real estate

PASTABILITIES IN BRIDGEHAMPTON AND TRIVIA FUN PLUS IS COOKIEPUSS A STONER?

Hold onto your taste buds, Bridgehampton! The culinary stars are aligning as Arthur and Sons, the much-talked about NYC Italian joint, gears up for its debut at 203 Bridgehampton – Sag Harbor Turnpike. Picture this: it’s taking over the former stomping grounds of the dearly missed Fresh and Hamptons Aristocrat Catering – talk about a gastronomic glow-up! Joe Isidori, the culinary maestro behind a hip Italian joint that’s become the talk of the town in NYC, recently rocked the Drew Barrymore show. Now, he’s bringing his kitchen wizardry to the Hamptons, promising a menu that’s as buzzworthy as a Hollywood red carpet. Springtime in Bridgehampton just got a whole lot tastier, folks!


In a move that would certainly make Cheech and Chong cheer, Greg Konner of Konner Development, has revealed plans to turn the familiar Carvel on Montauk Highway into a retail pot shop cheekily named Budhampton. Seemingly unfazed by potential backlash from the community and town officials, Konner boldly claims that if he meets the criteria, they can’t say no. The Carvel site apparently checks all the boxes for a retail dispensary, according to town and state regulations. But don’t get nervous you’ll soon have to haul to Southampton for your next Cookie Puss, smoke signals are saying that the Carvel will return soon in an adjacent new commercial location.

Finally, looking for a night filled with some laughter, friendly competition, and tasty waves, I mean bites? Look no further than Trivia Night at Kizzy T’s in East Hampton! Located on Montauk Highway East Hampton, where Bamboo and Zok-Kon once stood, this roadside tavern offers an alternative to a sleepy winter Sunday night. Every week at 7 trivia czar Paul Johnson poses questions, pictures and audio clips that keep you on your toes. And it’s not just about the brainpower – indulge in foosball, darts (booze and sharp objects- hmmm), billiards, and more while downing some pretty darn good chow including smashed burgers, chicken wings, and salmon rice cakes, all for about $20. I recently came close to snagging the $100 gift card, and trust me, the thrill of the game is worth it alone. For a night of fun, food, and fantastic memories, Kizzy T’s is the place to be. Check out their website at www.kizzyt.com for more details.

RESTAURANT NEWS AND IS AMAGANSETT GOING JERSEY?


Well, folks, it seems it’s time to dust the cob webs off of this little blog. Especially now that the Hamptons dining scene is going through a bit of a rollercoaster ride “post summer.” We’ve bid a tearful (or maybe not so tearful) farewell to not one, but two of our beloved eateries. First on the chopping block was Buttero, or should I say “Doppo”? Apparently, they decided to undergo a transformation from a charming Italian joint into an Italian steakhouse, because, well, the Hamptons definitely didn’t have one of those. Guess they thought we were all clamoring for more beef and fewer carbs. Bravo, Buttero, or Doppo, or whatever. It had a great staff, good food and an incredible location so this one has me a little sad.

But that’s not all, dear readers. The Hamptons foodie rollercoaster continues with the impending closure of Wolffer Kitchen in Amagansett Square. And what was their brilliant strategy for going out with a bang? Hiking up their prices and embracing an even darker atmosphere. Because, clearly, the best way to win over Hamptons diners is to make them squint in the dark while their wallets weep. Maybe if they started serving meals by candlelight, just to complete the ambiance. Darkness can be quite appealing (not that I’m commenting on bad face lifts).

MEANWHILE… In a truly shocking twist of events, rumors are swirling that TV producers are calling real estate agents and scouring Amagansett for a place to shoot a reality show, and word on the street is that it might be the return of MTV’s “Jersey Shore.” So, does this mean Snookie is heading to the Hamptons to hang with the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Stella McCartney this summer? Well, it would be quite the culture clash, wouldn’t it? The Hamptons, where Prada, Louis Vuitton and quiet sophistication could soon collide with fist-pumping and tanning oil – what could possibly go wrong? As a guy from “Jersey” i just love the ideas. Stay tuned, dear readers, because this summer promises to be one heck of a show, on and off the reality TV screen.

LIFE IS A CABERNET! PLUS BEFORE THE CROWDS, 5 IDEAS FOR ENJOYING THE HAMPTONS.

WILL THE NEXT RESTAURANT ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE!

Sag Harbor get ready to raise your glass! Although, I have no doubt it will be a costly one. Vin Sur Vingt, one of the best wine and cheese bars in NYC according to CBS News Online (which is kind of like Bon Appetite but it’s online and it’s from CBS News) is coming soon to 29 Main Street. With several NYC outlets and one in D.C., the wine bar is said to be opening sometime this spring. After some minor renovations the merlot and chablis will be flowing at the former site of Montauk Lobster Company, Wolffer Kitchen, and a few others I can’t even remember. After perusing their website we can expect an experience a tad different from Murph’s as their menu features light dishes like charcuterie boards, pizzas, tartines and other bistro-inspired bites. The Hamptons has been missing out on a traditional wine bar so fingers crossed that Vin Sur Vingt has the right tannins. If it’s a hit, we can skip tipping the box of wine and Ritz Crackers for a nice night out.

@windycity_Pizza on Twitter

So here we are it’s April and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be at full tilt here on the East End. That means the warm breezes, brilliant sun and bumper to bumper traffic will all soon be the norm. But before things get too crazy, now is the perfect time to enjoy the Hamptons and a few of the best things that life or at least Long Island has to offer.

Spa Day at Gurneys – it’s like a mini vacation. Have a work out followed by a massage, sauna, swim and a lunch overlooking the water. What could be better? Go Monday through Thursday and even save a few bucks. If you want more information; click here.

The dining room at Leon 1909

Try Some New Food – Two new eateries opened since last summer and both will no doubt have a hefty waiting list this summer. My favorite of the two is Leon 1909 on Shelter Island. A cool setting, top notch service, interesting menu and most importantly some really good food. The other is The Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn of Hampton Bays. A major renovation of the once hopping hot spot has created a stunning yet casual experience. The service is great as are the appetizers. The main courses were a little sub-par (we had the chicken and the poached black bass) but it was overall an enjoyable evening. I expect both joints to be packed by Memorial Day.

Trivia Night at Town Line – Gather your smartest friends and head to Townline BBQ every Thursday night at 7p in Wainscott, although I suggest getting there much earlier. There, you can put your knowledge to the test with 6 rounds of trivia based on various themes – from current events, pop culture and even song clips! A $10 entry fee per person gets pooled together so that 1st place will take home 60% of it, 2nd place 30%, 3rd 10%. Plus there’s an added bonus: whoever wins big throughout the season-long competition walks away with The Golden Pig trophy at Memorial Day weekend! Apparently smart folks take the summer off as that is the final weekend till fall.

Live Music and Wine Tasting at Wolffer Vineyards – Come out and experience a cozy night of music and wine at the beautiful Wölffer Estate Vineyard tasting room! Every Friday starting at 4:30 you’ll be able to listen to talented local musicians as you sip on their new releases for this winter. Indulge in seasonal pairings, delicious wines & ciders, speciality cocktails – all while relaxing with friends around candlelight tables. Reserve your spot now before it’s too late! Click here for more details about each week’s musical performance lineup.

Go RIde a Bike – With summer on the horizon, it’s time to get out and explore the beauty of The Hamptons! A few years ago Curbed.com did us all a huge favor by putting together five stunning bike tours for the area – so why not hop on your two-wheeler before Mr & Mrs Magoo take over our roads. Enjoy some fresh air and amazing scenery as you make your way through these picturesque routes – click here to see where they recommend taking in all this lushness that makes living (and biking!) in The Hamptons unforgettable. Click here for the details.

DOCKSIDE DRAMA AND LOOK WHO’S TALKING WALKING!

The former home of Dockside

Rumors about who will be taking over the old Dockside restaurant in Sag Harbor have been swirling ever since the beloved establishment shuttered its doors in November. After announcing plans of being taken over by the folks behind Rita Cantina, word on the street is that the deal has fallen through. While nothing has been confirmed, a reliable source has told me that NYC eatery Il Mulino is set to take its place. Yes, ANOTHER high-end Italian eatery in the village. If you remember Il Mulino already dipped their toes in Hampton waters when they opened at a location in Wainscott which lasted two seasons. Let’s hope they get it right this time. BUT ONCE AGAIN THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN CONFIRMED BUT THIS SOURCE WAS RIGHT LAST TIME.

Get ready, folks! Changes are coming to Country Road 39 this fall, as a 1.9-mile stretch of fresh sidewalk construction is set to begin. While there may be some major grumbling among locals who are concerned about potential traffic disruptions on this main artery in and out of the Hamptons, fear not… or so say the planners. They have stated they thoughtfully scheduled the construction to commence only after peak commuter times, ensuring minimal impact on your daily travels. Plus, the schedule has been crafted to take into account seasonal traffic variations. Yet, why do so many have visions of backed up traffic? Some officials are hoping we all embrace and trust them that the upgrade will lead to smoother and safer journeys along this vital thoroughfare. Uh-huh. Meanwhile North Haven Mayor Chris Fiore wrote in a recent letter to the editors at Southampton Press, “These roadworks and the lack of consideration for the general public — specifically tradespeople who commute here, working people who can’t afford to live here and thousands of others — signal the epitome of deaf bureaucracy.”