Summer 2012 Preview: What's New in Montauk
As the season gets underway, rumors and whispers about the state of various businesses in Montauk abound. Here’s a quick peek at some of the changes you may encounter this summer.
•We hear that Gosman’s Restaurant, a mainstay in Montauk for over 70 years, has a new chef, Dave Piacenti. Changes are coming to the menu, but we’re betting they’ll only help to enhance Gosman’s reputation as a lobster lover’s paradise.
•Another classic Montauk establishment, Gurney’s Inn, has undergone some changes. You can overlook the Atlantic Ocean from every table in the newly renovated Caffé Monte restaurant. In-season, there is a breakfast buffet from 7:30-10 a.m. The lunch men celebrates summer with lobster salad wraps, grilled fresh fish, fish tacos and Montauk Pearl Oysters, as well as Italian-American cuisine. The menu emphasizes the sea-to-table movement, and local sustainable products from an area organic farm. There is a lobster bake every Wednesday. Also newly renovated is La Pasticceria, which serves homemade desserts and breads from the Beach Bakery, Starbucks coffee and other drinks.
•Word around town is that the former “Smelly Deli” – ’nuff said as to why it’s no longer on Main Street – has been taken over by Fishbar. If the talk proves true, expect artisan sandwiches, local specials and outdoor seating.
•A plan to open a Hawaiian-themed daytime bar called The Hula Hut at the Montauk Marine Basin seems to be on track, as the necessary approvals steadily come.
•Lenny’s, a favorite casual eatery, has closed and is currently under extensive construction. New owners Michael Walrath and Jimmy Tchinnes also own Swallow in Huntington, which has garnered a reputation for providing reasonable, well-reviewed and family-friendly food. Will the Montauk space be similar?
•Also under new ownership is The Plaza Restaurant. Rumor has it that the diner will serve healthier fare with hours possibly extending into the night.
•Then there is The Surf Lodge, which has been riddled with legal issues and was recently sold to Montauk Properties, LLC. According to the press release, this season will be devoted to returning to the hotel’s original roots, as a lifestyle driven property that focuses on the “experience” of Montauk. Stay tuned for more information.
•Here’s one for the ‘confirmed’ column: A Bavarian Beer Garden is coming to Montauk. Zum Schneider MTK will be a tertiary location of the popular East Village spot. Authenticity seems to be the name of the game, as the establishment will serve traditional German beers, and a solid grasp the German language seems to be a job requirement. The new locale will be at 4 South Elmwood Avenue – now go enjoy your “bier!”
•Luckily, there is one thing that will always remain stable in the Montauk scene. Commissioned by George Washington in 1792, the Montauk Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. And, on March 5, the lighthouse was named a National Historic Landmark. Come for a visit after trying out all of the delectable new eateries!