SWEET AND SALTY SPRINGS SHUFFLE!

East Hampton Restaurants Change Hands

Food and real estate are coming together, as they often do in the Hamptons, through a series of recent delicious deals in East Hampton. But if you think this is a feel good story about food and real estate like “Big NIght” with charming italian chefs, you’d be wrong. At least if you’re talking to Springs locals. They think it’s more like an evil James Bond villians kind of thing. Think Grace Jones and Christopher Walken hitting the destruct button from their blimp in “A View to a Kill.” But instead of buying only Zoran microchips, folks in the springs will now be recoiling at the idea of $60 NY Strip.

Harbor Bistro Joins East Hampton Point Portfolio

Hedge funder Heath Freeman purchased the beloved East Hampton eatery Harbor Bistro for $4 million just before Christmas, adding to his growing local empire and as I said, people are skeptical. Harbor Bistro, located at 313 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road in Springs joins Freeman’s East End acquisitions, including the neighboring East Hampton Point Resort, which he scooped up in March of 2021 for under $20 million — significantly less than the original $50 million asking price 15 years ago, according to Page Six.

While Vanity Fair has called him “the hedge fund vampire,” Freeman has put East Hampton Point back on the map and made Springs a fashionable destination. So, it’s fair to say the man has plans. Will tacos and poke bowls be replaced by overpriced sushi and an influx of Hermes, Birkin bags and Bentley’s? Stay tuned.

Landscape Details Buys Former Nichols Home

Rumor has it… East Hampton landscaping firm Landscape Details, located at 103 Montauk Highway, has bought the property across the street at 100 Montauk Highway, which used to house Nichol’s of East Hampton restaurant, Paul McCartney’s favorite local haunt until it shuttered in 2014 after 15 years and a handful of owners. Before it was Nichol’s, old school Hamptonites will remember the spot as The Quiet Clam from 1977–1998. This isn’t the first time Landscape Details has taken over a property with a long history of restaurant use. Their current home at 103 Montauk Highway held a series of dining venues over the years, including in no particular order: Prime 103, Beachhouse, The Moon, Little Rock Rodeo, Royale Fish, JL East, The Players Club, Peconic Coast, Bacci’s Charcoal Haven, Butterfield II, Duke’s and…deep breath…originally, the Oaks Inn. That’s a lot of restaurants! The good news is, we’ve heard Landscape Details actually plan on keeping their new purchase as a restaurant, and they want to lease out the space. And why not? They’ll be right across the street, keeping a close eye on any future tenants.

Simply Sublime Is Simply Closed

The cute little building that housed Simply Sublime Wholesome Market & Juice Bar at 85 Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton has sold and a new bakery will replace the health food restaurant and shop. Yeah, I’ll miss them too but it’s not all bad news. The folks who made some of the most unique and crazy good foods at the East Hampton Farmers Market will be taking over. The Cookery with Cyn and Trudy which had lines from their table all summer long will be taking over the spot. If you’re curious about about some of the inventive baked goods, visit their website!