The Sun Hasn’t Set on Sunset Fridays
Well, here we are—another East End summer is officially behind us, though I have to say, it doesn’t feel like the hustle has slowed all that much. I’m not seeing tumbleweeds since Tumbleweed Tuesday, and the Hamptons continues to run hot with lots to do and enjoy.
Keeping that in mind, I’m thrilled that Wölffer Estate Vineyard still has three more weeks of their bucolic, wine-filled Sunset Fridays concerts among the vines in Sagaponack. The first is tonight, September 10 with popular East End band Hopefully Forgiven. The music begins at 5 p.m. and I suggest getting there on the early side because Wölffer doesn’t take reservations and they’re limiting capacity.
If you’ve not been, Wölffer at sunset is among the Hamptons’ loveliest spots. The atmosphere is casual and guests can sip the winery’s wines and ciders by the glass and munch on bar menu items, served in takeout containers, on the back patio. They suggest bringing a blanket so you can lounge on the lawn, and I concur. Unfortunately, no dogs allowed – GRRRRRR SAYS RUSSELL. But remember, those vines are growing actual wine grapes, and no one wants to see lifted legs around the fruit that will one day be bottled as Wölffer Finca or Summer in a Bottle rosés—even my Bella and Russell can understand that (as much as they don’t like it).
Sunset Fridays continue through the end of the month, with Kristen Thien Band playing on Friday, September 17, and Charles Certain Moves on September 24. More info at wolffer.com/news/sunset-fridays-return.
Airport Future Is Up in the Air
In other news, the East Hampton Airport may be on the verge of shutting down following years of noise complaints from the nearby residents. East Hampton Town is hosting workshops for the community to help decide its future. They started in-person yesterday, September 9 at LTV Studios in Wainscott. A virtual workshop begins via Zoom tonight at 7 p.m. (visit ehamptonny.gov for a link), and a second in-person session is scheduled for Monday, September 13 at 7 p.m. in the Montauk Playhouse. The final virtual workshop is happening (also via Zoom) on Monday, September 20 at 7 p.m.
Attend these if you want to add your thoughts to the conversation, for or against. I happen to live right in the airport’s flight path and it has become increasingly vexing over the years since I bought my house—knowing full well, by the way, that airplane and helicopter noise might be an issue. But it wasn’t that bad early on. The problem has become exponentially worse with each passing year, to the point where I’ve woken to the sound of jet engines at 3 a.m. some mornings, and the so-called enforcement has not been enough. The fines are not enough. People flying PJs to the Hamptons don’t care about the cost, and the pilots don’t care because they’re getting paid by the passengers who don’t care. Like everything in the Hamptons, it’s just too much sometimes.
That said, the airport is a valuable and important asset and resource to this community and I would really hate to see it go, but something needs to change, desperately. The town or FAA or East Hampton Airport management needs to figure out a solution soon, or we’ll lose an 80-year-old local institution.
By the way, if you want to take a closer look at the airport and get a sense of what they do offer, the East Hampton Aviation Association is hosting a “Just Plane Fun Day” there this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s such a wild coincidence that this family event extolling the airport’s virtues is happening at the same time as the community workshops to discuss its ultimate fate. Isn’t that amazing? So weird.
The Just Plane Fun Day will have lots of beautiful antique and historic airplanes and cars on view, as well as flybys, a raffle, activities for kids and several excellent East End food trucks. More info at hamptonflyers.com.
So, last night I had the chance to visit the highly anticipated Wolffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor. So here’s the good news and the bad news. The good news is it’s pretty good. The bad news is it should have been better. Since it’s the first foray into food for the local vineyard, I’ll give them time to let this potentially fine dine breath. Located at 29 Main Street in the village, the restaurant opens with a series of folding doors that open up and make it a great place to dine and watch the world go by. The menu on the other hand is a little more closed with a smaller selection of options. The wine menu on the other hand is rather extensive and features of course Wolffer wines, numerous imports and this in addition to a few local vineyards including Bedell.
The service as I sat for dinner last night was on their game from start to finish. I started my dinner with a small Greek salad which was absolutely fantastic, a perfect size with a delicate blend of feta, olives and greens. Oh my god, do I now sound like a food critic? I have to stop! Anyway, for an entree I had fresh tuna grilled over pasta which was nice and light but a little too light on flavor. My dining companion (who you can figure out) had a vegetable platter with I believe some fava beans and he thought it was awesome. Perhaps the comment that I’m more “suited for heavier flavors”, i.e. bolognese is my favorite should be taken into account. So what I’m saying is I liked Wolffer Kitchen, I just wasnt’ crazy about it. Perhaps I’ll hit it up again once they get more time under their belt but I have no doubt it’s going to get better! Wolffer Kitchen is open daily at 5:30pm and takes reservations on their facebook page or by calling 
