I know, I know, it’s been a while. Too long. I have neglected reporting on my eating in the Hamptons. But not to worry, I have not neglected eating. Just the recapping. Instead of recapping each individual restaurant as I do in the summer, since almost each place I went to was a repeat, it will be one overall post.
To finish off Spring Break from work the best way I know how, I ended it in the Hamptons. I have not been to the Hamptons in a few months and was excited to revisit some of my favorite restaurants. Friday night, BF and I drove right to Little Red from Manhattan. Little Red became a staple of mine last summer and I was looking forward to what I figured would be an excellent meal. However, the meal started off with a disappointment. Let me back track by reminding you that I am a huge tuna tartar fan. If it is on the menu, I almost always order it. I have favorites (Bobby Van’s), but it is hard to have a bad tuna tartar. But alas, at Little Red, I had a bad tuna tartar. The tuna tasted as though it was frozen, then defrosted, and then scooped onto my plate. It was extremely watery. It had very little flavor and overall, was just bland. I was really surprised. The night did end on a high note, however, with the veal Milanese and the Chicken Paillard, both extremely well seasoned. We last minute decided to add a side order of French fries, which was a great decision. Little Red was essentially a positive meal, but with one major setback.
Saturday began at Hampton Coffee. I cannot say enough great things about this place. Same staff, same menu, they had mazto as an option instead of toast, and within a few weeks Softserve Fruit Co will be back. Hampton Coffee, you complete me.
Going to Wolfer is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon during the “off season” in the Hamptons. And it seems like I’m not the only one who knows this, because Wolfer was packed. There was a wide range of people enjoying the winery, from groups of college kids, to families, to couples. They were playing great music, the cheese board was delicious, and the wine was fantastic. Our waiter told us that in addition to Thursday night and Friday night events at Wolfer, they are now adding a Saturday night event with live music that caters to 21 and older (aka. No families with children).
Saturday night we went to Tutto Il Giorno in Southampton. You would not know it wasn’t a Saturday night during July when walking in. It was busy and vibrant and even Ramona Singer showed up. The food was satisfying. My burrata mozzzarella appetizer was good, not great; it lacked a creamy middle. The linguine with clam sauce and the penne with eggplant and mozzarella were both tasty, but not amazing. Tutto Il Giorno is a consistently good restaurant with a great vibe, but it will not be the best Italian food you eat in the Hamptons. However, even though Little Red is supposed to be “casual dining,” Tutto Il Giorno was significantly less expensive.
The weekend ended with breakfast at Candy Kitchen. Although they refused to make me chocolate chip pancakes, you can’t deny that Candy Kitchen is a Hampton staple, and rightfully so.
Pro: Even though many restaurants have not yet reopened for the season, the ones that are are packed (I couldn’t even get into East Hampton Grill)
Con: Little Red and Tutto Il Giorno did not blow me away
Pro: New restaurants are opening, like The Anchor, which will make for a great Summer 2012 eating season!
Still like the blog – let’s make something happen this summer.