The Brightwaters Market: A Culinary Leap of Faith
The Brightwaters Market stands out at the village’s central intersection with its impressive double-height entryway. Just a month old, this market-cafe offers an extensive menu and features a sparkling open kitchen, promising an exciting dining experience.
Owned by Danielle Strafford-Mobarak, a first-time food-service entrepreneur, the market reflects her leap of faith and ambition. After years in food service with Checkers and Costco, she previously focused on cooking for private clients, emphasizing nutritious meals. Danielle’s personal health challenges led her to explore organic, minimally processed, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring that even customers with dietary restrictions find enjoyable choices.
When she discovered a former hardware store in Brightwaters, she had a “Goldilocks moment,” recognizing the potential of the space. Transforming the empty shell required significant investment, but Danielle believed it was worth the risk. As she stated, “Money is money… but if I didn’t try, it would be the biggest regret of my life.”
The menu prioritizes taste alongside health, featuring outstanding items like a vegan gluten-free wrap made with sweet potato, cassava flour, and coconut oil. Menu options include:
- Sandwiches: Using house-baked sourdough or gluten-free bread ($10.99 to $18.99)
- Fillings: Egg (local), tuna (line-caught), and organic chicken salads
- Bowls: Quinoa or brown rice bases ($19.99 to $22.99)
- Soups and Pastas: Various soups ($14.99) and pastas ($14.99) also available
Each ingredient is clearly labeled, ensuring transparency and catering to health-conscious consumers.
The sweets counter features Exquisite Bakes, run by pastry chef Jessica Zebe, known for her delightful, dye-free baked goods including cakes, pies, and cookies that everyone can enjoy. She specializes in visually appealing treats, like muted rainbow cookies and pastel “fairy cookies.”
As there are no other grocery stores in Brightwaters, Danielle also stocks essentials like milk, olive oil, and free-range eggs, while showcasing local artisanal products in the sunny dining area.
Visit The Brightwaters Market at 348 N. Windsor Ave., Brightwaters, or call 631-450-4071. They’re open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, check out thebrightwatersmarket.com.
Written by Erica Marcus, a devoted food journalist covering Long Island since 1998.
