Restaurant Review: M&E
M&E stands for “Mom and Eddy.” That’s Chef Eddy Thretipthuangsin and his mom Patty. Eddy’s brother Chris is behind the bar.
The Thretipthuangsin family has been very busy revamping the former Ziggy’s site on the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike. The décor has gone glitzy, with sparkly mirrored surfaces and Champagne bottles galore. We watched the colors change across the glitter ball display to the sounds of smooth jazz. Gone is that obnoxious big screen television from the dining area, expanded are the outdoor seating areas.
I started with an M&E—it’s a pale green cocktail served in a funky-cool glass. Fresh cucumber, dill, extra dry gin. This savory blend is quite fun, with a sweet undernote. [expand]
My husband began the night with a Side Car. This classic cocktail of brandy, lemon and simple syrup was very brandy-forward and not over-sweet, with a lemony brightness.
M&E offers vodkas house-infused with dill or cinnamon, as well as a house spiced rum. The M&E Wine List includes selections from France, Italy, the West Coast and Argentina.
I was tempted by the soup of the day, Shrimp Bisque, but I went with the Artichoke Empanadas. Braised artichokes, spinach and Manchego cheese fried inside a light, crispy crust. The empanadas were rich but light.
Chef Eddy is a Cordon Bleu trained chef. He’s originally from Thailand and he’s set out to offer something a little different in the Hamptons. All the standard dishes are on the menu, but with an Asian flavor profile, plus there are some Creole choices. Asian fusion along the turnpike—yum.
Husband started with the Fried Oyster. He found the Creole-seasoned oyster with remoulade “really good with a melting texture and flavorful breading.”
Our son started with the Roasted Beet Salad. He found the summer greens, roasted beets and goat cheese, radicchio and frisee “really good.”
I considered ordering the Seared Long Island Duck but I got the Pan-roasted Chicken. The herb-scented chicken with pan jus was moist and delicious. The seasoned rice pilaf was quite tasty.
Husband quaffed the house Sauvignon Blanc while he tried the Jambalaya with its smoky-over-sweet flavored shrimp, chicken, sausage, mussels, border rice, tomato, celery and onion. There wasn’t a thing he didn’t love here, in fact he commented, “These are probably the best mussels I’ve ever had.” The border rice is lightly smoky and tomatoey.
Teenage Boy wolfed the Grilled Swordfish with mango salsa, border rice and seasoned vegetables (carrots, green beans and tiny squash). I’d eaten exactly three bites of chicken when I looked across the table to see Teenage Boy loading the last grains of rice onto his knife from an empty plate! This is a good place to take older kids who want to see a bit of Hamptons nighttime style.
I quite enjoyed my still-hot pineapple upside-down cake with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce for dessert. Teenage Boy was quite please by a chocolate brownie with chocolate mousse and berries.
The seafood and vegetables at M&E are locally sourced. It’s such a convenient spot to stop on your way to Sag Harbor or Bridgehampton and there’s plenty of parking.
M&E, 964 Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton. 631-537-1115. [/expand]