PM
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day
631-749-9292 | 3 North Ferry Road | shelterislandslice.com
Isola
Owner Brad Kitkowski says Isola will continue to be open year round with delicious mediterranean specials and Chef Gayle’s special desserts. In addition to the classic menu items including many baked in the wood-fired oven, try these new winter dishes: grilled cheddar cheese on sourdough, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, lasagna, meatball sub sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, chicken parmesan sub sandwich, turkey burger, and shrimp po’boy. Gift cards available, too.
Open: Tuesday to Thursday, 5 PM to 9 PM, to 10 PM Friday and Saturday
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, Christmas Day
631-749-9036 | 15 Grand Avenue | isolany.com
Marie Eiffel Market
Marie Eiffel Market will be plump with holiday specials such as turkey, rack of lamb, leg of lamb, crispy Peking duck, wild mushrooms, potatoes au gratin or mashed, foie gras, fresh truffles, caviar, oysters, and Marie’s special Bûche de Noël for dessert. “We have it all — name what you want, we might be just able to do what you want,” Marie says. Remember, the shop closes for January and February, so order items for your freezer, while supplies last.
Open: Thursday to Monday 7 AM to 5 PM and Daily December 26 to 31
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Christmas Day
631-749-0003 | 184 N. Ferry Road | marieeiffelmarket.com
Star’s Café
Pepe and Lydia will light up your holidays with their classic coffee and pastries plus daily soups and extensive breakfast and lunch menus. Stars Café also has fresh bread products from Bread Alone, as well as gift baskets, coffee by the pound, Stars apparel, and gift certificates. You can order ahead for family meals of fried chicken or ribs, or Christmas yule logs, gingerbread cakes, or any dessert item. Contact Lydia by December 20 for holiday orders.
Open: Daily 6 AM to 4 PM, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 6 AM to 1 PM
Closed: Christmas Day
631-749-5345 | 17 Grand Avenue | starscafeshelterisland.com
Shelter Island Pharmacy
The Soda Fountain at the Pharmacy is a home run for breakfast and lunch anytime, but the pancakes, egg sandwiches, homemade soups, and daily specials are especially welcome during the busy holiday season. Remember to check out the weekly dinner specials available on Monday and Thursday for the ultimate in classic comfort food. Soda fountain gift cards available, along with the Pharmacy’s array of Island-themed gifts.
Open: Daily 8:30 AM to 6 PM, until 5 PM on Saturday and 2 PM on Sunday; Christmas Eve to 3 PM, New Year’s Day to 12:30 PM
Closed: Christmas Day
631-749-0445 | 19 Grand Avenue | shelterislandpharmacy.com
Shelter Island IGA
Stock up on all your items for your special holiday meals and baking. For those who don’t feel like cooking, the IGA has rotisserie chickens and ready-made meals. Or, you can order a sandwich platter and sides to go for yourself or as a gift. Pick up holiday wreaths and decor, along with firewood to create a cozy atmosphere. Grab some candy canes for stocking stuffers. And don’t forget Anthony Peronce’s apparel shop inside the IGA or online at anthonyperonce.com
Open: Daily 7 AM to 7 PM, on Christmas Eve to 3 PM
Closed: Christmas Day
631-749-0382 | 75 North Ferry Road | Follow on Facebook
