Montauk Pioneer - October 31, 2008

Second House Tavern, which got its name by being located on Second House Road, overlooks the beautiful fresh water Fort Pond in Montauk. It is also located on the former Ruschmeyer's Estate, which for many years was owned and operated by the Ruschmeyer family of Montauk, which ran a motel and restaurant on this scenic property.

Since their sale of the restaurant, it was taken over and run by the Jimmy Hewitt family, until it was bought and turned into Second House Tavern about a year ago.

It has since been modified to have a casual, laid-back style, with a sports bar atmosphere in the room to the right. To the left is the more formal main dining room, with the same great meeting and greeting bar along the back wall.

We ate in the casual restaurant/bar, where there are some high tables to kick back and have a drink, as well as dining room tables, and a bar with stools. Our hostess, Abby, came over and suggested we try one of Second House Tavern's famous Specialty Drinks. We couldn't resist trying the "Tavern Tantrum," ($12) consisting of Grey Goose Pear, muddled lemon, blueberry, strawberry puree served straight up, garnished with a candied orange peel. My dining partner ordered the "Inebriated Passion," ($12) which consisted of the Grey Goose Citron, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, passionfruit puree served straight up, garnished with a lime leaf and raspberry.

The Tavern also boasts a large selection of imported and other beers, including Guinness and Red Stripe, as well as non-alcoholic ginger beer, Tavern lemonade, and Tavern green and black teas. They also have an extensive wine list.

As we looked out over the pond at sunset, the room took on a warm glow, and we were hungry for some of this restaurant's long list of tempting appetizers. Being seafood lovers, we chose the "Crispy Calamari & Rock Shrimp," ($13) which was piled high with delicious lightly battered and fried calamari and delicate, juicy shrimp, cooked just right. We found the same fresh, juicy taste with our second appetizer of "Clam and Corn Fritters," ($10), which were a bit spicy and lightly fried to perfection. Both appetizers were tasty and plentiful.

Wanting to save room, but not wanting to resist trying some of their great-sounding salads, which include a Warm Spinach Salad and a "Grill Room" Chop Salad, we opted for the special salad of the day, and were not disappointed. It consisted of shaved goat cheese, shaved onion, and Mandarin oranges, atop baby field greens and lettuce, in a Citrus Vinaigrette, topped with a Balsamic reduction. What a zesty combination, and not to be missed!

The casual ambience of the Second House Tavern can be misleading, leaving the new guest to think it may consist of hamburgers and chili, but the menu of entrees is extensive and Chef Reed Lucas, of East Hampton, has prepared some elegant gourmet treats. There is everything from Boneless All Natural Ribeye, served with fresh corn and Heirloom Tomato Salad, ($35) to Vegetarian Cassoulet, ($17) a French-style wood roasted vegetable combination. We ordered the Pan Seared Halibut ($27), which was encrusted, tender and moist atop a basil couscous, with beet-orange broth and mint Raita sauce. We also ordered the Crispy Tuna ($29), flash-fried, with shishito peppers, vegetable summer roll, and teriyaki glaze. It was lightly seared just right, and very fresh and tasty. The presentation of all the food was also eye-pleasing.

The Tavern also serves more casual pub food, such as burgers and hot dogs, grilled chicken on Pannini, and "Croque Monsieur," a cheddar, ham and swiss-style sandwich.

They have a great dessert menu, but we were so full by now, that we could only split our favorite dish, a "Warm Chocolate Torte with Pistachio Ice Cream," ($8), which was a fabulous combination of hot and cold, and melted in the mouth. There was also some Cardamom creme brulée, dark and white chocolate mousse parfait, and some wild berry tartlet with Grand Marnier white chocolate mousse.

So when you're in the mood for some casual dining with elegant, gourmet cuisine and fine drinks, go over to Second House Tavern on Fort Pond. Call 631-668- 2877.