🌱 New Bar & Izakaya Opens In Commack + Fall Events In Smithtown

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Smithtown Daily — here to tell you all the most important things happening locally. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• Bar & Izakaya opens in Commack.
• Fuego Fall Festival today!
• Smithtown Historical Society Lecture Series on Monday and more!

But first, today's weather:

Clouds and sun. High: 67, low: 48.

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Here are the top four stories in Smithtown today:

1. Bar & Izakaya opened this month in Commack. Izakaya inaugurated its first location in Rockville Centre back in 2019. The restaurant serves small plates in a Japanese farmhouse, 10 Jericho Turnpike, Commack. Curious about the menu? Visit meetizakaya.com. (Newsday/Subscription Required)
2. Fuego Fall Festival is rocking the neighborhood today! The event starts at 1 p.m. at 430 North Country Road in St. James. Family fun, food and football will go on until 7 p.m. in benefit of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation and Winters Center for Autism. (Greater Long Island)
3. The next session of the Smithtown Historical Society Lecture Series kicks off on Monday. The topic in discussion is "Death By Fire and Ice: The Steamboat Lexington Calamity," with author Brian O'Connor at 7 p.m. The book presents the story of the steamboat Lexington was engulfed in flames and sank on Long Island Sound in 1840. Refreshments will be available. The lecture is free of charge. All are welcome to attend. (Eventbrite)
4. A Scandinavian and Nordic Bazaar will be hosted by the Loyal Lodge - Sons of Norway on Saturday, Nov. 5, in St. James. That's the only event on Long Island that gathers Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland cultures together, featuring typical foods, a displayed Viking Ship, and other attractions at the St. James Lutheran Church. (Smithtown Matters)

Today in Smithtown:

• Smithtown Underground's 31 Days of Halloween Horror Movie Challenge. (1 p.m.)
• "The Lighting Thief Musical" at The Smithtown Performing Arts Center. (2 p.m.)
• JD Leonard at Garden Grill. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown incumbent Sen. Mario Mattera is running again for a seat at the NYS 2nd Senate on November 8. Democrat Susan Berland is challenging Mattera. In 2020 Mattera earned 90,984 votes against Democrat Michael Siderakis, who had 66,575. Read the full story here. (Smithtown Patch)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "Farm Fact: Chickens scratch the ground to forage for food beneath the surface, for dust bath preparation, nest arrangement, and social interaction. Scratching also helps keep a chicken’s nails short." (Smithtown Historical Society via Facebook)
• American Legion Post 833 in Smithtown features a comedy show and fundraiser. Save the date for Oct. 22. The presentation starts at 7:30 p.m. with comedians from the "Laugh Out Loud company." The event will support the Building Rehabilitation Project at 51 Juniper Avenue, Smithtown. (Town of Smithtown Calendar)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Don't hesitate to get in touch with me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Smithtown Daily? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.