Montauk Pioneer - July 3, 2009

Montauk will be delighted to know that a new ice cream, smoothie and ices shop will open up at the edge of town to give you that healthy fruit or ice cream boost you'll need. Tom LaGrassa, a local from Sag Harbor who has been a huge part of the Montauk surfing scene for the last 30 years, is opening up "Kahuna's" at 807 Montauk Highway, right next to Cromer's.

Mr. LaGrassa, a former contractor who is changing careers and diving head first into the restaurant business is hoping to develop a surfing following. "I'm really going for it. There is no doubt about it," says Mr. LaGrassa.

The new shop is going to include a courtyard area that has big plans for being utilized as a space for good times. "We have a cool courtyard area that is right outside that we are planning on doing art shows and events. We might even do some acoustic guitar shows and things like that."

Kahuna's is going to be a big tribute to the Montauk surfing scene, which has been a huge part of the owner's life. Tom has been known to coach kids out in Montauk how to surf and is well respected among the community for his work.

Having a smoothie place is going to fill a void in Montauk and add another excellent business to the town.

The new business is also an example of how in a recession, entrepreneurs still can find opportunities to add value to a community by starting a creative business.

Mr. LaGrassa is hoping to develop a following with his ice-cream and smoothies and is making a great effort to bring in top quality products and a design that appeals to the surfing culture.

Mr. LaGrassa was, as a contractor, known for doing top quality work for his customers and developed a very strong reputation, even earning himself write-ups in some of the country's top magazines targeting homeowners. This skill will no doubt go into the design of his shop which is opening over fourth of July weekend, which means that it will be first rate designed and taken care of, something that really distinguishes Montauk businesses from those in other towns.

Heading out for a day at the beach and then walking into a place where you can get a healthy smoothie or some fresh ice-cream while listening to some relaxing music in a warm atmosphere is what it is all about in Montauk and many are speculating that it is going to be well received.

The name Kahuna's is of course a tribute to the surfing culture where the ultimate wave is known as "the big Kahuna." Interestingly though, Kahuna is a Hawaiian word, defined in the Pukui and Elbert as a, "Priest, sorcerer, magician, wizard, minister or expert in any profession."

According to Wikipedia, "The use of the term in reference to surfing can be traced back to the 1959 film Gidget, in which "The Big Kahuna", played by Cliff Robertson, was the leader of a group of surfers. The term then became commonplace in Beach Party films of the 1960s such as Beach Blanket Bingo, where the "Big Kahuna" was the best surfer on the beach. Eventually, it was adopted into general surfing culture. Hawaiian surfing master Duke Kahanamoku may have been referred to as the "Big Kahuna" but rejected the term as he knew the true meaning of the word."

Kahuna's is located at 807 Montauk Highway and will be opening July 3rd. The phone number there is 631-668-2211.