I hope it doesn’t sound too too cheesy, but I’ve been working on some snappy lines about the newest restaurant to open its doors in Sag Harbor. Yes, I know I need to work on my delivery. Anyway, for now I’ll just give you a piece of my mind about Sag Pizza.
Located in the site of the former Conca D’oro (they even kept the sign), the newly renovated and sleekly designed restaurant opened it’s doors to a hungry horde earlier today. Perhaps it’s because it’s from the same folks that brought us LT Burger that had them lining up outside an hour before a single pie was tossed. So, how is it? I thought it was pretty darn good, especially since they were only opened for about an hour. While I heard some grumbling about having to wait in line to get a slice, it’s the first day folks! I’m sure they know there’s mushroom for improvement and given the folks running the place, they’ll get there soon enough. Now, to the really important part… the food itself. I had a slice of the margherita and one of the pepperoni. Both were made with fresh mozzarella and sauce on a thin crust that was nicely complimented by a slight smoky
flavor from the wood burning oven. Overall, a solid slice and a welcome addition to Sag Harbor. If you want more menu information, click on the restaurants website here. Let me know what YOU think.
You know how when you go to any town in the U.S. and the locals have a funny way of referring to their community, you know like in Bayonne you’ll meet someone and they’ll tell you how “people call us the Paris of New Jersey!” Hmmm, while I’m not sure I usually agree with these analogies I will tell you, I do have a few of my own about certain things in the Hamptons. In fact, I asked some of my friends if they had some quaint ways to refer to the sites and sounds of the Hamptons. Here are a few of my favorites:
Madison and Main Sag Harbor is the 42nd and Broadway of the Hamptons. With pedestrians that don’t look, drivers who don’t know how to drive and more cars than these two streets can handle, I can see it. Hit that intersection on a Saturday at 7pm in July and August and you’ll be looking for the dirty Elmo to come take his picture with your kids for $5.
Stop and Shop stores are the DMV of the Hamptons. Perhaps it’s the long lines. It could also be the parking lot that’s full with the mayhem and madness of novice drivers. Maybe it’s the cranky cashiers or maybe it’s the fact you really don’t want to buy the produce at either that this comparison makes sense. Either way, I’m not a fan of either and they apparently bought their dingy lighting from the same place.
Gucci pants, shoes, shirt and an Hermes belt are the Garanimals of the Hamptons. Remember those kids who used to eat the glue in 3rd grade? The ones who were lucky enough to have their mother tell them to always make sure they wear a giraffe pants with a giraffe shirt?! Well some of them grew up and now live in the Hamptons. Yes, t
hey’re here and still dressing with the same amount of thought as they did when they were in phonics class. It’s a thoughtless uniform but with a more expensive flair. By the way, I would wear these Garanimals too if I had the money to spare.
Tesla is the Honda of the Hamptons. If you live in a normal part of the world you go out to dinner, the movies or wherever and you park in a lot that’s probably Honda heavy. It’s a good car. It’s a sensible car. It’s also the vehicle, 90 percent of your friends drive in the rest of the world. Well this isn’t Cherry Hill here. It’s the Hamptons. Yes, sensible has a different look here on the East End. But hey, I do like these cars. I’m not knocking them. BUT, if only there was a supercharging station closer than Southampton.
Amagansett is the Tribeca of the Hamptons. It’s young, it’s hip, it’s loaded with celebs, it’s trendy and the coffee shops are so hip they hurt! I hope I don’t need to explain this further. If you don’t believe me, stop by Jack’s coffee anytime from now to Labor day. Oh, and if you ever see a guy wearing gap khaki shorts and a polo shirt who stands out like a sore thumb in town…. that’s me.
Well first on my list today is that RUGOSA is now open!! Located at the site of the old ALMONDCELLO an ALMONDITTO. Chef Bill Mammes has created a truly inspired menu. All of your favorite dishes with a destinctive East End flair. While I only got to try a few of the dishes, I arrived for the opening night party a little late.. although I did show up early on Sunday… the party was on Tuesday. Anyway what I did have was really impressive. If memory serves me right an awesome “carrot with ginger soup and mussles.” Also, a salt cod, I hate cod but it was was pretty terrific. Served 
with potato and grilled asparagus. Finally the ceviche, I didn’t get a chance to try it but Ben from the East Hampton Independent said a big thumbs up. Congrats to chef Bill Mammes formerly of The Maidstone Club and general manager and my budette Chimene Visser. The interior by the way has been totally redone since Almoncello and it’s stunning (see above).
So I discovered that high end real estate is really a lot like high end retail. Some brokers are forcing themselves to be a lot nicer to both customers and other agents but the prices ain’t coming down!!! The following is a real conversation with “L” from HERMES in East Hampton. She was absolutly lovely and nice… I’m sure she’s now laughing with all of her co-workers at me.
Located on North Main St., just west of the IGA is the amazing LUCY’S WHEY. You’ll love every aisle of Lucy’s!! (heheh) As you can tell from the picture to the left here, it’s a purveyor of “American artisan cheese.” I’m not sure exactly what that means but the stuff is good. I’m not a cheese snob, in fact I’m from the Philly area and up until very recently my very favorite cheese came out of a can! The staff at Lucy’s is friendly and really helpful, without being snobs and making you feel like an idiot for not knowing the difference between a Roth Kase Grand Cru Gruyere Surchoix and a Manchego. I love cheese and despite what a certain broker told me once “A fondue in June!?!?.. I say who cares.. do you eat grilled cheese in the summer?! The Swiss and French eat fondue year round!! I’m sailing now to the Isle of LUCY’S ..NOW OUT OF MY FACE!
Hermes has hit the Hamptons. PERFECT!! WE REALLY NEEDED AN HERMES IN EAST HAMPTON… it felt like we were all hicks
that!) But before you trade in that Martha Stewart Living towel for something more glamorous, I’ll make you this offer. I’ll personally bring you a fluffy Martha towel and shake martinis for you all afternoon long. And no I won’t be wearing a bathing suit!! Don’t even go there!!