Amagansett

RESTAURANT NEWS AND IS AMAGANSETT GOING JERSEY?


Well, folks, it seems it’s time to dust the cob webs off of this little blog. Especially now that the Hamptons dining scene is going through a bit of a rollercoaster ride “post summer.” We’ve bid a tearful (or maybe not so tearful) farewell to not one, but two of our beloved eateries. First on the chopping block was Buttero, or should I say “Doppo”? Apparently, they decided to undergo a transformation from a charming Italian joint into an Italian steakhouse, because, well, the Hamptons definitely didn’t have one of those. Guess they thought we were all clamoring for more beef and fewer carbs. Bravo, Buttero, or Doppo, or whatever. It had a great staff, good food and an incredible location so this one has me a little sad.

But that’s not all, dear readers. The Hamptons foodie rollercoaster continues with the impending closure of Wolffer Kitchen in Amagansett Square. And what was their brilliant strategy for going out with a bang? Hiking up their prices and embracing an even darker atmosphere. Because, clearly, the best way to win over Hamptons diners is to make them squint in the dark while their wallets weep. Maybe if they started serving meals by candlelight, just to complete the ambiance. Darkness can be quite appealing (not that I’m commenting on bad face lifts).

MEANWHILE… In a truly shocking twist of events, rumors are swirling that TV producers are calling real estate agents and scouring Amagansett for a place to shoot a reality show, and word on the street is that it might be the return of MTV’s “Jersey Shore.” So, does this mean Snookie is heading to the Hamptons to hang with the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Stella McCartney this summer? Well, it would be quite the culture clash, wouldn’t it? The Hamptons, where Prada, Louis Vuitton and quiet sophistication could soon collide with fist-pumping and tanning oil – what could possibly go wrong? As a guy from “Jersey” i just love the ideas. Stay tuned, dear readers, because this summer promises to be one heck of a show, on and off the reality TV screen.

AMAGANSETT GETS ROWDY.. AND MORE BEACH PERMITS?!


I knew this days ago but didn’t blog. Shame on me. But it was confirmed by the East Hampton Star yesterday. 177 Main Street Amagansett will welcome Rowdy Hall as its new resident. With the building’s sale last year to a investment group, securing the space for just shy of $5 million, anticipation and speculation about a new tenant has been rampant. Now comes word, the Nick and Toni’s sister restaurant plans to make its move after Labor Day, taking over the spot most recently occupied by Main Street Tavern. However, fear not, for Rowdy Hall will continue to serving some of the best burgers in town at its current location throughout the summer. Here’s hoping the same group puts there other eatery La Fondita in its place for a sit down restaurant…. hint, hint, hint guys.

Gettin’ Rowdy!

There’s nothing quite like a day spent lounging on the beach with your toes in the sand and soaking up the sun rays. However, getting to the beach can be stressful, especially if you missed out on the East Hampton Village Non-Resident beach permits. But don’t panic, there is now another option, 2023 Half-Season Non-Resident Beach Parking Permits.

Half-Season Non-Resident 2023 Beach Parking Permits are a fantastic option for anyone who might have missed out on purchasing a full-season parking pass. Yes, we are talking Hamptons prices but it’s still cheaper than getting a parking ticket…. or is it? These permits will only be sold online and will not be available for sale by mail or in person. They will be available for purchase for $500 per half-season, with the first half running from May 15th to July 31st of 2023, and the second half running from August 1st to September 15th of 2023. You can click here to get all the details.

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.

THE NEXT WAVE THAT’S GOT A BAD BEAT AND NOT EASY TO DANCE TO!

The Next Wave

JUST A GENERIC DINING PICTURE… USED BECAUSE I LIKE THE SUNSET.

Some say service in the shops and restaurants this summer has been challenging to say the least. We agree (ROYAL we). But as Carly Simon once sang, “these are the good old days.” ANTICIPATION. Things are about to get worse. But it has nothing to do with Covid. I’m hearing from lots of local businesses that they’re sweating bullets about the end of August when a good chunk of staff will head back to schools, city and fall gigs. With staffing already a major issue in the Hamptons it’s going to take an extra dose of patience everywhere from the grocery store to the local watering hole. REMEMBER, FOLKS BE KIND – COVID HAS EVERYONE STRESSED. SO, TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND WAIT THE EXTRA MINUTE TO BE A CONSIDERATE HUMAN BEING.

Hamptons Dogs Show for Local Lions

In keeping with our reputation for being pompous and pampered, we Hamptonites need to make our dogs special, too. With this in mind, I implore all local doggo stage moms and dads to enter your pampered pooches in the 3rd Annual Hamptons Dog Show at the Amagansett Legion Hall (15 Montauk Highway) this Saturday, August 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

PREPPING FOR THE EVENING WEAR COMPETITION…BELLA AND RUSSELL

Competition will be fierce as dogs vie for awards in Most Unique Breed, Most Unique Feature, Best Trick, Dog/Owner Look-Alike and, of course, Best in Show categories. If they had a fastest eating contest, I know my Bella would crush her opponents. Come down and enjoy ice cream trucks, live music and face painting—no word on whether our pups can get a new look, but a painted face would certainly help win Most Unique Feature! Heck, if you and your dog get matching face paint, you’d be shoo-ins for Dog/Owner Look-Alike.

The show will also offer dog treats and apparel, and a cash bar (stay for one minute and it will be past noon, which we all know is a perfectly acceptable time for cocktails). Proceeds benefit The Guide Dog Foundation of Long Island and East Hampton Lions Club. Adult tickets are $10 and free for kids. However, if you want to pit your dogs against other canines in the actual contest, pre-register them for $40 at the East Hampton Lions Club Facebook page (facebook.com/easthampton.lionsclub).

It will be a fun day for a good cause.