Shop 'til You Drop: Discover Another Hampton
One of the treats of living on the East End is that with little effort, you can spice up your day simply by visiting another “Hampton.” It’s easy to gravitate to the main street of the town you live in, but branching out from time to time can feel like a mini adventure. This time of year, with all of the hours spent indoors, I’m finding it especially important to keep switching it up. So enjoy this sprinkling of finds from west to east!
With few old-fashioned stationary stores left anymore, it’s a pleasure to shop in a place like Lynne’s Cards and Gifts in Westhampton Beach. It really is the perfect place to find a little gift for anyone—they’ve got a selection of fun toys and games, journals and art supplies, crossword puzzles, souvenir and beach-themed items for the home and plenty of razzle-dazzley stuff for the 13-going-on-30 set. Lynne’s also has a wonderful selection of thank-you cards, party invitations and personal stationary. On your next Westhampton Beach outing, pick up a coffee and a pastry from Beach Bakery or a quesadilla from Funcho’s and stock up at Lynne’s Cards and Gifts, located at 137 Main Street. Call 631-288-1312 or visit lynnescardsandgifts.com.
This weekend, I finally made it to the newest place in Hampton Bays, Antojitos Bakery (Antojitos means street food or, literally, “little cravings” in Spanish) and found that my spice-of-life prayers have been answered. Drawn in by a craving for great cup of Columbian coffee, which totally exceeded my expectations, I instantly fell in love with the aromas of freshly baked breads, the bright colors of the cakes behind the counter, Leche Asada, Torta Negra, Pudin and Mazamorra. I was impressed with the overall authenticity of the Columbian café. Aside from sweets, Antojitos’ menu offers everything from empanadas and tamales to lunch and dinner-sized chicken, including pork and sausage-based entrees, for a steal of a price. I opted for an Arepa con queso mozzarella—a delicious corn pancake with melted cheese. If you haven’t had a Columbian corn cake you need one now. Take-out or eat there at the window counter-top. Antojitos is located at 38 W Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays. Call 631-594-5501.
Since Shop ’Til readers love a good sale, here’s a tip: Renaissance Boutique in Southampton has marked down the entire front of the store. Find beautiful and unique knit sweaters, flirty dresses, scarves and exquisite jewelry all for a fraction of the original price. It’s well-worth a peek inside Renaissance, located at 42 Main Street, Southampton. Call 631-287-6320.
When all of your day’s adventures have come to an end, what could be better than hosting a gathering of pals for an evening of good food, drinks and conversation? Here are a few suggestions from our Dan’s Papers web editor Brendan:
To serve your guests something different and unexpected at your next get together, consider a premium saké. Ty Ku Sake Black is a super premium, or junmai ginjo, 30-proof saké. The subtle natural flavor has notes of peach and vanilla. Chill Ty Ku first—in the fridge, not the freezer—for the best taste and best experience. Though many may think of saké as a liquor to be enjoyed straight, Ty Ku has numerous cocktail recipes that make saké even more enjoyable, such at the Ty Ku Cosmo with vodka and cranberry juice, or the Ginger Crush with ginger ale and muddled ginger. The Lady Killer includes Ty Ku Sake Silver, vodka or soju, pomegranate juice, lemon juice and agave nectar—a combination that tastes as delicious as it sounds. Visit trytyku.com.
LeSutra sparkling liqueurs are the perfect pre-gamer for a girls’ night out. Served chilled, LeSutra is a sweet and sassy drink. The hostess can add ice to cut the sweetness and add a garnish for an instant cocktail that will impress her friends. A hostess with a little more time on her hands can mix LeSutra with coconut rum and pineapple juice—or a number of other spirits and juices—for original cocktails that match her friends’ tastes and personalities. The 30-proof liqueur is infused with vodka and also contains a dash of white wine. The peach variety earned a bronze medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Visit drinklesutra.com for fun mixology recipes.
Fun tip: Fay Teller Salon is offering $15 manicures through the end of March, the perfect add-on for your waxing, facial hair care or cosmetics appointment. Call 631-537-3393 or visit 19 Corwith Avenue, Bridgehampton.