Hamptons dining
11 dependable standbys and exciting new spots
Photo credit: Photo by Gordon M. Grant | The Plaza Cafe, at 61 Hill St. in Southampton, is a trendy eatery offering a full menu and delicate desserts, such as a pear strudel in a port wine sorbet, a white chocolate cheesecake, or a traditional artisanal cheese course culled from local ingredients.
The special of the day in the Hamptons is a new restaurant. So far, the '09 season boasts fewer openings than in recent summers, but getting that Saturday night reservation still should be an adventure. Here are some dependable standbys and exciting new spots - with more expected to follow. Keep updated at newsday.com/ feedme .
EAST HAMPTON
Kobe Beach Club has fallen on its samurai swords. New at the address: Philippe East Hampton , the latest in Philippe Chow's series of haute-Chinese eateries. There are Philippes in Manhattan, Miami Beach and Mexico City. Expect satays and spring rolls, dumplings and noodles, Beijing duck and Beijing chicken, plus prawns and lobsters and the essential repertoire of "signature drinks." Philippe is at 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd.; 631-907-0250.
The Laundry , 341 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-3199, (COST $$$). The Laundry combines good food with a good time. It' a buoyant, full-flavored spot. The fare ranges from a deluxe hamburger and hot dog to an excellent sirloin steak with roasted shallots and wild mushroom fricassee to roasted Iacono Farm chicken with creamy polenta and summer succotash.
The 1770 House , 143 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-1770, (COST $$$). This historic inn is full of antique touches. But the food veers contemporary. Notable dishes include Scottish salmon tartare, tempura skate with green papaya and Thai-chile vinaigrette, sweet corn soup, pan-roasted flounder accented with kaffir lime and lemongrass, and a caramelized raspberry tart with mint sauce.
>>More East Hampton restaurants
SOUTHAMPTON
The Plaza Cafe , 61 Hill St., Southampton, 631-283-9323, (COST $$$), A superb seafood restaurant, The Plaza Cafe stands out with dishes such as the "swordfish chop," in carrot-chive broth; the lobster shepherd's pie; monkfish "osso buco;" and horseradish-crusted cod. If you're more turf than surf, try the Jurgielewicz Farm duck three ways: sliced breast, confit of leg, foie gras bread pudding.
>>More Southampton restaurants
SAG HARBOR
Blue Sky Restaurant & Lounge refreshes the old address of Spinnakers. The new spot specializes in moderately priced, Mediterranean fare under executive chef and managing partner Giuseppe Desiderio - a veteran of the departed three-star Ristorante Capri of Wainscott and of Grappa, across the street in Sag Harbor. The Blue Sky menu highlights such dishes as tuna Provencal with olive tapenade, fettuccine with braised lamb, a lobster-broccoli rabe roll and panini. Blue Sky is at 63 Main St.; 631-725-9353.
The Maidstone Arms has undergone a major overhaul by its new owner, c/o Hotels, a Scandinavian company. Now, it's c/o The Maidstone Hotel ; its restaurant, The Living Room , with chef James Carpenter, an advocate of the "slow food" movement. Expect some Scandinavian influences in the kitchen to go with the Swedish furnishings - among them, tarte flambee of house-smoked Norwegian salmon with capers, red onion and creme fraiche, and local fare, such as Catapano Farms' goat-cheese tart with house-made lingonberry sorbet and Satur Farm spring-vegetable Napoleon. The bar menu adds open-face sandwiches and Swedish meatball sliders. c/o The Maidstone Hotel is at 207 Main St.; 631-324-5006.
And expect the Blue Parrot to start squawking again, apparently with celebrity backers. The old haunt, closed for four years, is readying the burritos and the beverages for summer '09. Blue Parrot is at 33A Main St.; 631-329-2583.
>>More Sag Harbor restaurants
AMAGANSETT
Mezzaluna , an offspring of the popular Manhattan restaurant in business since 1984, is slated to open in mid-June. Find it in the space occupied for more than 40 years by Gordon's. Mezzaluna NYC attracts diners for its antipasti, salads, panini and pastas. The East End's Mezzaluna will have a similar menu. Mezzaluna opens at 231 Main St.; 631-267-6399.
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MONTAUK
Gulf Coast Kitchen anchors the new eateries at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina . Chef Michael Domitrovich's cooking has Cajun, Cuban, Mexican and Southern accents. The choices go from chile relleno to blackened swordfish, fried chicken with candied sweet potatoes and collard greens to striped bass glazed in achiote seed and sour orange. The yacht club also opens Hurricane Alley, for more casual dining; and the Barracuda Bar and Turtle Lounge , with small plates and cocktails. The yacht club is at 32 Star Island Rd.; 631-668-3100.
Fishbar on the Lake specializes in seafood, courtesy of chef and co-owner Jennifer Meadows, whose experience in shoreline cuisine includes stints in San Diego and Oahu. The relaunched restaurant's dishes go from deviled blue crab, tuna seviche and smoked local bluefish to Cajun fish sliders, clam pie, fried cod and steamed lobster. Fishbar is at 467 E. Lake Dr.; 631-668-6600.
>>More Montauk restaurants
WATER MILL
Mirko's , 670 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, 631-726-4444, (COST $$$). Cozy as a private home, Mirko's is one of the East End's genuinely welcoming restaurants. The continental-New American fare is stellar. Some favorites: roast duck breast with hints of honey and lime, Moroccan-spiced salmon, smoked salmon trout, and a house specialty, Croatian sweet-sour stuffed cabbage. Lush desserts.
>>More Water Mill restaurants
>>Extended list of Hamptons restaurants
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