Montauk Pioneer - October 9, 2009- Montauk Dining

Jimmy Hewitt always has Shagwong poised to perform up to his very demanding standards. Located in the heart of Montauk on the south side of Main Street, just east of the Montauk Green. Manager Lee De Pascuale along with Co-Executive Chef's Clive Walker and Shawn Hewitt are ready to make your meal a special event. Carl Fisher created the Shagwong back in 1927 and it is now owned (since 1969) by Jimmy Hewitt. The interior of the Shagwong is rich in history and authentic antique decor. Through the years Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Hutton and Cheryl Tiegs have dined there, along with a few of the Beatles and most of the Rolling Stones. The stain glass on the windows and over the bar has a hollowing touch. It reminds you that you are in a place where Montauk royalty has come in to let their hair down. Even today, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Dick Cavett, Peter Beard and others stop in for a beer, a burger, a lobster or a glass of Pinot Noir just to enjoy.

The short litany of owners ranged from Frank Tuma Sr. (who owned it in the 1930s to the 1940s) to Mary Woods (from the 1950s until 1969). Jimmy Hewitt now has the honor of owning the historic eatery for a longer period than anyone, with exactly 40 years under his belt. All of those year's Jimmy's brother Peter has tended the bar. I feel compelled to mention that some of the staff because they work so well together in perfect concert. The waiters consist of Diego, Yasmine, Melida, Bryan with Tania as their runner. The bartenders are off course Peter, along with "Hollywood" Colin, and Jami.

Over the years The Shagwong customer has come to expect a high standard of excellence with every portion of every serving. The seafood entrees range from Lobster Fra diavolo with mussels and clams to the classic 20-ounce sub prime N.Y. Sirloin Steak Au Poivre. The fish specials each evening range from old standards such as broiled fluke, grilled salmon, pan seared rare sesame tuna, shrimp scampi and of course fish and chips. Shagwong serves the pre-fix until 11 p.m. all year. In fact the Prix Fix is only $18.95 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. every day. When I was there the chef's special was a 1 1/2 lb Lobster with a cup of Manhattan clam chowder, French fries and corn on the cob for only $35. My main course was a wonderful fillet mignon served with some amazing jumbo shrimp, along with mashed potatoes and asparagus. This was one of the first times I didn't sample Jimmy's famous chicken liver pate'. But what I did sample were some pumpkin ravioli's, which with the special secret seasoning Clive prepared them with, had both me and my date Cindi in dining heaven. I strongly suggest you ask them if they have them. Clive had started me off with buffalo mozzarella on water melon with prosciutto, with a special balsamic sauce, it was unbelievably tasty. There was also some tomatoes smothered with blue cheese. Then came the pumpkin raviolis, which as I mentioned are a showstopper, and the fillet mignon actually melted in my mouth it was so tender and perfectly cooked medium rare. The shrimp were huge and the seasoning was so over the top I still can taste it as I write this review. I have often said Shagwong will not let you down. For more information call 631-668-3050.