Salsa... Soros... and more!

I've griped forever about how there isn't a good Mexican "sit down" restaurant in the Hamptons.    I've complained and complained.  Yes, I like La Fondita and Sabrosa but I can't really see having a nice quiet dinner at either location.     But this summer, it seems we finally can get the whole enchilada and enjoy it too!

First in Southampton is Union Cantina.   Located at the site of the former Southampton Public House,   the "Cantina" opened in mid-June and has been packing it's tables ever since.   So far, the reviews have been pretty good.   I haven't yet been but FOHC (Friends of Hamptons Chatter) have been telling me the foods pretty solid... not outstanding but good.    The standouts according to my sources are the enchiladas, roasted peach glazed pork and the freshly made salsa.  While the prices are certainly not Taco Bell they're not exactly Nello either.    So based on the word of mouth around town it seems Union Cantina is worth a visit.    If you've been, let me know what you think.

Secondly,  The Blue Parrot in East Hampton has long been a punch line for bad food and bad service in my book forever!  I went a few years ago when it first opened under the new management which includes Jon Bon Jovi and the girl from Jerry Maguire who has a name I can't spell.   The food was overpriced, lousy and served with a snarl from the surly staff.      If that wasn't bad enough they used to have a bouncer there which would have lead you to believe, folks were clamoring to get inside.... and they weren't.   Anyway, for whatever reason I decided to stop by for a visit last week after a hiatus of close to three years.      The first thing I encountered was a friendly staff and no bouncer!     I had to wait while my table was being prepped so I sat at the bar and had a really great margarita... at $15 bucks it was no bargain but the pour was generous and the mason jar/drinking glass was filled pretty high.   

I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I like you!!!

After about 5 minutes, the table was ready and I sat down as fresh tortilla chips and salsa were being dropped off at the table.      That was followed by the house Oaxaca salad and Lime Chipotle fajitas.  While I know fajitas aren't exactly gourmet and probably not the best way to judge the cuisine, I have to say they were really good and served with fresh made corn tortillas.     By the way, yes you can make bad fajitas I should know, I worked at a Chi Chi's in college (for those of you who don't know, it was the Mexican Olive Garden of the 80's).     My partner in crime Peter had the fish tacos which which also garnered a big thumbs up.      The final verdict is that I take back all the negative things I've said in the past about Blue Parrot.    The snarky Go Fund Me page for the chef to take cooking lessons has been taken down and my mea culpa is complete.     So ,  if you've not been to The Blue Parrot in years, take my advice and give it another shot.  

Finally, just in time for August some good news about what makes the Hamptons such a fun place to live.    According to sources, billionaire investor George Soros made a stop with a few friends at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor.   While that's not anything to set rumors flying what happened when the check was delivered is the interesting part.  Apparently Mr. S. (as I call him) paid his hefty check with 4 figures not including cents and added on a 100%+ tip for the staff.     While I haven't been able to confirm this Christmas come early gift from the tight lipped staff at the hotel... my sources are pretty reliable.     Besides, what's so wrong with being nice!?