nichols restaurant

Two bucks will get you on the subway, but fresh garlic will get you a seat. I know where to buy it and announcing THE EAST HAMPTON GRILL!

Well, now that we all know that Della Famina is soon to be no more… I can tell you that the Hillstone Group the people behind Houstons will soon be opening “THE EAST HAMPTON GRILL.” I’ll assume it’s to be much like the PALM BEACH GRILL which the company owns and currently operates in that “OTHER” resort area. I only hope one thing, they have the Slow Roasted Pork Ribs, the Spinach artichoke dip and the crab cakes! It’s funny but I’ve never heard so much buzz or excitement about the opening of a new restaurant in the Hamptons like I have about this. Sure NOBU is going to Southampton but as I said before, the lines will be longer at The East Hampton Grill!

Citarella is getting a run for it’s money as Mike and Sandy DeGennaro, who own Long Wharf Wines in Sag Harbor and Southampton Wines at Water Mill Shops and Muse Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge chef Matthew Guiffrida have finally opened their long awaited AVANTI CULINARY MARKET.

Located at the site of the old Citerellas in Water Mill, I went to the shopping center the other day to buy cupcakes for a friend’s birthday (at Water Mill Cupcakes) and ended up strolling through what is one of the best epicurean (thank you spell check) centers in the Hamptons. The prices are more than competitive with the other gourmet shops in the Hamptons but the staff was over the top helpful!! The selection of seafood and meats were well stocked but I was bowled over by the extensive selection of herbs and spices (why do I sound like I’m talking about KFC) with the slick and cool packaging.

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t try much of the prepared foods since I’m currently trying to squeeze into my 29″ waist speedo so I can’t comment. But I did try the tuna which the chef offered to turn into freshly prepared “tuna tare tare.” It was probably the best I ever had! To make a long story longer or shorter, AVANTI is now open visit their website for more details. But why do that… just go… EAT!

Breaking News!!!! Della Femina sells to Hillstone Restaurant Group!

In news that is going to have all of the Hamptons a buzz… Jerry Della Femina has allegedly sold his East Hampton restaurant to the Hillstone Restaurant Group. In case you don’t know the group it’s the company behind the hugely successful HOUSTON’S restaurant group. The company recently changed their name to Hillstone’s in the Manhattan locations. I’m not sure what the name will be here in the Hamptons, but I assure you the food will be awesome. I have long been a fan of Houston’s/Hillstone in the city. Their salads, their steaks, their everything is fresh, a great portion size and at a great price. If I were The Palm, I would be very nervous right now. This will be the biggest restaurant on the east end this summer…. MARK MY WORDS! Look for an opening in early to mid May!

No more EH Village beach passes…. and a new fitness studio (sort of) in Sag Harbor!

It’s official, East Hampton Village has officially ran out of 2011 Non-resident beach passes. So if you don’t already have one, it’s Indian Wells for you. But before you head out there make sure you at least have a town pass. There are plenty of those.

Well it’s beginning to look a lot like spring time in the Hamptons. The crocus’ are starting to pop up, some trees are budding and the stores and restaurants are getting prepped for the influx of summer visitors.

One of the more interesting renovations or expansions going on right now is wellNEST (yes, it’s supposed to be spelled that way!) in Sag Harbor. In case you are not familiar with the shop, it was started by Richard Ash, MD, dedicated to organic and sustainable well being, from vitamins to juices and even eyewear. It’s philosophy is all about better living inside and out. Well now they’re opening a WellNEST fitness studio. Set for a May 1 launch and hoping to give Lululemon a run for their money, the studio will feature BHAKTI YOGA, a spiritual approach to the exercise that will also incorporate natural oils and aromatheropy (if my research is correct). Anyway, if you want more information give WellNest at call at 631-899-4600.

Oh and speaking of telephone numbers, Sag Harbor is apparently out of 725 exchanges. So, now 725 is the new 212! Be afraid of a slew of foreign and alien 3 digit extensions heading to a neighborhood near you!

Finally, they’re getting ready for business at the old Farmhouse/Laundry restaurant. Apparently the former bartender and manager of Nichols, Colin Keilor is getting ready to launch a new restaurant at the East Hampton location . From what I hear, they’re looking at a Memorial Day opening. I don’t know what the name of the place will be but I wish them the best of luck getting it together. I always loved the space at the Farmhouse/Laundry/Purple Cow but having been in there a few months ago, I can tell you the place was looking a little beat and needed a ton of work.