dining – Hamptons Chatter

BAD TABLE ? MAYBE YOU NEED A NEW PROFILE PIC!

June 25, 2023June 22, 2023

A table with a view? You better be somebody!

Have you ever wondered why some people always seem to get the best tables at high-end restaurants in the Hamptons? Well, it turns out that behind the scenes, there’s a whole secret operation going on. The hosts and hostesses have now become investigative experts, instructed to dig deep into the lives of those making reservations. With a swift Google search and a check of the phone number using fancy software programs, they determine who’s important and who’s just a “normal joe.” Also, one hostess told me on the DL that goodlooking folks also get prime locations. Is this shocking to anyone? So, if you find yourself banished to the Siberia of dining tables, fret not! It’s time to take matters into your own hands and work on improving your Google profile. Who knew that your dinner destiny could be influenced by your online presence? Looks like it’s time to brush up on those search engine optimization skills and show those restaurants who’s boss! Bon appétit, my fellow digital diners! BTW, no word on if Murph’s Tavern is joining in this trend.

Amber Waves a renowned local farm, has recently delighted residents and visitors of East Hampton by opening a captivating pop-up store. Nestled conveniently behind the bustling and slow moving Starbucks, this place is awesome. Located at 70 Park Place, this hidden gem has quickly become a must-visit destination. The store boasts an enticing array of fresh produce, delectable baked goods, hats (Yes, those hats which are “THE” item in Tribeca) and a variety of other culinary delicacies that appeal to discerning palates. With its vibrant atmosphere and a wide selection of high-quality offerings, Amber Waves’ pop-up store is poised to captivate food enthusiasts and create a unique shopping experience. The store will be open until October, offering a delightful escape from Stop and Shop and all who appreciate the finest in local flavors. Need more info for hour etc? Click here.

MOBY’S SWIMMING BACK TO THE SCENE! PLUS CLEANING THE COBWEBS ON MAIN STREET.

June 4, 2021

BACK IN ACTION! Moby’s after last month’s fire!!

East Hampton’s great white whale of a restaurant—whatever that means—Moby’s just opened for their eighth season on Wednesday. After a fire last month the Italian and wood-fired pizza joint, and market, has returned to its circa 1880 home at 341 Pantigo Road between East Hampton and Amagansett. Apparently they took my advice (see my previous blog) and are operating primarily out of their backyard tents (which are really awesome). They have good food to-go and outdoor and patio dining with a toasty fire that I just love, as well as bottled cocktails and wine. Check them out for dinner Wednesday–Sunday. It’s fun and worth the visit.

One, apparently, is no longer the loneliest number, at least not in East Hampton! I recently received an email asking for coverage of “one,” a new retail concept opening this weekend at, you guessed it, ONE Main Street.

This is no one-of-the-mill store. Located in the building, formerly occupied by Elie Tahari, one was conceived as “an open-ended space for brand, artist, designer and artisan pop-ups” under a single curated umbrella. The 5,000-square-foot marketplace is spread out across two floors (and 2,000-square-foot basement with VIP salon) and features more than 70 fashion, design and jewelry brands, various home goods, contemporary art, indie magazines, art books and other treasures from around the world. As the name suggests, one is basically a one-stop shop for chic Hamptonites, especially anyone who might be in the process of dressing up a new home or looking for a fab summer wardrobe, complete with sparkly accessories.

And along with what sounds like a satisfying experience for even the most prolific spender, one is planning a variety of special events, including artist talks, book signings, trunk shows and capsule collections throughout the summer. It’s all about the bringing back the joy and pleasure of IRL shopping in the age of Amazon and online retailers. And let’s face it—after the last year of forced virtual commerce, we could all use some time browsing and buying physical items in person at a brick-and-mortar location.

IS THE BUOY A BUST?? PLUS, HAPPY AS A CLAM IN EAST HAMPTON.

May 5, 2018May 5, 2018

After floating gossip it seems, Bagel Buoy in Sag Harbor is no longer sunk.
The Village staple shuttered it’s doors or rather the lox were changed earlier this week. A “notice of closure” was posted on the door and that had lips flapping all over town.

While I am not a huge fan of Bagel Buoy and the surly staff it’s always sad to see this sort of thing happen. Rumor has it a deal is in the works to bring Goldberg’s Bagels to the Bay Street location. If you take a look at what they’ve done with the nightmare that was “Twice Upon a Bagel” in Wainscott, we can all rest easy knowing we’ll still have a good place to nosh! But the story isn’t over yet, apparently the buoy was bobbing with business earlier today. So grab your popcorn this battle of the bagels has apparently just begun.

Meanwhile, the site of the former “Service Station” (loved the salads and sandwiches) has reopened as the Quiet Clam 2.0 earlier this week.

While I haven’t been in yet, my spies say it’s actually worth a visit. The menu is a throw back to when the establishment was “The Quiet Clam” before it was “Nichol’s” back in the last century. Yes, they have clams on the menu along with burgers, pizzas and more. I promise I’ll have more to come. But from what I’ve been hearing on social media the place will be getting a thumbs up.

UPDATE: I went in and it was “meh.” Right now there is no liquor license so it’s BYOB. The lunch menu was limited and there were NO clams but the dinner version seems a bit more promising. I’ll have to go back when they get their act together.

Finally, in case you missed it EMP House reservations went on lin

e earlier this week via an American Express website. Well if you snooze you lose and I apparently snoozed. After going live at 9am, by noon the only slots left available were at 5 pm or 10 pm. While this might not pose a problem if you’re 25 or 85 years old, the rest of us younger side of middle age folks (no comments from the peanut gallery) are S.O.L. While there still be walk-ins available for the picnic tables in the back, my attention is more focused on something called the “Taco Experience” for $95 – $125 per person. I’m just hoping that tequila is included with that number! Hahahahhahhhahhaahhhhahah. I know it’s the Hamptons!

MY HOLIDAY GIFT TO YOU! PLUS HARVEY AND THE HAMPTONS!

December 21, 2017December 21, 2017

A321_Frontier__Airlines-680x365_c — This is what a plane looks like. flyfrontier.com

I know the weather outside is getting more and more frightful. In fact, the thought of shoveling driveways, cold wet feet and darkness at 3:30pm has you completely depressed and overwhelmed. I know! I know… I feel you! But before you call the doctor to “up” your daily dosage of “vitamin Z” (zoloft), read this blog. It will bring you comfort and joy. DISCLAIMER: please don’t go off your meds folks, while I’m a joy for my family and at least 2 of my friends, my suggestions here are not meant to be any sort of medical diagnosis so put down the phone. Jacoby & Myers have more important lawsuits pending.

Ok, so what’s my advice to put sunshine back in your life? Go visit flyfrontier.com and book yourself a flight to the sunshine state for as little as $35 dollars! Yes, you heard that right. For about the same cost as taking the jitney to midtown, you can instead haul you butts to Islip Airport (the easiest airport on the planet) hop on a plane and be in West Palm Beach, Miami or Ft. Myers in about 3 hours. So, the ride is about the same amount of time as a jitney as well. I will tell you the flights are no frills and you must pay for any additional baggage (checked, carry-on and emotional). In fact, while I was writing this I just got a quote for a flight from Islip to West Palm in January

for $108 round trip! Now, that doesn’t include taxes or my baggage from growing up as the youngest of 6 in suburban New Jersey. From what I gathered, these rates will likely go up in the not too distant future but in the meantime stop complaining about the weather!

If you’re not lucky enough to have the time or ability to hop on a flight to Florida and are instead heading to the Hamptons, you’re not alone. I call it the “Hurricane Harvey.” Because, for the first time ever, I had multiple rental inquiries for the week between Christmas and New Years! I’m not sure why Mr. Weinstein’s exploits have convinced peopl

e to “staycation” this holiday season but it’s kind of weird considering we also had a hurricane of the same name wipe out more than a few resorts in the Caribbean. Word to the wise here, if you’re planning on being out here the week between the holidays and want to go out to eat, MAKE RESERVATIONS! It’s going to be crowded. It’s traditionally a busy week but a few of my restaurant buddies have said reservations are up over last year.

Speaking of eating out. I mean really eating out. Like outside …. in the cold…

OUTSIDE. You might have noticed a food truck recently on the grounds of the Milk Pail in Water Mill. For those of you not brave enough to stop, I’ve done some snooping for you and discovered it’s a taco truck. It’s called AJI Authentic Mexican Food. Ok, they have more than tacos and the food is pretty good. The hours seem to have a lot to do with if the weather is good and traffic wasn’t too heavy. So if you’re driving east, see the truck and have a hankering for a good taco, burrito or nachos stop by. It’s not the best you’ll ever have but it won’t disappoint and it’s kinda fun!