Beacon

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.

The view from Beacon in Sag Harbor.

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!

SUNRISE… sunset… SUNRISE… sunset. Tevye’s Turmoil!!!

NO! Today’s blog has nothing to do with Fiddler on the Roof! Although good trivia… did you know Paul Michael Glazer was in the movie?!? Seriously! Starsky!
So the Hamptons are a summer place… right? So what better than dinning on the water and watching a fiery sun set in the distance. In my book there are only 3… ok 4 great places to go watch the sun set.

The following are my top 4 in no particular order:
The Beacon in Sag Harbor. Owner David Lowenberg and his crew run one of the most consistently great seasonal restaurants on the east end. The crowd is Hamptons chic and there’s usually a celebrity or two there when you dine… Richard Gere is my most notable. Try the seared tuna it’s fresh and tender. My other favorite is the iceberg lettuce wedge with blue cheese , a gourmet flashback to 1970. They don’t take reservations so get there early and put your name on the list. The photo to the left was taken last night! WHAT NO RAIN!!!?
NEXT… drum roll…is East Hampton Point. The menu is limited and the food is probably a C+… prices are steep but the view is spectacular. Overlooking Three Mile Harbor it’s ideal on a late Sunday afternoon to hang for cocktails and enjoy some live reggae music!!! The service is slow but hey “don’t worry mon.. enjoy the music!!” What I typically do is go early for drinks and then head over to ……
Bostwicks – 423 Three Mile Harbor. I grew up in Joisy and this is the closest thing I can find to one of those fancy Atlantic City type restaurants! HA!. It’s a cool mix of local and weekenders at Bostwicks. The food isn’t priced like it’s Joisy joint but the menu is diverse and solid. Try the

Lobster… The Surf and Turf… or any of the fish or huge lobsters. Once again.. NO RESERVATIONS. Send a friend a few minutes early to put the name on the list and have a drink and relax. Here’s a pic of the view. I’d pay extra for that wouldn’t you!!? Yes, I took the picture myself!!!

Finally, Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. 35 Shore Rd. , Shelter Island. It has to be about the view because let’s face it the service is HOSTILE… but of course they have every right to be… they’re better looking than you!!! The food is expensive… um because “we the staff are beautiful .. you can’t’ look at us for free“… and the food is very mediocre. Um, you have a problem with that!?!? Ubermodels from around the world have come to play with their food here! It’s an A for attitude at Sunset Beach!!!! I’m sure there’s some sort of secret menu for the glamorous… like a cigarette salad with Stoli dressing. So, why do I actually look forward to going there!?!?!

Retail Roundup…. Busy, Busy, Busy…. What Recession!?!?!??!?

Summer 2009 is officially here and despite all the predictions of doom and gloom the Hamptons were HUSTLING! East Hampton town was a virtual gridlock of traffic, even with the sunny weather and warm temperatures. Are they coming to town to shop or to go to the beach!?!? Whatever, local merchants were happy and the cash registers were ringing!

Frank Calvo of East Hampton Pharmacy and Bridgehampton Pharmacy told me he did “THREE times the business he did last year!” In case you haven’t been skip the big chain place and go visit Frank, you’ll get
the personal service and he stocks some of the best and most exclusive sundries (great shampoos and soaps,etc.) found anywhere in the Hamptons. I only have one complaint he doesn’t stock any “Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific,” I’ve been having a miserable time finding it anywhere in the past 30 years!

In Sag Harbor, David of IN HOME said it was much busier than last year. Monday was a winner day for him he told me, this in spite of Main Street being closed for parade early Monday afternoon.
How did the restaurants do!? Killer apparently… The Lodge in East Hampton was packed all weekend… The Pear was Golden in SAG, EH and Southampton… Beacon in Sag Harbor had customers lining up non-stop… and the Palm was filled to the rafters!! So for all of the nay sayers out there… THE HAMPTONS ARE STILL THE PLACE TO BE FOR SUMMER!! It was a great weekend for all, except maybe Rudy Giuiliani who got heckled and verbally assaulted in Bridgehampton. I’m not getting into it… but if you want to read more go here: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/05/23/2009-05-23_rudy_giuliani__wife_judy_confronted_by_heckler_in_the_hamptons.html#ixzz0GRUYsoZy&A
See you tomorrow!