Long Island Food Critic

Our night began upon entrance to the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center in Riverhead where the event "Fish & Sips" was held. We were immediately taken by the sting rays circling around anticipating friendly pats from the oncoming guests. We crossed the bridge leading to 10 different wineries downstairs and 11 different wineries upstairs offering their prominent wines while starfish, king crabs, turtles, exotic fish and sharks swam in the background.

Acoustic guitarists and singers played melodious classic and contemporary tunes that echoed throughout the aquarium. The savory Hor d'oeuvres that were graciously passed around consisted of pigs in a blanket, lamb meatballs, spring rolls, and Southwest turkey.

We certainly did not feel like a fish out of water at this year's Fish & Sips. It was an evening filled with exquisite wine, tasty samples, and adventurous aquatic life.