Robert Durkin – Hamptons Chatter

Bella!

Hi everyone, it feels good to be back. I took a few months off (as I often do from this blog) and I promise I’ll be more consistent this time (I promised that before too). So much has been going on but if I seem a bit blurry eyed, it’s mostly due to my puppy Bella. Yes, I have a new dog since the passing of Boo. But I have to say, that while she does look a lot like her older sister, she’s her own girl. She’s full of spunk and quite the terror on my other dog poor Russell. In fact, when we asked Russell what we should name her, he suggested Bu-jo (think Boo with Cujo). So, if I’m a bit rambling here it’s because of my need for sleep. I’ve been doing too many 2 am bathroom breaks. Here she is! Yeah, it’s actually easier when they’re cute!

A new tenant!

Well you might have already heard but the “Paradise Cafe” in Sag Harbor shuttered it’s doors a few months ago. Apparently, negotiations to renew the lease went nowhere. Luckily, you can still enjoy Chef and owner Robert Durkin’s cuisine at “Robert’s”in Water Mill. Well last night I ran into restaurateur Michael Gluckman who told me he’s going into the space that was Paradise right in the heart of Sag Harbor. While I’m disappointed to see Paradise go, I’m happy to know there will be something good going in it’s place. Michael has always had solid restaurants that were reasonably priced with a great menu and good food. I found his “Lodge” to be one East Hampton’s best watering holes with a diverse and satisfying menu, he tells me he’s hoping to do something similar here.

In the meantime, I’m hoping Paradise returns to Sag Harbor soon, I miss the Bolognese pasta, the best I’ve ever had and the Roast Chicken with Rosemary was sublime… wait I can’t say sublime, that sounds pretentious… It was AWESOME. Better. Anyway, maybe Paradise can go into the spot that was Phao in Sag Harbor, because apparently twice wasn’t the charm and according to sources, they’re going the way of the 8-track tape.

Soon to be a collectors item!

OK, enough talking about food. I’m getting hungry and I have to work out first. If I don’t I won’t be able to fit into my Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts, which will soon be collectors items. Yep, it’s true the Rugby brand will soon be no more. I’m not sure why because the store in downtown Manhattan and the one in East Hampton were always packed. But fear not lovers of the Earl of East Hampton (Ralph Lauren-he virtually owns EH retail) my poorly placed sources have hinted that it will soon be a RL Home store. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Finally, I hope I made up for a long, long, long absence from the blogosphere. If I haven’t here’s one last bit of good advice, at STAPLES they’re selling cases of Pelligrino water for $4 a case! Yes, $4 a case. It’s an amazing deal.