MMMMMMMMMM.... DONUTS... AND TUNA TARTARE! -UPDATED!!!

In case you missed it there was a lot of buzz a few months ago as Tom Colicchio and Topping Rose House parted ways.    Much of the well deserved criticism revolved around the fact that the prices were steep and the food was just a tad too "precious."     Well, when it was recently announced that Jean-Georges Vongerichten would be moving into that prime location, it was with a skeptical eye that many Hamptons folks awaited the arrival of it's latest celebrity chef.     I mean, doesn't everyone want quail and sweet breads when visiting the beach?

www.toppingrosehouse.com

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... donuts!

But guess what?  A good thing happened on the way to Bridgehampton.   Rather than taking a step on the fancy side, the restaurateur took a page more from his Inn at Pound Ridge menu and gave it a Hamptons spin.    Jean-Georges at the Topping Rose House is now open and ready for business.  While make no mistake the bill is going to cost you a few more dollars than an Olive Garden Prix Fixe, the prices are reasonable by local standards and the menu is actually pretty accessible.   The restaurant was open over the Memorial Day and served dishes from the new menu including; Tuna Tartare with Avacado and ginger marinade for $22, Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan $15, Parmesan Crusted Organic Chicken for $32 and a Cheeseburger with Frizzled Onions and House made pickles for $21.     For the vegetarian in the group, they also have a Garden Vegetable Brown Rice bowl with Salsa Verde for $26.    While I haven't had the chance to check it out yet, if it's anything like the Westchester outlet I have no doubt it will be packed from now until Labor Day!  For more information or reservations, you can try calling 631-537-0870 or go online by clicking here!

Meanwhile, something is apparently brewing in Sag Harbor and Homer Simpson will very happy.    I was on the street and I glazed over to find out that  Grindstone Coffee and Donuts is coming to town.   The hole deal is getting ready to set up shot at the location that was formerly occupied by Pepalajefa at 7 Main Street in Sag Harbor.   Fronted by two veteran coffee shope folks,  locals Kyle Shanahan and Anna Coffman will have brioche style donuts in such mouth watering flavors as strawberry shortcake, chocolate coconut and of course the traditional glazed!  The two are also making a point of sourcing all of the ingredients from local providers like Mecox Dairy and Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett.    In fact, they're taking the local angle so seriously they've decided to start working on a beach plum filled jelly donut recipe.     But if you're hoping these will be low calorie, fat free, taste free confections, forget it.  The plan is for real "super buttery brioche donuts"... dare I say it's a the Hamptons answer to a cronut..... a bronut?    The shop will also have a range of gourmet coffees and teas to help unclog your arteries.       Look for Grindstone Coffee and Donuts to open sometime at the end of the month!    One final thought before I go?  Some folks say, "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"... except for donuts which say, "skinny can go "f" itself." 

IF YOU WANT TO RENT YOUR HOUSE IN THE HAMPTONS..... A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW FIRST!

One of the great things about owning a home in the Hamptons is your ability to rent it out.    Yes, for some it's a cash cow and can help off set most of your yearly expenses in just 3 short months.    But you better know what you're doing.   If you rent to the wrong tenant or your house isn't ready, you could end up making less than money than a romantic comedy with Katherine Heigl and Nicholas Cage.

So what do you need to know and how do you get the most money possible for your rental?  Well luckily Hamptons Chatter is here to tell you.

Price it Right - This is my rule of thumb...  if you just bought your house and it's decorated and well maintained, you can expect about 4-5% the cost of the property for the Memorial Day to Labor Day period.   50% of that should be counted for the August rental.   For example, your Restoration Hardware decorated home you just bought for $1,000,000 should rent MD-LD for $50k or $25K for August.   This is not a hard and fast rule.  If your house is a few years old, ask an agent what they think would be a good rental price. It's also not a science so adjusting the price as you get close to the season may be needed.

List your property properly -  First off, keep it as an open listing.  Unless you're renting your home for $250k or more, most companies won't even take an exclusive rental and that's not a bad thing.   Agents are no different than anyone else and they're looking to earn a living.   So if it's between a $100k rental that's an exclusive rental where the agent will have to give a chunk to the listing agent or an open listing where they get the lions share, which one do you think they're going to show?   Most rental listings in the Hamptons are open listings, so keep yourself competitive.   But also know, unless you tell your agent to share the listing you'll need to make sure every company has your home and at the right (same) price!

Busy, busy, busy!!  www.uglyhousephotos.com

Get the house ready to go - If agents are starting to show your house,  it should look like your tenants are moving in tomorrow.     Reduce the clutter around the house, make sure all of your photos and personal Nick-knacks are stored away and please, please, please keep it neat and clean.    Also, less is more.... if the house is overloaded with furniture that's not a plus for most tenants, it will only make the property feel crowded and full.
your house if there are dirty dishes are in the sink and pet hair on all of the sofas (nobody wants to live in someone else's dirt).   "Clean" is also a key word when it comes to decor.   Busy patterns or tons of floral bed spreads, pillow cushions or curtains will overwhelm some potential tenants.   While you're taste may be good, it might not be for everyone.   That's why   Do not show Baskin and Robbins has 31 flavors but you don't need that many colors!

Make it and easy show - While I don't suggest leaving a key under the mat (that's a really bad idea for a number of reasons).   You have to make sure agents have easy access to your property.   Customers run late... HELLO, IF THINK YOU'RE IN THE HAMPTONS AND YOU DIDNT HIT TRAFFIC YOU'RE ONLY IN SHIRLEY.... and sometimes agents run late too so if it becomes to difficult to coordinate they'll move on.  The best way to control access and make sure you get shown is to drop a key off with your local broker.  They'll keep the key locked up and log who borrows and uses the key.   You could also buy a lock box or better yet buy a digital remote system where you can grant access to your home via your cell phone.  My personal favorite is the KEVO system, which you can buy easily enough on Amazon.

Get professional photos - If you want a good laugh, go through one of those "home for rent -by owner" sites.  Would you rent some of these homes?   I didn't think so.  Bad photos are a home owners biggest enemy.   My advice is hire a professional photographer (call any agency they'll recommend who to call) and then share these photos to all the agencies.   You have to spend money to make money and this particular expense is a no brainer to me.


Finally a few last points about "Hamptons Summer Renting" - if you use an agent to rent your house you'll need to pay the commission and in most cases it's 10% of the term of the lease.     It might seem like a lot but most agents screen their customers or get them via referral.  You'll be less likely to get a bad egg tenant.     Also, most leases require that tenants will maintain the property while in residency, so make sure they use the folks who know the house... your housekeeper, your lawn guy, your pool person, etc.

Also, if you live in Southampton Town make sure to get a rental permit.  It's not easy to do but it will protect you in the long run if you have problems with the tenant.

Now remember, I couldn't cover everything in this brief posting but I hope its a helpful start.   I also know not everyone will agree with my advice so feel free to post what you think.

WEEKEND UPDATE... THE LAZARUS OF LINGUINI... & BEACH PERMIT LINKS!

How cold is it out there?  Well if you're like me you've been glued to local news for "Snowpocalypse 15, The Blizzard of 15 and the This Winter Sucks 15" special coverage.   Yes, if all of those negative numbers on the screen are giving you flashbacks to your Calculus 101 class, you're not alone.     While the media contuinues scaring the bejeezus out of everyone there is the reality of icy roads and un-shoveled walkways.   With that in mind, it's no surprise that action on the East End was very quiet this past President's Day Weekend.   In fact, even a Valentine's Day over the weekend wasn't enough to keep restaurant and business owners happy.   The real estate market was much the same this past weekend. A fair amount of action but it would have been better if it didn't snow!   In spite of article after article about how "all the good Hamptons summer rentals are gone,"  renters and buyers still weren't willing to put on their boots and trek through waist high drifts to see properties.     I also noticed a slight dip in web traffic this past week maybe due to nobody thinking "beach" when frost bite is imminent.   Maybe everyone was busy with Valentine's Day or going to see "Fifty Shades of Grey."     Either way, my cadre of brokers and agents gave this past weekend a solid "C."  Here's hoping for a big thaw and warmer temperatures soon.

Doppio.... Last spring

Meanwhile, rumors of the death of Doppio in Sag Harbor have been greatly exaggerated. I for one thought it was pretty much D.O.A. by the end of last summer.   But, according to very reliable sources, the Italian eatery which got off to a promising start last summer is coming back for a second season!     The windows which are currently covered with paper will be peeled back and service will continue for the handful of dedicated customers.   So where did Doppio go wrong last year and how can they make it this season?   The biggest complaint I heard was not about the food but rather the service was terrible.  I guess in my encounters, I always thought there is better food in town with better service... so why bother.    Here's hoping they pull it together for next year.

Yep... the snow may be deep but you better start thinking about getting your beach permits before you're stuck going to Asbury Park.   Below are the links you'll need for enjoying fun in the sun this coming summer!

Beach Permit Links!

East Hampton Village Beach Permits

East Hampton Town Beaches

Southampton Town Beaches

Southampton Village Beach Permits

Hamptons Snow and Tell... Meredith's Mistake... and Sag Harbor's Newest Chef!

Meredith.... what went wrong?

Yes, the weather outside is frightful...  so frightful in fact I actually stayed inside, drank coffee and while I was loading kerosine into heaters and batteries into my zillions of lanterns, I watched  the "Meredith Vieira Show!"   I know, I sound like a doomsday prepper!   Anyway, it's  so sad,  Meredith had the potential to be the new Phil Donahue but instead she's busy trying to imitate the "Ellen" show.  Why????!   I guess what the television executives are thinking is nobody with half a brain watches television during the day.  Well I guess they're not wrong but with the ability to watch TV on your phone and everyone having a built in DVR, won't audiences follow smart programming?  Vieira was great on The View, 60 Minutes and the Today Show.   She was smart and approachable and added a spark to most anything she touched.  What happened!? Oh well but I digress...

Something's cooking at Baron's cove!

Some interesting news is thawing around town, while construction continues on the former Baron's Cove Hotel, the restaurant that's going into the new facility has apparently lined up a new chef to run the roost.   Rumor around town is that chef Matt Boudreau will be overseeing the new waterfront eatery.    In case you don't know the name, Matt was the chef at Vine Street Cafe on Shelter Island for the past few years.     While I do love spending the extra $16 bucks and 40 minutes travel time going to "The Rock", I'm kind of excited to make the trip for some good bolognese a little closer!  Hint to Matt - - - the bolognese on the menu!      In case you weren't aware, Baron's Cove was bought by Cape Advisers the folks behind the Watchcase factory a few years ago.  They've since started a major renovation of the site and after some back and forth, got permission to open a restaurant on the site with some restrictions.      

Meanwhile, the numbers are out and things are looking up for real estate in the Hamptons!   Douglas Elliman just released it's fourth quarter 2014 “Elliman Reports” for Long Island, Hamptons and North Fork, as well as our Decade (2005-2014) versions of those same markets. The reports are produced in conjunction with Miller Samuel and provide "the most comprehensive and neutral market insight available." 

Buy this listing of mine now.... Pool, tennis, beach!! 

The Hamptons finished the year with a strong performance. The quarter totals had the most sales in nearly a decade and the highest median sales price in more than seven years.  Along with the rise in sales, inventory remained stable which kept the market moving at a fast pace.

If you'd like the read the rest... check it out on Elliman.com!

Spring Clean Up Time.... and are you Dirty Dining??!

"Spring has sprung, the grass has riz'.  I wonder where the birdie is?   The little bird it's on the wing.  No that's absurd the little wing is on the bird"  - Curly Howard

Yes, spring is beginning to poke its head in the Hamptons.   That of course means time to get your  house and home ready for the avalanche of new friends and guests that seem to appear about the same time as the tulips and daffodils bloom!     But as we all know, those bulbs and flowers don't bloom themselves.   A beautiful garden takes prep!  It also requires a spring clean up and recently I discussed this very topic with the talented and affable Frederico Azevedo from Unlimited Earth Care in Bridgehampton.     Here are some of his basic suggestions to make sure you have a house beautiful!  



Speaking of seasonal clean ups, there are a few food establishments on the East End that need to get their acts together.   In case you missed the headlines, there has been quite a stir in the city lately with the home of the "cronut" Dominique Ansel bakery... (I'll have cronut hold the Mickey please).... and Per Se having lots of drama with health inspectors.    So that got me thinking (yes occasionally that happens),  "Self,  are the restaurants in the Hamptons clean?"

This is a better image then seeing a mouse in a kitchen, right?

While it would be great to see those grades on windows like they have in the city, no such thing exists in Suffolk County. So naturally that means you need to go on the web and do some snooping of course!  Now, I'm happy to report that while all my favorite establishments have received a clean report card, there are others in the Hamptons that weren't so lucky.  So what are some of the violations?  Well, not to gross you out but apparently inspectors found everything from moldy cheese, improperly stored fish and poultry, uncovered rodent bait stations to some employees who don't like washing their hands!!!     So, who were the guilty parties?  I'll never tell you need to go the link here and see for yourself.   Be careful,  you might not like what you find!!!

Holiday Hangover ... How to make the Hamptons Happy... Again!

I'm back after the holiday week/weekend.  It wasn't that I was lying back and taking it easy.   In fact, it continues to be for me along with most real estate agents, one of the busiest seasons in recent memory.    So, I took a breather from the blog and immersed myself in the summer of 2013.

While every year people seem to say the traffic and the crowds are worse than the year before, this year they're right.  It's a war out there!   But there is a chance for peace in the Hamptons and I'm making my attempt for a Nobel Peace Prize for my fine work right here with Hamptons Chatter.     So how can we turn our little piece of heaven into a shangri-la?  

First of all, you avoid the places that make your blood pressure boil.   Last year, I had one of my most successful blogs ever talking about the most unfriendly places in the Hamptons (Hamptons Hostility 7/13/12).    But this year,  I've learned to be more of a "glass is half full" kind of guy.  I'm going to offer solutions for the problems of the east end.   So here they are in no particular order, my "pointers" for making a happier Hamptons.

Terror awaits the hungry diner at Topping Rose!

1)   Improve the Service !   -  Last Monday, I went to the Topping Rose in Bridgehampton.  In case you weren't aware, this is celebrity chef Tom Colicchio's new restaurant at the spa and Inn of the same name.   While the food was actually dynamite the service made me want to go postal.   Now, I don't mind mediocre service when I'm at a.... say... Friendly's or TGIFriday's.     But when you're paying top dollar for the food, you shouldn't have to wait 50 minutes after your reservation time just to get seated and another 10 minutes to get water! UGH!   I'm sorry throwing a skimpy cheese plate on the house doesn't compensate for getting dinner at 10:40pm on a 9pm reservation.      Guys, people are spending the bucks on the food and the booze so hire the extra bus person and the extra cook.  Also, it's not a bad idea to admit you screwed up and not blame it on the other patrons!   Other than the Topping Rose, this is also good suggestion for Serafina (updated... had dinner there tonight... AWFUL service and no air-conditioning) and The Living Room.       By the way, I know none of you are going to listen to me so go try it yourself!

The devil is in the machinery!

2) Get Rid of Those Auto Check Outs and HIRE SOME PEOPLE! -  Here's my ancient Chinese secret, if you need more Calgon on the weekend, wait.    Besides the way the lines move at the K-Mart, CVS and Walbaum's stores in South and East Hampton it's quicker to order it from Amazon!    I know, I keep harping about this but at least hire some extra check out people.   Those scanners don't work!!!    Besides, there are some people who these things just scare the bejeezus out of.  It's the equivalent to them of appearing on stage!  They sweat!  They panic!   They freeze... then they freeze the machines!    It's like Lucy in the chocolate factory.   I like my machines in movies...  example "The Terminator 2".. not when I buy my milk.

3) Get Ample Parking and Force  Commuting! -  As anyone who's been to Soul Cycle, Fly-Wheel or any of the gyms out here knows, half the work out is finding a parking space.   I've actually heard reports of fist fight in one particular spin studio!!!  Blood is not a good color on Lululemon!   So here is my idea... ride your bikes to spin class people!!! DUH!   You don't have to do two classes this way and

It's my space and class is starting!!!

you're actually helping to save the planet (watch that Al Gore movie it will explain)!    On top of that gym/spin studio owners could help themselves by offering incentives to patrons that commute!   How about free water for everyone who comes in a car of two or more.  I know free water... it still cracks me up I'm willing to pay $2.50 for water!   My grandmother is rolling her eyes in her grave every time I do it!   But back to the topic... how about at least a free stain remover for those who have blood stains from the fights in the parking lot!!?  I know, it's a brilliant idea!    OK, there it is my treatise on how to make the Hamptons happy again!  Have a great summer everybody!!!

Sag Harbor has a new culinary Muse!

I thought I was done for the year but like Al Pacino in GODFATHER III, "they keep bringing me back!" I'm not sure who the "they" are but I guess it's the fact this week has been so darn busy on the East End. It's like July trying to find a parking space in any of the villages. So now back to the news... good news folks... the former JLX Bistro/Pommes Cafe

(I had to use JLX because I don't think anyone knew the Pommes Cafe) will soon be taken over by the folks behind MUSE in Water Mill. Chef Chef Matthew Guiffrida will be bringing his unique and diverse menu to one of the best locations in Sag Harbor. Let's just hope he brings his amazing fondue... YES FONDUE... from MUSE to the new location. Yeah, I know fondue is not something that will help me win any "hard body" contest!


Located on the end of Main St., the space has gone through several incarnations over the past few years. But I think it has more to do with bad management than it being a bad location. Besides, if anyone can make this work I'm convinced Guiffrida can do it. I've always loved MUSE but since I live in East Hampton, found the trek to Water Mill a little much especially in the summer. So, I'm thrilled he's taking over this space in Sag Harbor. In fact, I asked Matthew if he'll be doing any of his cooking classes in Sag Harbor and he said, yes! He also told me his menu will be similar to that of MUSE but with a few more pasta and seafood dishes added.

Speaking of the man behind the stove, Matthew Guiffrida if any one of my friends who still works in television reads this blog, take note! Who was one of the first people to give Bobby Flay a gig on TV?! You're right, it

was ME! Well let me tell you Guiffrida should be your next food segment booking. I went to his cooking class and not only was it an amazing night of food and wine... LOTS OF WINE ACTUALLY... but Matthew is charming, funny and fast. He should be doing television! Matthew good luck with the new place and make sure we get invited to that opening hopefully this March!


Now for a little bit of bad news. It seems the restaurant that was the BEACH HOUSE is no longer. What started out in my opinion one of the best new restaurants of Summer 2011 has become a victim of the off season blues. According to owner Michael Gluckman, he may be back in another

incarnation soon. I'm hoping so and I'm also hoping the new restaurant serves what I thought was some of the best TUNA TAR TARE around. Ok, hopefully I'm done... and done with blogging about food. I'm going back to the gym this afternoon and hopefully I'll blog more about working out in 2012!!! Wish me luck!

A day of discovery in Sag Harbor!

First I'm telling you the rumors about the demise of La Maison formerly known as JLX Bistro are greatly exaggerated. The brown paper is off the windows and it

looks as the if the restaurant run by the folks who bring you Trata will be back another year! For a time there everyone from Almond to Le Circ were rumored to be going into the spot but alas all were wrong. I stopped by and asked one of the head honchos there what the deal was and he told me La Maison will be open again for business the first weekend in May. Now, maybe this year I'll actually go in and try the food!

Secondly, since moving into the Hamptons full time I've had 3 major complaints:

1) There isn't anywhere to get shoes repaired east of the canal.

2) The movie theatres have the worst selection and options of anywhere on the planet (I swear March of the Penguins played for 3 years in East Hampton).

3) The only Tasti-D-Lite outlet (The Brown Bag in EH) is now a Sunglass Hut or something! There's no low fat yogurt/ice cream anywhere to be found!!!

Well, now I think I have answers or at least mild solutions to two of my issues. 1- I hear that they do shoe repair in King Kullen in Bridgehampton. I dropped off 3 pairs last week 2 Ferragamo's and beat up Prada. I'll let you know how they do. Issue #3... they sell ONLY 8 - no fat, low carb, low calorie ice cream (or frozen pvc) at the Ice Cream shop

in Sag Harbor. It's right next to Vincenzo's Pizza! Thank goodness... I don't have to travel all the way into the city for frozen chemically tasting stuff anymore. According to the Only 8 website, a half cup only has 32 calories. If that's the calorie count, I can deal with the funky taste.

Rodent sees shadow and Sag is trying to make Winter fun!

Whenever I try to think about Groundhog Day, I always get the feeling the results are never right! But then again I think this holiday was best described by Bill Murray's character Phil in GROUNDHOG DAY.

“RITA:” You’re missing all the fun. These people are great! Some of them have been partying all night long. They sing songs til they get too cold and then they go sit by the fire and get warm and then they come back and sing some more.
“PHIL:” Yeah, they’re HICKS Rita.

Hmmmm, I think Bill was right but still everyone, even sophisticated types ask, "Did THE Groundhog see his shadow?" Well stop holding your breath... the groundhog in question Punxatony (do you really care if I spell this right?)didn't see his shadow. So now Phil will have some free time to go see "Black Swan" or was it look at a black swan, hmmmmmmm? Anyway according to legend we can all head to the beach next week!

Well until next week when we can put on our Bikinis you can indulge in Sag Harbor's first "Harbor Frost!" The village will be hosting Ice Sculpting ," Fireworks by Grucci, "Fire and Ice" promotions at retailers, $20.11 prix fixe menus, a POLAR BEAR PLUNGE OFF LONG WARF and what I see as the highlight... a walking historical ghost tour of Sag Harbor Village.

Yeah, we know it seems more like a Halloween event than Groundhog day time but I still watch Ghost Hunters in August! That's why I, along with the rest of the Sag Harbor Prudential Douglas Elliman office will be sponsoring a FREE tour which will start at 6:45p sharp in our office at 138 Main St. The tour will be led by Tony Garro of the Sag Harbor Historical Society and Annette Hinkle from the Sag Harbor express. In addition to our two leaders, we'll have a spiritualist who will help us get some additional dirt from those who are currently six feet under the dirt!!!

One the properties we're hoping to visit will be the former home of Robertson Realty, PDE and now currently Wellnest on Main Street. Several sane agents who I know and respect have told me creepy tales of doors slamming, items moving and a very old woman who likes to hang out dressed in 19Th Century dress on the third floor. It's really creepy stuff and to be honest, I've heard it from too many people to totally think it's just one persons imagination. So come join us Saturday 6:45p while we party with Gozer and the Key Master!!!

For more details on Harborfest go to the following link for more details: http://bit.ly/ew7wkI

Finally two quick blind items about Hamptons real estate
This agent definitely likes Brown but should actually be afraid of blue and especially those folks in blue who've been put on notice. Apparently when said agent left their last gig at another company the cops in blue were called in to stand by in case. Management thought said peRson was a little off and might try something a bit wacky! Any guesses?

Now number two; this agent may look like his/her two dogs but that doesn't mean they're cute and lovable. In fact this person goes to the E. Hampton dog park and always seems to start a scuffle. Now dog lovers are running the other way every time this newly promoted agent comes by. YEAH, YOU KNOW WHO!

Come along hear the song that we're singing... come on get HAPPY!

It was a beautiful week in the Hamptons but not for humpback whales unfortunately. Anyway, an awesome week and Friday is of course full of rain. What can you do today to put you back in that happy mood??? Why go to a HAPPY HOUR of course. So, if you're looking for some suggestions here is a really great one!!!

The Palm in East Hampton is having what they call PRIME TIME, weekdays at the bar. While drinks are full priced the appetizers and nibbles are dirt cheap. A platter of KOBE BEEF SLIDERS which are normally $10 are $3.50!!! Yes, $3.50 and no they don't cheat you out and give you a spa portion! In fact, all of their PRIME BITES MENU is $3.50each! What a deal... Filet Mignon Capri Sandwiches, Calamari Fritti, Mini Broiled Crab Cakes and tons more. It's totally awesome. If you haven't been to the bar at The Palm, the bar itself is small but there's plenty of booths, tables and comfy chairs. The only downside of this is the occasional overbearing scent of cologne or perfume. I'm not sure why Hai Karate and Jean Nate wearers favor The Palm. It's just one of those eternal mysteries only Leonard Nimoy would dare explore!!


Finally, my last place for a great happy hour is my sofa with a nice glass of anything. OK, maybe not anything... I don't like Riesling or Sterno! Anyway, have a great Friday night all!!! Hope to see you soon!

It's a lot like my house but not as comfortable but the food is better!!!

So I finally hit what I have no doubt will be "THE" place this summer. The Living Room at The Maidstone. That's the Maidstone Inn... not the the "Club" where they would never let me in.... and who are you kidding, they wouldn't let you in the "Club" either!

Anyway, newly redone and newly fun the menu is pretty eclectic but not difficult. SI started with the winter salad of baby arugula, apples, endive, walnuts, cranberries, apple cider vinaigrette and grated blue cheese. The portion was generous and the salad was delicious ($14). Among the other appetizers are Swedish country Pate with lingonberry (why does that sound gross to me?) mustard, cornichons and radish ($12)... Peconic pride oysters (who knew Peconic oysters were gay but that's what the menu said) on the half shell with citron mignonette.

The entrees include Sweedish lamb meatballs, Salmon, Codfish, Fettuccine with wild mushroom bolognese and pecorino. Yum, so what did I order. Chicken, I know I'm boring. Besides everything else tastes like it anyway, right? It was apparently a Heritage chicken, once again there words are not mine and that means and I quote "A happy chicken who leads a natural and relaxed like on a farm with family and friends" until he of course gets his head cut off and is tossed in a rosemary jus, with Long Island potato puree and caramelized Brussels sprout leaves ($28). In the end it wasn't the chicken that was happy but rather it was me!

A nice room, plenty of am-beyonce which is much hipper than just ambiance. The Living Room was a comfortable and good meal with great service. Go now, you're not going to want to in August! TRUST ME. Chef James Carpenter formally of Della Famina and one my favorites Susan Spicer's Bayona in New Orleans gets an A for The Living Room. Anyone else agree? The Living room is located 207 MAIN ST., EAST HAMPTON 631.324.5006

Finally, the Sag Harbor express has a riveting intereview with a US Census taker in this weeks issue. www.sagharboronline.com Don't wait for the movie kids, it's always more exciting to read it!!!