🐝 Chips Keep The Farm Afloat

Potato Chips, Flavor Fork, Budget Vote Results

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Good Morning, North Fork! Today’s vibe: get things done (or look busy trying)

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

  • Potato Chips

  • Flavor Fork

  • Budget Vote Results

Ready, Set, Go!

The North Fork’s seafood HQ- Always Fresh, Always Local 🎣

🦞 Fresh, Local, & Straight from the Dock! 🐟

If you’re looking for the freshest seafood on the North Fork, Southold Fish Market has you covered! From just-caught fish and shellfish to steamed lobsters, fish tacos, and famous lobster rolls, this spot is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Whether you're grabbing something to cook at home or enjoying a meal right there, it doesn’t get fresher than this. Eat like a local—because here, it’s all about quality. 🌊🍤
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The Lowdown

From Spuds to Snacks 🥔

Martin Sidor Farms in Southold isn’t just growing potatoes, they’re hanging onto a piece of Long Island history. And doing it with a side of salty snacks.

When the war in Ukraine made sunflower oil scarce (fun fact: Ukraine is the world’s top supplier), Martin and Carol Sidor had to get creative, mixing oils, rebranding chip bags, and rolling with the punches.

They actually saw this coming 20 years ago. That’s when they started making North Fork Potato Chips, because selling spuds alone just wasn’t cutting it. And let’s be real, you can only sell so many sacks of potatoes. But chips? Chips go to bodegas, delis, stores, you name it.

Long Island farming isn’t what it used to be. Once home to 70,000+ acres of potato fields, the region now has fewer than 1,000.

Still, the Sidors are sticking it out. They rent land to rotate crops, fix their own machinery, and grow more potatoes than they need (the extras go wholesale). The chips are what keep the farm afloat.

Get the full story 👉 Dan’s Papers

First Street Gets a Flavor Upgrade 🍽️

Chef Sarah Mastracco, yes, the one who’s worked with Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay and Emeril, is trading TV sets for 1st Street. She’s opening Flavor Fork, a grab-and-go specialty food spot in Greenport, and it’s set to open today.

Here’s what’s on the (to-go) menu:

  • Mediterranean-inspired, plant-based meals

  • Signature sauces, spice blends, and the fan-favorite Chili Pepp Crunch

  • Local goods from makers like Milla’s Puffs and NoFo Pot Pies

Sarah’s culinary résumé reads like a foodie dream, Le Bernardin, Tuscany, TV kitchens and now she’s channeling all that delicious energy into this brick-and-mortar spot. Flavor Fork started as a pandemic-era online biz in 2020. Now, it’s all grown up and ready to serve the North Fork.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

North Fork Says “Yes” to School Budgets 🗳️

Big day for books, buses, and budgets, North Fork voters approved every local school district budget on May 20. That’s four-for-four: Southold, Mattituck-Cutchogue, Greenport, and Oysterponds are officially funded for 2025–26. Here's how it all shook out:

Southold Union Free School District

  • $4.44M headed to capital improvements (including one shiny new mini-bus)

  • No programs cut, everything stays

  • Kristian Prior joins the school board with 314 votes

Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District

  • $7.44M for capital improvements—tech upgrades included

  • Two new board members: Linda Stavrinos & Lauren Ocker

  • Voters also gave a thumbs-up to a new $10M Capital Reserve Fund

Greenport Union Free School District

  • $3.54M for capital improvements

  • All programs and services stay fully funded

Oysterponds Union Free School District

  • 80% of the budget goes directly to programming

  • Voters passed Proposition 3: a brand-new $5M capital reserve fund for renovations, tech upgrades, and building improvements

Total win for education, and proof that North Fork shows up for its schools. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

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Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

🌺 Pop Over for a Poppy The Ladies Auxiliary of the Southold American Legion invites the community to Pop Over for a Poppy. This special drive-through event offers red poppies, America’s enduring symbol of sacrifice, to honor those who served and gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Donations are welcome and will go directly to supporting local veterans. More Info

🌽 Greenport Farmers Market Returns Kicking off the season from 2–5:30 PM in Mitchell Park, and every Friday through mid-October. Expect 20+ vendors (hello, 1610 Sourdough), local farms, new favorites like Disset Gourmet & Eggcellent Quiche, rotating wineries, live music, kids’ fun, and hands-on art. More Info

🍷 Vineside Fridays Kicking off the season Macari Vineyards Mattituck Tasting Room is staying open late until 8 PM (every Friday this summer). Sip on tastings or glasses of your favorite wines, and enjoy fresh-made pizza and seafood from Braun’s food truck (serving 4–8 PM). Perfect place to unwind, wine down, and make Fridays your new favorite night at the vineyard. More Info

🌅 Sunset Cruise Set sail with Bedell Cellars for a sunset Wine Cruise on Peconic Bay. Sip award-winning wines while enjoying a local raw bar, artisanal cheese, and charcuterie, all against the backdrop of a stunning North Fork sunset. More Info

🤠 Y’all Ready to Dance Kick up your boots at Southold Historical Museum’s high-energy Line Dancing Party. Featuring live music by County Line, Long Island’s own country powerhouse, this night is packed with modern country hits, southern rock, and nonstop dancing fun. Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or a total beginner, all are welcome on the dance floor. More Info

Saturday

🐥 Fluffy Friends Await Harbes Family Farm’s Baby Animal Festival is back for its third year, and it’s cuter than ever. Head to the Barnyard Adventure this Memorial Day weekend (May 24–26) to meet baby goats, lambs, bunnies, and chicks. Enjoy free live music daily from 1–5 PM and make some farm-fresh memories with the whole family. More Info

💃 Dance Like No One’s Watching Head over to Breeze Hill Farm and join Ecstatic Dance East End for a freeform movement journey. This immersive, judgment-free experience invites you to move your body, quiet your mind, and awaken your spirit.

Featuring a live DJ, opening circle, and grounding sound meditation, it’s more than a dance, it’s a journey. No booze, no shoes, no chit-chat, just pure expression. Whether you're a seasoned mover or curious newcomer, all are welcome. Come dance. More Info

Sunday

🏊‍♀️ Tri Your Best The Mighty North Fork Triathlon is the perfect race for first-timers and seasoned athletes alike. With a calm 500-meter swim in the Peconic Bay, a flat and scenic 7-mile bike ride, and a picturesque 3.5-mile run, all set against the stunning backdrop of Long Island’s wine country. More Info

🏃 Run The Vineyards Lace up for a scenic 5k start to summer at Pindar Vineyards. Runners and walkers will enjoy a beautiful course through the vineyard , followed by wine, music, and celebration at the finish line. All participants receive a tech shirt, souvenir wine glass, and a free pour. More Info

🍔 BBQ Celebration Head over to Clovis Point Vineyard, they’ll be firing up the grill this Memorial Day Weekend. Featuring burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, dry rub baby back ribs, fresh salads, and sweet watermelon, all paired perfectly with vineyard views and great wine. More Info

🍽️ Supper on the Farm Gather at 8 Hands Farm for a laid-back evening of farm-fresh flavors. Round 2 of Supper on the Farm features wood-roasted chicken, fresh-baked sourdough, housemade romesco, pepperonata, local greens, and wood-fired potatoes, all served straight from the oven to your plate. More info

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something is sponsored

Local Business

Jamesport Farm Brewery

New owners, same gorgeous spot, and yes, the beer is still flowing. Jamesport Farm Brewery officially reopens this Friday at 12 PM and they’re kicking things off the only way they know how: food trucks every day and live music on Saturday and Sunday.

Bring your friends, your dog, your weekend energy, and maybe a lawn chair just in case. Whether you’re a longtime regular or just brewery-curious, it’s the perfect time to check out this fresh new chapter at one of Long Island’s favorite farm breweries.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something is sponsored

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Thursday

Legends | Bruce MacDonald | 5-8 PM
Billy’s by the Bay | Liza Polizzi | 5-8 PM
Greenport Harbor Brewing (Pec) | Trivia | 6-8 PM
Green Hill Kitchen | Open Mic Night | 7 PM
Andy’s | Bingo | 7 PM

Friday

Corey Creek Taproom | Jay Shepard | 4-8 PM
Peconic Bay Vineyard | Robin Sidor | 4-7 PM
Billy’s by the Bay | The North Fork Dirt Band | 5-8 PM
Meats Meat BBQ | Jason Dorsa | 5-8 PM
Palmer Vineyards | Erinn Furey | 5:30-8:30 PM
Claudio’s | Noiz | 5:30-8:30 PM
Little Fish | Frank Palmeri | 6-9 PM
A Touch of Venice | Nick Kerzner | 6-9 PM
One Woman Winery | Brandi Disterheft | 6-9 PM
The Privé (Southold Social) | K+ R | 6:30-9:30 PM
Alize Brewing Co | Jay Shepard | 7-10 PM
Greenport Harbor Brewing (Gpt) | Open Mic Night | 7-10 PM
Green Hill Kitchen | Nina ETC | 7-10 PM

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Tom Loncar- Publisher