Dans Papers - May 18, 2007

Want to try something new? Check out the new authentic Trattoria, Matto ("crazy" in Italian), in East Hampton that will open at the location of the former Pomodoro's at the end of May. Owner Lidia Buonanno plans to make a casual, friendly, neighborhood restaurant with a lively atmosphere. To head the kitchen Buonanno has tapped Franco Russo, the former chef of Saracen, who will offer an eclectic Italian menu featuring authentic Italian specialties as well as handcrafted thin-crust pizzas. A family friendly atmosphere will be offered in the early evening while later at night Matto will evolve into a casual meeting place for friends over drinks and dinner. Look for outdoor dining, creative specials and lunch and dinner service seven days a week. For further information call (631) 329-0200.

Also try MUSE Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge, a new dining establishment in Water Mill that opened on Monday, May 21. The restaurant is the first such venture for chef-owner Matthew Guiffrida, formerly of the The Patio in Westhampton Beach, Collage in Huntington and Inn at Quogue in Quogue. Completely revamped and outfitted with a top-of-the-line kitchen, the restaurant features unique design elements yet to be seen in a Hampton eatery. The aquatic lounge houses a salt-water fish tank bar top, a water wall, window seats, and a candlelit chandelier. The restaurant will be open seven days a week starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation call MUSE Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge at (631) 726-2606.

Memorial Day is the kick off to the summer season. This means your local restaurants are open seven days a week. In East Hampton, Nick & Toni's, Harbor Bistro and La Fondita open their doors seven days a week beginning Memorial Day. Nick and Toni's are also introducing a new menu from Executive Chef Joseph Realmuto. The menu items include wood roasted sardines with peperonata, Diver scallops with sweet pea sformato, fennel and mint vinaigrette, Berkshire pork chop with spring onions, farro, and orange jus, soft shell crab with scarlet runner beans and lime aioli, and spice rubbed rib eye steak with roasted Satur Farms baby vegetables and salsa Verde. For reservations call (631) 324-3550.

Harbor Bistro will serve dinner from 5 - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. In addition, Sunday brunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For reservations or further information on the restaurant call Harbor Bistro at (631) 324-7300.

La Fondita will be open 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information or to place an order call (631) 267-8800.

Check out Almondito in East Hampton. Opening on Mondays starting Memorial Day Almondito also offers a three-course prix fixe for $21.95, Thursday through Sunday until 7 p.m. and all night on Wednesday. Almondito is also now open for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Mondayand closed on Tuesdays. For reservations or further information call at (631) 329-6700.

Pacific East in Amagansett has added some new items to their summer menu. They include flash seared Peconic Bay scallops, barbequed baby back ribs, pistachio crusted Maryland soft shelled crab, pan roasted Iacono Farms chicken, Szechuan grilled natural 32 ounce prim porterhouse, and a steamed 2 pound Nova Scotia lobster. For reservations call (631) 267-7770.

Almond in Bridgehampton will be offering its raw bar starting Memorial Day, Monday May 28. Menu items include jumbo shrimp cocktail, shelled 1/2 lobster, shelled mussels, littleneck clams, oysters, and marinated scallops. Almond is now open Thursday through Tuesday and closed on Wednesday. For reservations call (631) 537-8885.

Want to cook like your favorite chef? Michael Anthony's Food Bar in Wading River offers a special six-course cooking class every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Executive Chef Michael Anthony Toscano will teach 2 1/2 hours of hands on instruction including preparation methods and techniques. After the teaching session students will go to the dining room with Michael to go over recipes and enjoy all six courses. The cost of the class is $100 per person and each class is limited to four people. Registration is required. For reservations call Michael Anthony's Food Bar at (631) 929-8800.