real estate blog

CHATTING ABOUT CHEWING!

Summer is almost here and for many of us on the east end that means more people, more traffic and more stores and restaurants will actually be open. It’s like the first blooming onion , I mean Crocus of spring! A welcome sign to anyone who has experienced the anguish of trying to go out for dinner on a Monday or Wednesday night.

First it’s not a restaurant but Round Swamp Farm is back in action. The East Hampton, Montauk and Bridgehampton outlets all opened this past weekend. It wasn’t a moment too soon. My winter stock of frozen Chicken Pot Pies, Lisa’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and Mexican Layer Dip is completely depleted. BTW, last year I discovered their tortilla chips, and they are the best I’ve ever had anywhere! Seriously.

The view from Beacon in Sag Harbor.

Speaking of excellent tortilla chips, Rita Cantina which was a breakout hit last summer will once again be serving their tortillas, margaritas and quesadillas beginning next Wednesday the 11th. According to their RESY schedule they’ll be open Wed – Sunday’s starting at 4pm.

One of the best things about the east end is being on the water. Luckily, we have some seriously awesome joints where you can dine while enjoying the bucolic waters of the Hamptons. In East Hampton there is only one restaurant that has killer sunset views along with killer food: Bostwicks on the Harbor – opening Thursday May 5th (Thursday – Sunday 5pm). I don’t think I ever had a bad meal there but the wait (no reservations) is sometimes a bit of a hassle. But when you see the sunset and tear into that tuna tartare, you’ll be in dining nirvana.

Another killer sunset view restaurant is Beacon in Sag Harbor. The same folks who keep you fed all winter long at Fresno in EH and Bell and Anchor in Sag Harbor will be opening their warm weather venue Wednesday May 11th. The home of my favorite Tuna Tostada and Lobster Rigatoni sits overlooking Sag Harbor Cove and has some spectacular sunsets. This place is a must for anyone who enjoys a casually chic dining experience with million-dollar views.

Finally, Duryea’s Beach Club in Orient Point and The Lobster Deck in Montauk will both be back in action in a few days. The Lobster Deck is opening on Thursday May 12th and Beach club in Orient on the 18th. Featuring favorites like the colossal Duryea’s Cobb Salad, extensive raw bar and Duryea’s Lobster Roll it’s no wonder this is one of the hottest spots for celebs (Think Jay-Z & Bey) and regulars (me) in the Hamptons.

So here’s to summer and hopefully I’ll see you all soon al fresco!

SAG HARBOR IS IN DANGER… COOKIES AND BROWNIES WITH NO GUILT!!!

I’m starting to feel like the Terence Malick of bloggers right now.    In fact, I feel I’m in my “Tree of Life” phase, minus Brad Pitt and with even less enthusiasm from the audience.   But as my fortune cookie said the other day, “you must try or hate yourself for not trying.”  So here I am trying to bang out my ever so entertaining latest installment of “HAMPTONS CHATTER.”   – crickets –

Anyway, what everyone seems to be really discussing in my part of the world is about how Sag Harbor has turned a corner.   I’ve been nestled in Sag Harbor’s Main Street for the better part of 12 years (more on that later) and enjoyed it’s sophisticated small town feel.   From the “five and dime” to home design stores to the Golden Pear coffee shop, it was “hello”… “good morning”…. “have a good day.”    But as Whoopi said in the movie “Ghost,”   – –  “Sag Harbor, you’re in danger girl.”

The main culprit from what I hear is that “new restaurant” that shall remain unnamed.   According to reliable sources, just because the place is empty doesn’t mean they want your unpretentious butt sitting at one of their tables.   More than a few of my city and local friends have gone in only to be told, “we’re full!”    Wow!   I actually was curious and went to YELP to read some of the reviews.   I swear I remember reading them and they were pretty much the same thing, rude staff that had more attitude than Katherine Heigle at a “Grey’s Anatomy” reunion.   But guess what?! I went back to re-read these reviews (I wanted to post them here) and now I can’t find them!  Now I don’t want to start any sort of conspiracy here but …. seriously… unless I’m totally losing it they’ve gone MIA.   Anyway, I will ask is the food really that good?    I’m not a masochist anyway and I doubt a serving of moules et frites will change my life.  So, for now I’m happy going to the Sizzler Steakhouse.

My advice – – guys lighten up!  The great thing about Sag Harbor is it’s a friendly town with not a whole lotta attitude.     Yes, you’re the new kid in town and lots of overdressed and socially insecure people are posting  tons of photos on Instagram, blah blah blah.     “Look I got in and you didn’t!!!”   But this stuff wears thin when most of us are busy worrying about more mundane things like our families, health and paying bills.  Believe me the folks who are getting in WILL care when they’re the only people in the place.   Otherwise, they wouldn’t be posting their dinners on line!    “Look I got in… and I’m the only one here – because nobody really wants to be here” doesn’t have quite the same sexy allure.     I’ve seen it before over and over in the Hamptons and it will happen to you too… too much attitude can be the kiss of death.

Meanwhile, I was getting my morning coffee at Goldberg’s in Wainscott – a friendly place but I don’t eat carbs (lying).    When I came across the most interesting and delicious looking brownie.   Now remember, I don’t eat carbs or sweets (lying again) but when I read the story about this amazing bakery I felt the need to eat… I mean contribute.   It’s called South Fork Bakery.   According to their website:

South Fork Bakery’s purpose is to provide meaningful and
supportive employment to South Fork residents
with ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorders, Autism and
Developmental Disabilities. Employees are immersed
in all aspects of the business, including baking, packaging,
sales, marketing, and business management.

SOUTH FORK BAKER
SOUTH FORK BAKERY GOODIES

What a great idea and the brownies and cookies are great too (or so I heard – as I wipe brownie crumbs from my mouth)!    If you want more information click here!  You can also order products online.   So do something good for others and enjoy.    This stuff is better than moules et frites any day!

 

After more than 14 years in Sag Harbor I’ve decided to make a change.     I am now so very proud to be a member of Sotheby’s International Realty in East Hampton.    Located at 6 Main St.     Make sure to note it in your yellow pages book extra page, rolodex and filofax.   Now pick up that princess phone and give me a call.   You can google the number.