Summer 2025 on the North Fork is already shaping up to be one for the books, and if you love sunshine, waterfront views, and bold global flavors, The Shoals may be your new favorite destination. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, beloved chef and culinary trendsetter Cheo Avila is officially taking over the food and beverage program at this chic dockside hideaway in Southold.
At the heart of it all? Maizeat is a brand-new Latin-Asian fusion concept created exclusively for The Shoals Dockside food truck. Nestled along the serene Peconic Bay, with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs scattered among dune grass and boats bobbing in the marina, Maizeat is redefining what summer dining can be: vibrant, unfussy, and rooted in Latin and Asian flavors.
A Chef With Global Soul & Local Roots
Known for his inventive pan-Asian pop-up Kontiki and the Venezuelan-forward Maize, Chef Cheo is blending the best of both worlds in this newest project. After a winter of food-fueled research in Japan — think fresh fish markets and speedy street food kiosks — he’s bringing that energy to The Shoals with a fast, fresh, flavor-packed experience that still feels deeply North Fork.
“We’re embracing a true zero-mile approach,” said Cheo. “It’s all about using what’s around us — from the bay to the farms to the fish markets — while keeping the vibe playful, family-friendly, and effortlessly cool.”
The Menu: A Dockside Flavor Playground
The food by Maizeat at The Shoals Dockside is bold and unexpected, a mix of Latin and Asian street food favorites, with Cheo’s signature flair and a heavy dose of local love. Expect fresh ceviches, crisp empanadas, juicy dumplings, sweet-and-savory small bites, and the kind of crunchy, spicy, herb-laced dishes that go perfectly with a salt breeze and a cold drink in hand. We know you’ve been dreaming of old Kontiki favorites, which will make a reappearance on this menu.
Speaking of drinks, the cocktail menu is refreshingly inventive, with spritzes, clarified concoctions, and house-made nonalcoholic refreshers that are as fun as they are photogenic. Local wines by the bottle channel a laid-back European wine garden aesthetic, while Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Ale Wife keep the beer lineup grounded in hometown pride.
Live Music, Laid-Back Luxury
Maizeat at The Shoals Dockside will be wowing hotel and marina guests alike by serving up bites and beverages Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6 PM, plus holiday Mondays. Live music every Saturday from 2 to 5 PM adds just the right amount of groove to your afternoon oysters or bay-side hang. The vibe is breezy, inclusive, and unmistakably North Fork. With a focus on seasonal, sustainable, and seriously delicious fare, Chef Cheo’s Maizeat at The Shoals Dockside is more than just a meal, it’s a summer mood.
