Nutty and Seedy
They're sisters, they're local, and by their own account, a little nutty and a little seedy. They have come together to bake up batches of Two Sisters Nuts and Seeds, a blend of the two that they call a crumble, you're allowed to call granola if you must.
Suzzanne Rea Whitmore, an Amagansett resident, and Robin Rea, who lives in Springs, stir up organic pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds along with almonds and pecans, organic honey and organic maple syrup in flavors like their original, cinnamon and cardamon, cayenne and rosemary for a "Spicy and Savory" variety, and a blend under development. The snack is based on a recipe Ms. Whitmore came up with to share with her family.
The crumbles are available at Amber Waves in Amagansett, S&S Corner Shop in Springs, and Joni's in Montauk. A pop-up appearance on Saturday at Share The Harvest Farm Stand in East Hampton will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other distributors will be announced soon. They can also be reached by text at 631-680-9371 or 516-658-7555.
Viva Rita
Rita Cantina has reopened for the season in Springs, with more drinks on its menu, new dishes, and a new brunch on weekends.
Eric Miller, the executive chef, and his son, Adam Miller, the director of operations, are joined by Diego Rivera, as head bartender and director of the "agave focused beverage program." He comes form La Factoria and Gurney's Star Island.
According to the elder Miller, "We have spent the off-season carefully refining our classic dishes while introducing exciting new elements to innovate and elevate the dining experience." The menu emphasizes coastal seafood in its ceviches, tacos, and entrees. The kitchen works with regional suppliers such as Satur Farms, Multi Aquaculture System, and Gosman’s Dock.
Tostadas are new this year with options such as lobster ceviche, black bean avocado, and grilled octopus. Ancho rubbed lamb shank tacos will make their debut, and a herb-crusted tuna with yams, black bean sauce, and avocado is a new entree. A dulce de leche flan has been added to the desserts menu.
Brunch highlights will consist of masa pancakes, chilaquiles, a breakfast burrito, and a churro waffle.
Reservations can be made by phone, at 631-329-3663, on the website, or through Resy.
Loving Loaves
Loaves and Fishes in Sagaponack is gearing up for a great summer, and offering seasonally appropriate takeaway treats for patrons to celebrate the holiday weekend. Beginning Thursday through Monday, the store will have fried chicken, crab cakes, and barbecue baby back ribs. The side dishes are cole slaw, corn and tomato salad, and tabbouleh rice. Whipped cream and berry blitz torte, old fashioned chocolate cake, and an almond cake are for dessert.
The menu is on the website and customers can order ahead by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 631-537-0555.
New on the MTK Scene
The Montauk summer dining scene just gained two more entrants in Maison Close Montauk and Talya.
Maison Close is on East Lake Drive, in a waterfront location not far from Inlet Seafood. If the name sounds familiar, it is because the restaurant has already made a name for itself in Soho. Cultivating an urban, but French coastal vibe, the open air setting has 22 "dock-and-dine" slips for those who want to arrive by water, and a festive outdoor area to enjoy pleasant days into evenings. Tulip banquettes in bright corals and light blues with gold and brass hardware and mirrored accents evoke summertime French coastal dining with a sunset view.
Menu items include a lobster croissant, catch of the day, and sole meuniere. They are pouring cocktail specials such as La Maison Rose, a mixture of tequila, elderflower liqueur, papaya, lime juice, and rosé wine, and La Prunette, which is a spritz with Ume plum liqueur, ginger ale, and champagne garnished with red plum and candied ginger.
Talya has landed at the Ruschmeyer's Hotel, offering both a full restaurant and lounge. There, the mix of forest greens, magenta, floral patterns, and mirrored balls lend the air of a jungle. The outdoor lounge has fire pits and hanging lanterns.
The Mediterranean menu and theme are taken from the Greek islands and the Cote d'Azur, using local ingredients. Some of its signature dishes are heirloom cauliflower salad, grilled octopus salad, and lamb lollipops. There are specialty cocktails like Katsikísio Gála, a blend ofmezcal, ouzo liqueur, fresh goat cheese, raw local honey, thyme infusion, and lemon juice, and Áspro Sangria with ouzo liqueur, white wine, apricot brandy, mint leaves, citrus, and cherries.
Geoffrey Lechantoux is the executive chef of both locations and their hours are Wednesday through Sunday for dinner and weekend brunch from 1 to 6 p.m. The restaurants will open for dinner at 5 -- 7 on Saturdays and Sundays -- and remain open until 2 a.m. Reservations are available on each restaurant's website.
Wolffer News
Wolffer Kitchen, which has been open in Amagansett Square since 2017, has become Christian's by Wolffer Estate this summer with a new theme based on the vineyard's founder. Joey Wolffer and Marc Wolffer are honoring their father, who died in 2009, with a "family-friendly, locally sourced" menu designed to be paired with selections of Wolffer wine on the occasion of the vineyard's 35th anniversary.
The interior has been updated with a deeper color scheme embellished with candid family snapshots and images from the winery over the years. There is also a new outdoor patio.
The menu's small plates options include burrata, local fluke crudo, crab croquettes, plus a unique selection of salads and sides. Large plates are bouillabaisse, mahi mahi, Block Island cod, herb-crusted Montauk tuna, pappardelle bolognese, grilled wagyu sirloin, Colorado lamb chop, chicken paillard, and grilled tamarind tofu. There are also dishes for two like a wood roasted whole chicken and roasted local jumbo black sea bass.
Wines by the glass are all Wolffer selections, including non-alcoholic choices. There are also cocktails such as spicy margaritas, mezcal palomas, lavender southsides, strawberry boulevardiers, and espresso martinis, plus a selection of ciders and beers.
The restaurant is open for dinner Thursdays through Sundays beginning at 5 p.m. with brunch on Sunday from 11 to 2:30 p.m. A vinyl brunch on Saturdays will include a D.J. spinning record albums with a beach and togetherness theme.
Wolffer has also paired with the Zimmermann fashion brand to design a custom print for this year's Summer in a Bottle Long Island rosé in a limited release. Gift sets can be ordered on the vineyard's website.
Market Mania
With the opening of the Sag Harbor Farmers Market on Saturday, most of the South Fork's outlets for everything from fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods to pickles, wine, and knife sharpening, have been accounted for, and ready to greet the summer of 2023. Held every Saturday at the green in front of the Breakwater Yacht Club, the hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sing Almond, Sing
In addition to reviving its "Meatless Mondays" specials beginning this week, Almond will continue to offer its karaoke night, now on Thursdays. Beginning Thursday at 9:30, DJ Carlos Lama will spin the tunes that patrons can sing along to until midnight rolls around. You never know who you will see offering their song stylings.
The Meatless Monday specials will feature one vegetarian and one vegan dish. The specials are returning with the restaurant's Monday hours. It is now closed only on Sundays.
Navy Beach and Bike
Navy Beach is working with Electric Bikes A Go Go this summer to offer a $175 bike tour that begins and ends at the Montauk restaurant. A three-and-a-half-hour electric bike trip will go to Montauk Point and the lighthouse, stopping at a coffee shop, Ditch Plain beach, and Camp Hero.
Riders will rent a Gazelle Ultimate C380 ebike, receive a tutorial, and then depart at 9 a.m. from Navy Beach. The guided tour is for intermediate to advanced riders and is offered on Saturday and Sunday only. Group size is from two to five riders, who must be older than 16. Private tours are available and all tours can be booked through the bike company's website.
