Sant Ambroeus, a popular Italian restaurant chain (with 11 locations it’s a chain – like Olive jardin but with no bread sticks) recently opened their second Hamptons location in East Hampton. The new location is situated at 66 Newtown Lane in the building that was recently sold for a whopping $28 million. I haven’t had a chance to eat there yet, but a few friends did this past weekend and I’ve been hearing all about it. Here’s what people are saying.
On the one hand, people are raving about the cuisine. They say the food is fantastic and the restaurant is quite the scene. On the other hand, they’re not so thrilled about the price tag. “Expensive” is the word I’m hearing most often. A Caesar salad will set you back $28, while a veal chop will cost you a cool $57. Even the clam chowder is a pricey $49. So yes, the food is really good… but it doesn’t come cheap. So think of it this way, it’s the Ticketmaster of Italian food where there’s a service charge to go and be seen.
Even though I didn’t eat in the EH location, I did manage to sneak a peek inside. The interior was redone by the same team that worked on Surf Lodge and Ruschmeyer’s, but it still looks quite similar to the old Babette’s. So, if you liked Babette’s, you’ll probably feel right at home at Sant Ambroeus.
We hardly knew ye’ – Main Street Tavern
Meanwhile, It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Main Street Tavern Amagansett. The restaurant, which opened with a lot of fanfare in July of 2020, was not able to quite catch on and win over the hearts of locals IMHO. It’s unfortunate, but I guess the team behind 11 Madison Park and the always crowded Highway Restaurant were unable to replicate their success with this venture. The building is now up for sale for $5 million. Maybe it will become Indian Wells Tavern again. That would be awesome.
It’s that time of year again! Time to break out your fall clothes and make a reservation. So toss away that “I hate to cook” apron because Long Island Restaurant Week started this past Sunday, November 6th and ends on Sunday, November 13th and it’s bigger than ever.
In 2020, Long Island Restaurant Week was expanded with the goal of supporting restaurants during a time when customers were struggling to eat lunch due in part from the COVID-19 crisis. These changes included price adjustments and adding additional options for varying budgets so folks could enjoy meals out without feeling too guilty! The prices range from $27, $37, or $44 for a three-course dinner prix fixe, depending on the restaurant, with many $22 two-course lunch selections available, too. Check out the list below to see who is taking part here in the Hamptons.
East Hampton:
Cove Hollow Tavern – If you’re looking for a casual yet sophisticated dining experience, look no further than Cove Hollow Tavern. The menu features American classics with a twist, like the Harissa’s Lamb Burger, Mushroom Bolognese Pasta and the best french fries on the east end. And of course, no meal is complete without one of their generous cocktails. Cove Hollow is offering a 3 course dinner for $37. For more information: www.covehollowtavern.com
Long Island Restaurant Week is back!
Sag Harbor:
Page at 63 Main – Looking for a romantic dinner spot? Page at 63 Main is perfect for date night. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal specialties. Some of our favorites include the Herb Roasted Half Chicken and Skin Charred Salmon. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but be sure to save room for dessert! The Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berry Compoteis to die for. Page is offering a 3 course dinner prix fixe for $44. For more information: www.page63main.com
Bridgehampton:
Elaia Estiatorio – Greece is the word at this Bridgehampton hot spot. Mediteranian specialties are abundant on the menu with enough choices to make everyone happy in a casual and fun atmosphere. Start with a Whipped Feta Dip or Braised Lamb Meatballs. Follow up with a Chicken Souvlaki or Lavraki (Bronzino) with your choice of side- the Handcut Parsley Fries are pretty good too. Wrap it up with what else, a big hunk of Baklava. Elaia is offering three courses for $44. For more information: www.elaiaestiatorio.com
Jean Georges at Topping Rose Inn – Start with the amazing Kale Caesar Salad or Tuna Tartare. This casual, elegant restaurant celebrates the seasons and offers farm-to table cuisine using ingredients sourced from local fisherman & farmers! For Fall Long Island Restaurant Week they will be offering a $44 three course dinner prix fixe with Salmon, Roast Chicken and vegeterian pasta that are all worth taking advantage of before Sunday. For the the menu click here.
Calissa – If you’re in the mood for Greek food, Calissa is another option. The beautiful space is perfect for a romantic dinner. We recommend ordering the Tomato Soup with feta croutons or the Stuffed Calimari to start, followed by the Lobster Risotto for your main course. And don’t forget to order a bottle of wine from their extensive list! Calissa is offering a 3 course dinner for $42. For more information: www.calissahamptons.com
Southampton:
Southampton Publick House – Southampton Publick House is a local favorite for good reason. The menu features traditional pub fare with a twist, like Fish & Chips with Malt Vinegar and BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. And of course, no meal here would be complete without one of their award-winning beers! Publick House is offering a 2 course lunch for $22 and 3 course dinner for $37 For more information – www.publick.com
Union Sushi & Steak- Union Sushi & Steak is the perfect place to go if you can’t decide what you’re in the mood for. With a menu that features both steak and sushi, there’s something for most everyone. We recommend starting with the Tuna Tartare appetizer and then moving on to either the filet mignon or the duck risotto for your main course. Union Sushi and Steak is offering a 3 course menu for $44. For more details visit- www.dineatunion.com
Saaz Indian Restaurant- Saaz Indian Restaurant is THE place to go on Long Island if you’re in the mood for Indian food. The menu features all of your favorite dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Hakka Noodles as well as several vegan options. For more information about their restaurant week specials visit: http://www..saazny..com
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it during Long Island Restaurant Week! With so many great options to choose from, it’s impossible to go wrong! So make a reservation at your favorite spot or try somewhere new and enjoy a delicious three-course meal today!
Boardwalk. Go to jail. Do not pass go. These are all synonymous with the game of Monopoly, which has been collecting dust in family closets for generations. But now there’s a new version of the game that is ready to eat up shelf space and raise a few eyebrows at the same time: Hamptons Monopoly. You probably saw it displayed as you entered the local CVS or vareity store. This version of the game, which is set in The Hamptons, features a number of changes to the traditional game board, including different properties and different prices. While some people love the new twists on the classic game, others like me feel that it could just as well be set in Ronkonkoma. Meaning, this board game was developed by some intern at Hasbro who was researching articles in Long Island Pennysaver.
First off, Boardwalk and Park Place have been replaced with the Montauk Light House and Shelter Island. While not exactly Baltic Avenue, one would think Boardwalk would be Sag Harbor Main Street or Southampton Bath and Tennis. Instead of going to Jail maybe they should just put you in line at Citarealla. As for the game game pieces, the car looks kind of like a Ford Pinto (have they been to the Hamptons?). Why didn’t they at least have something more hip like a Moke! But before you think they totally missed the mark, the retail price for the Hamptons version is $39.99 while the regular sells for $16.34 on Amazon.com. I think I’ll stick to solitaire on my phone.
The Lobster has left !
Another restaurant falls victim to the tough Hamptons restaurant scene. The Montauk Lobster House, nestled between Sen and the American Hotel on Main Street Sag Harbor, has closed its doors. The restaurant’s location and proximity to other successful businesses should have made it a huge success, but apparently not. Maybe it was the dumb name considering it’s in Sag Harbor. Or maybe it was just bad luck. Either way, there’s no news yet about what’s going into the space which was also formerly occupied by Wolffer Kitchen. We can only hope that the new business will have better luck than the Montauk Lobster House.
