BRUNCH SO HARD: BEST HAMPTONS BRUNCH SPOTS BY HOOD'

So, maybe we are a bit overzealous when it comes to brunch. But, how else were we going to compile a list of the BEST brunch spots by Hamptons hood without trying them all? Exactly. With our reputation on the line, the only alternative was to try as much as we could. Here's what made the list.

1. MONTAUK: ARBOR 
This spot is new-ish. This is their second season and they are not open every day. That being said, they offer hands down the best pizza in MTK with fresh ingredients, plus a Rene Brad Rose Brut from France that is de-lish. Pizza + Champagne = Brunch Of Champions.

2. SAG HARBOR: LULU KITCHEN & BAR
Fresh and local: key words every brunch enthusiast wants to hear besides for mimosa, and bottomless cocktails. Lulu Kitchen made the list because of their extensive Brunch offering for vegetarians. See below the Seasonal Veggie Platter that could feed at least 3 people.

3. WEST HAMPTON: SYDNEY'S "TAYLOR" MADE CUISINE

Maybe you want to get one more day in at the beach, before you go to work, so you need that sweet pick me up. We couldn't help but take a bite of this double dutch chocolate cookie!

4. QUOGUE: BETH'S CAFE

Only open for breakfast and lunch, Beth's Cafe has become a staple for hot bagels, quick organic cappuccinos, and of course, our favorite, Greek omelet. 

5. EAST HAMPTON: DOPO LA SPIAGGIA 

Dopo La Spiaggia just opened a new restaurant in East Hampton and it's already on Samantha Yank's radar. That's big. What's bigger? They just added brunch! 

6. SOUTH HAMPTON: CLAUD'S SOUTHAMPTON INN

What's better than breakfast in bed? Brunch in bed. Definitely brunch. Now, the Southampton Inn does not have it's own brunch menu, but if you have brunch around 10-11 we suggest the Beach Buttermilk Pancakes , and if you have brunch around 2-3 we suggest either the Grown Up Grilled Cheese or the Smoked Salmon Pinwheels. 

7. HAMPTON BAYS: ORLANDO'S CAFE

Brunch sometimes means wearing last nights clothes, or rolling through in a tee-shirt you wore to the beach the day before. Orlando's cafe is a plastic plate establishment like any great diner, drive-in, or dive. Sweet-tooths must have this Challah Deep Fried French Toast, or get something more traditional from their Mexican fare. 

Stay Lovely,

D.R.

Editor & Curator 

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HAMPTONS 2017: AL FRESCO DRINKING & DINING GUIDE

As warm weather approaches, it's time for more al fresco meals, light bites, and south of the border inspired cocktails. Lucky for us, the Hamptons is known for delivering dining and cocktails with a side of sea air. Here's a list of our favorite spots with an outdoor view!

1. NEW CHEF @ COAST KITCHEN  

ABOUT: Are the words Bacon Wrapped Filet (pictured above) not enough? Then, what about Spring Vegetable Potato Rissole? What we love about the Montauk Yacht Club is that it never disappoints, and it is always doing something new in terms of their menu. Plus, with sweeping waterfront views in every directions, there is so much to see and taste! 

WHERE: Montauk Yacht Club 32 Star Island Road, Montauk NY

MORE INFO: Here

2. NEW LOCATION: LULU KITCHEN & BAR

ABOUT: A new second location, with an amazing brunch offering made with fresh, local ingredients. Make sure you make a reservation, this place, since opening, has been booked solid! Too hot of a day to sit outside? Take advantage of the large windows and french doors, and sit inside while natural light filters in creating the perfect IG shot of your meal! 

WHERE:126 Main Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963

MORE INFO: Here

3. NEW CHEF @ ALMOND

ABOUT: Almond, which has been a staple since 2001, has announced new chef de cuisine, Jeremy Blutstein. Formerly of East By Northeast in Montauk, Blutstein has joined Almond to create some really delicious bites, like these buffalo cauliflower bites (pictured above). Ask for a table outside and let the people watching begin! 

WHERE:One Ocean Road Bridgehampton, NY 

MORE INFO: Here 

4. COCKTAILS @ ARBOR

ABOUT: The Garret, a New York City based cocktail brand with two locations run by Den Hospitality and recently included among the best speakeasy bars in NYC by TimeOut New York, is bringing their penchant for creating quality and lively bar scenes to Arbor’s outdoor bar. The Garret's top tier mixologists will feature playfully elevated cocktails in a laid-back environment at Arbor's newly built outdoor oasis and circular bar. 

WHERE:240 Fort Pond Rd Montauk, NY 11954

MORE INFO: Here

5. NEW LOCATION: DOPO LA SPIAGGIA EAST HAMPTON

ABOUT: Dopo means "after the beach" and with its new location in East Hampton, and new outdoor patio and bar, Dopo La Spiaggia lives up to its name as the perfect place to dine, well, after the beach. 

WHERE: 31 Race LaneEast Hampton, NY 

MORE INFO: Here

6. NEW SUMMER COCKTAILS AT LT BURGER

ABOUT: Known for their burgers and more importantly their spiked milk shakes, LT Burger just came out with a new summer cocktail list. Whether you just docked your boat, came back from Shelter Island, or have been walking around Sag all day sit back relax and sip on the new Blood Orange Margarita which will pair well with the Tuna Chipotle or Mexican burger. Take advantage of the few tables they set up outside in the summer and let the breeze off the harbor cool you down!

WHERE: 62 Main Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963


MORE INFO: Here

7. NEW SUNSET PIER @ MONTAUK YACHT CLUB

ABOUT: The new Sunset Pier will launch Memorial Day weekend featuring a cool outdoor lounge to enjoy cocktails and light bites with an amazing sunset view. The Sunset Pier stretches out into the marina and is lined with cocktail tables and benches for optimal sunset viewing.  An outdoor bar anchors the Sunset Pier with a creative cocktail list and light bites bar menu.

WHERE: Montauk Yacht Club 32 Star Island Road, Montauk NY

MORE INFO: Here

Stay lovely,

D.R.

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog 

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Foodie Review: Long Island Restaurant Week's Most Coveted Tables

French Cuisine: Le Soir

 

Where: 825 Montauk Highway Bayport, New York 11705

About: With a 27 Zagat rating Le Soir is one of the best and genuine French cuisine on the island.

Suggestions: We love the Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Sun-dried Tomato and Roast Duck with Orange Sauce.

To view the menu and make reservations visit: HERE

[Photo via, via, via]

Tapas: noah's

Where: 136 Front Street, in the historic maritime village of Greenport, across the street from the Post Office and steps from Mitchell Park Marina.

About: noah's is a tapas style restaurant and features the chef, Noah Schwartz's, trademark small plates. Using local and fresh ingredients, noah's also boasts a raw bar with several varieties of fresh oysters shucked to order!

Suggestions: Spring asparagus soup with lemon oil, chives and shaved parmesan, Grilled local monk fish andouille sausage, fingerling potatoes, little neck clams, organic tomato broth and Flourless chocolate cake fresh whipped cream, dulce de leche.

To make a reservation and peruse their menu visit: HERE

[photo via]

Italian: Pasta Pasta

[Photo via Pasta Pasta facebook]

Where: 234 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

About: Pasta Pasta has been a staple in Italian cuisine for over 20 years and is still considered one of the North Shore's premier Italian restaurants.

Suggestions: Rigatoni with meat sauce, sweet peas and topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh basil.

To see the full menu or make a reservation visit: HERE

Vegetarian Options: Wild Honey On Main 

[Photo via Wild Honey facebook]

Where: 172 Main Street Port Washington, NY 11050

About: Wild honey sweetens eating out as a vegetarian, with multiple options for the health conscious as well as savory dishes Wild Honey is like a teaspoon of sugar.

Suggestions: The Roasted Beet & Brussels Napoleon is made with roasted beets, brussel sprouts, fresh goat cheese, candied walnuts and truffle honey and the Cracklin Pork Shank.

To see the full menu or make a reservation visit: Here

New American: Chachama Grill

Where: 655-8 Montauk Hwy, East Patchogue, New York 11772

About: Hidden away in an unlikelyshopping center doesn't stop this restaurant from serving up 5 star quality food. Each plate is better than the next!

Suggestions: Smoked bacon green pea ravioli, salmon cauliflower puree and basil pesto and tiramisu.

To make a reservation visit: HERE

[photo via]

Do you have a favorite restaurant that didn't make our list? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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Foodie Reviews: The Harbor Raw Bar & Grill

Every now and then I stumble onto a restaurant that I have to rave about. Whether I was enchanted by the decor, seduced by the food or pampered by the staff I know this hot spot has to be mentioned and celebrated. If I could check the little box for 'all of the above' it wouldn't be speaking highly enough of The Harbor Raw Bar & Grill. Don't believe me? See for yourself!

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City Living: Tuck Shop (The Great Aussie Bite)

I don't know why I am surprised each time I find a new fav take-away or restaurant in NYC, but I am--every time!. There are so many tasty and trendy foodie finds in MP (meat packing) where my office presently is. Last Friday I met up with my friend Danielle who told me all of her favorite places to eat that are in the area (her husband works above Chelsea Market) making her a foodie expert and the perfect lunch companion! Tucked away in the back of Chelsea Market is the Tuck Shop an Australian meat pie shop. So what is a vegan doing at a meat pie shop? Read on to find out!

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Foodie Review: Quetzalcoatl

Where: Quetzalcoatl is located 296 Main St Huntington, NY 11743 

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City Living: Interns Have To Eat Too!

Every Friday I treat myself to a nice lunch from a restaurant near my editorial internship. Being so close to Chelsea Market, I have some fantastic options to satisfy my mid-day-munch attack. My current favorite restaurant is The Standard Grill. I can easily eat my broccoli rabe and breadsticks at their beautiful bar, sip on a cup of coffee and relax/meditate about my day. The bartenders are friendly and always give me too much bread! For an $11 lunch (including tip and tax), I can't imagine a half hour break more satisfying! 

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Foodie Reviews: Celebrating My Birthday At The Plaza- Tea Style

The Plaza is one of my favorite places in the city, so it was perfect when my sister, Nicole, treated me to afternoon tea to celebrate my birthday! Take a look at all the fun treats and sweets we tried together below. It is a bit pricey, but completely worth the experience.  

(Left- Right): The Fitzgerald Tea For The Ages & The New Yorker

Smoked Salmon W/ Caviar

Smoked Salmon W/ Caviar

Curried Lobster Salad W/ Local Apple

Roquefort, Shaved Grapes, And Watercress

Deviled Quail Egg Salad

Prosciutto W/ Mozzarella and Pesto

Roasted Turkey Sandwich W/ Pomegranate Chutney
Roast Beef W/ Horseradish
The Fitzgerald Desserts
The New Yorker Desserts

The Palm Court Tea is fit for foodies of all ages. Each morsel is more delicious than the next.  And, you will want to try it all!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies 

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Foodie Reviews: Claudio's

All you need to remember is the phrase:

Award Winning New England Clam Chowder



The view...oh la la

Claudio's Restaurant is one of those places that is built upon history, family traditions, secret recipes, and even hidden passageways that were once used during prohibition times. Needless to say, I am a repeat customer. Brian and I were seated in the perfect corner where we both had tons of room to stretch out, and languidly watch the day stretch out over the harbor.

The food...

It's all good! I have tried so many choices off of their menu, but most recently I ordered the:

1870 Steak Salad Grilled sliced New York strip steak, crisp iceberg lettuce, steakhouse bleu cheese dressing and halved grape tomatoes

Which I am going to strongly recommend, because this is not your average bleu cheese people! If you are a lover of cheese, let me tell you this bleu cheese is an experience. It is separate from the dressing itself. It is smooth, and buttery, and just the right amount of saltiness. It is perfection...and only made more perfect by being paired with my goblet of pinot noir.


The wine...

While waiting for our table, Brian and I sat at the bar and I was adamant about treating myself to the perfect glass. The bartender was an extremely knowledgeable and helpful guide while I ventured on my quest. He let me taste (poured freely) the following:

The La Linda Malbec's tannins left more of a sharp aftertaste, and the Chianti was too sweet for me. But the Hob Nob Pinot Noir's was perfect with my dinner, and really complimented the london broil, and bleu cheese well.



This place has the magic three: atmosphere, delectable dishes, and winning wine lists. So if that doesn't persuade you, then I will leave you with this fun fact, In 2012 Claudio's celebrated its 142nd Anniversary, and in turn was recognized by The National Restaurant Association as The Oldest Same Family Run Restaurant In The United States. That is pretty amazing, and further proof that if you haven't dined here yet, you should!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor, and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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Ethosn't Matter

Am I in Satorini? No? Just Checking.

You had me at hello…

That is if your hello was a warm bread basket, peppered with fresh herbs, and brushed just the way we like it with a heavenly stroke of olive oil (dramatic pause) then, that bread basket decided to make it a two-way with some homemade hummus…

And this was just the foreplay.

Visit Greece by way of Midtown East…

Ethos Gallery on 51^st, a Greek restaurant which pays special attention to creating the freshest Mediterranean menu, does just about everything right- if you’re into that sort of thing. From the moment you sit down under their whitewashed wood beams, and high ceilings, and onto your choice of a beach couch or booth you’ll be asking the nearest waiter if you just sat down in an estiatório (restaurant), on a cliff, overlooking the Aegean sea, in Santorini. 

Yes, they’re that good.

They’re just so full of compliments…

Not only are the ingredients fresh, colorful, and the wine list extensive, but also at the end of every meal a dessert plate is placed in the center of your table to share. And it’s complimentary! There is the sokalata, the baklava, and the galaktosuriko. Even if you can’t pronounce them, you’ll salivate at the sight of them.

Ambiance? Check.

Delicious Dishes? Check.

Free stuff? Check.

Stats:
905 1st Ave  
New York, NY 10022
(212) 888-4060

web:  http://www.ethosrestaurants.com/

 

 



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Foodie Reviews: The Oar House

This review has been a long time in the works! The Oar House is not only one of my favorite restaurants, but also where I used to work as a young bus kid. It is quite a rarity for someone who has worked in the food service business to still go back to dine at the very same restaurant where they were employed. The Oar was my first real job at the ripe old age of thirteen eleven years ago. The food was fantastic then, and it is even better now!




Everything on the menu is delicious! Above is just a few pictures of my favorite dishes. 

This restaurant is really busy in the summer since it is on the water and many people occupy, and utilize the dock space. Make sure to make a reservation on open table if you are going over the weekend (their busiest time).

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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