The East End Restaurant Shuffle

With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s time for the annual restaurant shuffle. Some old favorites have gone, some soon-to-be new favorites are arriving and classic mainstays are getting a facelift. Check out just some of the fabulous new places to dine in the Hamptons this summer.

Beaumarchais, the popular brunch and dinner hotspot in New York’s Meatpacking District, is expanding east for the summer to open Beaumarchais East Hampton (www.brasseriebeaumarchais.com). Chef David E. Diaz has developed a special menu for the Hamptons locale, but some popular New York dishes will also grace the East End scene. “Beau Brunch,” the restaurant’s lively brunch party, will be held on weekends. Guests can expect a fantastic rotation of international DJs and an endless flow of rosé wine and Champagne within this stylish East Hampton retreat. The grand opening will be Friday, May 18.

David Loewenberg, the restaurateur behind Beacon, red|bar, Little Red and Fresno is at it again. When The Bell & Anchor opens this season, Loewenberg will officially be the king of the Hamptons restaurant scene. The eatery, which will be located at the former Oasis site, 3253 Noyac Road in Sag Harbor, will focus on simply prepared seafood—including steamed lobsters and a raw bar. There will also be some great turf options, a children’s menu and a full bar. Executive chef Sam McCleland of The Beacon, will also head up the menu at The Bell & Anchor. The space will be a year-round venture with a ton of locally inspired dishes.

Rumba owner David Hersh has leased the former Indian Cove space in Hampton Bays, and he plans to open a family-friendly restaurant called Cowfish. Rumor has it that the bar is so distinctive that the Southampton Town Architectural Review Board had to approve it before construction could begin.

After 17 ½ years in Sag Harbor, Java Nation is relocating to 112 Maple Street in Bridgehampton, which is near the railroad station. The coffee roaster and popular café lost its lease in December, and tensions had been high in the ensuing months. We hear that the space will be about two times bigger than the Sag Harbor locale, and it should open later this month.

Mary’s Marvelous, the legendary Amagansett deli owned by Mary Schoenlein, is opening up a new shop in East Hampton at the site of the former Bucket’s Deli.

Mary’s Marvelous is well known for its gourmet food, and locals flock there for its thick hot chocolate.

The new shop, which will also include a juice bar, is to open by July. Until then, help Mary’s Marvelous celebrate the 10th Anniversary at their Amagansett location.

Also new to the East End foodie scene is Vines & Branches, a specialty olive oil and vinegar shop in Greenport. There will be over 45 types of olive oil and vinegar available for sampling at the shop. Olive oils and vinegars are well known for the flavors they can add to any dish, but few realize their health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil can help to fight arthritis, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. Balsamic vinegar has been known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and it can also help to slow down the aging process.

Now that we’re on the North Fork, let’s talk about the revitalization of downtown Riverhead! The Blue Duck Bakery, which has locations in Southampton and Southold, will open a third storefront on East Main Street. Ralph’s Famous Italian Ice has also opened shop in the same building. The family-friendly destination serves ice cream, shakes and smoothies, among other frozen delight.

And movies have returned to Riverhead’s Main Street at the popular restaurant The Riverhead Project. Check out the offerings at www.theriverheadproject.com.

Though not new to the foodie scene, Muse has moved from its digs in the Water Mill Shoppes and is now located in Sag Harbor. Chef and owner Matthew Guiffrida has converted what was once an old gas station into a glittering, chic restaurant and lounge. Don’t worry—the school of over 300 African fish has made the trek to the Harbor as well!

What’s going on in Montauk? By now, we’ve all heard about the sale of The Surf Lodge. But there is plenty of other restaurant news on The End. Zum Schneider MTK will open this summer. The popular East Village Bavarian Beer Garden will open its second location at 4 South Elmwood Avenue. With authentic German beers on tap and a solid grasp of the German language as a job requirement, this is the place to come for an authentic German drinking experience.

If you’re in the mood for beer but don’t want to trek all the way out east, head to the former Beachhouse in East Hampton. The restaurant is re-opening, under new owners as the Hamptons Players Club and will feature a VIP Lounge and Beer Garden. We hear that the suds on tap will be decidedly American.

Now at the former Boathouse in East Hampton is the Mediterranean restaurant Andrra. Another Mediterranean locale is also coming to Southampton, as Nello is converted into Nammos.

There you have it, a rundown of some of the top East End foodie news! Now, where to dine tonight…