Hampton Style - August 15, 2008 -

Bridgehampton was originally named for the bridge that crosses Sagg Pond, but it is better known as a land bridge between Southampton and East Hampton. Here, Montauk Highway slows down to become Main Street, where weekend traffic inches its way further east, past charming roadside restaurants and shops. Wedged between the built-up villages of Southampton and East Hampton, Bridgehampton and Water Mill seem to cling to each other for dear life. The two farming communities continue to withstand pressure from developers and, as evidenced by roadside farmstands, continue to supply the East End with fresh local fruits and vegetables. Potato fields still neighbor sprawling mansions; the tower of Christie Brinkley's manse overlooks a cornfield. The Hampton Classic and the Bridgehampton Polo Club's tournament matches have become the two most-attended equestrian events on Long Island. All the while, Bridgehampton and Water Mill remain small towns at heart, where the pace of life is often no faster than a tractor.

When the glass doors open at Bobby Van's, 2393 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-0590, an overflow of customers spills out onto the sidewalk. The steakhouse, located in the heart of Bridgehampton, originally attracted local literaty-types when it was first opened in 1969 by piano player and actor Bobby Van. And while today a more eclectic crowd filters in from the street, canvas ceiling fans continue to circulate an intellectual air. It's a place of wicker chairs and white-clothed tables, where the porterhouse steak is still the most popular item on the menu. Located next door is Yama-Q, 2393 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-0225, a health-conscious Asian restaurant that incorporates organic vegetables and vegan options into their menu, while the sushi bar takes advantage of fresh, local seafood. Dinner reservations should be made before six o'clock, as seating is limited to nine tables inside and four on the patio. Across the street is World Pie, 2402 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-7999, whose round tables can fit large families and their even larger personalities.

True to its name, gourmet pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy, thin crust. Though there's a slight bias toward Italian food, the full menu seems to have a little bit of everything and is served until midnight. Night-owls will also find a home at Pierre's, 2468 Main St., 631-537-5110, a chic French bistro with outstanding offerings. The namesake owner encourages flirting with matchbooks of paper for getting and giving phone numbers. When looking for a different type of sweet, there are cases filled with trays of delicate pastries and homemade ice cream. Open from eight in the morning until the wee hours, Pierre's offers non-stop table service from breakfast through dinner. The most popular item across the board is the 2-pound Maine lobster fricassée, flambé with Cognac and tarragon; a preparation that can't be found anywhere else this side of the Shinnecock Canal. The sushi bar at Water Mill's Suki Zuki, 688 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-4600, serves both classic and original rolls and cocktails; a local favorite is the infamous Saki martini. The Eastern-inspired restaurant is packed tighter than a California roll on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations, however, aren't accepted, so either arrive early or be prepared to test your patience. Trata East, 1020 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-6200, which is rumored to host late-night, impromptu bongo-drumming sessions, is a modern Greek restaurant with chic décor. The lounge is littered with multi-colored silk pillows and the dining room is lit by tracks of little lights. A partially exposed kitchen reveals chefs preparing lavraki and grilled swordfish kebabs, two favorites this summer. For eclectic continental fare, try Mirko's, Water Mill Sq., 631-726-4444. Whether they're serving al fresco in the English country garden or inside by the fire, a stream of regulars and cognoscenti is constantly pouring in. Despite its innocent exterior, Muse, 760 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-2606, is a whimsical restaurant tucked into the Water Mill Shopping Center. The bar holds an exotic fish tank and Casablanca fans swirl overhead. For those plagued with indecision, the "tuna palooza," with sesame-seared ahi, sashimi on spicy tuna mousse, a sugar-cane lollipop spearing tuna sparked by sesame-ginger jus and mango-spiked tuna tartare might be a good choice. Though Ziggy's, 64 Bridge/Sag Tpk., 631-537-6060, is largely inspired by an almost-clichéd surf culture, the new restaurant is innovative in that it's the first certified green restaurant in the area. Rather than having children scribble on infinite reams of paper, the honed slate tables serve as horizontal chalkboards. Sky blue walls and a beachy vibe match their fresh and simple menu, which features such reasonably priced items as coconut shrimp with pineapple chutney and veggie kebabs. Their falafel taster is rightfully advertised as the best east of Alphabet City. The chill eatery turns into an equally laid-back nightspot once the sun goes down. Bartenders are kept busy turning out refreshing cocktails like the Montauk mojito and the Jolly Roger martini and there is live reggae every Sunday night at 10pm.

Works by Robert Motherwell, John Chamberlain and Milton Avery are on display at Mark Borghi Fine Art, 2426 Main St., 631-537-7245, the primary focus of which is Abstract Expressionism. The Bridgehampton gallery is one of three; the other two are located in New York and Los Angeles. A descending, hairpin-turning sidewalk takes you to Beviamo, 2415 Main St., 631-537-9660, which translates into "let's drink" in Italian. This store, not for the clumsy, offers mouth-blown glass and crystal vases and decanters from Murano and Tuscany. They also carry handcrafted paper from a family-owned mill off the Amalfi Coast. A wide assortment of cards and gift-wrap is on offer at Alice B. King Stationery, 2454 Main St., 631-537-5115, perfect for thanking a gracious weekend hostess. Invitations and announcements are also available, as are leather goods and thick journals that are novel-inspiring in and of themselves. The walls of Hamptons Hound, 2487 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-7650, are filled with rows of colorful dog collars and leashes. Plush pooch beds are stacked high, while cubbies contain toys, bowls and knit sweaters for smaller breeds and puppies. Every Saturday from 4-6pm is "Yappie Hour," a wine and cheese party for dogs and their owners. Two sculptures of giant butterflies with Teradactyle-sized wingspans serve as the gate to Out of the Closet, 2401 Main St., 631-537-2470. Calling the two-story vintage clothing store "packed" is an understatement; five times the amount of clothing in the store is in storage waiting to be shown. Owned by two eccentric collectors who lush and gush about the importance of style rather than labels, the shop is filled to the brim with clothing from lingerie to ball gowns, jewelry, shoes, accessories and some furniture. Men's clothing is housed on the second floor, where quiet workers are known to unexpectedly pop out of corners.

The natural bamboo clutches available at J. McLaughlin, 121 Main St., 631-537-1962, are big enough to stash all of your emergency-fixers, yet petite enough to accent any outfit. Put a twist on prep by pairing it with their belted Catalina tee and white jeans. The shop offers clothing for both men and women, and is starting to bring in warmer pieces for a smooth transition into fall. The closest thing to a traditional mall in the Hamptons is the outdoor Bridgehampton Commons on Montauk Hwy. and Snake Hollow Rd. Retail favorites include Banana Republic, 631-537-5534, Victoria's Secret, 631-537-3373, Williams-Sonoma, 631-537-3040 and Kmart, 631-537-6449. Take a break from shopping to treat yourself with a relaxing manicure and pedicure from Angel Tips, 631-537-0100. The nail spa also performs waxing and facials, like the Angel Spa Deep Cleaning Facial that finishes with a calming mask specifically selected for your skin type. The friendly and knowledgeable stylists at the Gil Ferrer Salon, 631-537-5805, ease any pre-haircut angst. Other services available at the salon include Japanese straightening, highlights and coloring, make-up application and body tanning. The open-air shopping center is also filled with stores like McNamara's Wine and Spirits, 631-537-1230, and annexed is Brennan's Bit & Bridle, 631-537-0635, which offers riding helmets, chaps and tack. New to Bridgehampton this year is Maison 24, 2424 Main St., 631-537-2488, a lifestyle store that carries accessories for men and women, Pop-a-Bubble candy that's handmade in SoHo and home furnishings. The store is supplied by both domestic and foreign vendors, specifically from Italy, France and the Netherlands. If you've ever downloaded a CD only to like two out of 20 tracks, visit their music bar, which has three iPods at listening stations to let you try before you buy.

Foodies have reached the pinnacle of gourmet markets at Citarella, 760 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-3636. Originally a seafood market, the shop stays true to its roots by carrying both domestic and imported fish and shellfish. The market's wire shelves hold their specialty oils, herbs and pastas, while cases of beautifully prepared foods, cheeses, prime meats and truffles inspire even the most novice chefs. For those who can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and enjoy a catered meal of sumptuous food served by a friendly staff. Housed in a humble, whitewashed shack, Loaves & Fishes, 50 Sagg Main St., 631-537-0550, infamously sells its lobster salad for $100/lb. By all accounts, their fare is worth every penny. Their glass cases hold such high-end food stuffs as poached salmon fillets and chicken-liver terrine. Grab a morning cup of coffee from the roadside Hampton Coffee, 869 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-COFE. The sunlit café offers table service, an espresso bar, fresh juices and tempting desserts. Cookbooks cover the back wall of Loaves

& Fishes Cookshop, 2422 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-6066, which offers a variety of coveted Viking appliances. Polka-dot and stripe-handled flatware add a fanciful touch to any table, while sophisticated peppermills from France are tres chic. For wine connoisseurs and those who aspire to be like Inspector Gadget, there's the Wine Ratchet by Built. The device works just like a traditional ratchet to eliminate the bottle-between-the-knees method of removing a cork. If you're hosting a particularly high-brow affair, stop by Blue Provence, 2487 Montauk Hwy., 631-237-4984. A wall of specialty knives compliments the large case of gourmet cheeses, caviar, choice meats and foie gras. A circular regency mirror and Victorian shadow boxes are just some of the treasures found at English Country Antiques, 26 Snake Hollow Rd., 631-537-0606. Among the offerings are charming Asiatic pheasant platters and a large faceted George II chandelier. Industrial furniture and custom Native American jewelry are just some of the items showcased at the eclectic Antiques at 2466 Main Street, 2466 Main St., 631-537-3838.

Specializing in antique and new beams, flooring and lumber, The Antique Lumber Co., 728 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-7026, has an extensive variety of wood, ranging from country to contemporary. The planks on offer are wider and longer than those typically found at most flooring companies. One of the largest True-Values in the country, Water Mill Building Supply, 1110 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-4493, offers a wide selection of such building supplies as hardware, treated lumber and fine windows. Excelling in custom homes and distinctive architectural designs, Farrell Builders, 2385 Main St., 631-537-1068, is an experienced firm with staff to lead you through a library of floor plans and design choices. Clients are kept informed every step of the way, from permits to interior design. Telemark Inc., 367 Butter Ln., 631-537-1600, is another premier builder, specializing in new home construction, additions and renovations, home services and renewable energy homes. They are a leader in sustainable green building as well. Avoid jellyfish stings and sand-filled bathing suits by opting for a pool from Casual Water, Maple Ln., 631-537-5700, which has been constructing and servicing pools on the East End for 15 years. Indoor and outdoor teak and mahogany furniture are on offer at Furniture Garden, 270 Main St., 631-726-7275. Direct importer and designer Deanna Annis also fills the store with hand-carved Buddhas, paintings and antique pieces. A diverse inventory of plants, trees and shrubbery are available at Marders, 120 Snake Hollow Rd., 631-537-3700. Housed on the garden center's 33-acre site adjacent to the Bridgehampton Commons is a tree-growing farm, while eight additional acres hold their equipment fleet and horticultural annex. In addition to greenery, the garden shop also offers glazed ceramic and terra cotta planters and provides customized, full service and 100% organic property care. Also on the property, the Silas Marder Gallery offers an inspired collection of work by local artists. If it's property you're looking for rather than art, attentive, concierge-style real estate agents are on call at Saunders Associates, 2287 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-5454. Though their Bridgehampton office won't be open until this fall, the brokerage is available by phone and email.

Country Gardens, 125 Snake Hollow Rd., 631-537-0007 is the roadside farmstand with the antique red tractor for a beacon; fresh produce is available by the cartful, alongside large-faced sunflowers and cookies and pies from local bakeries. In the back is a refrigerated section with homemade dips, a long-running favorite being their thick guacamole. More than 300 varieties of homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs are available from The Green Thumb, 829 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-1900, an organic and family farm. Pony rides are available on Sundays, but you'll have to wait until the fall for u-pick pumpkins and farm tours. The Jersey cows of Mecox Bay Dairy, 855 Mecox Rd., 631-537-0335, serve as the origin of the artisanal, raw-milk cheeses such as Atlantic Mist and Mecox Sunrise-a perfect accompaniment to great wine. Long Island's growing reputation as a notable wine region is aided by three of the South Fork's larger wineries; all are located only a few miles apart. Channing Daughters Winery, 1927 Scuttlehole Rd., 631-537-7224, boast acres of vineyards scattered with jarring, mammoth sculptures by Walter Channing, who also makes beautiful daughters, and "the most consistently vivacious white wines on the East End," according to the New York Times. With 130 acres, Duck Walk Vineyards, 231 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-7555, produces more than 25,000 cases of wine. In two separate international competitions held this year, the vineyard won gold medals for their Boysenberry and Reserve Merlot. An American winery in classic European tradition, Wölffer Estate Vineyards, 139 Sagg Rd., 631-537-5106, has a classic chardonnay with a memorable purple label. Their 20th Anniversary Wines are also available, each being named after a different horse from the Wölffer Stables.