To Hamp or Hampt-not

In the time it takes to get to what New Yorker’s euphemistically refer to as “the country ,” I could be out-of-the-country lazing on some Caribbean island or halfway to somewhere. Still---English is spoken, the food has improved remarkably over the last few years (and where hasn’t it) so here’s our Hampton-roundup.

East Hampton

Rowdy Hall (10 Main St., East Hampton, Tel. N/A) Rowdy Hall is the name of a

new venture by Jeff Salaway, Toni Ross and Mark Smith. The name "Rowdy Hall"

refers to the nickname of a raucous boarding house frequented by the first artists and writers who began to visit the Hamptons

seeking inspiration at the turn of the century.

The design of the restaurant will reflect that era, employing artifacts and items from the Arts and Crafts period of American Design. Located in East Hampton at 10 Main Street

(in the Parish Mews), Rowdy Hall (formerly O'Malley's) is right around the corner from the East Hampton Cinema. Rowdy Hall will open June 15 and will be open for lunch anddinner.

Bostwick's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar: Bostwick's and East Coast Merge (423

Gann Rd., off Three Mile Harbor Rd. East Hampton, 3241111) They lost their

lease at the site next to East Hampton Point, so the Bostwick's Boys (Kevin

Boles and Chef Chris Eggert) will take their hugely successful operation up

the road to another of their successful ventures (East Coast Oyster Bar &

Grill) and essentially merge the two eateries.

Turtle Crossing (3247166, Pantigo Rd., East Hampton) has opened a small

western themed dining room (42 seats) and has added cuttingedge appetizers

and entrees to their menu. Try the BBQ

and Woodsmoked beef, pork, chicken and duck platters; sample Quesadillas

with caramelized onions and mango; Burgers with chipotle ketchup; Tortilla

Wraps (the current craze in California) featuring Thai Chicken or Coconut

Shrimp or Steak!

Bridgehampton

The Golden Pear (2426 Montauk Hwy. [Main St.], Bridgehampton, no number yet)

is opening a new location in Bridgehampton.

Sag Harbor Harbor Rose (7256060, Main St., Sag Harbor) is the name of the

latest eatery in Sag Harbor under the operation of Brian O'Leary and Dean

Golden (Wild Rose Cafe). The new chef is John Marsh, who was formerly Chef

de Cuisine at American Renaissance in Manhattan.

Southampton

Paolo's Restaurant (20 North Highway, Southampton, 2871230) has opened at

the site of the former Doobies. Paolo Penati, the man who put Fresno and the Annex on the map, is the chef/owner along with his wife, Katherine MyersPenati. Penati's pedigree is solid. Go for steamed Mussels in Saffron Broth, Escargot with Gorgonzola, and Grilled Portobello Mushroom with Watercress for appetizers. Shrimp Chili with Cilantro Crisp, sets the style for entrees.

Changes.

Della Femina (5163296666, 99 N. Main St., East Hampton). A new Executive Chef, Kevin Penner, and a new menu: Della Femina's Surf and Turf ; Squid Ink Farfalle with Shrimp, Mussels, Clams and Basil in an Olive Oil Sauce; Wood Grilled NY

Strip with HorseradishPotato Puree and Red Wine Sauce. An expanded wine list will add a broader representation from California, France, Italy, Long Island, and Spain. The wines by the glass program will be expanded as well.

Luigi's Italian Specialties (199 Pantigo Road, East Hampton). This new Italian market willprepare homemade Italian specialties including: sausage (broccoli rabe sausage, seafood sausage), salads, ravioli, pasta, foccacia, tira misu and other Italian

specialties. 3290558.

Spring Close House (341 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, 3248585) The Spring

Close House has a new chef , Peter Regan, (Manhattan’s Sign of the Dove). Check out Peconic Bay Crab Cakes with Cole Slaw and green pepper coulis, Sausage in Pastry Puff with honey mustard and Steak Frites with Shoestring Potatoes and Grilled

Vegetables.

Amagansett

Estia News (Main St, Amagansett, 2676320) Each year, Chef/owner Colin

Ambrose introduces something new to the menu. This year it's "OvenRoasted

Skillets for Two", featuring Seafood and Chicken dishes prepared in cast iron pans. Seafood Skillets ($23.00) are prepared with Scallops, Shrimp,

Montauk Lighthouse Grill at the Montauk Yacht Club, (32 Star Island,

Montauk, 6683100) Chef Douglas Peckham, formerly of the Regatta at the

White Elephant Resort on Nantucket, focuses on local seafoods and organic fruits and vegetables in a style he describes as "East Coast Regional.

The Sea Grille at Gurney's (230 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, 6682660) In

The nautical theme in this familyowned inn is clearly inspired by the singular view of the ocean.

Amagansett

Honest Diner (74 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett, 2673535) A hot

spot for celeb's, the Honest Diner offers a classic diner feel with its old time booths and decor. Meatloaf rates raves from such notables as: Bill Joel, Steven Spielberg, Robert

Morton, David Caruso, Kathleen Turner.

East Hampton

Blue Parrot Bar & Grill (33A Main St., East Hampton, 3243609) Southern

California Mexican Cuisine with Pacific Rim Specials.

Della Femina/Saks Catering (Manhattan 2127375716 and East Hampton

5163248540) Owned by Jerry Della Femina and Keren Saks, the menu reflects

Asian, French and Mediterranean influences.

Cornmealdusted BBQ Duck Cakes w/hot corn relish; Grilled Wild Mushroom Salad w/porcini custard and savory tuile; Saki

Marinated Salmon w/Tat Soi and baby spinach.

Jerry & David's Red Horse Market (74 Montauk Hwy., East Hampton, 3296655)

Year round gourmet food store. Also owned by adman, Jerry Della Femina.

Nick &Toni's (136 N. Main Street, E. Hampton, 3243550) Chef Paul Del Favero

creates Eclectic Mediterranean cuisine with Tuscan and Provencal accents;

Santa Fe Junction (8 Fresno Place, East Hampton, 3248700). Tamales, Nachos, and

the BBQ Pork Chop.

Wainscott

Annex (Montauk Hwy. at East Gate Rd., Wainscott, 5373332) Recently expanded

and renovated. Eclectic food; dancing til dawn at the adjacent Swamp! Try

the Lamb or the Escargot.

Bridgehampton

95 School Street (95 School Street, Bridgehampton, 5375555) 95 School

Street. Pan Roasted Chicken may sound simple, but you’ll love it!

Water Mill

Deerfield Inn (1020 Montauk Hwy; Water Mill, 7267585) The Deerfield Inn has

solid American cuisine and a back to basics menu .

Southampton

Balzarini's (210 Hampton Rd., Southampton, 2830707) Since 1923, when it operated as a speakeasy, this restaurant

serves Northern Italian Genoese style cuisine like chicken San Remo and exceptional wine

bargains.

The Coast Grill (Noyack Road, Southampton, 2832277) Contemporary American eclectic cuisine: whole roasted fish .

The Curious Cook (24 Jagger Lane, Southampton, 2831701) Gourmet food store and caterer offering fresh produce, homemade desserts.

Honest Bread Company (Montauk Hwy and Corwith, Bridgehampton, 5375080)

Wholesale bread and pastry operation. They provide bread and pastries to food establishments such as: Nick and Toni's, Agatha & Valentina, Dean & Deluca and the Maidstone Arms.Westhampton Tierra Mar (62 Montauk Hwy.,

Westhampton, 2882700) Tierra Mar's

Classical New American Cuisine

inspired by local markets. Good wine list.

North Fork (Southold) Seafood Barge (62980 Main Rd., Southold, 7653010)

Overlooking a marina and the Peconic Bay. Lobster 4 to 8lbs! From chef: Brian Schlitt who earned his stripes at Nick & Toni's; Recommended dish: Daily seafood specials.

"UpIsland" La Marmite (Williston Park, 234 Hillside Ave. 7461243) Classic French and Northern Italian dishes with a nod toward

the 90's. An old Victorian house built in 1904 which features many of the original fixtures. WHERE TO STAY..... Gurney's (Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, 6682345) Features

full spa with such treatments as seaweed wrap, aromatherapy; Olympicsize

indoor saltwater pool; also features a new cafeCaffe Monteand a full

service restaurantthe Sea Grille; overlooks the Atlantic Ocean; from $95

to $395. (They get they share of celebrities staying the night: Harrison

Ford, Carly Simon.)

Montauk Yacht Club (Star Island, Montauk, 6683100) Attracts boaters and

wellheeled clientele from all over the world. A popular stop for heads of

state (Turkish Prime Minister Tusan Ciller); outstanding food by Chef

Douglas Peckham. Mill House Inn (33 N.Main Street, East Hampton, 3249766)

This historic bed & breakfast recently underwent a million dollar

renovation. Jacuzzis and fireplaces in most rooms. The families of Chyna

Phillips and Billy Baldwin stayed here when the couple was wed last fall.

WHERE TO SHOP... Inside Out (11 Railroad Avenue, E. Hampton, 3263600)

Unique gift and furniture store.

Zona (2 Newtown Lane, E. Hampton, 3244100) Jewelry, gift items, accents for

home living.

Coach (69 Main Street, East Hampton, 3291777) Fine Leather goods. Polo

Country Store (33 Main Street, E. Hampton, 3241222) Ralph Lauren's clothing

Gap and Banana Republic (Bridgehampton Commons, Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton,

5372762) Casual to dressy men's and women's clothing. Saks Fifth Avenue (1

Hampton Road, Southampton, 2833500) Upscale department store.

WHERE TO STAY

Water's Edge Salon (Main Street, Amagansett, 2677766). Full service: nails, waxing, pedicure, massage. Gurney's Inn and Resort Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, 6682345) Back To Punch In Home Page