SAG HARBOR

Le Bilboquet

For a few weeks now, there have been sightings of men wearing The Creeks uniforms on Pat Malloy’s property, The Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. The Creeks, the 57 acre heavily guarded estate is owned by Ronald Perelman, the chairman of Revlon. Perelman’s presence confirms that he is a partner of Le Bilboquet and puts to rest the long held rumor that Le Bilboquet was taking over Harlow East’s lease. It is confirmed that Le Bilboquet is owned by Philippe Delgrange with partners Ron Perelman and Steve Witkoff. Everyone is waiting to see what stunning changes this trifecta will create. 

Last year there were several speculations that Pat Malloy had sold the property to SHR Holdings, LLC the management company and LLC of Le Bilboquet. However, the unlikely purchase was denied by Sandra Roberts of Malloy Enterprises last year and again this year. Malloy is the owner of all of the properties on Long Wharf and leases the wharf itself to the Village of Sag Harbor. Malloy is the owner of Waterfront Marina, Barons Cove Marina, Malloy Air East, several properties in Newport Beach, R.I., and of course MY Intuition II, the 196 ft motor yacht that sits on Long Wharf most of the summer season. Ironically, MY Intuition II, is indeed for sale for 4.95M. This is an extremely low price for such a large yacht. However, she hails from Holland and 1973, as a converted Dutch North Sea Pilot Cutter. She needs 24,429 US gallons, a crew of 14-17 and those are some larger numbers there. 

SHR Holdings, LLC did purchase the lease for the space previously known as Harlow East at auction in October for $960,000 and Perelman was said to have purchased part of the French Bistro from Philippe Delgrange in 2013. Delgrange, a legendary Upper East Side restaurateur declared  “If I don’t like you, it’s not going to happen,”  “But if I like you, you are part of my family.”

Le Bilboquet or the restaurant owned by the Le Bilboquet owners, is located in Sag Harbor on The Long Wharf, has the best view of upscale dock-life in town, as the wharf is also located at The Waterfront Marina. The space was once B. Smith’s, owned by B. Smith and Dan Gasby. The couple has made Sag Harbor their full time home. They also share a memoir, Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s. 

“She has always found the good in people. She is selfless, not selfish. She cares about people. You would be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t like Barbara Smith or B. Smith….. Over the 28 years in the restaurant business, we got hundreds of letters that remind us of when she made a difference in someone’s life.”  Dan Gasby.

Lulu’s Kitchen

All spring, at the other end of the village, work crews have been on the move at a new spot called Lulu’s, formerly known as Doppio which sat vacant last summer. The Apollo Global Management with co-founder Marc Rowan, brings on Chef Phillippe Corbet and Managing Director Steven Jauffrineau. Both are familiar names in the Hamptons and collectively have brought us Duryea’s Lobster Deck and Arbor. Venues created in the past have been beautiful, casual and sensual. Lulu’s eatery will have simple French food open 7 days a week with a special late night menu from 10-11:30pm. The focal point of the rustic French venue will be a large open woodburning grille and oven centered in the 1800ft square space. Brick walls, chandeliers and leather booths will create the perfect setting.

Lulu’s Kitchen

126 Main Street, Sag Harbor

(631) 725-0900

East Hampton

Eleven Madison Park

On June 9th, Eleven Madison Park will close for renovations in NYC and the staff will move to East Hampton. EMP Summer House will take over the location previously known as Moby’s at 341 Pantigo Rd. We are sad to see Moby’s go but there is anticipation to see what EMP will bring.

The EMP Summer House will open in late June and stay open till September. The venue, more casual than its sister restaurant in NYC, has room for 200 guests inside. Outside, there is a large garden out back with a white tent, that is often filled with more guests. It’s a must see. Will Guidara, and Chef Daniel Humm have 3 Michelin stars behind them and plan on creating an a la carte with well known dishes from Eleven Madison Park NYC. The sexy Hamptons venue has become a partner with American Express, so the exclusivity remains. Make your reservations online quickly, as this new addition may be  one of the most difficult to get into and enjoy. 

Amex card members get exclusive access to reservations at the EMP Summer House and only the American Express card is welcome. Members are privy to exclusive events and dining experiences throughout the summer. This could get interesting. EMP NYC re-opens after a long renovation in mid to late September. The designer behind the renovation is Brad Cloepfil, founder of Allied Works. Allied Works is known for it’s cultural designs inclusive of Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis; the Museum of Arts and Design in New York; and  the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado. 

Eleven Madison Park         212.889.0905

Dopo La Spiaggia

Chef Maurizio Marfoglia brings us farm to fete fair in this 3000 sq ft space at 31 Race Lane. Dopo is known for it’s fresh fish dishes and Northern Italian flair with balanced earth and sea tones. Both the Sag Harbor and East Hampton locations are beautiful. East Hampton offers a much larger space if you are entertaining parties of more than 4.

SOUTHAMPTON

Sadly, the iconic venue known as The Lobster Inn is for sale for 11.5 Million.

Late last year, the landlord and CEO of Centrock Corporation offered a month-to-month rental option to Tim Burke, the owner of the Lobster Grille Inn. Burke has collaborated with Randy Riese, his chef and manager for over 16 years. Their website says to check back for their new location. There is a possibility that they may move to Hampton Bays.

“Represented by David Donohue and Joe Peraino of Douglas Elliman, the waterfront property can be purchased for use as a restaurant; additionally there is a variance in place for townhouses with the abandonment of restaurant use, though site plans or individual lots are not yet approved,” as per the release from Douglas Elliman.

Jobs Lane Gastro Pub

Tuscan House closed and the owner/chef William Oster is re-branding the location as Jobs Lane Gastro Pub.

“After 12 years on the corner of Jobs & Windmill Chef/Owner William Oster of Tuscan House, is excited to bring a new concept to all of the loyal patrons and surrounding communities. After an interior makeover, we will feature a new menu consisting of the best Tuscan House [has to offer, combined with] quality Euro-American pub Fare.”

10 Windmill Lane, Southampton

(631) 287-8703

The Gastro pub will serve dry-aged beef, wild game meats and international craft bottled beers.

WATERMILL

Rumor has it that Lance Posner, owner of 755 Montauk Hwy. in Watermill may be in contract with a pop-up restaurant soon. Details will follow.

BRIDGEHAMPTON

Elaia Estiatorio

The space formerly known as Osteria Salina, just behind Bobby Vans at 95 School Street now has the name Elaia Estiatorio, a new rustic Greek restaurant that seats 125. Chris Boudouris, of McNamara Liquors is one of the partners. 

SHELTER ISLAND

Shelter Island, an island just north of Sag Harbor, has been considered a “must” destination for years. It’s quieter and things from yesteryear seem to endure there. It’s a special place. A large portion of Hamptons visitors venture over via the South Ferry year round. There are noteworthy hotels and restaurants on this historical island. The Ram’s Head Inn, Shelter Island’s hidden gem is one of them.

The Inn which overlooks Coecles Harbor, has become one of the most established hotels in the area. It’s been owned and operated by Linda and James Eklund for over 37 years.

Last month, the Eklunds announced that they welcome a new chef to their restaurant and the Inn. They also thank and support long time Chef Joe Smith with his new endeavor. Matt Murphy will be joining them as executive chef.

Chef Murphy, who has made multiple appearances at the James Beard House, brings a wealth of exceptional dining experience. Past experience includes: The Ritz Carlton, the Rainbow Room, The Russian Tea Room and La Colombe D’or.

“[Chef Murphy] will complete the full fine dining/farm-to-table experience that we have provided our guests since the early 90’s,” said Linda Eklund, owner of the Ram’s Head Inn.

“His passion for food and knowledge of the abundance of ‘local delicacies’ make him the perfect fit for the Ram’s Head” noted Mrs. Eklund.

The Ram’s Head Inn reopens for the season on April 14th, 2017. There is live jazz every Sunday in the summer months.

108 S Ram Island Dr, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965

631.749.0811

If you run in the Hamptons charity circuit, you can sample signature dishes from many of these restaurants at The Waxman Foundation, The Retreat, The Peconic Land Trust, SoFo (South Fork History Museum), and the many Dan’s Papers tasting events.