restaurants

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!

PLANTS, PINTS AND PASTA!

Buds and Spuds in Sag Harbor!!!!

With warm weather around the corner, the worker bees are buzzing to get all the hives ready in the Hamptons. Sag Harbor is no exception. One of the more interesting new concepts coming to town is taking place right off Main St. The home of the former old train station aka Sag Harbor Garden center is getting a facelift along with two new tenants. From what I’ve been told, one building will be occupied by a new garden center. The other will become what is best described as a tasting room for Kidd Squidd Brewery. The new suds spot already has an instragram account and is hoping to have the harbor hopping with hops. According to their own IG posting expect things to start brewing in the Spring.

I’m a right in assuming there will be clamari on the menu?

Meanwhile, East Hampton is getting yet another Italian-menued restaurant. Down the street from Serafina, Sam’s, Doppo La Spaggio and behind Citta Nuova will be a new outlet for the Karan (You know the DKNY lady) family eatery Tutto Il Giorno. Oh wait, I forgot there will be Sant Ambroeus (French-style in name only) around the corner too at the old Babette’s. I guess EH Village will be now known as Little Italy by the Sea. Anywhooo, the new Citta… er.. I mean Doppo… or wait Tutto will be located in the surliest little parking lot on the East End behind the Stop and Shop. The location is across from the Ralph Lauren store. No, not the Purple Label store. No, not the Polo store. No, not near the childrens one. The OTHER one. You know the vintage one. According to signs posted, the name will be TUTTO CAFFE (see photo) and they’ll have a liquor license. While I have no doubt the food will be good, I only wonder how expensive it will be for a bowl of pasta? Will it be fifty dollar fusilli? It’s the Hamptons so anything is possible.

Around the corner from Fierro’s, Sams, Citta, Serafina, Villa and Doppo.

SWEET AND SALTY SPRINGS SHUFFLE!

East Hampton Restaurants Change Hands

Food and real estate are coming together, as they often do in the Hamptons, through a series of recent delicious deals in East Hampton. But if you think this is a feel good story about food and real estate like “Big NIght” with charming italian chefs, you’d be wrong. At least if you’re talking to Springs locals. They think it’s more like an evil James Bond villians kind of thing. Think Grace Jones and Christopher Walken hitting the destruct button from their blimp in “A View to a Kill.” But instead of buying only Zoran microchips, folks in the springs will now be recoiling at the idea of $60 NY Strip.

Harbor Bistro Joins East Hampton Point Portfolio

Hedge funder Heath Freeman purchased the beloved East Hampton eatery Harbor Bistro for $4 million just before Christmas, adding to his growing local empire and as I said, people are skeptical. Harbor Bistro, located at 313 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road in Springs joins Freeman’s East End acquisitions, including the neighboring East Hampton Point Resort, which he scooped up in March of 2021 for under $20 million — significantly less than the original $50 million asking price 15 years ago, according to Page Six.

So long and thinks for the fish. Thanks for the tacos too!

While Vanity Fair has called him “the hedge fund vampire,” Freeman has put East Hampton Point back on the map and made Springs a fashionable destination. So, it’s fair to say the man has plans. Will tacos and poke bowls be replaced by overpriced sushi and an influx of Hermes, Birkin bags and Bentley’s? Stay tuned.

Landscape Details Buys Former Nichols Home

Rumor has it… East Hampton landscaping firm Landscape Details, located at 103 Montauk Highway, has bought the property across the street at 100 Montauk Highway, which used to house Nichol’s of East Hampton restaurant, Paul McCartney’s favorite local haunt until it shuttered in 2014 after 15 years and a handful of owners. Before it was Nichol’s, old school Hamptonites will remember the spot as The Quiet Clam from 1977–1998. This isn’t the first time Landscape Details has taken over a property with a long history of restaurant use. Their current home at 103 Montauk Highway held a series of dining venues over the years, including in no particular order: Prime 103, Beachhouse, The Moon, Little Rock Rodeo, Royale Fish, JL East, The Players Club, Peconic Coast, Bacci’s Charcoal Haven, Butterfield II, Duke’s and…deep breath…originally, the Oaks Inn. That’s a lot of restaurants! The good news is, we’ve heard Landscape Details actually plan on keeping their new purchase as a restaurant, and they want to lease out the space. And why not? They’ll be right across the street, keeping a close eye on any future tenants.

Simply Sublime Is Simply Closed

Simply Gone… but there’s a light!

The cute little building that housed Simply Sublime Wholesome Market & Juice Bar at 85 Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton has sold and a new bakery will replace the health food restaurant and shop. Yeah, I’ll miss them too but it’s not all bad news. The folks who made some of the most unique and crazy good foods at the East Hampton Farmers Market will be taking over. The Cookery with Cyn and Trudy which had lines from their table all summer long will be taking over the spot. If you’re curious about about some of the inventive baked goods, visit their website!

MORE GRUB TO GO!

So, I just have to add a few more restaurants to this list. I’m seriously sick of sitting home but these folks are making it a little easier.

CURBSIDE…. easy to go at Cove Hollow Tavern!

Cove Hollow Tavern – East Hampton Available Thursday to Monday 5:00-8:00 pm. Make sure you try one of the Rice Bowls (chicken, tofu or firecracker shrimp) or their famous Linguini with Mushroom Bolognese. Along with Fresno, they also have some of THE BEST French Fries. Click here for more details or call 631-527-7131 x 4.

Nick & Toni’s – East Hampton Available Wednesday to Sunday 5:00-9:00pm. While the Zucchini Chips are not on the menu, the Caesar Salad, Roasted Chicken with Pancetta and Yukon Roasted Potatoes and the Roasted Market Catch are ready to go. Click here for details or call 631-324-3550.

The Best Pot Pie EVER!

Highway Restaurant and Bar – Wainscott Available Thursday to Monday 5-8pm. They’re cooking the CHICKEN POT PIE to go! They’re also serving what they call LARGE FORMAT TAKE AWAY. There’s more on the menu but if you don’t get the CHICKEN POT PIE (I always get it when available with a Caesar Salad)… Your loss. Click here for details or call 631-527-5372

Coche Comedor – Amagansett Available Wednesday to Sunday 4:00 pm-8:00 pm. With a hybrid menu from Coche and La Fondita you can host a fiesta right in your living room. Tacos, Chips and Guacamole and Pork Rib Carnitas are all available plus salads and sides. Click here for more or call 631-267-5709.

Finally for the more ambitious…

Bobby Vans – Bridgehampton Available daily for dinner 3:00-8:00 pm. Something called Chef Johnny’s Butcher Shop will allow you to get your dinner with all the sides from Creamed Spinach to Soup Du Jour along with an uncooked , preseasoned Filet Mignon, Beef Burger, Lamb Chop or Chicken Breast. Click here or call 631-537-0590.

Ok Everyone! Mangia!