Matthew Guiffrida – Hamptons Chatter

I thought I was done for the year but like Al Pacino in GODFATHER III, “they keep bringing me back!” I’m not sure who the “they” are but I guess it’s the fact this week has been so darn busy on the East End. It’s like July trying to find a parking space in any of the villages. So now back to the news… good news folks… the former JLX Bistro/Pommes Cafe

(I had to use JLX because I don’t think anyone knew the Pommes Cafe) will soon be taken over by the folks behind MUSE in Water Mill. Chef Chef Matthew Guiffrida will be bringing his unique and diverse menu to one of the best locations in Sag Harbor. Let’s just hope he brings his amazing fondue… YES FONDUE… from MUSE to the new location. Yeah, I know fondue is not something that will help me win any “hard body” contest!

Located on the end of Main St., the space has gone through several incarnations over the past few years. But I think it has more to do with bad management than it being a bad location. Besides, if anyone can make this work I’m convinced Guiffrida can do it. I’ve always loved MUSE but since I live in East Hampton, found the trek to Water Mill a little much especially in the summer. So, I’m thrilled he’s taking over this space in Sag Harbor. In fact, I asked Matthew if he’ll be doing any of his cooking classes in Sag Harbor and he said, yes! He also told me his menu will be similar to that of MUSE but with a few more pasta and seafood dishes added.

Speaking of the man behind the stove, Matthew Guiffrida if any one of my friends who still works in television reads this blog, take note! Who was one of the first people to give Bobby Flay a gig on TV?! You’re right, it was ME! Well let me tell you Guiffrida should be your next food segment booking. I went to his cooking class and not only was it an amazing night of food and wine… LOTS OF WINE ACTUALLY… but Matthew is charming, funny and fast. He should be doing television! Matthew good luck with the new place and make sure we get invited to that opening hopefully this March!

Now for a little bit of bad news. It seems the restaurant that was the BEACH HOUSE is no longer. What started out in my opinion one of the best new restaurants of Summer 2011 has become a victim of the off season blues. According to owner Michael Gluckman, he may be back in another

incarnation soon. I’m hoping so and I’m also hoping the new restaurant serves what I thought was some of the best TUNA TAR TARE around. Ok, hopefully I’m done… and done with blogging about food. I’m going back to the gym this afternoon and hopefully I’ll blog more about working out in 2012!!! Wish me luck!

So, the weather outside is frightful… and starting a fire don’t seem delightful. With no particular place to go… head to Muse in Water Mill. Why you ask? Well because the food is pretty good and they occasionally offer one of the most fun evenings in the Hamptons… a cooking class.

Last Tuesday night I headed over to the restaurant which is located in the Citarella/Blockbuster shopping center for an evening cooking class. Now, you have to understand I was more nervous than a poodle at a Chinese restaurant but I went anyway to learn a thing or two. The topic for the evening was appetizers for your holiday party. I was hoping that I could eventually serve more than frozen pigs in a blanket at my next soiree!

The class was run by the owner and chef of MUSE, Matthew Guiffrida. The cost was about $45per person and for the small sum we were fed, entertained and had more than a couple glasses of vino. Matthew is not only a GREAT entertainer but has enough personality AND knowledge to keep 40+ adults quiet and entertained for over two hours. Considering when I cook the only way I know something is done is when the smoke detector goes off, the class was really educational.

The one dish I remember best and liked the most were his Risotto balls. They were absolutely awesome. My only criticism; the food came too slow and the wine came too quickly. Otherwise, it was probably one of the most fun evenings I can remember in the Hamptons in a long time. For more information, call the restaurant for the time and date of the next class. Muse Restaurant and Aqua Bar, 760 Montauk Highway Water Mill. Phone: 631-726-2606

About Me

First off, all of the opinions in the blog are my own and don't represent the views of any organization and or company.

I'm a results-driven real estate specialist with more than 20 years of listing and selling experience while also managing for Douglas Elliman for close to 12 years. I think between my own experience in sales and having managed close to 25 agents for nearly a decade, there are really very few scenarios I haven't seen. I know how to deal with the difficult deals, I've done it before and I think for the consumer having this kind of experience is extremely valuable.

Originally from New Jersey, I studied Communications and English Literature at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and George Washington University. After that I moved to Manhattan for almost 20 years working in the television industry as a producer and senior producer for Fox News Channel, producer of "Good Day New York," and at CNBC, The Sally Jesse Raphael Show, MTV and PBS – WNET.

My motto: It's all about relationships, and taking the time to really listen to what customers want.

Sag Harbor has a new culinary Muse!

A Muse for cooking and culinary arts!