Dan's Taste of Two Forks Restaurant Line Up
Owned by the same group, The 1770 House, Cittanuova, East Hampton Point and The Grill at Pantigo represent a sizeable array of Hamptons dining.
The 1770 House has been open since, well, 1770. Chef Kevin Penner creates first class, contemporary American cuisine every day. (143 Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-324-1770, www.1770house.com)
Cittanuova is an Italian restaurant with a modern approach. Executive Chef James Gee, who has an interesting mix of both Italian and Chinese heritage, brings the Milanese style of Italian cuisine to life in a chic and sophisticated setting. AND the food is affordable! (29 Newtown Lane East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-324-6300, www.cittnuova.com.) [expand]
The seasonal restaurant East Hampton Point sports a nautically themed interior, perfectly matching its surroundings – the marina and boats on Three Mile Harbor.
Executive Chef Patrick Fromm focuses on classic seafood dishes, such as crab cakes and fish and chips, and the summer staples, like burgers and steak. (295 Three Mile Harbor Road/ Hog Creek Road East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-324-8400, www.easthamptonpoint.com.)
The Grill at Pantigo offers food by chefs Kevin Penner and Dave Piacente. The Grill features new American cuisine – really simple, yet really tasty food. (203 Pantigo Road East Hampton, NY 11937. (631-329-2600, www.thegrillonpantigo.com.)
In the spring of 2001, childhood friends, and chefs, Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides opened Almond in Bridgehampton. Both men have impressive culinary backgrounds and after 25 years of working in restaurants, they decided to open their own – a quaint French bistro where people could come to sit, relax, and chat for hours. Almond is now located at 1970 Montauk Highway Bridgehampton, NY 11932. 631-537-8885, www.almondrestaurant.com
Barbra Layton has created an eclectic little place in East Hampton that serves the meat-eaters and meat-freers alike. Babette’s specializes in vegan and vegetarian food, and even has a juice bar, famous for its Bloody Marys. Chef Daniel Van Der Beek serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily using organic, local produce, meat and fish. (66 Newton Lane East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-329-5377, www.babettesrestaurant.com)
Beachhouse is Michael Gluckman’s newest hot spot on the East Hampton food scene, opening its doors this past May. The spacious restaurant has a patio and concentrates mostly on seafood. Though Executive Chef Dennis J. Farrell, also whips up 21-day dry-aged USDA prime steak, pasta, and, a house favorite, the Beachhouse Burger. (103 Montauk Highway East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-604-5600.)
The Boathouse is the sister restaurant to Michael Gluckman’s newest creation, Beachhouse. Located on 3 Mile Harbor, guests can sit indoors or dockside.
Enjoy Happy Hour every Wednesday and Friday. Sunday brunches, prepared by Chef John Denco, include endless mimosas and Bloody Marys. The atmosphere is very laid back, making everyone feel social. (39 Gann Road East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-329-3663, www.easthamptonboathouse.com.)
David Lownberg’s Beacon is located right on the water in Sag Harbor. Diners can watch the sunset as they eat or just enjoy the view of the water with a glass of wine. This is the perfect place for a seafood restaurant.
Their crispy fish tacos and sesame crusted tuna crafted by Executive Chef Sam McCleland keep patrons coming back for more. This scrumptious food is also available for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. (8 West Water Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963. 631-725-7088, www.beaconsagharbor.com. )
Fresno is another creation of veteran restaurateurs David Loewenberg and Michael Nolan, which opened in the spring of 2004. The restaurant itself has a very open and airy quality, simply elegant. The hints of European style are much in keeping with the menu.
Executive Chef Gretchen Menser cooks with every local product available, with European flair and practicality. (8 Fresno Place East Hampton NY 11937. 631-324-8700, www.fresnorestaurant.com.)
In 1981, Ron Perelman decided that he wanted to create a restaurant where surfers and brokers alike could sit down in a sort of “hole-in-the-wall” type place and eat some solid Tex-Mex cuisine.
Chef Roberto Santibañez Craves is the master who creates the Blue Parrot’s gigantic burritos and spicy tacos.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Renee Zellweger and Jon Bon Jovi are also partners in this famous hot spot. Every Tuesday night is Gay Night, featuring two margaritas for $10. (33A Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-329-2583, www.blueparroteasthampton.com.)
Serving up a wide variety of tapas, Copa Wine Bar and Restaurant in Bridgehampton is named after the Spanish word for “glass.” Chris Boudouris and Cosmo Venneri are the duo behind this small dish restaurant. They concentrate on “casual conviviality” with their traditional small plates, which offer an inspired, modern reinterpretation of classic Spanish tapas.chorizo. (95 School Bridgehampton, NY 11932. 631-613-6469, www.copawineandtapas.com.)
In 1989, Michael Mosolino decided to start his own catering business, after spending many years in restaurant kitchens. In 1996, he opened The Deli Counter Fine Foods & Catering, expanding on his already booming business. (623 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968. 631-283-1774, www.eastendcatering.com.)
Dylan Lauren is the genius behind Dylan’s Candy Bar. In 2001, Dylan opened her first store on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. In this glamorous, colorful, child-friendly store, there are over 5,000 types of candy!
When a celebrity buys a favorite treat at Dylan’s, they are asked to sign a clear container so customers can see which candy appeals to the celebrity’s sweet tooth. This feature is called “Famous Favorites,” and they are all on display at the New York location.(52 Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-324-6181, www.dylanscandybar.com.)
Colin Ambrose is the brains behind Estia’s Little Kitchen in Sag Harbor. Back in 1991, Ambrose bought what used to be a small coffee shop.
Today Estia’s has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, most of which has a Mexican flare. The omelets are all named after locations that match their local ingredients. (1615 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike Sag Harbor, NY 11963. 631-725-1045, www.estiaslittlekitchen.com.)
Robert Beaver has been the chef at The Frisky Oyster since 2008. He became the owner in 2010. Beaver is a chef who supports sustainable cooking and finds the East End of Long Island the ideal place to celebrate that comitment. (27 Front Street Greenport, NY 11944. 631-477-4265, www.thefriskyoyster.com.)
Georgica Restaurant and Lounge, located on a bank of the famous Georgica Pond, is the hot spot for the younger crowd. Executive Chefs Robert Hesse and Seth Levine co-own this secluded place with white-washed, breezy patios and intimate dining room. (108 Wainscott Stone Rd, Wainscott, NY 11975. Call 631-537-6255, www.georgicarestaurant.com.)
The Gulf Coast Kitchen is located in the Montauk Yacht Club but the ambiance transports its guests to a villa on the Gulf of Mexico. The relaxed and casual attitude of the place is also reflected in the food.
Award-winning chef Robbin Haas has made a big hit with integrating flawless techniques with local, fresh ingredients. (32 Star Island Road Montauk, NY 11954. 631-668-3100, www.montaukyachtclub.com.)
Gurney’s Pasticcera and Beach Bakery – William Bertha is the pastry chef at Gurney’s. His sweet offerings feature the freshest seasonal fruit and are often still warm from the oven when served. Desserts and pastries change often. (290 Old Montauk Highway Montauk, NY 11954. 631-668-2345, www.gurneysinn.com.)
After The Jamesport Manor Inn burned to the ground in October of 2005, its owners rebuilt it completely to its historic elegance. Current owner, Matthew Kar, and chef, Michael Mandleur, now run this famous landmark.( 370 Manor Lane, Riverhead, NY 11901. 631-722-0500, www.jamesportmanorinn.com.)
Owner and chef Wayne Waddington brings his French-American dishes to life at La Plage in Wading River. The restaurant overlooks the beach and the elegant food reflects the scenery.
Fresh beet, apple and spinach salads are some of the starters. Entrees include raw oysters, duck confit and leg of lamb. The desserts are decadent and change frequently. See review on page 70. (131 Creek Rd Wading River, NY 11792. 631-744-9200, www.laplagerestaurant.net.)
The philosophy at Love Lane Kitchen is simple: comfort food. That is, trend-worthy, North Fork comfort food. Aptly named after the street it is on, Abraham Flores brings fresh, local seafood to his guests. (240 Love Lane Mattituck, NY 11952. 631-298-8989, www.lovelanekitchen.com.)
Luce + Hawkins Restaurant is located in the Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Jamesport, and features a formal atmosphere. Chef Keith Luce is committed to sustainably sourced food products from the region. Luce grows his own herbs in his on-site kitchen garden. The menu layout is unique. Guests can create their own tasting menu or treat themselves to a chef-tailored grand tasting menu. Luce’s Landing, in the same building, is a country café and wine bar. This is a fun, casual dining option with a focus on value and quality. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and featuring a community farm table. (400 S. Jamesport Ave., Jamesport. 631-722-2900, www.jedediahhawkinsinn.com.)
LT Burger in Sag Harbor is a nod to the old 1950’s burger joint; although it is much more than that. Opened in 2010 by Chef Laurent Tourondel and Michael Cinque.
Besides the wide selection of beef, turkey, and tuna burgers, LT Burger also has an array of fries and Rated “R” shakes, as well as regular milk shakes. (62 Main Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963. Call 631-899-4646, www.ltburger.com.)
Montauk Lake Club is nestled midway down the protected eastern shore of Montauk’s safe harbor. The Montauk Lake Club Yacht Club and Marina was built in 1930 as part of the Montauk Dream plan of creating a playground for the rich and famous. The structures, grounds, and amenities of the yacht club and marina exude casual elegance with a family friendly atmosphere. You are invited to share in the tradition. (211 East Lake Drive Montauk, NY 11954. 631-668-5705, www.montauklakeclub.com.)
Mosaic, located in St. James, has quickly become a destination restaurant. Tate Morris and Jonathan Contes both former chefs at Mirabelle, the well-renowned French restaurant just down the road, came together to create this delicious culinary collision of a restaurant. Morris is classically trained in French cuisine and Contes comes from a Greek background. (418 North Country Road St. James NY. 631-584-2058, www.eatmosaic.com.)
In May, 2007, Matthew Guiffrida opened Muse Restaurant, Aquatic Bar, and Lounge after working in other well-known Hamptons hotspots for several years. His first venture as executive chef and owner of Muse is a grand success with rave reviews.
The menu is full of classic, dressed-up American favorites. See story on page 47. (760 Montauk Hwy Water Mill, NY 11976 (in the Water Mill Commons). 631-726-2606, www.muserestauranthamptons.com.)
In 1988, the late Jeff Salaway and his wife, Toni Ross, opened Nick & Toni’s, a recreation of their experience of dining in small towns in Tuscany. In 1997, Joseph Realmuto, became the chef, he specializes in Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. (136 North Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937-2619. 631-324-3550, www.nickandtonis.com.)
Chef Noah Schwartz and his wife Sunita decided to open their own place, Noah’s, after working in many restaurant kitchens. Using locally-sourced ingredients for small, trademark plates, Noah’s is also the only restaurant in Greenport to boast a raw bar. (136 Front Street Greenport, NY 11944. 631-477-6720, www.chefnoahschwartz.com.)
Back in 1820 The Old Mill Inn was built as a gristmill. Since 2006 The Old Mill Inn has been owned by Elaine Lafferty, a former war correspondent and Time Magazine reporter, Bia Lowe, an author, and Barbara Pepe, a television executive.
The Old Mill Inn serves both lunch and dinner with menus foscused on freshly caught seafood. (5775 West Mill Road Mattituck, NY 11952. 631-298-8080, www.oldmillinn.net.)
Race Lane, owned by Jay and Rowaida Plumeri. Located in the building that used to house the Laundry. This happening restaurant features a delicious array of culinary options prepared by the passionate Executive Chef Dana Lamel. Order the Roasted Free Range Half Chicken with Risotto–you won’t be sorry. (31 Race Lane East Hampton, NY 11937. Call 631-324-5022 or visit www.racelanerestaurant.com.)
Chefs Bill and Yvette Mammes own Rugosa Restaurant in East Hampton. After working at many acclaimed establishments, the couple decided to open their own place in May of 2009. Rugosa Restaurant recently welcomed Douglas Sheehan as General Manager.
Offering Modern American fine dining, Chef Bill Mammes applies his training in Contemporary French Cuisine to local, seasonal ingredients.(290 Montauk Highway East Hampton, NY 11937. 631-604-1550, www.rugosarestaurant.com.)
In 1981, Sarabeth and her husband Bill Levine opened Sarabeth’s, a small bakery and jam shop on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Sarabeth now has nine outposts in New York, Key West and Garden City open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.sarabeths.com.
Savanna’s resembles a southern garden, yet the food is anything but southern. In business for 14 years, the airy atmosphere is what makes Savanna’s one of the “it” places to dine in the Hamptons.
Executive chef, Aldo Alo, prepares everything from crab cakes to filet mignon, even house-made bread. (268 Elm Street Southampton, NY 11968. 631-283-0202, www.savannassouthampton.com.)
Among the buildings along historic Greenport Village’s wharf sits Scrimshaw. Chef and owner, Rosa de Carvalho Ross, specializes in Asian, French, and Italian cooking. Reminiscent of the days when whaling ships came in from all over the world – expect a rich blend of cultures.
Dishes include Cantonese dumplings and Salmon served with edamame – is take on the hamburger: an Angus burger with plum jam and candied bacon.
(102 Main Street Greenport, NY 11944-1422. 631-477-8882, www.scrimshawrestaurant.com.)
Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato are the founders of the Serafina Restaurant Group. They have several locations, as well as other restaurants in which they work with renowned chefs. Serafina East Hampton is mainly known for its authentic Italian cuisine which includes pizza, pasta and risotto. (104 North Main Street, East Hampton NY 11937. 631-267-3500, www.serafinarestaurant.com.)
Executive Chef Matt Creason migrated from the city to the Hamptons to bring an “eclectic flair” to the restaurant scene through the Southampton Social Club. The mail goal is to bring the social aspect back to dining. Creason wants his customers to be able to sit down with a glass of wine or a cocktail and a plate of oysters and just chat.
Hamptons class meets Manhattan nightlife…that’s something to chat about. (256 Elm Street, Southampton. 631-287-1400, www.southamptonsocialclub.com.)
Chef Joe Isidori serves a sustainable food menu at Southfork Kitchen in Bridgehampton. He uses all that he can that’s local and in season.
Dishes include East Hampton blowfish, Block Island squid, and Montauk Point bluefish. Southfork Kitchen also offers bar snacks, as well as meals in a laidback setting. (203 Sag Harbor Turnpike Bridgehampton, NY 11932. 631-537-4700, www.southforkkitchen.com.)
Chef Starr Boggs named his restaurant after himself. He’s been working on Eastern Long Island for almost 30 years. Boggs grew up on a farm in Virginia where his family raised just about everything they ate, so he gained a lasting appreciation for fresh, local ingredients. He has created a menu that celebrates local bounty. The menu is chockfull of seafood items, as well as Boggs’ own special cuts of steak. (6 Parlato Drive Westhampton Beach, NY 11978. 631-288-3500 , www.starrboggsrestaurant.com.)
The beautiful Stone Creek Inn has been a fixture of fine dining in the Hamptons since celebrated chef Christian Mir and his wife Elaine opened the restaurant in East Quogue in 1996. Their modern French-Mediterranean cuisine and award winning wine list have earned accolades from both the press and patrons. Sited in a beautiful country inn, it matches an “exquisite setting” according to Zagat in 2001. (405 Montauk Hwy., East Quogue. Bar and dining rooms open 7 days a week at 5:30 p.m. 631-653-6770, www.stonecreekinn.com.)
The Hamptons needed a good barbeque joint and along came Townline BBQ. It’s a place where you can put your elbows on the table and chow down on some good ol’ ribs. Townline owner Mark Smith and executive chef and partner Joe Realmuto have created a comfort zone where people can relax with their families. They serve every kind of classic barbeque food. (3593 Montauk Highway Bridgehampton, NY 11975. 631-537-2271, www.townlinebbq.com.)
In its 17th year, Turtle Crossing has revamped itself, transforming from a barbeque joint to a new American bistro. Though they are still known for their signature slow smoked BBQ dishes, they also offer more elegant dishes. Chef Arthur Wolf executes the menu while owner Stanley Singer, a native Oklahoman, runs the whole operation. (221 Pantigo Road East Hampton, NY 11937-6100. Call 631-324-7166 or go to www.turtlecrossing.com.)
Tutto Il Giorno is owned by husband and wife, Gianpaolo De Felice and Gabby Karan De Felice and Chef Maurizio Marfoglia. They have brought a slice of Italy to Sag Harbor and have just expanded to Southampton. (6 Bay Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963. Call 631-725-7009 for more information. Also, 56 Nugent Street, Southampton, NY 11968. 631-377-3611.)
After putting much tender, love, and care into the space they found on Shelter Island, Terry Harwood, and his wife Lisa opened Vine Street Café in April 2003.
The menu is mostly made of up French fare, such as duck confit and moules and frites. Hardwood also uses only fish that are in season, which can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily the Shelter Islanders have welcomed them warmly and have let them stay. (41 S. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, NY 11964.631-749-3210, www.vinestreetcafe.com.) [/expand]