Syosset Restaurant News: Patsy's Goes BBQ

Can a BBQ smoker and a coal oven find bliss together in a former diner? Will pulled pork live happily ever after with veal parmesan? The new owners that turned Patsy's Pizzeria into Dom & Luigi's Smokehouse (407 Jericho Tpke./802-4125/www.dlsmokehouse.com) are betting big that putting two hot dining attractions together will bring in the crowds.

Last week, after just a few years in business, Patsy's Pizzeria, the legendary Manhattan pizza mecca that spawned stores throughout the borough and in Syosset, changed over and went partially BBQ. The coal ovens that produce nicely charred, thin-crust pizzas remain, along with a full roster of Italian heroes, pasta and entrees. But now the good folks of Syosset can get their BBQ fix as well. The new menu includes ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken. There's also the 12-ounce Porker Burger, stuffed with smoked rib meat and covered with pulled pork, bacon and cheese.

For those not inclined to heart attacks, they also have a smoked salmon wrap made with house-smoked, wild-caught Atlantic salmon. Other interesting-sounding dishes include the smoked and braised short ribs, a cheesesteak hero made with a pound of sliced filet mignon, and an appetizer of three different BBQ sushi rolls: chicken, shrimp and pork.

* A new Japanese restaurant, Sawa Sushi (260 Jericho Tpke./496-8886) has replaced Higashi. The new place is just as cozy as Higashi, with a small sushi bar. You'll find all the greatest hits on the menu including bento boxes ($19 at dinner/$11 at lunch) and a whopping 27 special rolls.

Unusual fusion-sounding appetizers include a pizza sandwich made with avocado, lobster salad, eel, crab, tuna and tamago; eggplant cha la ca made with deep-fried eggplant and lobster salad; and a tuna pizza on a tortilla. As a grand opening special, all diners receive 20 percent off until Aug. 15. The website--www.sawacuisine.com--was not operational as of this writing, but they're open seven days for lunch and dinner. On Sunday they open at 2 p.m.

* Another Italian restaurant is making Syosset home. Last month, Bella Notte (98 Jackson Ave./364-2090) opened in a spot near the tracks where many have tried and failed. This is the offspring of the two-year old Bellmore original. One of the owners is Teddy Kumbas, who was one of the movers and shakers behind Matteo's. The interior is cozy and looks like a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.