Hamptons

DISCOUNT DATE NIGHT WITH LONG ISLAND RESTAURANT WEEK!

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.

Chef Jean George at Topping Rose Inn. www.toppingrose.com

Water Mill:

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!

Games Hamptons People Play

Just in time for Halloween!

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.

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!