restaurants

PROPOSED NEW RULES COULD KILL YOUR PROPERTY VALUES… PLUS, IT’S TIME TO DINE OUTSIDE!

Oh, the drama! All that’s missing is Susan Lucci! East Hampton Town is buzzing with controversy over proposed zoning changes that could shake up property values and development norms. Picture this: the maximum size of swanky single-family homes might get sliced in half, and finished basements and attached garages could be counted in floor area calculations. But hold onto your hats, because this isn’t just about square footage—it’s about power struggles and neighborhood dynamics. While some are cheering for more modest homes and better community standards, others are fretting over the potential impact on property prices and the ability to expand. It’s a real-life soap opera playing out in town halls and public meetings, complete with builders, real estate agents, and lawyers duking it out over the future of East Hampton’s skyline. So grab your popcorn and settle in, because this brouhaha is far from over!

If you want more information about what’s going on and how it could impact you, come to my second Hamptons Homeowners Forum this coming Wednesday at LTV Studios in Wainscott at 6pm. Click here for more details and to reserve your space!

As the Hamptons unfurls its sun-soaked banners, signaling the arrival of the al fresco dining season, it’s like watching a grand theatrical production where the stars of the show aren’t just the chefs but also the seagulls eyeing your seafood platter. Bostwick’s on the Harbor has flung open its doors, beckoning patrons with promises of fresh seafood and sunset views. Rita Cantina in Springs is now ready to spice up your evenings with margaritas and tacos, while Duryea’s in Montauk tantalizes taste buds with the promise of lobster salads galore. But hold onto your sunhats, folks, for Duryea’s in Orient is joining the culinary extravaganza next Thursday, ensuring that no corner of the Hamptons is left untouched by the gastronomic frenzy. And as if that weren’t enough, Beacon in Sag Harbor is gearing up for a grand entrance on the 15th of May, adding another jewel to the crown of Hamptons sunset dining. Finally, with Moby’s set to open its doors on May 22nd, it’s clear that the Hamptons’ dining scene is not just heating up—it’s sizzling and a sign that bumper to bumper traffic is just a breath away.

IF YOU CAN’T GET TO LA FOR THE OSCARS… PLUS SOME NEW FOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE!

Sunday in the Hamptons: Join Academy voters at Canoe Place Inn and Cottages in Hampton Bays for the ultimate Oscar Viewing Party! Hosted by PBS “film critics” Bill McCuddy, Lisa Rosman, and Neil Rosen, this soirée promises an evening of Hollywood glamour and insider insights.

Let the trio handicap the outcomes, but here’s the twist: YOU can fill out a ballot and challenge them to beat your predictions! McCuddy jokes, “I’m sure they’ll beat Rosen… Watch out for surprises in your Oscar pool, like Annette Bening for Best Actress!”

McCuddy, also a GoldDerby.com writer, spills his pick for Best Actor – the talented Paul Giamatti. And when it comes to the big prize? “Oppenheimer” takes the spotlight: “An important movie that made money doesn’t take Einstein… oh wait, yes it does.”

Anyway, for $75 bucks you’ll get a great prix fixe dinner, with a choice of entrees including Grilled Salmon, Skirt Steak, Fresh Pasta and McCuddy’s stale jokes. Click here to buy tickets. Believe it or not they’re actually selling! But I’ll credit the dinner and Canoe Place Inn for the sales.

Rumor has it…. some new restaurants are coming to town and a few have sailed into the sunset. So here are a few tidbits of what’s new in the Hamptons for this Summer. I don’t have a ton of details so here are the bullet points. Also, remember these are rumors and this is a blog not the NY Times (type o’s, spelling and grammatical errors and all) I have a full time job and do this on the side.

The old Dockside in Sag Harbor which became something fancy last year is going more middle of the road with the folks from Red Hook Tavern in Brooklyn setting up shop. But don’t expect more middle of the road pricing. It’s the Hamptons.

The former home of Dockside… Red Hook Tavern?

The old Laundry, Race Lane, Buttero, Lodge, Doppo, Leif Hope’s site in East Hampton has a new tenant or two. The folks who ran a successful series of city pop up restaurants at Rosie’s in Amagansett last summer are brining the same idea to East Hampton this summer. Stay tuned for more details.

The formal home of Cyril’s will soon have the the folks from Maverick’s in Montauk setting up shop.

Grindstone Donuts in Sag Harbor will soon be selling burgers to go while there East Hampton store on Gingerbread Lane should be opening soon.

Finally, Fini Pizza in Amagansett is opening up again next week.

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.