Incredible dining experience at The Lake House

We were given a gift card to a place we'd never been before.  We perused the eclectic menu and the expansive wine and beer list, and headed to The Lake House.

This beautiful restaurant serves New American cuisine on the shores of the Great South Bay.  The restaurant has large windows that offer expansive views of the bay; in summer they feature outdoor dining on the deck. We went on weeknight in the dead of winter, and were able to enjoy the building's two fireplaces.

I ordered a glass of prosecco and he ordered a cocktail from the bar.  The waiter brought hot dinner rolls, and then a little surprise from the chef:  a single shrimp, topped with a spicy sauce, sitting on a bed of guacamole, garnished with a slice of cucumber.  We knew then that we were going to have a great dining experience.

I ordered the roasted harvest vegetable soup -- smooth, subtly seasoned, and accompanied by a small portion of Gruyere grilled cheese.  He had the littleneck clam chowder, the main ingredients of which were clams and mushrooms.

He ordered the Crisp Long Island Duck Breast and Crisp Leg Confit -- Smoked bacon, wheatberry pilaf, pomegranate-pistachio glaze. 

 I had the Roasted Berkshire Pork Chop -- Green apple, yam, blue cheese and caramelized onion gratin, maple-bacon vinaigrette, cranberry mostarda.  It was a substantial portion of very tender, very flavorful pork.

We shared a totally unnecessary but totally yummy side dish -- baked macaroni and cheese.  

And because we were feeling a bit self indulgent, we ordered dessert.  He had the creme brulee -- perfectly caramelized and presented with strawberries, blueberries and a sugar cookie.

I had gelato.  You get to pick three flavors.  I chose dark chocolate chunk, salted caramel and Tahitian vanilla (much more intense than most vanilla ice creams).

I actually noticed the piped-in music.  Hard to miss "La Vie en Rose".

Service was professional and impeccable.  

We parked ourselves, but valet parking is offered at busier times.  The restaurant is also accessible by boat.

And yes, there is a dress code.  But relax, it's business casual.  Given the restaurant's proximity to the Fire Island ferries, it's clear the dress code is in place to discourage beachwear.

Overall an incredible dining experience.  I'd like to go back in summer and enjoy the views of the bay.