Montauk Pioneer - August 29, 2008

I am not sure if time stops when you enter Montauk, but it sure can seem that way. Montauk is so laid back that the only people rushing are the visitors packing to leave before checkout time because they have lost track of time. I have been walking the beaches lately with my beagle in the early evening only to find the mellow beach goers still sitting there way after the sun has set. They are in their beach chairs, staring off into a vortex of endless relaxing time they never seem to have. On the other hand, Saturday nights at places like the Harvest, or the West Lake Clam and Chowder House the wait can be hours long, but so is the cocktail hour and after all, it's time to kick back and enjoy not rushing.

I had brunch Sunday morning at Manucci's and Ray and his lovely bride of 36 years, Eileen, made me and my friend feel so at home at their wonderful breakfast buffet. We sat there with a gentle breeze blowing right in on us that almost made me know I will miss certain things once September rolls around. Speaking of laid back, what about those surfers who practically operate a separate country at Ditch Plains by the rocks with Persian Rugs and tent light structures lashed together to the sounds of a guitar strumming. There is even a massage table there along with, dogs, children, and of course surf boards. Liar's Saloon is a nice place to have a $1 draft late afternoon during the week. Usually, only Katie, Cindy, Linda or Mary are there talking about stuff only a local can follow. These bartenders have seen it all, so it seems like nothing upsets them except the occasional person they must put in a cab who won't leave.

My mom and dad were very fond of having an outdoor cocktail at Gosman's Dock. They would sip their cocktails and watch the ships rolls in whether they were commercial fishing boats, charter boats, pleasure boats or the occasional sailboat. Sometime they were actually upset if Mary Gosman would seat them immediately. Then there is Nick's. With blenders making refreshing frozen drinks for beachgoers right off the beach sometimes patrons forget to go back and pick up their belongings there on the beach. The conversation at Nick's is never too political, but instead about weather, what to do tonight, and how the teams on the tiny TVs are doing. Yes, Nick's is one of the few places left without the big screen high definition deal going down.

However, if you want to kick back and see a game on a big screen big TV in high definition Hideaway is your place, with either Johnny or Theresa usually behind the bar, a cold beer or their famous sangria's are perfect for that view up above the Diamond Cove Marina. Skip and Frieda are always around to make sure you can relax. Runaways is finding its own niche, you can definitely sit back at the bar and think, or talk to whoever is in the mood to talk. It no longer is the crazy place it was in its previous life as the Oyster Pond. But if you are the type that can be laid back when all hell is breaking loose then The Point and Memory Motel are places you will want to spend your late nights. The younger crowd seems to breed there on late weekend nights. The thing about Montauk is that in every direction you look and everywhere you go, you just can't help looking out and seeing something pleasing to the eye. The big sky or sun or late night stars are always overwhelming, but so special. The fog rolls in and out, but never harasses. Montauk is a place to walk your dog that extra twenty minutes, barbecue almost every night, drive just a little slower, and all that stuff. Is their a better place to stop and smell the roses? Montauk rocks, but it also sways to summer breezes. Montauk gives off great energy but it also lets you absorb a gentle mellow vibe when you need it to.