111 Restaurant, Babylon

Upon disembarking at the Babylon stop of the Long Island Rail Road, the aromas from Bistro 111 already permeate the air. Less then a block away, patrons open the door, spilling forth the sight of merlot-hued walls and the cherry hardwood of a fully stocked bar. While admiring framed photos of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, diners peruse chef Anthony Marrali's Italian menu, which strives to bring the old country to life with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Tables fill with golden pizza dough slathered in marinara and adventurous ingredients such as prosciutto, artichoke hearts, and broccoli rabe. Patrons drop knives through steak and fish in sauces reduced to bring forth the thick, earth essence of balsamic vinegar and wines, but are discouraged from slicing into the framed landscape paintings to verify their authenticity.