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🌊Local Restaurants Earn Wine Spectator Honors

See which dining spots made the 2026 list, plus Baxter Estates approves the Dejana Foundation headquarters plan.

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516 Update
July 02, 2026

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Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
Today’s edition brings a little dinner-table conversation and a development update. Local restaurants earned 2026 Wine Spectator honors, and Baxter Estates approved plans for the Dejana Foundation’s new headquarters.

— Janine, Mo and Nick

Today’s Edition: 
🍷 40 Long Island Restaurants Earn 2026 Wine Spectator Honors
🏗️ Baxter Estates approves Dejana Foundation headquarters plan
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

• Fun Fact Spotlight
Hicksville once had a German-language newspaper and a very busy hotel scene. The local historical society says its first newspaper, the Long Island Central Zeitung, was printed in German in 1873, and one old hotel advertised a picnic area, dancing pavilion, bowling alley, and a hall for more than 600 people.

Diners raising wine glasses at Insignia in Smithtown
MajorDining
40 Long Island Restaurants Earn 2026 Wine Spectator Honors
Forty Long Island restaurants were named to Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards list, recognizing dining destinations with notable wine programs. The American Hotel in Sag Harbor received the publication’s Grand Award, its highest honor. Other honorees span the Island, from North Fork and South Fork destinations to restaurants in Melville, Garden City, Huntington, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Northport, and beyond. Wine Spectator recognized more than 4,000 restaurants worldwide this year across its Grand Award, Best of Award of Excellence, and Award of Excellence categories.
See the full list
Image: Diners raising wine glasses at Insignia in Smithtown via Facebook/Insignia Prime Steak: Sushi and Greater Long Island.

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516 Update Community Guide
Long Island Boutique Hotels, Picked by Purpose

Planning a Long Island staycation or one-night escape? This guide compares seven boutique-style hotels by use case, including local Nassau convenience, beach access, spa nights, wedding weekends, family visits, North Fork trips, and East End splurges.

Rendering of the proposed Dejana Foundation headquarters on Shore Road
NewsbiteDevelopment
Baxter Estates approves Dejana Foundation headquarters plan
The Village of Baxter Estates Board of Trustees has approved the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation’s plan to build a new headquarters at 25 Shore Road. The project calls for demolishing an existing commercial structure and constructing an 8,575-square-foot, two-story office building with 36 parking spaces. Trustees granted site plan approval and parking relief after months of public hearings focused on traffic, parking, and neighborhood impacts. The approval includes restrictions limiting occupancy, employee count, events, parking use, and future transfers of the property. Trustee Alice Peckelis cast the lone vote against the application, saying some resident concerns remained unresolved.
Read the full story
Image: Proposed Dejana Foundation headquarters rendering via Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation/LinkedIn.
🌤️ WeatherWatch

Thursday, July 2
High: 93°F | Low: 76°F
🔥 Hot, humid, and feeling very July

Friday, July 3
High: 94°F | Low: 78°F
⛈️ Hot with a chance of afternoon storms — keep an eye on the sky

Featured CafĂŠ
Port Washington
Lifestyle CafĂŠ
Lifestyle CafĂŠ, Port Washington. The official site lists 14 Main Street in Port Washington and positions it as a cafĂŠ with coffee, juices, specials, and a health-forward menu.
Visit Lifestyle Café →

Want your Nassau County coffee shop featured?
516 Update highlights local coffee shops, cafĂŠs, roasters, bakeries, breakfast spots, and cozy neighborhood hangouts across Nassau County. Reach local readers looking for their next latte, meeting spot, study corner, or weekend coffee run.

 
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Nassau Events Worth Knowing This Week

Here are a few local events to keep on your calendar, including family activities, community gatherings, live music, food events, and weekend plans across the county.

Before you go, check the event page for registration, parking, weather updates, and schedule changes.

Want your Nassau event featured?
516 Update highlights local events, festivals, live music, family activities, community gatherings, fundraisers, and seasonal happenings across Nassau. Reach local readers looking for things to do, attend, and explore.

Thanks for reading this week’s 516 Update! We hope you found something to enjoy, explore, or share. Please share this with a friend or family member-we would really appreciate it!