Dan's Papers - April 3, 2009 -

Matto in East Hampton reopened for 2009 with a new team and concept. Giovanni Zuanon and Pietro Molendini, top players from Cipriani Worldwide's grand opening team, joined Matto and created a fresh concept featuring elevated quality, professional service and affordable prices. The menu is full of homemade pastas and desserts, specialty pizzas, fresh inventive salads, local fish and Matto's signature dishes. Items include: tagliatelle alla contadina with homemade tagliatelle, cherry tomato, zucchini and zucchini flower pesto ($20); pappardelle al funghi e rucola with homemade pappardelle, mixed wild mushrooms and arugula ($21); grilled lamb chop, string beans and pear onions ($38); wild salmon with leeks sauce ($27); homemade gelato ($9); and gorgonzola cheese top with honey, walnuts and 16-year-old whiskey ($9). pizzas range from $10 to $24 and include Matto focaccia with parma prosciutto, arugula, robiola and truffle oil. Dinner served daily from 5 p.m. and lunch and pizza service from noon on weekends. Full menu available to-go. Happy hour offers reduced cocktail prices, daily 5-6 p.m. Call 631-329-0200.

The Clam Bar, the classic seafood snack bar in Amagansett, is also now open. Lunch and dinner will be served Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Items include Cajun popcorn shrimp, lobster salad roll, fried scallops with French fries and grilled garden burger. For details call 631-267-6348.

The Grille at Fisherman's Rest, the all-American eatery and neighborhood bar in Cutchogue is back! The menu offers a selection from infused burgers and thin-crust pizzas to nightly specials of fresh seafood and meats. Lunch and dinner is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Happy hour is Monday through Friday, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. For information call 631-765-3474.

Hamptons Restaurant Week ends April 5, but not for all restaurants. Some participants plan to continue their $24.95 prix fixe menu on select nights after the week is over, including Café Max, Matto, Porto Bello, Trata and Westhampton Steakhouse. Visit dishingondining.com.

Citarella in East Hampton and Watermill is now offering Passover and Easter menus. From fresh lamb and chicken, seasonal favorites, fresh ingredients for homemade gefilte fish, delectable prepared foods and pastry selections, Citarella has everything the gourmand needs for a holiday celebration. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance. Items include: prime first-cut brisket $5.99/lb; flanken/beef short ribs, $7.99/lb; matzoh ball soup, $4.99/pt; gefilte fish, $7.99/lb; rack of lamb $13.99/lb; glazed country ham, $9.99/lb; and reusable Easter wicker baskets filled with treats for $119. Call 631-726-3636 to place an order.

Restaurants are gearing up for Easter Sunday on April 12. Nick & Toni's in East Hampton will offer brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with items including: brioche French toast $12; grilled fennel sausage ($18); and steak and eggs ($22). Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., featuring holiday specials like rack of lamb ($38) and Meyer lemon soufflé pudding ($12). For information call 631-324-3550. Tierra Mar in Westhampton Beach will serve a buffet from 12 to 6 p.m. for $42 (kids under 12 are half-price). Items include: brown sugar and cinnamon glazed smoked ham; charbroiled marinated leg of lamb; fusilli with plum tomatoes, sautéed broccoli rabe and ricotta cream; and chocolate hazelnut dacquoise cake. For reservations, call 631-288-2700.

East Wind, in Wading River, will host brunch with the Easter Bunny from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $37.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids age 3 to 10 and free for those under age 2. The buffet will include an array of brunch items, gourmet salads, carving and pasta stations and assorted desserts. Call 631-929-6585 for information. Stonewalls Restaurant, in Riverhead, will serve a three-course prix fixe, ranging from $45 to $49.50, starting at noon. Items include: homemade rolled mozzarella with prosciutto di Parma; fresh oven-roasted ham with Madeira sauce; and chocolate tart with créme chantilly. For reservations call 631-506-0777. Jamesport Manor Inn, in Jamesport, serves a special menu from 11:30 a.m., including duck strudel, duck confit and braised cabbage ($12); and porcini dry rubbed sirloin, pommes dauphinois and exotic mushrooms ($36). 631-722-0500 for reservations.

OSO at Southampton Inn is now open for breakfast Monday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. A $25 three-course dinner prix fixe is offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Happy Hour features half-priced drinks from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ladies will receive $1 glass of house wine with any entrée and the $25 prix fixe is offered all evening during Thursday's Ladies Night. For details call 631-283-6500.