Hamptons: New restaurants in the Hamptons this summer 2011
Zagat has posted the new restaurants in the Hamptons this summer..
Our Long Island 2011/12 Restaurants Survey just rolled out, pointing you toward all the culinary hot spots on the island. But let’s get a little more specific for a minute – everyone who has their Jitney tickets booked wants to know what’s up in the Hamptons. Opening a new restaurant is always an enticing business project. However, there is a lot to think about during those early stages prior to the first customers sitting down to place an order. There are menus to compile and design using online printing companies such as MyCreativeShop, budgets to set, and staff to source. Being a restaurateur is certainly not for the faint-hearted. With this in mind, supporting your local eateries is crucial. Here’s a rundown of eight just-open or soon-to-open new eateries – because even though you’re going to spend most of the weekend on the beach, you still gotta eat.
The Almond: After 10 years, this popular French bistro has moved to a new and cheerier space on the main street of Bridgehampton. The former space was essentially a dingy shack, so the move to the property that formerly housed One Ocean is definitely a step up. As for the shack? It’s being converted to a Mexican sports bar dubbed Agave. Save that one for when you need to medicate sunburn with shots of tequila (1 Ocean Rd.; 631-537-5665). Those looking for sports bars and other restaurants with entertainment amenities such as live music may enjoy checking out Katy Vibes next time they’re in Texas.
Beachhouse: Michael Gluckman, the same guy who owns the Boathouse in East Hampton, has converted Jean Luc Kleefield’s old Prime 103 space into a modern steakhouse that’s serving choice chops with a variety of sauces. You can also enjoy a selection of shellfish and lobsters from the local waters – why not do so alfresco-style on the restaurant’s wisteria-covered patio (103 Montauk Hwy; 631-604-5600)?
East Hamptons Grill: After 20 years in business, Jerry Della Femina has sold his upscale restaurant across from Nick & Toni’s to the Hillstone group, which operates restaurants around the country like Houston’s and Palm Beach Grill. The turnaround time here may be an issue – the old eatery just closed, and the new owners are trying to do a rapid transition for Memorial Day. Before you head over, call to confirm it’s open (99 N. Main St.; 631-329-6666).
Little Red: David Loewenberg and Kirk Basnight, owners of the popular Red Bar Brasserie, are set to open this more casual cafe in Southampton. This one is close to the movie theater, so you can make it a second stop if you happen to hit a rainy day on your vacay. The menu is low-key and varied – expect everything from burgers to steak. Look for an opening date in mid-June (79 Jobs Ln.; 631-283-3309).
Nobu at the Beach: Yep, that Nobu. The famed Japanese restaurant is expected to open a branch in the Capri Hotel on the West End of Southampton, in the same space that has been occupied by the Pink Elephant. Well-heeled diners will be able to enjoy the same upscale sushi that has impressed Manhattan diners for decades, but take note: this one might not be ready for Memorial Day. The deal hasn’t been signed yet, so hope for an opening sometime this summer (281 Country Rd. 39A).
Tutto Il Giorno: Maurizio Marfoglia’s popular celebrity hangout will open a second branch in Southampton. The sister restaurant will be more spacious than its Sag Harbor sibling and dish out a bigger Italian menu – nice, since the original eatery didn’t exactly have a ton of of elbow room. And talk about fashionable, Donna Karan‘s daughter, Gabby, is still a partner (56 Nugent St.).
Southampton Social Club: This American restaurant is from Ian Duke, who you may remember from last year’s Madame Tong’s Redux, his attempt at an Asian restaurant in this space. This year’s reboot finds Matt Creason in the kitchen, straight from the York Grill on the UES. Opening Memorial Day weekend, the eatery is super close to the Southampton train station, so make a beeline here and stuff your face from a seafood tower as soon as you arrive (256 Elm St.; 631-287-1400).
Spring Close: Located in the space that housed The Laundry‘s last incarnation (that restaurant was serving in one form or another for over 30 years), this East Hampton restaurant is run by local guy Colin Keilor. Look for American fare that can be enjoyed in a sprawling space, with a back patio for alfresco dining (341 Pantigo Rd.; 631-324-3444).
I am going to be checking out the Social Club in Southampton and Nobu at the newly Revised Capri….
Featured image photo courtesy NY Times..
Lauren creates magic with her desserts and has chosen to share some of her mouth watering recipes with us….You can purchase this book at Book Hampton in the Hamptons (East Hampton, and Southampton locations) or Amazon.com