Recessions come and go, gas prices soar and real estate tumbles. But Hamptonites still have to eat.
And in this season of nasty news, the arrivals and departures between Riverhead and Montauk are under way faster than any at LaGuardia Airport.
First, the obituaries. Three Amagansett restaurants have closed: Pacific East, Estia's Cantina and 27 Authentic Mexican. Also missing this year is Mumbo Gumbo in Sag Harbor.
Not all have replacements yet. But there already are major openings to ensure busy signals and tough reservations.
The most anticipated?
The Surf Lodge opens this weekend at Fort Pond in Montauk, with Top Chef, season two competitor Sam Talbot as executive chef. The indoor/outdoor restaurant menu ranges from high-end fish sticks and lobster rolls to crab ceviche and coffee-rubbed filet mignon. Yes, there's a burger, too. 183 Edgemere St., Montauk; 631-238-5190/91.
Q East is the new restaurant at The Inn at Quogue. The ambitious menu is American and Mediterranean with creative side trips. And there is a fixed-price, $25 menu from 5:30 to 7 p.m. most nights. 47 Quogue St., Quogue; 631-288-3463.
OSO is the new steak-plus house at the Southampton Inn. The hotel has been around for decades, but OSO is its first full-service restaurant. Chef Peter Dunlop's resumé includes Cafe des Artistes in Manhattan. 91 Hill St., 631-283-1166.
Kobe Beach, the Hamptonian offshoot of Kobe Club in Manhattan, is slated to open with its beef-luxe theme in mid-June in East Hampton. It's the third in Jeffrey Chodorow's Kobe series; number two is in Miami Beach. 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd., 631-604-2610.
Indian Wells Tavern sets up in the former Estia's Cantina in Amagansett. The informal American restaurant is run by the owners of Bostwick's in East Hampton. 177 Main St.; 631-267-0400.
Almoncello in Wainscott starts its first summer season. The northern Italian eatery replaces Almondito, the Mexican spot begun by Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner - who also own Almond, the French spot in Bridgehampton. 290 Montauk Hwy., 631-329-6700.
Sen Spice, next door to Sen, adds Indian cuisine to the Sag Harbor table, leading with tandoori dishes and vegetarian specialties, as well as other familiar entrees with meat or seafood. 29 Main St., 631-725-0101.
Grappa Wine Bar is scheduled to move into the Sag Harbor site previously occupied by Mumbo Gumbo next month. Grappa features a 40-foot wine bar. The menu: panini, grilled pizzettes, cheese plates, salads, homey entrees and gelati. 62 Main St. No phone yet.
Surf Shack settles into Amagansett, at the former home of 27 Authentic Mexican. The Shack specializes in casual seafood, burgers, exotic drinks and 30 flavors of ice cream, just in case. Brought to you by Alex Gordon, whose Manhattan spots include A.J. Gordon's Brewing Co. and Zoo Bar. 2095 Montauk Hwy., 631-267-6980.
Show Win is the new Japanese restaurant in Amagansett, moving into the old sushi-sashimi address of Mount Fuji. It's an offspring of the popular Northport eatery of the same name. Montauk Highway, 631-267-7600.
Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor boasts a new chef, Maurizio Marfoglia, formerly of Barolo and Coco Pazzo in Manhattan, and an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. 5 Bay St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-7009.
Lighthouse Grill & Patio reopens at the Montauk Yacht Club with a $24.95, fixed-price, three-course menu. The high-end resort is on Star Island, near the harbor, 631-668-3100.
Second House Tavern, with seafood, steaks, burgers and pub food, too, is new to Montauk, at the Ruschmeyer's Resort address. 161 Second House Rd., 631-668-2877.
The Backyard Restaurant kicks off the season with American fare at the Sole East Hotel in Montauk, which used to be the Shepherd's Neck Inn. 90 Second House Rd., 631-668-2105. Alison, the New American restaurant, has relocated from School Street in Bridgehampton to the Maidstone Arms at 207 Main St., East Hampton; 631-324-5440.
A September opening is expected for the successor to
Gordon's, the Amagansett landmark. The new restaurant, to be opened by the proprietors of The Meeting House restaurant in Amagansett, will feature Italian cuisine, and keep the Gordon's name.
