Being a good chef is not a job, it is an art form.It takes real talent to be the hands and heart behind a perfectly plated meal. But which pieces of edible art are truly masterpieces? And which of these artists are truly the Best Chef on Long Island? This competition found out. And so should you, by going to these restaurants and tasting the magnificence for yourselves. Here are this year’s winners of Best Chef on Long Island.
Long Islanders Voted Chef Tom Schaudel at Cook Fish in Syosset Best Chef on Long Island!
1 Chef Tom Schaudel—Cool Fish
6800 Jericho Tpke. (North Shore Atrium), Syosset. 516-921-3250. www.tomschaudel.com
Since 1983 when Tom Schaudel opened his first restaurant in Huntington, he’s been raising the bar on what defines culinary excellence on Long Island. Now Schaudel is the driving force behind 10 local restaurants, and he even has his own line of North Fork wines. If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because this master chef has been featured on the Food Network. He’s also the celebrated author of Playing With Fire, a cookbook based on his incomparable experience providing unforgettable meals.
2 Chef Guy Reuge—Mirabelle Tavern
150 Main St., Stony Brook. 631-751-0555. www.lessings.com
3 Chef Matt Connors—The Lake House
240 W. Main St., Bay Shore. 631-666-0995. www.thelakehouserest.com