Dan's Papers - June 19, 2009 - Givn' You The Business

Amagansett has a charm all its own. The business district is basically confined to about two miles on Route 27 and includes, of course, Amagansett Square. Within Amagansett Square there are 14 businesses most in their own cottages. The feeling is quaint, personal and serene, with the manicured lawn contributing to the setting. Often, entire families lounge about on the square, usually with dogs in tow. It seems the most ideal place in Amagansett village to walk a dog and window shop.

Many think of the Square only as the location of the popular Meeting House restaurant, but there are thriving shops such as Rube, Mixed Media, Essentials General Store, Kembali Bebas, Bookhampton, Hampton Chutney Co., Sylvester & Co. At Home, Reed's Photo and Bass Outlet. Also located on the square are both The Salon and Day Spa along with Mandala Aruyveda Healing Arts.

Following the success of Indian Wells, the restaurant on Main Street that's become a local favorite year round, comes this year's new eatery Mezzaluna AMG. (formerly the Amagansett icon Gordon's on 231 Main Street) which is poised to open in the next few weeks. A very well-informed source who chose to remain nameless said the new business will seat 64 patrons and will be open seven days a week year round. With the same basic Northern Italian cuisine of its sister restaurant in the city, the restaurant will offer entrées between $15 and $35, with about 90% of the wine of Italian stock.

The lines of the interior are similar to restaurants in Milan, Torino or Florence. The amount of natural light has been increased by the addition of front windows exclusively designed for the restaurant. A nice touch is the brass plate on the east side of the restaurant that says Mezzaluna AMG. 2009. A big formal announcement of the actual opening day is imminent. Most likely, Randy Lerner, the owner of the property (as well as owner of the Cleveland Browns) will take part in the opening night festivities.

Another new business is at 521 Main Street on the eastern most end of Amagansett, near the IGA. The new establishment is yet unnamed, although the owners are now booking private parties and catering for weddings and other large gathering occasions. The tables are in place and it looks great. The brand new building has been constructed to handle very large events in a chic space - hopefully sooner rather than later it will be in high gear.

Last year, locals and visitors saw the re-opening of the Amagansett Farmers Market under the supervision of Vinegar Factory Inc. owner Eli Zabar. There was some opposition of bringing a city vendor to Amagansett to run the market, and much talk about whence the fresh produce actually came. Then there were complaints that the produce wasn't local enough, with some items coming from as far as Florida. Those issues were ironed out by the owners and the Peconic Land Trust, and now the Amagansett Farmers Market is as popular as ever, providing a much needed service to the summer season Amagansett community. Watching the children eating the fresh bakery items in their strollers is a summer sight right out of Norman Rockwell. For many summer visitors, Saturday and Sunday morning coffee at the market is a tradition (although, truth be told, more locals get their coffee at Mary's). The Eli Zabar name is no longer prominently displayed, except on the official posted state and town documents. Primed for the season the Amagansett Farmers Market is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., through September 23.

Amazingly, in these economic times, no stores changed hands on Main Street or in the Amagansett Square. However the long beloved Café on Main has closed it doors and awaits a new owner ready to bring back to life that wonderful local business. With plenty of parking available in the town lot, at Amagansett Square, and on the street, visiting Amagansett is a very easy, pleasant activity.

Many experience Amagansett only late at night when dropping into a certain popular nightclub. But many others believe the charm of Amagansett is in the early morning or late afternoon. It is what a small town should feel and look like. It is a Hamptons delight.