A curious series of events brought Stuart Brown from Philadelphia to Long Island and an  even funnier series of events brought Chef Stuart Brown to Elmer’s Restaurant in 2003.  There had been a series of Philadelphia chefs manning the stoves at Elmer’s and the restaurant had received good press, so Stuart paid the restaurant a visit.  He fell in love with the restaurant at first glance.  He loved the mood; the mahogany bar and the intimate feeling that the restaurant exuded.  It was the perfect spot to for a young chef to showcase his talents.

Mr. Brown dined frequently at Elmer’s and became friendly with the owners.  When the chef’s position became vacant a short time later, Stuart jumped at the opportunity and took over the reins of the kitchen.  A short time later, the restaurant was sold.  Stuart and the new owners began working on a new vision that would soon become On3.  On3 was an instant success.  Critical acclaim was soon garnered and Mr. Brown earned a three-star review from Newsday’s Peter Gianotti, a “very good” rating from the New York Times and the restaurant joined the ranks of the top ten on Long Island when Zagat gave the restaurant a 26 rating for food. 

In January, 2006, after working through two separate owners, Stuart purchased  On3.  The food was reinvented.  The level of service was elevated.  Stuart began to work on creating a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine List, a distinction that he has continued to maintain every year to this day.  Mr. Brown and his wife Melissa operated On3 and continued to garner critical acclaim for more than 5 years. 

Although On3 was a very successful restaurant, Stuart always wanted to be ahead of the curve.  On Memorial day weekend, exactly 7 years to the day that Stuart worked his first shift at Elmer’s, On3 was shuttered and a short time later, fork & vine was launched.  The menu has been expanded.  Small  Plates have been added.  The Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List has grown tremendously and there are now approximately 15 wines available by the glass.  The restaurant offers a weekly tasting menu that can be sampled with or with out wine pairings. 

The building that is now fork & vine, having been home to many restaurants, has nurtured some very special people and some very special relationships. It has spawned the beginnings of countless romantic meetings; at least 5 couples have met and wed as a result of chance meetings in this building. Chef Stuart and his wife, Melissa, met while working at Elmer’s in 2006.  Many of the chefs and front of the house staff who have gotten their start in this restaurant have moved on to achieve success in  their own right.  fork & vine is about new beginnings.  Come, enjoy all that we have to offer!