hamptons chatter – Hamptons Chatter

LIFE IS A CABERNET! PLUS BEFORE THE CROWDS, 5 IDEAS FOR ENJOYING THE HAMPTONS.

April 3, 2023April 3, 2023

WILL THE NEXT RESTAURANT ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE!

Sag Harbor get ready to raise your glass! Although, I have no doubt it will be a costly one. Vin Sur Vingt, one of the best wine and cheese bars in NYC according to CBS News Online (which is kind of like Bon Appetite but it’s online and it’s from CBS News) is coming soon to 29 Main Street. With several NYC outlets and one in D.C., the wine bar is said to be opening sometime this spring. After some minor renovations the merlot and chablis will be flowing at the former site of Montauk Lobster Company, Wolffer Kitchen, and a few others I can’t even remember. After perusing their website we can expect an experience a tad different from Murph’s as their menu features light dishes like charcuterie boards, pizzas, tartines and other bistro-inspired bites. The Hamptons has been missing out on a traditional wine bar so fingers crossed that Vin Sur Vingt has the right tannins. If it’s a hit, we can skip tipping the box of wine and Ritz Crackers for a nice night out.

So here we are it’s April and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be at full tilt here on the East End. That means the warm breezes, brilliant sun and bumper to bumper traffic will all soon be the norm. But before things get too crazy, now is the perfect time to enjoy the Hamptons and a few of the best things that life or at least Long Island has to offer.

Spa Day at Gurneys – it’s like a mini vacation. Have a work out followed by a massage, sauna, swim and a lunch overlooking the water. What could be better? Go Monday through Thursday and even save a few bucks. If you want more information; click here.

Try Some New Food – Two new eateries opened since last summer and both will no doubt have a hefty waiting list this summer. My favorite of the two is Leon 1909 on Shelter Island. A cool setting, top notch service, interesting menu and most importantly some really good food. The other is The Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn of Hampton Bays. A major renovation of the once hopping hot spot has created a stunning yet casual experience. The service is great as are the appetizers. The main courses were a little sub-par (we had the chicken and the poached black bass) but it was overall an enjoyable evening. I expect both joints to be packed by Memorial Day.

Trivia Night at Town Line – Gather your smartest friends and head to Townline BBQ every Thursday night at 7p in Wainscott, although I suggest getting there much earlier. There, you can put your knowledge to the test with 6 rounds of trivia based on various themes – from current events, pop culture and even song clips! A $10 entry fee per person gets pooled together so that 1st place will take home 60% of it, 2nd place 30%, 3rd 10%. Plus there’s an added bonus: whoever wins big throughout the season-long competition walks away with The Golden Pig trophy at Memorial Day weekend! Apparently smart folks take the summer off as that is the final weekend till fall.

Live Music and Wine Tasting at Wolffer Vineyards – Come out and experience a cozy night of music and wine at the beautiful Wölffer Estate Vineyard tasting room! Every Friday starting at 4:30 you’ll be able to listen to talented local musicians as you sip on their new releases for this winter. Indulge in seasonal pairings, delicious wines & ciders, speciality cocktails – all while relaxing with friends around candlelight tables. Reserve your spot now before it’s too late! Click here for more details about each week’s musical performance lineup.

Go RIde a Bike – With summer on the horizon, it’s time to get out and explore the beauty of The Hamptons! A few years ago Curbed.com did us all a huge favor by putting together five stunning bike tours for the area – so why not hop on your two-wheeler before Mr & Mrs Magoo take over our roads. Enjoy some fresh air and amazing scenery as you make your way through these picturesque routes – click here to see where they recommend taking in all this lushness that makes living (and biking!) in The Hamptons unforgettable. Click here for the details.

A WHOLE LATTE NEW FOOD IN EAST HAMPTON!

November 28, 2022November 27, 2022

Last week it was San Ambrose…. sorry Sant Ambroeus. Now, just in time for the holiday season, Tutto Il Giorno is finally opening their doors in East Hampton Village tomorrow (11/28/22). The restaurant Tutto Caffe (yes that’s how they’re spelling it) has been under construction for what feels like forever, and they missed the summer rush. But from what we’ve heard, it was worth the wait. They will be serving paninis, espresso, cappucinos, pastries, wines and more. One tid bit we got from our spies is that the croissants are AMAZING and going to give Carissa a run for her money. Although it hasn’t opened yet, a quick peek of the interior appears to be sleek, slylish and casual. So if you’re in the village tomorrow, be sure to check it out. It’s located at 55 Main St down the small path towards the back parking lot. More details should be available tomorrow or you can check their instagram profile @tuttoilgiornocaffe. So mangia to all and to all a good night!

One of the great winter events now in the Hamptons Is the spectacular sunsets on the ocean. If you haven’t gone to the beach yet, bundle up and make the trip. The winter sunsets are a spectacular substitute for now. Sunsets happen on the water and the colors are magnificent. But remember that these sunsets are available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out! The sun usually shifts again mid January and the sunsets are over land once again. So, take a walk on the beach, and enjoy the winter scenery. It’s a great way to relax and recharge before the busy holiday season.

Sunset on Georgica Beach…. and this isn’t even a good picture!

Speakng of limited time only, it’s that time of year again. Hampton Jitney discount ticket packs are on sale now. Once again, save big and know the tickets never expire. If you want more details or to buy packs now online CLICK HERE.

ONE SINGULAR DISASTER!

April 1, 2022April 1, 2022

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.

PLANTS, PINTS AND PASTA!

February 24, 2022February 23, 2022

With warm weather around the corner, the worker bees are buzzing to get all the hives ready in the Hamptons. Sag Harbor is no exception. One of the more interesting new concepts coming to town is taking place right off Main St. The home of the former old train station aka Sag Harbor Garden center is getting a facelift along with two new tenants. From what I’ve been told, one building will be occupied by a new garden center. The other will become what is best described as a tasting room for Kidd Squidd Brewery. The new suds spot already has an instragram account and is hoping to have the harbor hopping with hops. According to their own IG posting expect things to start brewing in the Spring.

I’m a right in assuming there will be clamari on the menu?

Meanwhile, East Hampton is getting yet another Italian-menued restaurant. Down the street from Serafina, Sam’s, Doppo La Spaggio and behind Citta Nuova will be a new outlet for the Karan (You know the DKNY lady) family eatery Tutto Il Giorno. Oh wait, I forgot there will be Sant Ambroeus (French-style in name only) around the corner too at the old Babette’s. I guess EH Village will be now known as Little Italy by the Sea. Anywhooo, the new Citta… er.. I mean Doppo… or wait Tutto will be located in the surliest little parking lot on the East End behind the Stop and Shop. The location is across from the Ralph Lauren store. No, not the Purple Label store. No, not the Polo store. No, not near the childrens one. The OTHER one. You know the vintage one. According to signs posted, the name will be TUTTO CAFFE (see photo) and they’ll have a liquor license. While I have no doubt the food will be good, I only wonder how expensive it will be for a bowl of pasta? Will it be fifty dollar fusilli? It’s the Hamptons so anything is possible.