Blowfish Tails at Buoy One Seafood

Buoy One, the seafood restaurant that took over the space once occupied by Strawberry's, is serving up a deliciously uncommon treat: Blowfish tails.

Blowfish, also called "sea squab," are native to Long Island waters and have been making a slow comeback on local menus. The tapering tails of white meat are about as long as a person's finger. 

"Everyone says they taste like chicken," said Manager Heather Huff. "We sautee them in a scampi sauce over linguini or prepared in Thai glaze sauce with Jasmine rice and sauteed spinach."

If blowfish isn't your thing, don't worry. Buoy One offers a bounty for the traditionalist. Two words: Simple and Fresh.

Head chef and partner David Girard said he only cooks "Simple recipes that I feel have the best effect." Many of Buoy One's offerings have been transported over from their successful flagship restaurant and retail seafood store in Riverhead.

Popular items include the clam bake (a pound and a quarter lobster, steamers, mussels, shrimp, corn on cob, baked potato); the sea scallops, Thai-glazed or wok-seared; horseradish-crusted Codfish and pistachio-crusted Basa. 

Girard recommends the Thai glaze -- any fish prepared with light soy garlic marinade, floured, then sauteed and finished with reduced oyster sauce, sugar, water and thai chili paste.

Buoy One's atmosphere says as much about its food. Strawberry's dark interior has
been completely transformed by Girard's wife Lorraine and manager Heather Huff.

Curtained white walls, a juxtaposition of metal finishings and natural accents, and a centerpiece of fun deco art evoke a loungey Hamptons vibe that's easy on the senses. Huff aptly described it as "bringing the ocean in."

Hamptons vibe sans Hamptons prices would best describe Buoy One's Huntington location. Seafood entrees start at $20.95, land entrees at $16.95 for dinner. A full lunch and dinner menu is available online with regular specials at the restaurant.

Buoy One Huntington is located at 279 Main Street in Huntington and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.