Restaurant Review: Nichol's

I took another editor to lunch at Nichol’s in East Hampton on a Thursday afternoon. Other Editor has long been a regular of this restaurant over the years and she spoke highly of its current incarnation, under the leadership of Ziggy Attias. She asserted, “Everything is good and their breakfasts are generous.”

I was not disappointed. At last it was a perfect day to sip a large iced tea on one of Nichol’s patios – they have two! “Arnold Palmers” are also on offer, along with a full bar including 10 draft beers. I quite agreed that Nichol’s clam strips aren’t strips at all, they’re great, unctuous globs of yummy fried clam.

The Chopped Caesar Salad is crisp with the perfect amount of dressing and moist, smoky chicken on top. [expand]

Other Editor ordered up a Fat Boy Slim Burger Deluxe – that’s a Fat Boy Burger without its brioche bun, served on a bed of greens, topped with a substantial onion ring, with French fries on the side. In addition to beef, the burgers are available in turkey, veggie, salmon and crab.

Our server Carmen suggested we try the Chicken Chimichanga Grande. This spiced chicken with rice, guacamole (fresh and CHUNKY), sour cream and salsa in a crispy tortilla was grande. It was also hotter than I’m usually willing to go, but I quite liked it. It’s good to stretch.

I also ordered the Vegetarian Sandwich – Brie, avocado, sprouts, tomato, pesto – very flavorful, great pita. We found the Bouillabaisse brilliant, with generous amount of tender sea life in a not-too-salty broth.

We were too stuffed to partake of the raw bar or the dessert menu!

Fans of Attias’ last restaurant, Ziggy’s, on the turnpike in Bridgehampton will happily remember the “Fat Boys” and the Coconut Shrimp.

Details, details. Thank you Nichol’s for setting out wide-mouthed ketchup bottles and providing heavy-duty napkins that are somewhere between a paper towel and a bib. Much appreciated.

Attias’ take has been to offer an improved and expanded menu, including a full dinner selection, while making the restaurant “more pubby.” Look for an updated, but still nostalgic interior. It’s easy to see why their daily Happy Hour is a popular scene. This place screams “Hamptons in the summertime.” As do the 16 oz. two-for-one margaritas served all day and night, every day and night….

The former owners of Nichol’s now reside in Arizona where they operate “Nichol’s West.”

Nichol’s Good Food & Ale, 631-324-3939,

www.NicholsEH.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch and Take-Out. Open year-round seven days, 9 a.m. ‘til the last customer leaves. American, Seafood, Fat Boy Burgers. [/expand]