On The Menu: Spaghetti Squash Latkes from Barrow Food House

Spaghetti Squash Latkes from Barrow Food House

Aaaaaah, the Kids’ Menu. The place where your child immediately becomes a picky eater, adamantly claiming that they only eat chicken fingers or grilled cheese sandwiches even though you know their appetite once craved something more. And we get it… some days it's just not worth the fight. But on the rare occasion that you brought not only every Melissa & Doug item known to mankind but also the will to tackle expanding your kid’s pallet to flavors beyond that tiny and limiting menu curated just for them, we’ve got some suggestions for you. On The Menu promises to be your trusted partner, curating items found on the regular menu from restaurants across the North Fork that are kid-tested and approved.

To kick it off, we head to Barrow Food House in Aquebogue. This fan-favorite eatery is the place where creativity and comfort food meet. Your taste buds can happily travel the world in one meal while enjoying a casual yet cool atmosphere no matter where you choose to sit — indoors, outdoors on the front porch, or outside on the patio. The restaurant does have one high chair for indoor use but feel free to bring your own booster or seat that attaches to the table to enjoy outside seating. (FYI: patio seating is mostly picnic bench style.)

Now, onto the food. Yes, Barrow Food House does have a kids’ menu but that’s not why we’re here, it’s the Spaghetti Squash Latkes we’re after — the perfect kid’s meal, and here's why… These “squash cakes” as we call them, (the word “cake” always seems to help everywhere, always,) are perfectly crisp and thin on the outside but inside they’re packed with the healthy goodness of vegetables. This variety of winter squash contains Vitamins A, C, and B6 as well as manganese. The mild and slightly sweet flavor doesn’t overwhelm the pallet nor does the ratio of tender squash to crispy finish. 

If your kiddo is the type that only eats brown things (yes, that’s a “thing”) you’re in luck because these latkes are a familiar golden brown. The dish is served as a pair of about four- to five-inch wide rounds and includes small ramekins of herbed sour cream and house-made applesauce — a built-in side that is known to be kid-approved. Win-win. There is also usually a touch of flat parsley garnish on top, feel free to order without if your kid is extra sensitive. 

We understand that eating habits can come down to comfort and familiarity, thankfully, this item is on the menu year-round so no need to stress if you visit in the warmer months. This dish is also gluten-free and considered vegan, sans the sour cream. You’ll find it on the apps and sides portion of the menu where it costs $12 per order. Dig in!

Barrow Food House is located at 452 Main Road, Riverhead. View the complete menu and hours of operation here.