Diversions: fine dining during restaurant week, and beyond.

• Author: Smith, Erica
• Position: Restaurant review

Fruit of the Vine on Shelter Island

Spurred by nothing short of true passion for outstanding food, Vine Street Cafe owners/chefs Lisa and Terry Harwood built their dream restaurant on Shelter Island. The cafe occupies a building formerly used as an artisan bakery. Now, wood beams traverse the ceiling and wall sconces provide soft lighting in the dining room, an ideal spot for intimate conversation and romantic evenings. Modestly referring to their restaurant as "an American bistro," the Harwoods lovingly present an exceptional, diverse menu that features both classic cuisine and an edgy fusion. All within good taste, of course.

The seasonal menu utilizes the freshest meats and produce of the area and a chef's philosophy that it's possible to create great meals only from the best ingredients. Not surprisingly, Vine Street Cafe excels in the preparation of several seafood dishes featured on the appetizer and entree menus. The starter Ahi Tuna Tataki, one of the restaurant's fusion...