rita cantina

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.

A MEXICAN STANDOFF IN SAG HARBOR?

RUMORS AND MORE RUMORS ABOUT FOOD IN SAG HARBOR VILLAGE!

It’s no secret that Sag Harbor is a foodie town. With so many options for dining, it can be hard to decide where to go. But if you’re in the mood for Mexican food, you may soon be getting another option and “The Chatter” as I’m now calling the blog is here to spill the refried beans.


K-Pasa has been a Sag Harbor staple for the past few years. The restaurant is known for its pricey taco dishes, as well as its margaritas and pretty much the big queso in town for spicy specialties. Well now LT Burger, is apparently jumping into the tortilla biz. The Main Street burger joint recently brown papered the windows and left a note saying they’ll be back with an revised menu and new format soon. It kind of makes sense since I don’t know how the place was making it work when most tables were filled with a few adults and a zillion kids splitting a burger and fries. Anway, my sources tell me they’re going to diversify the menu and include tacos and lighter fare so burgers are nacho only choice. I don’t have any timeline for the change over but will keep you posted.

Something to taco bout!

Meanwhile, the one that has everyone talking in town is the imminent closure of Dockside Restaurant and Bar on Bay Street. According to sources, the Dockside Bar and Grill, located in the American Legion hall, will be closing its doors to the public mid-November. The restaurant has been a staple in the small town of Sag Harbor for years, and its loss will be felt by many.

The primary cause (from what I hear) of the closure is due to the restaurant losing their lease. Others have told me that they just felt it was time to retire. Adam Potter, who has his fingers in lots of businesses around town, now controls it.

Dockside wil be sailing into the Sunset soon

What we do know is that the new occupants of the space will be the folks behind Rita Cantina in Springs. They’re apparently looking to bring a casual bistro/pub menu to the Bay Street location. While this may be good news for some, it’s still bittersweet given the circumstances. I like Rita Cantina and I liked their previous restaurant Bay Kitchen so I have high hopes for the new “Dockside.”


It’s always hard to see a beloved local spot have to close its doors, but sometimes change can be for the better. We’ll have to wait and see what the new occupants of the old Dockside Bar and Grill location have in store for us. Either way, we’ll always remember the good times we had at the Dockside.

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!