Dan's Papers - June 26, 2009 - Restaurant Review: The Inn Spot on the Bay

For those who visit Long Island for its breathtaking water views, The Inn Spot on the Bay is a dining experience that should not be missed. Set in a fully restored Victorian house, the exterior may seem a bit staid, but once you step inside, or, rather, outside on the deck, you will fully appreciate why Cheffes and owners Pam and Collette chose this quaint location for their establishment on the banks of the Shinnecock Bay.

After closing its doors in Quogue, where The Inn Spot was a local favorite for out-of-this-world breakfast and lunch specials, the Cheffes are more than pleased to bring their brunch specials back where it belongs - on their menu!

Our seats on the patio outside were second to none, with the Bay as our backdrop on a beautiful sunny afternoon for brunch. The water offers diners a sense of calm, a much-appreciated feeling while enjoying a delicious meal. My frothy cappuccino was rich and robust, complete with a snowy mountain of foam. A peach bellini tickled our tastes buds in preparation for the meal to come.

The brunch menu at the Inn Spot is short and sweet, with staples like eggs and omelets, pancakes and French toast. The Huevos Rancheros came highly recommended by both Cheffe and server, but I already had my eye on something else. After much deliberation, we decided on Eggs Florentine, a Belgian Waffle with the works, home made corned beef hash (amazing!) and a side of bacon.

The Eggs Florentine didn't disappoint. The creamy, buttery hollandaise was so silky it danced. The eggs were perfectly poached, their centers still soft and glowing deliciously. The spinach cut through the otherwise richness of this classic dish, and, interestingly enough complemented the flavors just right. With the eggs came sweet potato hash browns that were simple and delicious - cooked crisp on the outside, and the inside offered an explosion of soft warmth and sweetness.

The Belgian Waffle came out steaming and loaded with a mountain of fresh strawberries, mangoes and bananas (we later found out we should have included the home made ice cream on our waffle, one of Cheffe Pam's specialties). The waffle was moist on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside.

The corned beef hash was quite good - salty, crunchy on the outside from the griddle and smooth on the inside. It was a mixture of delicious flavors and tantalizing textures.

Although the view was distracting at first, I was won over by the simple, delicious and affordable food offered up by Cheffes Pam and Collette. This brunch on the Bay is a winner.

The Inn Spot on the Bay is located at 32 Lighthouse Road, Hampton Bays. Brunch and Lunch are served Friday through Sunday starting at 9 a.m. Dinner is served Thursday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-728-1200 or go to www.theinnspot.com.