Restaurant Review: Tutto Il Giorno, Sag Harbor

Tutto Il Giorno is right on Bay Street in Sag Harbor. On the other side of Bay Street is a whole lotta water. Tutto, miraculously, was not flooded during the recent storms. I felt that I should drink a toast to that happy news. It seemed wrong to turn to a Dark and Stormy for the occasion, so I went with a Mint Lemonato of limoncello, vodka and fresh mint. It’s similar to a Mojito and—topped with fresh lemon and soda—it’s very good and refreshing. Hats off to bartender Fabrice who doubles as house DJ. My husband countered with his standard Gin Martini straight up. He found it well prepared and the three olives that garnished it “much richer than most, meatier.” A promising sign.

Tutto Sag Harbor’s menu is quite different from its sister restaurant Tutto Il Giorno in Southampton. But they both include among their offerings a range of vegetarian options.

The interior of Tutto Sag Harbor is more dressed up than I expected somehow. Small wonder it’s known as a celebrity hangout. Of course the wide-ranging wine list is also an attraction as is the FOOD prepared by Chef Jon Albrecht. I’m told it’s quite the late-night scene. It’s pleasant to think about people dancing on tabletops here while I’m cozily abed, about to drop off just a few blocks away…

Tutto’s General Manager Rachel stopped by our table to chat. She clearly has a passion for the restaurant business. She’s really into food and wine. But she’s also a number cruncher, pointing out that Tutto’s $33 prix fixe can be a wise choice even if you don’t care to eat dessert—it can save you money. Plus the prix fixe includes 10% off bottles of wine. And, according to Rachel, Tutto’s tiramisu makes a fabulous breakfast.

We nibbled on Tutto’s yummy rosemary flatbread; awash in their organic olive oil as we studied our menus…The two Tuttos have just introduced their hearty winter menus. This was perfect for Husband who announced, “I want slow-cooked something.”

He began with the Tartara, a spicy tuna tartare with marinated cukes, avocado and local micro greens from Good Water Farms in East Hampton. He said, “Unlike a lot of tuna tartar it’s not overly salty. This is nice. Mmm.”

At Rachel’s suggestion he followed with the Ravioli of Granny Smith apples and Buffalo ricotta and braised lamb ragu.” He was chuckling as he commented, “That’s really good.” Rachel also suggested a “Super Tuscan blend” to accompany which met with Husband’s approval.

I began my meal with the Wild Mushroom Polenta. Creamy, cheesy, warm and savory with a touch of black truffle, I could eat a whole bowl of this goo, oops I did.

Then I had the Tagliolini with bay scallops, shrimp and black garlic. There was a nice amount of heat to it and a generous amount of fresh basil.

Husband had Calvados for dessert. I indulged in a Mixed Berry Tart. I was glad that I did. It was all about the fresh berries—raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. Then we got up and rolled
happily home.

Tutto Il Giorno

6 Bay Street, Sag Harbor
631-725-7009

and

56 Nugent Street , Southampton

631-377-3611

Join Tutto Il Giorno Sag Harbor Chef Jon Albrecht, along with a host of other Hamptons and New York chefs, on January 5, 2013 at 230 Elm in Southampton for “Restaurant for Restaurant,” a fundraiser to support the efforts of the New York Restaurant Association to aid New York restaurants in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

The event is set to run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Presale tickets are $75, $100 at the door.

Purchase tickets online at popimparesskajournal.org.

For more information or to become a sponsor call Jon Albrecht at 631-875-0165.