restaurants

CONTROVERSIAL COMEDY IN SPRINGS PLUS JEERS AND CHEERS!

It’s not every day that a racy sign in a beach community would spark both controversy and such heated debate in online forums. In Clearwater Beach, a sign advertising “swingers” events has garnered mixed reactions from residents. Some are growling about the sign, while others are giggling. The said sign has since been removed but the impression it made is still circulating in private messages and on the internet. While nobody thinks the posters should quit their day jobs for comedy writing, one thing is certain – the sign has people talking… and bickering. Meanwhile, rumor has it real estate agents have reported an increase in inquiries for properties in the community.

Now for some Hampton’s JEERS AND CHEERS!

A Hamptons Cheer to the folks at Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor. A friend of mine who I will name Mr. Magoo for his own protection and privacy. Well Magoo recently drove his Tesla into Sag Harbor village without realizing he had less than 1% power. After a brief search, we discovered that there were two chargers in the village. Both were located at popular hotel/restaurants. After describing and begging to avoid the nightmare of what it’s like to reactivate a Tesla (its happened before sadly) to the first establishment, we were told “it’s only for guests of the hotel.” Boooo. A second call to Baron’s Cove and we were not only told to “come on by” but feel free to hang in the air conditioned lobby! So a big cheer to Baron’s Cove! It’s great when folks are part of the community. Oh Magoo you’ve done it again!

A Hamptons Jeer to Leon 1909 on Shelter Island. After describing this as one of my favorite spots in previous blogs I went back again a few weeks ago with a few friends. While I ordered a healthy portion of fries with my meal, my skinny dining partner ordered a burger with no bun and two pieces of lettuce for wrapping. Sadly, when the dinner arrived the waitress told us it’s a no go on the leafy greens. Say what?! After a quick request to speak to the manager, we were told by him that we could order a salad because “all the lettuce is already allotted for the dishes and salads.” So, make sure you count your leaves when eating at Leon and a Hamptons Jeer and big boo to them.

SPRING AWAKENINGS!

Spring has sprung in the Hamptons! After a long and brutal winter, the sun is finally shining, the birds are singing, and the businesses are starting to reopen. From delicious prepared and baked foods to fresh lobster salads and amazing sunsets, there is something for everyone in the Hamptons this season.

Instagram @roundswampfarm

First up, Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton opened its doors on Wednesday. If you’ve never been to Round Swamp Farm, you are in for a treat! This family-owned farm offers a wide variety of insanely good prepared and baked foods, from Lisa’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and RS Ttriple Berry Pie to Mexican layer dip and killer gazpacho (but not Almodovar kind of way ). And don’t forget to try their famous crab cakes, which are to die for!

Next up, Duryea’s Montauk will be opening next week for the season, and lobster salad will be available starting May 11th. This seafood hotspot is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Their lobster salad is the stuff of legend, and the views of the water from their outdoor deck are simply breathtaking.

If you’re in the mood for a lobster roll, head over to Lunch in Amagansett. They started serving up their delicious lobster rolls last week, and they are definitely worth the trip. Made with fresh, local ingredients, these rolls are the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring.

For amazing sunsets and great food, make sure to check out Beacon Sag Harbor, starting May 17th. This waterfront restaurant is one of the best places to catch a sunset in the Hamptons, and their menu is full of delicious, locally-sourced dishes.

Opening tonight, the team behind Sí Sí in East Hampton, Enchanté channels the charm of a Parisian brasseries with a relaxed atmosphere. Located at the former location of Red Bar in Southampton, the renovated restaurant has been given a total overhaul with a rich european flair. For menus and reservasations you can click here.

And finally, for another amazing sunset hot spot in East Hampton, head over to Bostwicks on the Harbor, which opened its doors tonight at 5:30 pm. This seafood shack is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day, with stunning views of the harbor and some of the freshest seafood around.

Instagram @curatedfinemeats

Finally, get ready to meat your new butcher! Justin Aronoff, founder of Center Cuts, is opening a high-end gourmet food store in Wainscott called “Curated Fine Meats”. This jewel box of a store which looks more like Tiffany than a butcher shop features refrigerated cases built into the walls and a “jewel” case showcasing the finest Wagyu and dry-aged beef. All of their hand-selected, curated meats will come vacuum-sealed and ready to go. And it’s not just meat they’re offering – Curated Fine Meats will also carry a full array of quality sauces and marinades from local and regional culinary businesses. Don’t miss their grand opening on May 13th – it’s sure to be a rare and well-done event!

So there you have it, folks! Spring has arrived in the Hamptons, and the businesses are starting to reopen. Whether you’re in the mood for Wagyu , fresh seafood, decadent baked goods, or simply an amazing sunset, there is something for everyone on the East End.

A WHOLE LATTE NEW FOOD IN EAST HAMPTON!

Last week it was San Ambrose…. sorry Sant Ambroeus. Now, just in time for the holiday season, Tutto Il Giorno is finally opening their doors in East Hampton Village tomorrow (11/28/22). The restaurant Tutto Caffe (yes that’s how they’re spelling it) has been under construction for what feels like forever, and they missed the summer rush. But from what we’ve heard, it was worth the wait. They will be serving paninis, espresso, cappucinos, pastries, wines and more. One tid bit we got from our spies is that the croissants are AMAZING and going to give Carissa a run for her money. Although it hasn’t opened yet, a quick peek of the interior appears to be sleek, slylish and casual. So if you’re in the village tomorrow, be sure to check it out. It’s located at 55 Main St down the small path towards the back parking lot. More details should be available tomorrow or you can check their instagram profile @tuttoilgiornocaffe. So mangia to all and to all a good night!

One of the great winter events now in the Hamptons Is the spectacular sunsets on the ocean. If you haven’t gone to the beach yet, bundle up and make the trip. The winter sunsets are a spectacular substitute for now. Sunsets happen on the water and the colors are magnificent. But remember that these sunsets are available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out! The sun usually shifts again mid January and the sunsets are over land once again. So, take a walk on the beach, and enjoy the winter scenery. It’s a great way to relax and recharge before the busy holiday season.

Sunset on Georgica Beach…. and this isn’t even a good picture!

Speakng of limited time only, it’s that time of year again. Hampton Jitney discount ticket packs are on sale now. Once again, save big and know the tickets never expire. If you want more details or to buy packs now online CLICK HERE.

Games Hamptons People Play

Just in time for Halloween!

Boardwalk. Go to jail. Do not pass go. These are all synonymous with the game of Monopoly, which has been collecting dust in family closets for generations. But now there’s a new version of the game that is ready to eat up shelf space and raise a few eyebrows at the same time: Hamptons Monopoly. You probably saw it displayed as you entered the local CVS or vareity store. This version of the game, which is set in The Hamptons, features a number of changes to the traditional game board, including different properties and different prices. While some people love the new twists on the classic game, others like me feel that it could just as well be set in Ronkonkoma. Meaning, this board game was developed by some intern at Hasbro who was researching articles in Long Island Pennysaver.

First off, Boardwalk and Park Place have been replaced with the Montauk Light House and Shelter Island. While not exactly Baltic Avenue, one would think Boardwalk would be Sag Harbor Main Street or Southampton Bath and Tennis. Instead of going to Jail maybe they should just put you in line at Citarealla. As for the game game pieces, the car looks kind of like a Ford Pinto (have they been to the Hamptons?). Why didn’t they at least have something more hip like a Moke! But before you think they totally missed the mark, the retail price for the Hamptons version is $39.99 while the regular sells for $16.34 on Amazon.com. I think I’ll stick to solitaire on my phone.

The Lobster has left !

Another restaurant falls victim to the tough Hamptons restaurant scene. The Montauk Lobster House, nestled between Sen and the American Hotel on Main Street Sag Harbor, has closed its doors. The restaurant’s location and proximity to other successful businesses should have made it a huge success, but apparently not. Maybe it was the dumb name considering it’s in Sag Harbor. Or maybe it was just bad luck. Either way, there’s no news yet about what’s going into the space which was also formerly occupied by Wolffer Kitchen. We can only hope that the new business will have better luck than the Montauk Lobster House.