Thank You, Dad

Father’s Day always makes me a bit nostalgic. I remember my dad putting my little feet on his feet so he could walk me to bed. He would make me guess a number between one and 3456 and I would always guess the correct one which entitled me to bring him his martini. He was a strong man but connected to his emotions, a self-proclaimed three handkerchief man. He would tell me, “Life isn’t fair but I will be there for you.” I wish I had said, “I love you,” more often.

If you want to treat your father to a special day, there are many ways to enjoy amazing experiences here. And for the fathers that are struggling during these tough times, there are also ways to support them and their families in the community.

With all the staying home, what would be more of a fantasy than to set sail on the open waters in Sag Harbor? Picture a 78-foot traditional gaff-rigged schooner with an adventurous history of hunting German U-Boats during WWII that transformed to win Classic Refit Yacht of the Year in 2014. White glove service is offered by Captain Shannon Carleton and crew for 2.5 to eight-hour private charters, and you can even have fresh oysters from Robins Island delivered via West Robins Oyster Co to be shucked boat-side. Spacious decking allows for proper distancing.

Looking for a gourmet treat from one of the world’s most revered restaurateurs? Daniel Boulud is now offering delivery in the Hamptons, kicking off for Father’s Day. Through the newly formed Daniel Boulud Kitchen website, you can order from menus that change weekly. Father’s Day chez vous includes a seafood bouillabaisse dinner, a vegetarian dinner, and a Sunday brunch with bread and desserts for six and will be available for pickup at certain Hamptons locations. A percentage of sales will also benefit the Daniel Boulud Foundation Hand in Hand, supporting employees who have been facing financial hardship.

If Dad has his heart set on BBQ, you can head to the award-winning chef and pitmaster Matty Boudreau’s Green Hill Kitchen in Greenport for his famous slow roasting technique and signature sauces. It has just opened outdoor dining from noon to 8 PM with limited seating on a first come, first served basis. Whether it’s the ribs or pulled pork, brisket or buttered lobster roll, you will find your hand sanitizer handy for the finger licking good experience.

One of the hidden gems of the Hamptons is the bar at the Bridgehampton Inn and Restaurant. This is home to one of the most dedicated mixologists, Kyle Fengler. With an encyclopedic knowledge of fine spirits as well as a cornucopia of fresh ingredients, he concocts some of the most sophisticated cocktails in town. As he calls them, Potent Potables and Refreshing Libations. You can order these for takeout such as the Cured in a Jiffy: With a touch of smoke and zesty bite, this spirited cocktail comes to your aid with Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, a touch of Bruichladdich Octomore peated Scotch, fresh ginger, lemon and honey. A masculine masterpiece.

Is Dad a golf enthusiast? Named in the Top 10 Best Municipal Courses in the U.S. by Links Magazine, the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course is open to the public. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones-designed course has scenic views and conditions change constantly with the weather. With social distancing protocol in place, the course invites Dad to play. Note that reservations are required, so plan in advance.

We need a mental escape now more than ever, so for a great beach read for Dad, how about local author Tom Clavin’s new book “Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, and The Vendetta Ride From Hell?” Clavin has been bringing history alive with best sellers like “Dodge City”and “Wild Bill.” In these challenging times, the wild west seems like an enticing escape.

Let us not forget all the dads and their families who are struggling this Father’s Day. There are many ways for the community to help, so please support: Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry, Heart of the Hamptons Food Pantry, East Hampton Food Pantry and JBJ Soul Kitchen Food Bank, among others.

And to my Dad on the other side, “I still love you.”

To my loyal readers: Your support of this column, feedback, comments and sharing have meant the world to me. With the changes here Kiss & Tell will say good bye to its home at The Independent but know that I will be finding a new platform so stay tuned. Feel free to drop me an email kissandtellhb@gmail.com if you want the update or follow me on Instagram @hamptonsheather or Facebook @heather.buchanan.395.