Dan's Papers - April 24, 2009

The Hedges Inn in East Hampton will host a pre-theater dinner for the Springs Community Theater Performance of Cole Porter's Anything Goes! at Guild Hall's John Drew Theater on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9 and again on May 15 and 16. Dinner is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Curtain time at Guild Hall is at 8 p.m. The three-course dinner menu, plus amuse-bouches, by Amber Occasions of Sag Harbor, includes: baby spinach salad with raisins, walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette; herb roasted chicken with eggplant caviar and roasted new potatoes; parchment poached salmon with spring vegetables; chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream; and Tuscan apple tart with chantilly cream. Dinner and theater tickets, $65 each, plus beverages, tax and gratuity, are available online at theatermania.com or 866-811-4111.

Harbor Bistro in East Hampton will open on Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. Chef Damien O'Donnell will introduce new menu items this season along with signature dishes. Appetizers range from $8 to $17 and include: toasted corn and jumbo lump crab cake in a shallot remoulade; and Pacific ahi tuna poke with avocado, tomatoes, macadamia nuts and truffle-soy. Salads range from $8 to $14 and feature Fuji apple and bleu cheese salad with Bibb mix, bacon lardon, dried berries and toasted walnuts. Entrées, ranging from $23 to $32, include: pistachio crusted tilapia with crispy risotto cake and Tahitian vanilla lobster nage; shichimi shrimp linguine with asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, pancetta and lemon soy; and dry rubbed-grilled 8-ounce filet mignon with Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted corn-shallot cream and demi glace. Desserts range from $7 to $9 and include chocolate cake with raspberry sauce and vanilla bean ice cream; warm almond cake with vanilla ice cream and fresh berry compote; and "Caramel Mocha Latté ya ya..." with chocolate ice cream, espresso, whipped cream and caramel. During May, the restaurant will be open Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. For reservations, call 631-324-7300.

Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue teams up with La Cuvée Bistro & Wine Bar at The Greenporter Hotel in Greenport for a wine dinner on Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m. celebrating Cinco de Mayo. A culinary celebration of Mexico's victory over France, the dinner will feature wines courtesy of winemaker Kelly Urbanik of Bedell Cellars and Corey Creek Vineyard and cuisine courtesy of chef Deborah Rivera Pittorino. The three-course dinner costs $25 per person plus wine, gratuity and tax. The menu includes: fire-roasted Poblano bisque; quesadilla of truffled corn and queso fresco; crepes filled with pulled chicken in a salsa verde topped with crema fresca; marinated boneless pork chop with Poblano sauce; and chili-peppered chocolate truffles made with chipotle-laced dark Belgian chocolate. Call 631-477-0066.

Nick & Toni's in East Hampton celebrates Venice, Italy this month with a new four-course menu for $38 per person. Available until Sunday, May 2, the menu will be offered all-night on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and until 7 p.m. on Saturday. In addition to an aperitif, the menu includes: marinated trout fillet and baby arugula; pasta and bean soup with slivered radicchio; sautéed calamari in squid ink over risotto; Venetian style lamb stew; grilled wild striped bass with sweet and sour squash; and tiramisu. Call 631-324-3550 to make a reservation.

The Jamesport Manor Inn in Jamesport will serve a three-course Mother's Day prix fixe beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 10 for $29. The menu includes: cream of asparagus soup with thyme crouton; frisée with roasted beets, spiced pecans, goat cheese and sherry vinaigrette; exotic mushroom risotto with pecorino tartufo and crispy leeks; pork loin Milanese; roasted chicken with baby spinach and artichoke, polenta cake and rosemary jus; blackberry almond cheesecake; vanilla créme brulée; and drunken cranberry and pistachio bread pudding. Additional selections are available including duck streudel, Hog's Neck Bay oysters, basil crusted rack of lamb and porcini dry rubbed sirloin. A children's prix fixe menu will also be served with mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers and penne pasta for $15. For reservations, call 631-722-0500.

The Grille at Fisherman's Rest in Cutchogue is now offering weekly specials. Sunday brunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes banana and chocolate infused pancakes, homemade waffles with a fresh berry medley and Chantilly créme, and classic eggs Benedict. Entrées range from $10.95 to $14.95. Monday is burger night with half-price burgers starting at 4 p.m. Tuesday is half-price pasta night. Wednesday is prime rib night with a 12-ounce cut and baked potato for $15.95. Thursday night is for restaurant industry workers, they are entitled to 25% off their check after 10 p.m. with proof of employment. For information, call 631-765-3474.