Highway Restaurant & Bar’s Executive Chef Justin Finney talks to James Lane Post about his background as a chef, what we can expect on the spring menu, the East End, and the launch of the Chef’s Table, which offers a semi-private dining experience featuring a four-course menu spanning Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian cuisines.
Tell us about your background and what inspired you to become a chef.
I was born and raised in a small town in Ohio. Growing up we always had a backyard garden to grow vegetables. As far as my cooking experience, I got my first restaurant job when I was 14 and never looked back. I fell in love with the culture and the creativity that it allowed me to explore. I went to the Culinary Institute of America and when I graduated I moved back to Ohio for a short time until I found myself on the East End of Long Island. I moved out for a sous chef job and never left.
I have always been inspired by ingredients and colors! The hospitality industry is like a big family and I love that.
Tell us a little about the Restaurant’s concept.
Our concept at Highway is to use the best ingredients possible while offering a variety of dishes from all over the world. I describe the restaurant as “American” with a strong Asian, Israeli, and Mediterranean influence.
You recently debuted the Chef’s Table Experience. Can you tell us a little more about this and any other offerings at Highway Restaurant & Bar?
The Chef’s Table is a way for us to use the space at Highway to offer a unique experience for our guests who would like to entertain large parties. We are able to create customized menus based on the needs of the client. One of our other offerings at the highway is our Asian night which happens the first Thursday of every month. We create an entire menu of dishes from all over Asia.
What can diners expect from the Spring menu?
We can expect lots of menu changes with all of the spring veggies that the East End has to offer. We will be leaning into some more Mediterranean dishes for the spring menu.
How do you enjoy your free time on the East End?
My free time is spent working on projects at home, gardening, and doing artwork. There is always something to do when you own a home! I also really enjoy entertaining friends and cooking at home. I love my kitchen.
