DOCKSIDE DRAMA AND LOOK WHO’S TALKING WALKING!

Rumors about who will be taking over the old Dockside restaurant in Sag Harbor have been swirling ever since the beloved establishment shuttered its doors in November. After announcing plans of being taken over by the folks behind Rita Cantina, word on the street is that the deal has fallen through. While nothing has been confirmed, a reliable source has told me that NYC eatery Il Mulino is set to take its place. Yes, ANOTHER high-end Italian eatery in the village. If you remember Il Mulino already dipped their toes in Hampton waters when they opened at a location in Wainscott which lasted two seasons. Let’s hope they get it right this time. BUT ONCE AGAIN THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN CONFIRMED BUT THIS SOURCE WAS RIGHT LAST TIME.

Get ready, folks! Changes are coming to Country Road 39 this fall, as a 1.9-mile stretch of fresh sidewalk construction is set to begin. While there may be some major grumbling among locals who are concerned about potential traffic disruptions on this main artery in and out of the Hamptons, fear not… or so say the planners. They have stated they thoughtfully scheduled the construction to commence only after peak commuter times, ensuring minimal impact on your daily travels. Plus, the schedule has been crafted to take into account seasonal traffic variations. Yet, why do so many have visions of backed up traffic? Some officials are hoping we all embrace and trust them that the upgrade will lead to smoother and safer journeys along this vital thoroughfare. Uh-huh. Meanwhile North Haven Mayor Chris Fiore wrote in a recent letter to the editors at Southampton Press, “These roadworks and the lack of consideration for the general public — specifically tradespeople who commute here, working people who can’t afford to live here and thousands of others — signal the epitome of deaf bureaucracy.”

Mysterious Moves on 27 in East Hampton!

According to their Facebook page, Highway diner in East Hampton has indeed changed hands and the lease was sold to an “very talented group.”      There was a lot of speculation about what was to become of the most cursed location in the Hamptons since the Water Mill

The end of the Highway!

shopping center!   By the way, any news on how West Elm is actually doing?    A few weeks ago, some eagle eyed readers noticed there was an ad for waiters and waitresses needed at the diner but nothing much happened.  The “Reopening in March” sign came and went and now it’s gone and so is much of the restaurants interior.    Construction crews have been there morning till night and it looks like there are some training sessions going on for staff inside.    But here’s where the news gets a little more depressing, apparently they are going to open as a new Japanese restaurant…. yes another Asian Restaurant!    This I think may be a nail in the coffin of Zokkon which was being operated by the former chef Suki Zuki, which in spite of some really good food, the place appears to be struggling.    I just hope for their sake Highway Diner isn’t becoming a Nobu.

I drove by and asked one of the employees in the lot what’s going on and they indeed confirmed a Japanese restaurant.   If you got the real inside scoop, please let me know.  Here’s the posting on the Facebook page.

Highway Diner & Bar has been sold. Thanks to all of the guests who made the Highway a special place in our community. We will leave it to the new owners to announce their future plans but we can reveal they are a very talented group so you can expect great food in a beautiful space. Have a wonderful Summer.UPDATE:  Someone pointed out that the know-it-alls at Curbed.com already got the inside scoop on this one!  Here’s the LINK!

Now for the other mystery in East Hampton.   Why has there been an East Hampton Town Police car sitting there for the past 2 weeks.   There doesn’t appear to be anybody in the car and it sits there empty day after day keeping a very watching eye on the Highway Diner and the green tank!   I’m only waiting for someone who is texting and driving to side swipe or hit it.   Is it me or is does this seem like an accident waiting to happen?  Does anyone know why it’s there?