The Hamptons International Film Festival unspools Oct. 15-19. It's easy to find a fine, expensive meal close to the movies, but you can locate a few recession-busters, too. Here are four.
Golden Pear Cafe, 34 Newtown Lane, East Hampton; 631-329-1600;
goldenpearcafe.com
COST $-$$
This is one of four East End "pears." It's open for breakfast and lunch, closing at 5:30 p.m. Choices include sandwiches, wraps, soups, main courses. Consider potato-leek soup, butternut squash-and-apple soup; Cobb salad; macaroni and cheese; baked cod.
Rowdy Hall, 10 Main St., East Hampton; 631-324-8555;
rowdyhall.com
COST $$
Rowdy Hall is an offspring of Nick & Toni's, where the star power qualifies it as the festival's official eatery. Rowdy Hall is part bistro, part pub and near the theater. Reliable dishes include the salads, onion soup, goat-cheese tart, vegetarian chili, steak frites, the croque monsieur at lunch and the Rowdyburger anytime.
Second House Tavern, 161 Second House Rd., Montauk; 631-668-2877;
secondhousetavern.com
COST $$
In case you want to hide from the paparazzi, this is your joint. The dining room could pass for an upstate lodge. Family-oriented, very good, and opposite Fort Pond Bay, too. It's part summer, part autumn. Best bets include lobster sliders, New England-style clam chowder, wood-roasted chicken and pan-seared halibut.
Turtle Crossing, 221 Pantigo Rd. (Route 27), East Hampton; 631-324-7166;
turtlecrossing.com
COST $-$$
Eat in or take out, Turtle Crossing is a full-flavored, messy good time. The theme is generally Southwestern, and the standouts include ribs, juicy pork in bulk, quesadillas, fajitas, smoky barbecued chicken, fish tacos, Southern- fried catfish, and, for an exotic touch, the Thai chicken wrap.
