WISHES FOR 2023… PLUS RICE, RICE, BABY.

After about a year of misteps and false reports of who was opening in the spot next Hampton Chutney on Newtown Lane, Zakura’s has finally opened the doors on their new “to go” location. I heard rumors it was going to be everyone from Nobu to Fee Waybill’s “Sushi Sushi” opening in the location but alas it’s an output of the long established Zakura’s of Amagansett. At least it’s not another italian restaurant. “Zakura to Go” is opened from 11:30 am 8:15 pm daily. Click here for more details. I’m not sure how you would compare to Sushi at CItarella but they at least stay open later.

SOY CUTE… THE NEW EAST HAMPTON OUTPOST FOR ZAKURA

We are now into the long stretch of Winter. While I should have moved on already, I’m still pissed I didn’t get anything this past Christmas from my “Hamptons Wish List.” But thank goodness my 30th birthday is right around the corner. So what do I want?

Cell Service – I dont’ care if it’s ATT or Verizon or Cricket. I’m just tired of screaming into my Iphone “can you hear me!?”

Shoe Repair/Cleaning – I keep hearing there is a place in Riverhead that handles shoe repair but why can’t we have one a little closer? If there’s one I’m missing, let me knowl

Bike Lanes – I wouldn’t dare ride my bike out here in the Summer. Range Rovers with inexperienced drivers who are texting on their phones with screaming kids in the backround don’t mix well with cyclists with a mere helmet for protection. What I want is someone to pave under the high tension wires from Souithampton to Montauk. I’m pretty sure the land is already cleared and would be a great addition for fitness enthusiasts.

Parking in the Villages – perhaps if we had bike lanes there would be more available parking in the Summer. RIght now, it’s like a roller derby out there in the summer. Something needs to be done.

A New Multiplex – granted I haven’t been to the movies since before Covid. But why I haven’t been back is the fact that we have 6 movies screens for all of the Hamptons. The Regal Cinemas in East Hampton while not awful is not exactly good. We could use some new stadium seating and chairs that weren’t designed by the Marquis de Sade.

FINALLY…. A REMINDER DISCOUNT BEACH PASSES FOR EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE ARE AVAILABLE TOMORROW. SEE MY PREVIOUS BLOG.

BEACH BITCHING …. AND A REAL DRAG IN THE HAMPTONS

A better investment than

Ah, the Hamptons – a place of sun, sea and sand in your toes. That is – as long as you can get one of those coveted beach parking passes. East Hampton Village recently announced that nonresident village beach parking passes will be raised from $500 to $750 next year and it didn’t take long for locals to start talking – er, bitching! Let’s break down the details.

During the last two years, beach parking passes have sold out faster and faster each year – going from 11 days in 2021 to a mere nine hours this year! That’s right – if you weren’t up at 3am with your credit card in hand, you were out of luck. Needless to say, this has caused some frustration among locals as they are not able to access their favorite spot on the beach.

But don’t worry – there is hope! The village has a one-day sale of permits coming up on Friday, Jan 27th at Village Hall at the old price of $500. This means that all residents have another chance to secure their beloved spot on the sand before summertime hits (and hopefully avoid a season full of beach envy). Plus you’ll save $250. Just think, you can take advantage of the savings and split a pasta dish and two glasses of wine at San Ambrose… sorry “Sant Ambreos.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t just good news for everyone. With this price increase comes a realization that not every local family will be able to afford these new prices for their favorite village beaches. This means that some families may have to resort to other options like public transportation or biking.

So there we have it – So set your alarms early and get ready for Jan 27th!

Cacophony Daniels…. in Sagaponack.

Meanwhile, If winter seems like a real drag, why not shake things up on December 17, 2022 at the Old Stove Pub in Sagaponack? The gay and lesbian group GLAM will be throwing their annual holiday cocktail party from 5p-7:30p. The highlight of the evening will be a performance by drag performer Cacophony Daniels aka Courter Simmon which will promises to sleigh the crowd. With musical experience backing performances from venues such as Provincetown and even Broadway’s Jersey Boys, let Cacophony take you away at this winteringly amazing winter event. Not to mention that there will also be drink specials and complimentary appetizers available – perfect for those looking for an unforgettable evening out! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate – tickets can be purchased through the link here. So grab your winter coat and get ready for an event that should be snow good.

A WHOLE LATTE NEW FOOD IN EAST HAMPTON!

Last week it was San Ambrose…. sorry Sant Ambroeus. Now, just in time for the holiday season, Tutto Il Giorno is finally opening their doors in East Hampton Village tomorrow (11/28/22). The restaurant Tutto Caffe (yes that’s how they’re spelling it) has been under construction for what feels like forever, and they missed the summer rush. But from what we’ve heard, it was worth the wait. They will be serving paninis, espresso, cappucinos, pastries, wines and more. One tid bit we got from our spies is that the croissants are AMAZING and going to give Carissa a run for her money. Although it hasn’t opened yet, a quick peek of the interior appears to be sleek, slylish and casual. So if you’re in the village tomorrow, be sure to check it out. It’s located at 55 Main St down the small path towards the back parking lot. More details should be available tomorrow or you can check their instagram profile @tuttoilgiornocaffe. So mangia to all and to all a good night!

One of the great winter events now in the Hamptons Is the spectacular sunsets on the ocean. If you haven’t gone to the beach yet, bundle up and make the trip. The winter sunsets are a spectacular substitute for now. Sunsets happen on the water and the colors are magnificent. But remember that these sunsets are available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out! The sun usually shifts again mid January and the sunsets are over land once again. So, take a walk on the beach, and enjoy the winter scenery. It’s a great way to relax and recharge before the busy holiday season.

Sunset on Georgica Beach…. and this isn’t even a good picture!

Speakng of limited time only, it’s that time of year again. Hampton Jitney discount ticket packs are on sale now. Once again, save big and know the tickets never expire. If you want more details or to buy packs now online CLICK HERE.

NOT FOR PENNE PINCHERS AND AN OBITUARY ON MAIN STREET.

The New Saint Ambrose…. I mean Sant Ambroeus.

Sant Ambroeus, a popular Italian restaurant chain (with 11 locations it’s a chain – like Olive jardin but with no bread sticks) recently opened their second Hamptons location in East Hampton. The new location is situated at 66 Newtown Lane in the building that was recently sold for a whopping $28 million. I haven’t had a chance to eat there yet, but a few friends did this past weekend and I’ve been hearing all about it. Here’s what people are saying.

On the one hand, people are raving about the cuisine. They say the food is fantastic and the restaurant is quite the scene. On the other hand, they’re not so thrilled about the price tag. “Expensive” is the word I’m hearing most often. A Caesar salad will set you back $28, while a veal chop will cost you a cool $57. Even the clam chowder is a pricey $49. So yes, the food is really good… but it doesn’t come cheap. So think of it this way, it’s the Ticketmaster of Italian food where there’s a service charge to go and be seen.

Even though I didn’t eat in the EH location, I did manage to sneak a peek inside. The interior was redone by the same team that worked on Surf Lodge and Ruschmeyer’s, but it still looks quite similar to the old Babette’s. So, if you liked Babette’s, you’ll probably feel right at home at Sant Ambroeus.

We hardly knew ye’ – Main Street Tavern

Meanwhile, It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Main Street Tavern Amagansett. The restaurant, which opened with a lot of fanfare in July of 2020, was not able to quite catch on and win over the hearts of locals IMHO. It’s unfortunate, but I guess the team behind 11 Madison Park and the always crowded Highway Restaurant were unable to replicate their success with this venture. The building is now up for sale for $5 million. Maybe it will become Indian Wells Tavern again. That would be awesome.