LIFE IS A CABERNET! PLUS BEFORE THE CROWDS, 5 IDEAS FOR ENJOYING THE HAMPTONS.

WILL THE NEXT RESTAURANT ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE!

Sag Harbor get ready to raise your glass! Although, I have no doubt it will be a costly one. Vin Sur Vingt, one of the best wine and cheese bars in NYC according to CBS News Online (which is kind of like Bon Appetite but it’s online and it’s from CBS News) is coming soon to 29 Main Street. With several NYC outlets and one in D.C., the wine bar is said to be opening sometime this spring. After some minor renovations the merlot and chablis will be flowing at the former site of Montauk Lobster Company, Wolffer Kitchen, and a few others I can’t even remember. After perusing their website we can expect an experience a tad different from Murph’s as their menu features light dishes like charcuterie boards, pizzas, tartines and other bistro-inspired bites. The Hamptons has been missing out on a traditional wine bar so fingers crossed that Vin Sur Vingt has the right tannins. If it’s a hit, we can skip tipping the box of wine and Ritz Crackers for a nice night out.

@windycity_Pizza on Twitter

So here we are it’s April and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be at full tilt here on the East End. That means the warm breezes, brilliant sun and bumper to bumper traffic will all soon be the norm. But before things get too crazy, now is the perfect time to enjoy the Hamptons and a few of the best things that life or at least Long Island has to offer.

Spa Day at Gurneys – it’s like a mini vacation. Have a work out followed by a massage, sauna, swim and a lunch overlooking the water. What could be better? Go Monday through Thursday and even save a few bucks. If you want more information; click here.

The dining room at Leon 1909

Try Some New Food – Two new eateries opened since last summer and both will no doubt have a hefty waiting list this summer. My favorite of the two is Leon 1909 on Shelter Island. A cool setting, top notch service, interesting menu and most importantly some really good food. The other is The Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn of Hampton Bays. A major renovation of the once hopping hot spot has created a stunning yet casual experience. The service is great as are the appetizers. The main courses were a little sub-par (we had the chicken and the poached black bass) but it was overall an enjoyable evening. I expect both joints to be packed by Memorial Day.

Trivia Night at Town Line – Gather your smartest friends and head to Townline BBQ every Thursday night at 7p in Wainscott, although I suggest getting there much earlier. There, you can put your knowledge to the test with 6 rounds of trivia based on various themes – from current events, pop culture and even song clips! A $10 entry fee per person gets pooled together so that 1st place will take home 60% of it, 2nd place 30%, 3rd 10%. Plus there’s an added bonus: whoever wins big throughout the season-long competition walks away with The Golden Pig trophy at Memorial Day weekend! Apparently smart folks take the summer off as that is the final weekend till fall.

Live Music and Wine Tasting at Wolffer Vineyards – Come out and experience a cozy night of music and wine at the beautiful Wölffer Estate Vineyard tasting room! Every Friday starting at 4:30 you’ll be able to listen to talented local musicians as you sip on their new releases for this winter. Indulge in seasonal pairings, delicious wines & ciders, speciality cocktails – all while relaxing with friends around candlelight tables. Reserve your spot now before it’s too late! Click here for more details about each week’s musical performance lineup.

Go RIde a Bike – With summer on the horizon, it’s time to get out and explore the beauty of The Hamptons! A few years ago Curbed.com did us all a huge favor by putting together five stunning bike tours for the area – so why not hop on your two-wheeler before Mr & Mrs Magoo take over our roads. Enjoy some fresh air and amazing scenery as you make your way through these picturesque routes – click here to see where they recommend taking in all this lushness that makes living (and biking!) in The Hamptons unforgettable. Click here for the details.

DOCKSIDE DRAMA AND LOOK WHO’S TALKING WALKING!

The former home of Dockside

Rumors about who will be taking over the old Dockside restaurant in Sag Harbor have been swirling ever since the beloved establishment shuttered its doors in November. After announcing plans of being taken over by the folks behind Rita Cantina, word on the street is that the deal has fallen through. While nothing has been confirmed, a reliable source has told me that NYC eatery Il Mulino is set to take its place. Yes, ANOTHER high-end Italian eatery in the village. If you remember Il Mulino already dipped their toes in Hampton waters when they opened at a location in Wainscott which lasted two seasons. Let’s hope they get it right this time. BUT ONCE AGAIN THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN CONFIRMED BUT THIS SOURCE WAS RIGHT LAST TIME.

Get ready, folks! Changes are coming to Country Road 39 this fall, as a 1.9-mile stretch of fresh sidewalk construction is set to begin. While there may be some major grumbling among locals who are concerned about potential traffic disruptions on this main artery in and out of the Hamptons, fear not… or so say the planners. They have stated they thoughtfully scheduled the construction to commence only after peak commuter times, ensuring minimal impact on your daily travels. Plus, the schedule has been crafted to take into account seasonal traffic variations. Yet, why do so many have visions of backed up traffic? Some officials are hoping we all embrace and trust them that the upgrade will lead to smoother and safer journeys along this vital thoroughfare. Uh-huh. Meanwhile North Haven Mayor Chris Fiore wrote in a recent letter to the editors at Southampton Press, “These roadworks and the lack of consideration for the general public — specifically tradespeople who commute here, working people who can’t afford to live here and thousands of others — signal the epitome of deaf bureaucracy.”

IF YOU THOUGHT HAMPTONS PRICES WERE MURDER….

For a suspenseful weekend It’s elementary thanks to East Hampton Mystery and Crime Festival!

If you love a good mystery and are tired of the same old Hamptons dinner parties, then get ready to release your inner Poirot or Marple at the Hampton Mystery & Crime Festival! On April 13-16, 2023. East Hampton Village will host an unforgettable four days of whodunits, thrillers, crime and suspense. You’ll get to explore escape rooms and graveyard tours while enjoying literary dinners with some of the most distinguished authors of the genre, including the guest of honor Michael Connelly author of such notable thrillers as The Lincoln Lawyer and Desert Star! Also included in the killer line up are authors Lisa Jewell (She Was Gone), Anthony Horowitz CBE (Alex Rider and James Bond series) and A.J. Finn (The Woman in the Window).

This will be more fun and easier than hosting one of those “Murder” dinner parties where you have to cook, clean and read an instruction booklet. Tickets for this must-attend event go on sale March 1st, so don’t wait — get yours and experience a Hamptons Whodunit like never before. You can click here for more details or follow on instagram @Hamptonswhodunit! My one suggestion is they include a “Murder She Tote” goodie bag.

Epicurean delights at Rosie’s of Amagansett!

From the why didn’t someone thik of this sooner deartment! The Roundtree Inn Amagansett’s culinary series has been an absolute hit and given locals something to look forward to in the winter months. The full dining experiences (hosted at Rosie’s Amagansett Main St.) have featured some of the best chefs New York and beyond has to offer, allowing guests to experience creative cuisine with a world-class atmosphere.

The two remaining dinners will feature Junoon from Thursday, February 16th to Sunday, February 19th; showcasing a contemporary style that earned it a Michelin star every year since opening in 2010. Following this event there will be Alligator Pear on Friday & Saturday, February 24th & 25th; featuring Chef Dominick Lee with NYC Creole inspired flavors. No word

These incredible events are sure not to disappoint and additional information is available by clicking here.

EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE NEW RULES FOR LANDLORDS… PLUS GOOD DEALS AND CHEAP EATS.

East Hampton Village Hall

So are you an East Hampton Village landlord? If the answer is yes, then you’ll want to pay close attention to the new rules and regulations that have been put in place for renting out your property. It’s not quite as daunting as it sounds; with a bit of preparation, you can be ready to comply with the new regulations in no time. Soooooo what are these new regulations? The village of East Hampton has released a Landlord-Tenant Rental Application that all landlords will need to complete in order to legally rent out their property. The application requires landlords to submit documentation such as a copy of the executed lease, floorplans, deed, recent tax bill and proof of trash removal. The orignal version of this measure orignially included a request for a 23 and Me report and proof of average Wordle score. Luckily, those were omitted. The actual added measures may seem like bureaucratic overkill; however, it’s important to remember that regulations like these are designed with the safety and security of tenants and residents in mind.

If you want more information and the form click here for the application and regulations!

Finally, yes it’s Long Island Restaurant Week again. AGAIN. I swear I just wrote about this a week ago so I’m not going to go over it again but here is the link for more details. This current Restaurant Week runs through this Sunday.

Tacos and Tequilla!

So restaurant week aside, I always love details on some good cheap grub. Here are two geat deals that I think are worth sharing. Coche Comedor in Amagansett is currently pouring flights of margaritas and serving pork belly tacos 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 $𝟏𝟓. Enjoy every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the bar area only! 🌮 So head to Coche Comedor and taco walk on the wild side.

Also, The 1770 House Restaurant & Inn in East Hampton is serving a winter $55 two-course prix fixe dinner menu in the main dining room and downstairs Tavern. Take that restaurant week! The Tavern Burger and Ina Garten’s favorite Meatloaf are part of the special offer and also available on the regular tavern menu. Also included is the highly caloric and very addicting Sticky Toffee cake. You can get more details by clicking here. 

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