Montauk Pioneer - May 22, 2009 - Local Business Beat

With Memorial Day upon us, more businesses are opening in Montauk, and others are adding new features for the 2009 summer season.

A new pet shop has opened in Montauk called Plaza Pets, which has everything you will need for your dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, fish and other creatures. Owner Kerry McGill, of Sag Harbor, opened her store during weekends starting last February, but now this store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She carries a wide selection of pet supplies, including dog leashes, cat and dog tags, high end pet foods, dog and cat beds, fish tank products, ferret food, dog and cat treats, feeding bowls, and birdhouses.

She also has a fabulous new selection of custom-made dog coats that say "Ditch Plains" on them, created by Stitch Witch company of Montauk. These insulated coats, in red, blue and other colors, will keep your dogs warm in the cold weather, and remind people of the fun of Ditch Plains.

"We want to be Montauk's pet store for the locals," said McGill. "This way they don't have to travel far to have all the pet supplies they need." She also has many healthy, all-natural dog and cat foods, and many fun catnip toys including a large, yellow felt banana. "Pet Plaza" is located at 7 The Plaza, Montauk.

Share With...... is a fun, creative store on Main Street, that is carrying some interesting new lines of "green, or conscious living" gifts. There are organic cotton towels, Fair Trade recycled fabrics and materials, natural skin products, such as Mario Badescu and Lostmarch, made in Britain. Look for their colorful lacquered bamboo salad bowls, and their recycled paper beads from Africa. The idea behind this unique store is to "share these conscious gifts, which have extra value, with the people you love."

Speaking of great gifts from Africa, check out the new line of Ethiopian scarves and wraps from the other unique and wonderful store called "Tauk," located on Edgemere Road, just across the street from the Montauk Movie Theater, which has also opened for the season. Owner Dave Rutkowski and his family have a great lineup of movies coming your way.

There is a new owner at the Montauk Corner Store, Joe Titus, who took over about a month ago. He has this general store packed with great gift items and beach stuff from towels, to Montauk sweatshirts and sweatshirt blankets, to tee shirts. There are shell boxes, photo frames, Montauk mugs, lighthouse gifts, greeting and postcards, hats, stationary, and even ice cream! For a fun, perfect Montauk remembrance gift, stop into the Montauk Corner Store, on Main Street near Pizza Village.

Fishbar restaurant, located at 467 East Lake Drive, has changed its name to Fishbar on the Lake, and it is under the new ownership of Daniel Grimm and Jennifer Meadows, who is also the Executive Chef. They held their grand opening on May 7, with a good crowd. This season they have redecorated their outdoor patio dining room to resemble a coastal beach house complete with cabana-style fabric panels on the ceiling, removable mahogany windows, and weathered glass lighting. The interior of the restaurant features artwork by local artist Doug Reina, whose portraits of East End landscapes are also available for sale.

Chef Jennifer Meadows is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, and she specializes in fresh local fish and scallop dishes from local boats. Her new menu focuses on fresh fish from Montauk boats coupled with exciting vegetable combinations and delicious sauces and chutneys influenced by the flavors of summer.

Fishbar on the Lake is open Thursday to Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and will open daily for lunch and dinner starting in July.

Nick's Restaurant also held its opening night party last Friday, May 8, with a big crowd at their outdoor bar, and live reggae music by returning musician Winston.

Montauk artist Bonni Miller has returned from Paris and Morocco, where she was painting, and now specializes in portraits of dogs, horses, children, people, places, boats, and businesses. She does pen and ink drawings for a lasting memory of your favorite pet or person, which make great personal gifts. Check her website at www.bonnimiller.com

Renovations continue above The Montauk Clothing Store, where the owner is building two apartments. Next door, renovations continue above the Surf Shop as well. Enjoy your Montauk summer!