In the Hamptons, the cherry tree blossoms are about to burst, and the swallows are back. Traffic has picked up; the first asparagus emerge from the soil and chefs are busy testing new recipes. Along Route 27, the air pulses with the sound of construction and renovation—the 2019 Season is around the corner. Here are a few notable openings:
Beach path on Long Island in “The Hamptons” with sign for No Lifeguard on Duty. Sunset colors and scene.
Getty
On your way in, push to Amagansett where the team behind Nick & Toni’s, Rowdy Hall and Townline BBQ, is opening Coche Comedor, a year-round regional Mexican restaurant, set next to taqueria La Fondita. Executive Chef Joseph Realmuto is planning ceviche and tableside guacamole but also duck sopes, chicharrones and mini tuna tacos. A woodburning grill and rotisserie will churn crispy chicken for an adobo preparation, apricot-tamarind glazed duck and pork rib carnitas among other meat-centric dishes.
Chicken tamale in salsa rojo at Coche Comedor in Amagansett
Coche Comedor
The building has retained some of its former diner identity, but with the addition of a bright interior mural by graffiti artist Host18, geometric printed black and white floor tiles and unique colorful table tops painted by seven different local artists. Mezcals and tequilas serve as a base for many of the cocktails while red, white or rosé sangria on tap will also be available. The bar with its ceviche and raw bar menu will be open all day but the restaurant will open at 5:00 PM.
open raw delicious oysters with lemon
Getty
A few more miles East, Chef Sam Talbot (of Surf Lodge fame) will be cooking local sustainable seafood at Morty’s Oyster Stand, a new 65-seat roadside eatery and bar on the site of the departed Cyril’s. The decor will mesh Hamptons and nautical themes: navy blue roof shingles, wide-plank stained wood floors and French toile wallpaper. Expect fried clams, lobster rolls and Montauk beer but also grilled squid with zucchini, macadamia pesto and pineapple serrano vinegar; cioppino and even local fish en papillote. Fried chicken and marinated hanger steak are planned for the anti-seafood bunch. Rumor has it that Cyril’s iconic BBC (Bailey’s Banana Colada) will be revived at the large outdoor bar.
There promises to be a new contender in the popular clam chowder competition during HarborFest 2019 in Sag Harbor since Chef Edward McFarland is opening Ed’s Lobster Bar East, a branch of Ed’s Lobster Bar in Soho, on the site of the old Bay Burger. This classic seafood joint with a New England feel, features his signature chowder “all cream, all clams, no filling,” as well as his massive lobster roll, “tail, knuckle and claw; only enough mayo to bind the meat.” Sleek white marble counters, a large outdoor bar and an open kitchen will help create a bright, airy feel.
The lobster roll at Ed’s Lobster Bar
Ed’s Lobster Bar
Also in Sag Harbor, on Main Street to be exact, the team behind Sen is plotting a year-round American taqueria named K Pasa, with the help of culinary director David Hart. Think Big Sur vibe in what will be a new neighborhood joint with a menu designed for sharing. Proteins will come in a taco, on a salad or in a bowl. Hopefully, the permit for outdoor seating will come through!
Bostwick’s the Return: Those of you who remember the epic sunsets on the water and lining up for a table at Bostwick’s on Three Mile Harbor can round up their party already. Owners Kevin Boles and Chris Eggert have snatched their old location back. The upscale eatery will be called Bostwick’s on the Harbor and is planning garlicky mussels, steamers and tuna crudo as well as the rebirth of the famous seafood pasta with lobster, shrimp and scallops in a tomato cream sauce. The more casual Bostwick’s Chowder House in East Hampton remains open.
Sailboats anchored off the shore of Three Mile Harbor, East Hampton, during a surreal summer sunset.
Getty
On the site of the former Maison Vivienne in Southampton, Terrance Brennan (Picholine, Artisanal) is prepping for the opening of a still unnamed elegant Mediterranean coastal restaurant. From salmon rillettes to pan con tomate and whole roasted cauliflower, the menu includes an international roster of favorites. Caviar served with blinis and crème fraiche rounds up the appetizers. Entrees include Dover Sole and Spanish Turbot on the sea side and Colorado lamb chops and T-Bone Florentine on the land side.
The deck at A Room at the Beach in Bridgehampton
A Room at the Beach
And if you need a pillow to rest your head on, A Room at the Beach a ten-room luxury motel in Bridgehampton is launching its first official season. With Frette linens and serene esthetics, co-owners Lucy Weber, Charles Lemonides (yes, brother Eric of Almond fame is a part-owner too) have created a chic but casual country retreat for the relaxed Hamptons addict. The motel has been completely redone in cedar and is set on stunning grounds centered around an alley of California red woods.
