Hampton Style - May 23, 2008 -

Our shortlist of the community's dining,
clubs, lodging, farm stands, beaches and children's
activities turns out to be, well...not so short.

Old favorites and bustling new restaurants make the dining scene in East Hampton as exciting (and competitive) as the people lining up for those most coveted reservations. Power in this town is defined much less by bank balance than by your ability to secure the best tables with aplomb. The Palm Restaurant at the Hunting Inn, 94 Main Street, 631-324-0411, is still one of the most sought-after reservations in the East End, the clubby atmosphere being matched by the fare of fine steaks and fresh lobster; Billy Joel has been frequenting the bistro since the 80s. Nick & Toni's, 136 North Main Street, 631-324-3550, is the area's answer to The Ivy in Los Angeles: Hollywood wheeling and dealing comes a la carte. The Laundry Restaurant, 341 Pantigo Road, 631-324-3199, serves juicy gourmet comfort food with baby back ribs and a baked mac and cheese among the favorites. Famed for its sophisticated menu, intimate setting, and expansive wine list, Fresno, 8 Fresno Place, 631-324-8700, is a perfect date destination. Arguably one of the most refined menus in town comes from the 1770 House, 143 Main Street, 631-324-1770, a charming B&B that feels like a British pub. The same menu is offered in the more casual downstairs, along with classic tavern-style fare. This year, Alison has taken over the Maidstone Arms, 207 Main Street, 631-324-5037, a historic inn surrounded by stately gardens which has been hosting visitors since 1870. Don't miss the Barramundi fish special or the molten chocolate cake at The Lodge Bar & Grill, 31 Race Lane, 631-324-5022, which you'll find at the old steam laundry. The moderately priced meals are served in a cozy room with an open fireplace. With views of Three Mile Harbor, East Hampton Point, 295 Three Mile Harbor Road, 631-329-2800, might be the place to find the area's most idyllic outdoor meal. The food is simple sea fare and there is live Reggae every Sunday night. If you're looking for an upbeat place to bring the kids, try Sam's Restaurant, 36 Newtown Lane, 631-324-5900.

This local favorite has been owned by the same family since 1947and in addition to being one of the only remaining old-time mom-and-pop restaurants, it serves what is undeniably the best pizza in town. It can get crowded in the summer months, but they also do take-out. Rowdy Hall, 10 Main Street, 631-324-8555, serves succulent burgers and fish and chips, and there's usually a scene at the old-fashioned copper-covered bar. One of the true survivors of the East Hampton restaurant scene is Della Femina, 99 North Main Street, 631-329-6666. This long-standing local favorite is decorated with cartoons of local celebrities and serves fresh food by native Michael Rozzi. Wei Fun, 203 Pantigo Road, 631-329-2600, is a pan-Asian restaurant serving inventive cuisine like rock shrimp lollipop in a futuristic, somewhat overdesigned setting. New this year, Almoncello, 290 Montauk Highway, Wainscott, 329-6700, offers eclectic rustic fare like wild boar ragu, wild striped bass and braised veal cheeks. Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner have transformed their former Mexican eatery into a relaxed Bologna-inspired trattoria in a cozy, romantic setting. Turtle Crossing, 221 Pantigo Road, 324-2600, was named the best BBQ on the island by the New York Times and Katie Couric, Christy Turlington and Ed Burns are among the celebrity fans who frequent the Tex-Mex eatery. The venue is festooned with kitschy Southwest-style knickknacks and hosts live music during summer months, and savory short ribs, fajitas and cornbread are top picks. Nichol's, 100 Montauk Highway, 631-324-3939, serves upscale pub fare, fresh salads and specialties like chicken potpie as well as boasting a boisterous after-hours bar scene. Expect to wait for a table at Bamboo, 47 Montauk Highway, 631-329-9821, a bumping nightspot with infamous saki-tinis and healthy Pan-Asian menu options. Thursday nights are especially raucous, with DJ Nick Krauss on deck. The modern Italian menu at Saracen, 108 Montauk Highway, 631-537-6255, has Mediterranean influences and after-hour

parties with a DJ. For a trendy-but-tasty bite in the heart of East Hampton, try Citta Nuova, 29 Newtown Lane, 631-324-6300, a contemporary restaurant that offers an extensive selection of regional-Italian dishes like pizzas, pastas, meat, and fish. Stainless steel and mahogany furniture, imported from Milan, are offset by modern designer lighting and ambient music. If you're in the mood for traditional diner food, Sunday brunch, or bagels on the go: Goldberg's Bagels, 100 Pantigo Place, 631-329-8300, is East Hampton's version of a classic New York Jewish deli. John Papa's Café, 18 Park Place, 631-324-5400, offers traditional American fare for breakfast and lunch with more sophisticated options for dinner. Our vote for best brunch is Babette's, 66 Newtown Lane, 631-329-5377, with fresh-fruit smoothies and vegetable juices, "Outrageous Omelettes" and organic oatmeal. They also serve a gourmet California-style healthy breakfast.

Featuring the most coveted designers, including Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and Ella Moss, Blue & Cream, 60 on the Circle, 631-329-1392, appeals to young, hip tastemakers. Collette, 59 The Circle, 631-283-1867, offers an eclectic collection of designer consignments. Scoop Beach , 47-51 Newtown Lane, 631-329-8080, a longtime favorite of East End shopaholics, has a slew of trendy designers on displa and at Theory, 46 Newtwon Lane, 631-324-3285, superior cuts distinguish the brand. For fashion minxes, Intermix, 87 Main Street, 631-907-8025, hails as the one-stop-shop.

At Henry Lehr, 16 Newtown Lane, 631-329-5425, gauze, linen and cotton basics appeal to effortless-chic sensibilities. Stop by Christopher Fischer Cashmere, 67 Main Street, 631-907-0900, for a luxurious rainbow-colored range of custom cashmere. Calypso, 21 Newtown Lane, 631-329-0033, stocks Christiane Celle's signature wrap-dresses, peasant skirts, and all things beachy-boho chic, as well as home-décor pieces nextdoor. Elie Tahari, 48 Main Street, 631-329-8883, sells feminine, elegant and understated couture, with this season being marked by exclusive kaftans and bikinis created from a Kenny Scharf silk-screened fabric. From polkadots to pinstripes, J.Crew at the Beach, 20 Newtown Lane, 631-324-5034, is an ideal source for the eternally stylish Ivy League look. Jewel-toned gowns and ultra-feminine details distinguish the designs at Catherine Malandrino, 25 Newtown Lane, 631-329-6990, and Cynthia Rowley, 79 Main Street, 631-324-1722, is dependably sophisticated, sexy, and fashion-forward. Gucci, 46 Main Street, 631-907-9290, and Ralph Lauren, 31-33 Main Street, 631-324-1222, offer the best in top-shelf fashion, classic cuts and preppy staples, while the edgy urban style at John Varvatos, 54 Newtown Lane, 631-324-4440, which opened this past year, provides a refreshing contrast, with impeccably constructed clothing and designs harkening back to New York punk era. Also new this year is Shabby Chic, 14 Main St., 631-324-3444, which displays a collection of tastefully rustic furniture and housewares, including authentic vintage pieces. Elegant John, 74 Montauk Highway, 631-324-2636, is a basic bedding store that specializes in high quality down comforters, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices.For sporty eyewear and cutting-edge surfboards, Khanh Sports, 60 Park Place,631-324-0703, is the spot.

Since reading a good book at the beach is as important as your SPF, stop by BookHampton, 41 Main Street, 631-324-4939, or East End Books, 53 The Circle, 631-324-8680, to pick up the latest bestseller or old favorite. Glenn Horowitz, 87 Newtown Lane, 631-324-5511, sells coveted vintage and rare books, as well as artwork and prints. For the widest range of established names in jewelry, fine watches and beautiful collectibles, London Jewelers, 2 Main Street, 631-329-3939, is the unrivaled emporium; Cartier, David Yurman, and Rolex are among the offerings. Looking for vintage estate pieces? Try Gems of the Past, 60 Newtown Lane, 631-324-4367. James Perse, 56 Newtown Lane, 907-9270, is known for impeccable menswear, high-end t-shirts and button-downs, and leather accessories. Rugby Ralph Lauren, 34 Main Street, 631-907-0960, is slated to open soon-offering a young, edgier take on the designer's traditional line, while RRL, 57 Main Street, 631-907-9201, offers vintage Western inspired pieces like boots, leather jackets and authentic belt buckles in its newly opened flagship store. Belhaus, 328 Montauk Highway, 631-255-0164, is owned by Shawn Bell and carries Alexandra McQueen, Carolina Herrera and Walter Steiger. East Hampton Pharmacy, 106 North Main Street, 631-324-3887, while you and Jery Seinfeld are waiting to get your prescriptions filled at this well-appointed drugstore, peruse the luxury emporium's high-end offerings of bath and beauty brands from: L'Occitane, Phyto, Hampton Suncare, Santa Maria Novella, Baudelare and Apiana soaps.

Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, 631-324-0806, has been host to scores of artists, writers, musicians, actors, and directors over the years, and will be continuing this tradition throughout the summer with theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. Visit guildhall.org for schedule.

The Pollock-Krasner House, 830 Fireplace Road, in Springs, 631-324-4929, is another enriching cultural center overlooking Accabonac Creek. It is the former residence of Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock, and still stands as Krasner left it in 1984, complete with Pollock's paint-spattered studio and a collection of original artwork. There are also a handful of galleries worth checking out in East Hampton, including Spanierman Gallery, 68 Newtown Lane, 631-329-9530; Solar, 44 Davids Lane, 631-907-8422; and The Drawing Room, 16R Newtown Lane, 631-324-5016. Vered Gallery, 68 Park Place, 631-324-3303, one of the "most prominent art spaces on the East End, has an eclectic collection that includes work by Milton Avery, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Fairfield Porter, Wolf Kahn, and Willem de Kooning. For an inspiring afternoon, wander through the enchanted sculpture gardens and arboretum, visit Jack Lenor Larsen's Long House Reserve, 139 Hands Creek Road, 631-329-3568.

Main Beach Surf and Sport, 328 Montauk Highway, 631-537-2716, hosts a variety of summer programs and private lessons, from surfing to wakeboarding excursions. For horseback riding, check out Stony Hill Stables, 268 Town Lane, 631-267-3203, which offers facilities for boarding, private and group lessons, and horse training.

East End Organic Community Farm, 55 Long Lane, 631-324-5523, also known as EECO, promotes sustainable agriculture techniques and provides fresh fruits and vegetables to the community. Round Swamp Farm, 184 Three Mile Harbor Road, 631-324-4438, sells delicious gourmet prepared food and picked-perfect organic produce. The macaroni and cheese is outstanding, as is the guacamole and lasagna.