Round Swamp Farm – Hamptons Chatter

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.

SIGNS OF SPRING!!!

May 11, 2018

I feel it! Spring has finally arrived on the east end. How do I know? Because Round Swamp Farm has reopened. YES! Now, I no longer have to drive by longing and

slobbering in vain for my Mexican Layer Dip, Sour Cream Coffee Cake or Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad or cinnamon rolls or guacamole or Lisa’s Oatmeal Raisin cookies or Claire’s Lemon Pound Cake or BBQ chicken or … no, I must stop. Lucky for us they don’t publish the calorie counts on anything they make!

Another sign of spring is the Roses are in bloom! By the way, I’m not talking about the flowers I’m talking about Wolffer’s Summer in a Bottle. After a shortage last year when supplies went dry at the end of July, production has been upped and everyone will be able to enjoy their Rose for breakfast throughout the summer! The colorful

bottle which is a work of art itself hasn’t changed since last year but it is a new vintage. In case you’ve been out of the loop, Summer in a Bottle retails for about $25 and is available at Wolffer Estate Vineyard or virtually every spirit shop in the Hamptons. Remember, life may be a cabernet but rose is better!

Bikini Busters… the 7 deadly sweet and savory sins of Hamptons Dining! Plus it’s a time warp in Sag Harbor this weekend.

February 13, 2017June 28, 2013

In case you missed it, a few weeks ago the Wall Street Journal announced that the Hamptons have gone healthy. The opening of the new Juice Lane in Wainscott, Soul Cycle and Tracy Anderson apparently have constituted a trend and now we’re all supposed to look like Brangelina. Well, not so fast WSJ! While, I’m not saying they’re going to start serving fried Coca Cola at Nick and Toni’s (look it up, it’s a real thing) there are quite a few pot holes and road blocks on the road to wellness here in the Hamptons. So, here are my favorites and I hope you find as tempting as I do…

Dangerous territory!

1) Sam’s- East Hampton – It’s the pizza and chicken Parmesan that get me every time. The cheese is thick on both and the sauce is thick and tasty, just like my mama never made (she was Lithuanian and Irish neither which are known for good cuisine).

2) Round Swamp Farm- East Hampton – What’s not to like?! The cinnamon buns, the coffee cake, the guacamole, the chicken salad, the chocolate chip cookies…. oh, the list goes on and on your gut! This place is not where you want to go while dieting. I dare you to go into there and leave with just one thing! It’s not going to happen!

3) Dreesen’s Donuts at Scoop Du Jour – East Hampton – The donuts are freshly made and need I say more!? It’s deep fried dough with sugar! You could serve me deep fried wood with sugar and I bet I’d eat it but the dough is a little easier to chew…. fluffier too!

4) Bobby Van’s – Bridgehampton – If you’re allergic to shellfish you may want to avoid the shrimp nachos at Bobby Van’s. But if you’re not, get ready for a spicy blob of shrimp, chips, jalapenos, guacamole and enough cheese to keep Lipitor profitable for the next century. Yeah, the Chinese Chicken Salad is good too but for some reason it doesn’t seem as decadent.

Yeah, they look sweet and innocent at Mary’s.

5) Mary’s Marvelous – Amagansett – When Ina Garten shuttered the Barefoot Contessa years ago, I went into a deep depression. WHERE WILL I BUY MY COCONUT CUPCAKES?! Yes, I could go buy Ina’s cake mix but that would leave evidence around the house. Luckily Mary’s is there to fill the void! Her sandwiches and muffins are great too but it’s the coconut cupcake that is the standout! If you don’t know my cousins Eileen and GiGi or Ina for some CC’s of lovin’ (as I call them) make sure you go to Mary’s and eat them there. Coconut shreds are often a dead give away.

6) Fresno – East Hampton – Tons of good stuff on the menu and a bar/restaurant scene that’s fun and unpretentious is what keeps me going back to this East End staple. From some of the same people that bring you Red Bar and Beacon this is the closest to my house so I’m a little biased. I’m also terminally in love with the Sticky Toffee cake desert. I also drool over their …staff… I mean burgers and fries. Gosh, I only hope I look attractive in my Sans-a-belt pants with Spanx
when I got there next time!!!?

Fat Free Biscuits at Grill…NOT!

7) The East Hampton Grill – Yeah, I know I write a lot about this place. I’m the mayor on foursquare.com and yes they know my name ( no, smarty pants I tip well so that’s not the reason!). The buttermilk biscuits, the ribs and the home made hot fudge (that I think comes with Ice Cream) are all impossible to avoid. Although I don’t eat them all together at the same time…. hey wait… hot fudge on ribs and buttermilk biscuits on the side… no stop it… wait…

On an entirely different note, they’re having a Soap Box Derby this weekend in Sag Harbor. The big event will take place this Sunday afternoon on High Street. The festivities will begin with a parade down Main Street at 1pm (they have a parade for everything in Sag Harbor) followed by the big race on High Street. While my 25 year old nephew had no clue what a soap box derby was, I proudly told him to keep an eye out for the kids named Spanky McFarland and Alfalfa Switzer. They’re both heavily favored to win! There’s still no word if Darla and Petey will be there.