Round Swamp Farm – Hamptons Chatter

IT’S SNOWY AND I’M HOME SO I MIGHT AS WELL WRITE A BLOG POST. MAYBE I’LL START DOING MORE…

February 13, 2024February 13, 2024

Summer is just around the corner, and if you’re a resident of East Hampton, now is the time to secure your parking pass for the village beach. Surprisingly, there are still 200 passes left for the summer of 2024, a rare occurrence as they usually sell out by this point. This presents a golden opportunity for those who haven’t yet secured their passes to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf hassle-free. Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of the beautiful East Hampton beaches or a visitor planning an extended stay, don’t miss this chance to guarantee your parking spot and make the most of the upcoming summer. CLICK HERE.

If you’re a food enthusiast in East Hampton, your taste buds are in for a treat at Highway Restaurant. The restaurant is creating a buzz by featuring what I THINK IS THE BEST CHICKEN POT PIE every Wednesday night. But before you scoff, this is no Swanson TV dinner pot pie (which was often for dinner when I was a kid and mom wouldn’t cook). It’s a perfect blend of flaky crust, hunks of white meat chicken and a delicate and subtle gravy. They also give you a little bonus ramekin of gravy if you really like it floating. Seriously, CHICKEN POT PIE… three of my favorite things! The “pie” has been on and off the menu for years and after my whining for the past few…. they brought it back. Thanks Chef Justin! Make your Wednesday nights special by indulging in this culinary masterpiece at Highway Restaurant, and if it’s not the best pot pie you ever had, I’ll buy you a drink.

While Round Swamp Farms may be closed for a few more months, the good news is that you can still savor their gourmet dishes. Shelly Schaffer, one of the driving forces behind Round Swamp Farms, has ventured into a new project: Hub 44, a sports training facility that also serves the community with the famous Round Swamp-style food. Named “Hub Grub,” this culinary venture operates out of a commercial kitchen at The Hub, offering a variety of dishes three days a week. From appetizers to entrees and delightful desserts, the menu features both familiar Round Swamp favorites and exciting new creations. Is it good? It’s Round Swamp… you know it’s good. Check out Hub 44 on Tan Bark Trail by clicking here to see what’s on the menu!

SPRING AWAKENINGS!

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

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.

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.

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.

CHATTING ABOUT CHEWING!

May 5, 2022May 4, 2022

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.

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!

INSTAGRAM COOL AND ANOTHER REASON WHY RENTING OFF THE INTERNET IS RISKY!

June 22, 2019

AGAIN!??? A few days ago, I got an inquiry about one of my rental listings. While this is pretty common this time of year, what was unusual is that the inquiry came from a young woman in the city who apparently had been in communication with “me.” Lucky for her, she accidently deleted the email chain and had to google “me” to make contact again. The only problem is she was not corresponding with me but rather someone who had cloned my rental listing online and placed a short term rental ad on Craigslist. It’s sad but this is not the first time this has happened to me. Apparently this person was charging $500/night for 6+ bedroom house south of the highway with the money due upfront. Hey, once again if it looks too good to be true kids…. it’s probably a scam. Meanwhile, I encouraged her to either use a broker or even look at sites like VRBO and skip Craigslist. In the end I alerted to Craigslist to this fraudulent ad and 5 days later, they’ve yet to remove it. I know I didn’t post it nor did the owner of the house. Meanwhile, if any of you are planning to impersonate me online….. can you at least give me six pack abs in any of the photos?

Now after dealing with all of this drama, I’m going to spend some time relaxing and go cruising on Instagram. I mean, what better way to appreciate the Hamptons than eating cookies, lying on the sofa and seeing how much more fun everyone else is having!!? But before I tell you who I’m following, feel free to follow me at @PJMHAMPTONS. You can learn all about my dogs, Tate’s cookies and my latest properties for sale.

@roundswampfarm & @loavesandfishesfoodstore – The ultimates in Hamptons food porn! I mean how else would you learn that the Jalapeno Bean Burger is back or th

Raspberry+Almond+Cookies — Lisa’s Raspberry cookie @roundswamnpfarm

at you need an almond cheese danish!?

@hamptonsrealestateshowcase – a quick peek at some of the newest and best real estate properties around.

@thewatermillcenter – The center that hosts one of the funkiest events of the summer also gives you an amazing look into some cutting edge art pieces via their Instagram posts. Featuring everything from Lady Gaga to well, who knows this is a must follow.

@hamptonscarspotter – exotic, classic and anything that looks cool on wheels is featured in this east end account. So far, they’ve not yet featured my 14 year old Jeep Sahara with 100k miles but hey the summer is still young.

@libbylangdon – Libby is an interior designer and TV personality with quick ideas for making your home a little more “Hamptons.” Her sunny and perky and informative posts will wake you up faster than two cups of espresso!

@modelbartenders – if you don’t have good looking friends you might as well have some good looking staff. RIGHT?! Ok, technically this is a NYC based account but they do serve the Hamptons and it features models! EYE CANDY!

@truth_training – you’ll never get to be a @modelbartender unless you work out like the folks on this account. I find it so inspiring I’m going to do some kettlebell lifts right after I finish the cinnamon roll from @roundswampfarm. Seriously though there is some great information about their classes and ideas for fighting flab.

Cover_White — The new book by @justfredericoazevedo

@hedgeshamptons – meet the brokers, celebrity news and go behind the hedges (get it?) of some of the most stunning homes you can’t afford. Yep, its total real estate porn and worth following!

@justfredericoazevedo and @hollander_design – two of the hottest landscape designers around! Be inspired by Frederico Azevedo and Ed Hollander or just be wowed by their stunning landscape designs. It’s like a walk in the park without leaving your sofa… or your Tate’s cookies.

@gimmeshelteranimalrescue – Cuteness overload and they’re all available for adoption! Share some of their posts and maybe you can get a furry fur legged friend a home.

@Mecoxbaydairy – it’s a glimpse into country living at its best. Cheese. MMMMMMM… CHEEEESSEEE. Oh and there’s also COWS! Who doesn’t like looking at the face of a cow!!? Of course, unless it’s before your going to LT Burger.