It’s the question I get asked most often and one I’m going to try to tackle. Take a look and if you have any questions, you know how to get in touch.
SAG HARBOR
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.
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!
PLANTS, PINTS AND PASTA!
With warm weather around the corner, the worker bees are buzzing to get all the hives ready in the Hamptons. Sag Harbor is no exception. One of the more interesting new concepts coming to town is taking place right off Main St. The home of the former old train station aka Sag Harbor Garden center is getting a facelift along with two new tenants. From what I’ve been told, one building will be occupied by a new garden center. The other will become what is best described as a tasting room for Kidd Squidd Brewery. The new suds spot already has an instragram account and is hoping to have the harbor hopping with hops. According to their own IG posting expect things to start brewing in the Spring.
Meanwhile, East Hampton is getting yet another Italian-menued restaurant. Down the street from Serafina, Sam’s, Doppo La Spaggio and behind Citta Nuova will be a new outlet for the Karan (You know the DKNY lady) family eatery Tutto Il Giorno. Oh wait, I forgot there will be Sant Ambroeus (French-style in name only) around the corner too at the old Babette’s. I guess EH Village will be now known as Little Italy by the Sea. Anywhooo, the new Citta… er.. I mean Doppo… or wait Tutto will be located in the surliest little parking lot on the East End behind the Stop and Shop. The location is across from the Ralph Lauren store. No, not the Purple Label store. No, not the Polo store. No, not near the childrens one. The OTHER one. You know the vintage one. According to signs posted, the name will be TUTTO CAFFE (see photo) and they’ll have a liquor license. While I have no doubt the food will be good, I only wonder how expensive it will be for a bowl of pasta? Will it be fifty dollar fusilli? It’s the Hamptons so anything is possible.
CHIRPING FOR CHICKEN IN SAG AND DON’T PHO-GET THIS PLACE!!!
Sad news…. apparently the gang behind Sag Harbor Baking Company kneeded a break and have closed up shop. The confectionary establishment which was a favorite with locals for the past few seasons closed last fall and apparently decided not to reopen. But the news isn’t all bad. Going into it’s place at 51 Division Street will be a new gourmet chicken cafe called “Lil’Birdie.” Featuring brined 24 hour fried or rotisserie chickens along with sandwiches, side salads and a promising menu of fries this could be just want this village needs. They currently have their menu online but I haven’t receieved any information yet on opening day. I’ll keep you guys informed.
Meanwhile, if you didn’t try it last year you need to go this summer and try V-Cafe located at 172 Buckskill Rd. in East Hampton. Operating out of the former snack stand at Hampton Raquet the cafe orders a limited but perfect array of Vietnamese goodies. The chicken and shrimp summer rolls are my personal favorites. You can order to go or actually dine by the courts. This may also be the best deal in town with salads starting at $8 and chicken and steak satay’s going for $10. While they don’t have a liquor license, feel free to bring your own favorite wine or beer! Open every day from 10 am to 8pm (except Sunday till 3p) the V-Cafe should be on the must list for Summer 2021! You can find them online or give them a call at 347-217-0944.
Shrimp Summer Rolls…. Perfect for a light summer bite!!