Michael Gluckman

Making Sag Harbor Great Again…. WINSTON’S WENT AND THE SERVICE STATION IS COMING TO TOWN!

It seems everything is heating up these days.  The weather, the politics and the buzz for the latest entry in to making Sag Harbor “THE” place this summer.    First Le Bilboquet and now the Trump organization has staked their claim as they unveiled their logo atop the American Hotel in Sag Harbor earlier this morning. According to the press release that was being handed out by campaign workers and hotel volunteers, “The Trump Organization is here to add some class to this sleepy little town. Hopefully we can get pretty people to come to Sag Harbor… it needs it, right now everyone looks like Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina.”    The official kick off won’t be for a few months until all of the gilding is finished on the exterior and cherub water fountain placed in the foyer.   “It’s gonna (sic) look classy” said one Trump spokesman.     There are also plans that the current restaurant will be replaced with “Donald’s Big Weiner Hut” specializing in over sized Kobe beef hot dogs.    For more information, you can visit the new hotel website here.     I’m hoping they can just make Sag Harbor great again!

COMING SOON: Service Station

OK, hopefully you clicked the link above and KNOW all the details from above.  In the meantime, some changes are in store for the former Nichols and the ever so briefly named Winston’s.    The East Hampton locale is now being prepped for the upcoming season by SagTown Coffee’s Shane Dyckman and local restaurateur Michael Gluckman.    The “SERVICE STATION” will feature a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and more contemporary fare such as rock shrimp tacos, steak frites, rotisserie chicken and tuna ceviche.    The goal is to be a casual family friendly establishment for both locals and summer visitors.  The wine selection will also have a wide selection by the glass and starting at $8.    Look for details on the opening date sometime in the next few weeks.  I’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, someone who will really help make Sag Harbor great is coming to town.  Rumor has it Drew Barrymore just plopped down a little under $4 million dollars for a home in the village.

No way to tell when she’s actually coming to town but I’m looking forward to seeing my favorite Charlie’s Angel out and about.

Something to chew on for Sag Harbor and East Hampton Rugby is in overtime

Bella!

Hi everyone, it feels good to be back.    I took a few months off (as I often do from this blog) and I promise I’ll be more consistent this time (I promised that before too).  So much has been going on but if I seem a bit blurry eyed, it’s mostly due to my puppy Bella.  Yes, I have a new dog since the passing of Boo.  But I have to say, that while she does look a lot like her older sister, she’s her own girl.  She’s full of spunk and quite the terror on my other dog poor Russell.  In fact, when we asked Russell what we should name her, he suggested Bu-jo (think Boo with Cujo).   So, if I’m a bit rambling here it’s because of my need for sleep.   I’ve been doing too many 2 am bathroom breaks.  Here she is!  Yeah, it’s actually easier when they’re cute!

 

A new tenant!

Well you might have already heard but the “Paradise Cafe” in Sag Harbor shuttered it’s doors a few months ago.   Apparently, negotiations to renew the lease went nowhere.    Luckily,  you can still enjoy Chef and owner Robert Durkin’s cuisine at “Robert’s”in Water Mill.   Well last night I ran into restaurateur Michael Gluckman who told me he’s going into the space that was Paradise right in the heart of Sag Harbor.    While I’m disappointed to see Paradise go, I’m happy to know  there will be something good going in it’s place.   Michael has always had solid restaurants that were reasonably priced with a great menu and good food.   I found his “Lodge” to be one East Hampton’s best watering holes with a diverse and satisfying menu, he tells me he’s hoping to do something similar here.

In the meantime, I’m hoping Paradise returns to Sag Harbor soon, I miss the Bolognese pasta, the best I’ve ever had and the Roast Chicken with Rosemary was sublime… wait I can’t say sublime, that sounds pretentious… It was AWESOME.   Better.   Anyway, maybe Paradise can go into the spot that was Phao in Sag Harbor,  because apparently twice wasn’t the charm and according to sources, they’re going the way of the 8-track tape.
Soon to be a collectors item!
OK, enough talking about food.  I’m getting hungry and I have to work out first.   If I don’t I won’t be able to fit into my Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts, which will soon be collectors items.    Yep, it’s true the Rugby brand will soon be no more.   I’m not sure why because the store in downtown Manhattan and the one in East Hampton were always packed.  But fear not lovers of the Earl of East Hampton (Ralph Lauren-he virtually owns EH  retail) my poorly placed sources have hinted that it will soon be a RL Home store.   I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Finally, I hope I made up for a long, long, long absence from the blogosphere.   If I haven’t here’s one last bit of good advice, at STAPLES they’re selling cases of Pelligrino water for $4 a case!  Yes, $4 a case.  It’s an amazing deal.

Noise pollution will hit a new high in the Hamptons! Mistuh Sheffieeeeeld!!! Plus, playboy bunnies at the Beachhouse?!!

This Sunday, comedienne and actress Fran Dresher will be screeching in East Hampton for a good cause. The Father’s Day Family Fun event will benefit Fran’s cancer prevention organization, Cancer Schmancer, while also celebrating her new TV show and Cancer Schmancer’s WE THE FUTURE youth program. Featuring live music, food, viewing of the US Open, video games, a castle bounce and many more fun activities for both parents and children, this event offers the perfect outlet for Father’s Day fun. Tickets can be purchased on their website! The event will be honoring local businessman and Enclave Inn owner Michael Wudyka as “Father of the Year.”

Also this weekend the Beachhouse (how do I spell this anyway) will be launching their Saturday Tea Dance. You know I’ve been talking a lot about the Beachhouse because it’s close to my house and it’s a great space. I know the gang over there have been negotiating with DJ Lady Bunny to host the event. Yes, the same DJ Bunny who hosted my friends Bill and Sue’s wedding where his Palm Beach Mother remarked “that woman is wearing too much make up.” I JUST FOUND OUT SHE WON’T BE THERE THIS WEEKEND… BUT WHO KNOWS ABOUT NEXT.  Featuring drink specials and I think a custom bar menu it should be a blast. So what’s the space like? I went over there the other day and spoke to manager Rory Boothby and videotaped a quick tour. I’m still learning how to do this editing thing but take a look and tell me what you think!?

BY THE WAY TEA DANCE STARTS AT 4PM No, not about my editing about the space. You’re a critical bunch.

Quote of the week. A friend of mine had a customer who asked about a property on Mulford Lane in Amagansett. When his customers asked about the neighborhood he quickly responded “go to google earth and zoom in real close. You see the roof in the middle of the water, someone bought that as a waterfront a few years ago.” They have an appointment to see the house on Saturday. Now that’s a waterfront!!!

Southamptons is getting a little more social!!! And one of my greatest Hamptons discoveries ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well by now we all know the tales of Ed (Jean Luc) Kleefeld… his restaurants JL East, JL Bistro, Madame Tong’s and Prime 103 and their lasting legacy of cobwebs and unused commerical space. Well 2011 is a very good year for former some of the best old “JL” properties.

First, Michael Gluckman and his management team including Rory Boothby successfully launched “The Beach House” last week. A sort of spin off to their already successful “Boat House” off Three Mile Harbor. It was the opening of the year so far when they toasted Cinco De Mayo last Thursday! The cars were lined up and down Montauk Highway and of course our local men in blue were there to issue tickets. Yes, tis the season! It was wall to wall people there to see the new and improved space that was once PRIME 103 and JL East. The new menu gets a big thumbs up for some real crowd pleasing dishes (as opposed to the impossible menu at Southfork Kitchen) and the prices that won’t make your eyes pop. I’ll have more about their food and plans for events at “The Beach House” later this week… today’s blog is about the real estate. But one last word, KUDOS for the best opening night of the year goes to “The Beach House.”

Now for the property formerly known as Madame Tong’s. With one of the best backyards of any restaurant in the Hamptons, it only makes sense that the building would once again host a hybrid Restaurant/Club. It’s alleged that is exactly what will be the case with the new establishment “The New York Social Club.” According to sources the menu will be more American fair that will morph into a club scene after the dinner hours. I don’t know who the new owners are but I’m told they’re well known NYC club/restaurant owners. Look for more details in then next few days and an opening sometime in late May.

And lastly… according to CURBED.COM, Astoria’s Pomme Café is opening a at the old JLX in Sag Harbor. To many it’s better known as that doomed corner where numerous restaurants have flopped, including La Maison, JLX-Bistro, and Peter Miller’s. I apologize for my earlier blog… where I said La Maison is back… but that’s what the “manager” guy told me.

Now, we all see those free magazines tossed in the lobbies of restaurants, banks and real estate offices all over the Hamptons. Well last week my friend picked up an old copy of Edible East End which was sitting around the house and told me about a small Mexican Deli in Southampton, which features authentic homemade specialties. Well as anybody who reads this blog knows, I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD. I’ve been on a quest to find a good restaurant that serves it…. and while it’s not a restaurant the De Jesus Deli on County Rd. 39 next to PC Richard’s is a HOME RUN! If I were Blue Parrot I would buy my tamales from this little shop on the Highway and serve them. They’re AWESOME and some of the best I’ve ever had. Burritos for rock bottom prices, home made salsas and more are also available. This is an unknown find in the Hamptons. In fact, I went to a Mother’s Day party on Sunday and brought along some vegetable and Pork Tamales, they were the hit of the party. Ok, enough writing… I’m hungry now. It’s time for lunch.