Top Hamptons Foodie News of 2014
The Hamptons foodie scene was in full force in 2014. Check out the 10 biggest news items of the year:
Bridgehampton Inn Opens
On June 4, the Bridgehampton Inn debuted its new restaurant. Owned by mother-and-daughter duo Anna Pump and Sybille van Kempen of Loaves & Fishes Gourmet Take-out fame, the restaurant will be open year-round. Head in before the crowds arrive!
Montauk Brewing Company Releases Beer in Cans
Montauk Brewing Company has made big moves this year. Before the ground even thawed after winter 2014, the brewers announced that they were releasing two of their most popular beers—the flagship Driftwood Ale and the Summer Ale—in cans. Then, this winter, the brewery announced it would be brewing beer in Montauk come 2015. The buildout is currently underway. Stay tuned to DansPapers.com for additional details.
Southampton Publick House Debuts Montauk Light Cans
Following in the footsteps on Montauk Brewing Company, the Southampton Publick House debuted Montauk Light in cans over the summer. Said Publick House owner Don Sullivan of the venture, canned beer is “unique because it allows small beer [producers] to be found in places it’s usually not—like beaches and marinas.”
Sag Harbor Rum Hits Local Shelves
In other East End drinking news, Sag Harbor Rum debuted in 2014. The buzz about this brand new, local spirit began around the end of February when owners Mike McQuade and Jason Cyril Laan launched a Facebook page and website. On March 5, the duo shared photos of their attractive bottle and label design, featuring a black and white logo with an iconic whale, harkening back to Sag Harbor’s whaling history and acknowledging the inspiration for their easy-sipping, amber rum. The drink is available throughout Long Island as well as online at sagharborrum.com.
Tate’s Cookies Sells for Reported $100 Million
A majority stake in iconic East End institution Tate’s Cookies was sold to the Riverside Company, a private equity firm, for a reported $100 million. Owner Kathleen King clarified her new role to Dan’s Papers when news of the purchase hit in September, “I’m a minority shareholder in the new company,” she says. “I am the face of the brand and I am quality control and recipe developer. Every recipe in Tate’s, I have developed—with an occasional one my staff has done, so 95 percent, at least—and I’ll still be doing that. I’m still very much connected to Tate’s and still very much love the company, and I’m very excited as to where it will grow.”
Citarella Opens in Southampton
Just in time for Memorial Day, Citarella, the group of gourmet food markets, opened the doors to its Hampton Road shop in Southampton Village, welcoming customers for prepared meals plus groceries. The new market, which is open year-round, has a bakery, butcher, sushi chef, produce department, seafood counter, dairy department and more, plus a seating area for enjoying breakfast or lunch right in the store.
Taylor Swift Cooks with Ina Garten in East Hampton
Pop princess Taylor Swift visited Hamptons culinary Queen Ina Garten in her East Hampton home in March 2014, capturing the moment with an Instagram photo of the duo: “A day of cooking in the Hamptons with my HERO. How bad can that be?” Swift wrote. Months later, Swifties found out that the photo was a part of a Food Network Magazine July/August feature in which Swift, her brother, mother and the Barefoot Contessa dined in Garten’s kitchen.
Beach Bakery Café Debuts Expansion, Renovation
The popular Beach Bakery Café in Westhampton Beach debuted their new, renovated facility for summer 2014. The 13,000-plus-square-foot restaurant has a full liquor license, expanded seating and a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
Rumba Wins Second Annual Dan’s GrillHampton Grill Off
Competition was hot at Dan’s GrillHampton, where the top chefs from the Hamptons and New York City squared off in an all out battle for the choicest of the charred. Chef David Hersh and Rumba made it two in a row as they took home their second People’s Choice crown in as many years. Returning with the Dominican Ribs (and a tasty side of stone ground grits) that won the title in 2013, Hersh seemed confident Rumba would at least contend again this year. “People really enjoyed them last year, so we’re sticking with what works,” he said minutes before the night’s food face-off began. “Winning was nice, but we’re just really excited to be here with so many great chefs all around.”
Duryea’s to Return in 2015
Lobster lovers rejoice! Duryea’s Lobster Deck and Seafood Market, which sold this past spring, will stay open through 2015. The restaurant was slated to close at the end of the year, but owner Perry Duryea III has decided to keep the restaurant open as the new owner gets the necessary plan in place for another restaurant.