It’s the question I get asked most often and one I’m going to try to tackle. Take a look and if you have any questions, you know how to get in touch.
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT HAMPTONS RENTALS BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!
Yeah, it’s only two weeks till Memorial Day and things are already starting to heat up in anticipation of the warmer days ahead, especially in Amagansett. Two new dining spots are putting on their finishing touches in hopes of feeding the masses of “Tribeca by the Sea.”
But more on that in a minute. At this time every year, the talk I constantly hear is about summer rentals. It’s funny even sometimes the most seasoned tenants need a reminder of what to expect when moving their lives to the east end. Luckily for those folks and everybody else with questions about what it means to rent in the Hamptons, I’ve done a little introduction. So grab your popcorn and press the play button below. Trust me it’s more informative and entertaining than Sandra Bullock’s “The Lost City.”
As I said in the beginning of this post some good grub is coming soon to Amagansett. One of the more anticipated openings will be for the new “Astro Pizza” on Main Street. Chef PJ Calipa (IG: @chefpjcalipa) is lending his expertise to the menu to include some gourmet pies and premium ice creams. Calapa is the owner and chef behind NYC’s usually packed Scampi restaurant in Chelsea. If his unique Mediteranian seafood dishes are any indication of whats to come, get ready for some seriously interesting pies. By the way, I know interesting pizza. When I was in college I waited tables at the Pizzaria Uno in Georgetown DC. for a few years. But really it’s not as impressive as it sounds.
Meanwhile, across the street some cool Bahamian breezes are sweeping into Amagansett Square. The former site of Hampton Chutney is soon to become a Caribbean themed restaurant. I happened to be walking by and was told it will be called “Doubles.” I dont’ have much more to add but I was told to expect an opening sometime in June. If you get any more details, let me know.
CHATTING ABOUT CHEWING!
Summer is almost here and for many of us on the east end that means more people, more traffic and more stores and restaurants will actually be open. It’s like the first blooming onion , I mean Crocus of spring! A welcome sign to anyone who has experienced the anguish of trying to go out for dinner on a Monday or Wednesday night.
First it’s not a restaurant but Round Swamp Farm is back in action. The East Hampton, Montauk and Bridgehampton outlets all opened this past weekend. It wasn’t a moment too soon. My winter stock of frozen Chicken Pot Pies, Lisa’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and Mexican Layer Dip is completely depleted. BTW, last year I discovered their tortilla chips, and they are the best I’ve ever had anywhere! Seriously.
Speaking of excellent tortilla chips, Rita Cantina which was a breakout hit last summer will once again be serving their tortillas, margaritas and quesadillas beginning next Wednesday the 11th. According to their RESY schedule they’ll be open Wed – Sunday’s starting at 4pm.
One of the best things about the east end is being on the water. Luckily, we have some seriously awesome joints where you can dine while enjoying the bucolic waters of the Hamptons. In East Hampton there is only one restaurant that has killer sunset views along with killer food: Bostwicks on the Harbor – opening Thursday May 5th (Thursday – Sunday 5pm). I don’t think I ever had a bad meal there but the wait (no reservations) is sometimes a bit of a hassle. But when you see the sunset and tear into that tuna tartare, you’ll be in dining nirvana.
Another killer sunset view restaurant is Beacon in Sag Harbor. The same folks who keep you fed all winter long at Fresno in EH and Bell and Anchor in Sag Harbor will be opening their warm weather venue Wednesday May 11th. The home of my favorite Tuna Tostada and Lobster Rigatoni sits overlooking Sag Harbor Cove and has some spectacular sunsets. This place is a must for anyone who enjoys a casually chic dining experience with million-dollar views.
Finally, Duryea’s Beach Club in Orient Point and The Lobster Deck in Montauk will both be back in action in a few days. The Lobster Deck is opening on Thursday May 12th and Beach club in Orient on the 18th. Featuring favorites like the colossal Duryea’s Cobb Salad, extensive raw bar and Duryea’s Lobster Roll it’s no wonder this is one of the hottest spots for celebs (Think Jay-Z & Bey) and regulars (me) in the Hamptons.
So here’s to summer and hopefully I’ll see you all soon al fresco!
ONE SINGULAR DISASTER!
While the Hamptons often aspire to be a competitor for the bright lights of Broadway, this isn’t always a goal within reach. I’ve been told by many local parents and students that the productions at Wainscott Senior High School are must sees and “Broadway caliber productions.” Well, I’m here to tell you their lastest prouction of “A Chorus Line” is more deserving of a comparison to cafeteria Beef-A-Roni than an overcooked burger from Joe Allen’s.
For starters, the staging is clumsy and the choreography basic. Lead dancers, Sophmore Tiffany Smith and Senior Jim Flatley would be better dancing the Hokey Pokey than attempting their neutered version of “The Music and the Mirror.” Neither has the chops to be a lead dancer of anything let alone a “broadway caliber” production. They have two left feet in spades and I only hope that Mr. Flatley’s movements are better suited for his position on the Varsity Volleyball team.
One of my favorite numbers from the Broadway show is the funny and sexy “Dance 10, Looks 3.” But once again, this prodction failed to impress. Freshman Pamela Ferdyn tries her hardest to belt it out and impress as she pleads, “still on unemployment, dancing for my own enjoyment.” Yet, while she warbles we see her inevitable future. I give her credit for trying but all in all it’s dance 5, singing 3 and looks also 3. But it goes beyond Ms. Ferdyn’s performance and not entirely her fault. Chita Rivera and Kevin Kline couldn’t save this poorly directed production. Helpful hint to the staff at WSSH, don’t have the shop teacher direct the next spring muscial.
Now I don’t want to say everything about this production is terrible. The final musical number, the ubiquitous “One” is shortened to a manageable 1 minute. Also, the seats were comfortable and Luigi’s italian bistro across the street is offering a 30% dinner discount with every proof of torture/ticket stub. I recommend the chicken parmesean with a small caesar salad.
The show is playing only one more performance, tonight April 1st. April fools day. So I hope you enjoy your evening.