The Backyard Restaurant at Solé East Opens for the Season

Outdoor dining is a summer staple. Rarely does anyone choose to sit in dimly lit restaurant corners when there are bands to be heard and sunsets to be seen. Luckily, The Backyard Restaurant at Solé East Resort in Montauk is now open for the 2015 season.

The Backyard Restaurant is a sanctuary. The outdoor space is relaxing with tables nestled among the beautiful gardens and a lush lawn surrounding the pool. The elegant outdoor atmosphere is complemented by a roaring fire pit, tiki torches and comfortable day beds.

It’s the perfect atmosphere for dining on Mediterranean influenced menu options noted for their fresh, local, sustainable seasonal cuisine overseen by Michelin-starred and two-time James Beard award nominee executive chef Philippe Ruiz. Sample items from this year’s menu include the Backyard Salad, a mix of field greens, chick peas, hearts of palm, beet, cucumber and topped with red wine vinaigrette; the Lobster Pasta, served with angel hair, brown butter, sage, lobster, and roasted fennel; and the Salt & Pepper Scallops served alongside grilled vegetables, faro salad and red pepper aioli.

Off the grill options include skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, Montauk sea scallops and a grilled Montauk tile fish fillet that can be paired with a list of sides that includes house cut fries, bok choy, roasted fingerling potato with fresh thyme, snow peas or sugar snap peas with garlic and oil, and a faro salad.

While chomping down on any of these tasty options, patrons can soak in a range of regular performers. Winston Irie and the Selective Security Band perform reggae tunes every Thursday starting at 9 p.m. DJ Faze will spin every Friday and Saturday night as well as poolside starting at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Sunday is Jazz and Bosso Nova Brunch with music by Ludmilla and Marcello from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The dining room is bright, open and airy featuring white canvas director chairs paired with brown craft paper covered table tops. Rotating art exhibits of local artists and photographers adorn the walls for an indoor experience that rivals many outdoor spots.

The restaurant is currently serving dinner five nights a week, Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Backyard Restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Sunday brunch.