Southamptons is getting a little more social!!! And one of my greatest Hamptons discoveries ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well by now we all know the tales of Ed (Jean Luc) Kleefeld… his restaurants JL East, JL Bistro, Madame Tong’s and Prime 103 and their lasting legacy of cobwebs and unused commerical space. Well 2011 is a very good year for former some of the best old “JL” properties.

First, Michael Gluckman and his management team including Rory Boothby successfully launched “The Beach House” last week. A sort of spin off to their already successful “Boat House” off Three Mile Harbor. It was the opening of the year so far when they toasted Cinco De Mayo last Thursday! The cars were lined up and down Montauk Highway and of course our local men in blue were there to issue tickets. Yes, tis the season! It was wall to wall people there to see the new and improved space that was once PRIME 103 and JL East. The new menu gets a big thumbs up for some real crowd pleasing dishes (as opposed to the impossible menu at Southfork Kitchen) and the prices that won’t make your eyes pop. I’ll have more about their food and plans for events at “The Beach House” later this week… today’s blog is about the real estate. But one last word, KUDOS for the best opening night of the year goes to “The Beach House.”

Now for the property formerly known as Madame Tong’s. With one of the best backyards of any restaurant in the Hamptons, it only makes sense that the building would once again host a hybrid Restaurant/Club. It’s alleged that is exactly what will be the case with the new establishment “The New York Social Club.” According to sources the menu will be more American fair that will morph into a club scene after the dinner hours. I don’t know who the new owners are but I’m told they’re well known NYC club/restaurant owners. Look for more details in then next few days and an opening sometime in late May.

And lastly… according to CURBED.COM, Astoria’s Pomme Café is opening a at the old JLX in Sag Harbor. To many it’s better known as that doomed corner where numerous restaurants have flopped, including La Maison, JLX-Bistro, and Peter Miller’s. I apologize for my earlier blog… where I said La Maison is back… but that’s what the “manager” guy told me.

Now, we all see those free magazines tossed in the lobbies of restaurants, banks and real estate offices all over the Hamptons. Well last week my friend picked up an old copy of Edible East End which was sitting around the house and told me about a small Mexican Deli in Southampton, which features authentic homemade specialties. Well as anybody who reads this blog knows, I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD. I’ve been on a quest to find a good restaurant that serves it…. and while it’s not a restaurant the De Jesus Deli on County Rd. 39 next to PC Richard’s is a HOME RUN! If I were Blue Parrot I would buy my tamales from this little shop on the Highway and serve them. They’re AWESOME and some of the best I’ve ever had. Burritos for rock bottom prices, home made salsas and more are also available. This is an unknown find in the Hamptons. In fact, I went to a Mother’s Day party on Sunday and brought along some vegetable and Pork Tamales, they were the hit of the party. Ok, enough writing… I’m hungry now. It’s time for lunch.

Estia at lunch!

The chicken tacos with guacamole!! It may not be a Mexican Restaurant but these guys rock. The tortilla soup is spicy good too!!

It’s a tale of two tacos and a little shoe business!

Well the hustling and bustling continues with all of the shops and restaurants on the East End as the countdown continues to the Memorial Day Weekend. One of the more industrious projects seems to be taking place at the site of the former Almond and Woodshed Inn. According to a source, permits were made with the town to turn the location into a sports bar and Mexican restaurant. It is allegedly being done by a group from up the island and they plan to name the place “AGAVE.” There was some environmental issues that needed to be worked out and that’s how I was alerted. Now, if that name sounds familiar yes, there is one in the city on lower 7th Avenue and there was also one in Sag Harbor. I don’t think this particular venue will have any affiliation with the aforementioned businesses but at the very least it can’t be any worse than BLUE PARROT (Bon Jovi’s place). So, will the Hamptons finally get good Mexican food? Stay tuned!

Now, since I’ve mentioned it to a few folks the constant question seems to be.. “what’s a Mexican – sports bar?” It’s a place with Tacos and TV sets… or maybe just burritos. Who knows!

Finally, I got my shoes back from Dutch Girl Cleaners at the King Kullen in Bridehampton. They did a really good job! They rep laced the soles on my driving shoes and polished and fixed two others. All in all a big thumbs up. So yes Virginia, you can get a decent shoe repair in the Hamptons!