Culinary Staycation – Tasting the World in Your Backyard - Mirabelle Restaurant

By Nancy Vallarella

Destination: France

Chef Guy Reuge and Maria ReugeFor a quarter century, an extraordinary culinary establishment dwelled in Saint James.  People would come to this four star French bistro to celebrate life’s milestones. Master Chef Guy Geuge passionately produced traditional French dishes and had a strong devotion to foie gras. Everything was tres manifigue and then in 2009, Mirabelle closed its doors in Saint James.

That same year, a few miles east in Stony Brook, an incarnation of Mirabelle took place. Now located inside the historic Three Village Inn, the latest journey has proven to be successful for Chef Guy, the Lessing’s (owners of the Three Village Inn) and most importantly, the discerning diner.  All of the excellence and French flair shine through in the food but is now accompanied by a scenic location overlooking Stony Brook Harbor and a warm cozy interior.

Chef Guy Reuge oversees the kitchen at Mirabelle Restaurant at The Three Village Inn and his lovely wife Maria (pronounced Mariah) greets each guest at the hostess desk. It may be confusing entering the building, which houses the Inn’s restaurant as well as Mirabelle, but just make a right and look for the lovely women resembling Martha Stewart’s younger sister.

There are many ways to experience Mirabelle. The ultimate French experience would be dinner. The Summer Menu includes French favorites Foie gras du Jour and Duck Mirabelle.  There is Chef Guy Reuge’s Nine Course Grand Tasting Menu for the ultimate French culinary experience. Let’s not forget that France is the largest producer of truffles.  No doubt that this is the inspiration for Mirabelle’s Summer Truffle Menu.

There are small plates; Tapas, available at The Belle Lounge for $5 each and Thursday and Friday night’s weekly wine flights specials from 6pm – closing. Wine flights include three wine tastings paired with three hors d’oeuvres for $15. It is the perfect setting to catch up with friends but beware; the deliciously enticing aromas from the dining room are irresistible. You may want to leave time for dinner as well.

Chef Guy Reuge recently made an appearance on the Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten. The name of the episode: Barefoot Bistro. It aired on June 30^th and several times this month but the Food Network does not have the episode scheduled to air from now through the end of August. You can view Chef Guy’s segment in the right hand column of Smithtown Matters’ Restaurant and Food Guide. Simply click on the What’s Cookin? Smithtown logo and find it posted at the top of the WCS Facebook page.  The full episode can be purchased and down loaded from iTunes if you want to view how to create the French bistro experience at home with Mussel Bisque, Chicken Liver Moose Mirabelle, Apple Tarts and tips for setting a French county bistro table.

A viewing party was held at Mirabelle for Chef Guy Reuge’s silver screen debut on June 30^th. Guests were served champagne and hors d’oeuvres to include the featured chicken liver moose and miniature croque monsieur. An invitation for this event was posted on Mirabelle’s Facebook page. For more information on Mirabelle’s upcoming events and promotions go to Smithtown Matters’ Restaurant and Food Guide and click on our direct link to Mirabelle’s Facebook page and website.

Merci beaucoup Chef Guy Reuge for keeping a taste of France in our backyard!