Foodstuffs: Cookbook Signing And A New Eatery In Amagansett

Stacy Dermont Signs Copies Of “The Hamptons Kitchen”

On Saturday, August 1, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Stacy Dermont co-author with Hillary Davis of the new cookbook “The Hamptons Kitchen,” will be at Canio’s Books in Sag Harbor to sign copies of her book right outside the shop. Stop by to chat about favorite recipes with local ingredients. Rumor has it some treats may be offered.

In “The Hamptons Kitchen,” Davis and Dermont offer simple recipes paired with local wines and beers to make the most of local East End produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses. Call it a celebration through recipes and stories of the East End's natural beauty and bounty. Rain date for the signing will be Sunday, August 2, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Canio’s Books is at 290 Main Street in Sag Harbor.

Embracing the local spirit of Amagansett

A new eatery has come to Amagansett. Main Street Tavern opened its ‘out’doors this month with all-American, tavern-style favorites, an extensive bar program and welcoming hospitality. The team behind well-loved Highway Restaurant & Bar in East Hampton, developed the restaurant space, formerly Indian Wells Tavern, with a community sensibility: consistently well-crafted fare, and approachable service and prices, in a comfortable, inviting ambiance. Paying special attention to the changing environment, Main Street Tavern debuts with an open air, social distance-designed garden and a safety first approach.

Main Street Tavern is among the first, newly-opened restaurants out East to tailor its look, layout and service in line with a changed world; strategically set in compliance with New York’s health and safety guidelines. In addition to critically configured seating, operational touch-points in ordering, paying, and table settings have been reduced for minimal contact. Walk-ins will be accepted but a ‘reservations-preferred’ system will help control the flow and number of guests.

“Main Street Tavern is, first and foremost, a neighborhood spot,” says Main Street Tavern’s general manager Kit Still. “We’re modeled in the tradition of a beloved local establishment — with fresh, delicious food and warm, reliable service. As health is of the utmost importance, we’ve followed all the guidelines set by experts to create the safest environment for our team and guests.”

Service began July 23, with guests welcome to enjoy take-out or dine in the restaurant’s 54-seat open-air beer garden for dinner, with lunch and brunch to follow in the coming weeks. A true summer haven, the garden features carefully-positioned plants and shrubbery to offer privacy, and the outdoor space has been configured with spaced out dining so parties of up to six can comfortably be seated at each of the tables.

In the weeks to follow, in compliance with the state’s regulations, the restaurant will unveil a design-forward new interior by esteemed architecture and interior design team Ronen Lev. Led by Jessica Wilpon Kamel and Christina Akiskalou, the agency took a thoughtful, community-minded approach to the curation of the space.

“Taking cues from traditional, town-favorite meeting spots like country taverns and inns, we were most inspired by the town itself,” explains Kamel. “We wanted the space to feel like a second home to Hamptons locals and weekenders. The refurbished design is a familiar, clean and inviting space.”

The restaurant’s façade has been transformed to a beachy, neutral, grey-green tone to complement the town’s white and grey buildings. In contrast, the interior features darker, richer coloring from walnut and natural-wood surfaces to ebony-hued walls. Custom designed banquettes with sage green upholstery and a noteworthy custom wood bar, pair with warm lighting to create a sense of comfort. A balance of time-honored and elevated features include paneled walls, penny-tiled flooring, and an original tin ceiling with accent furniture and warm lighting fixtures.

Main Street Tavern’s unique layout affords guests their choice of ambiance; a quiet family dinner in one room or a more celebratory gathering of friends at the bar — a reliable destination for sports fans to catch a game on one of the six, large screen TVs. A glass partition between the restaurant and bar creates natural, spatial distancing between diners — critical in today’s world. And, a newly added counter offers an easy spot for a casual coffee or a quick lunch.

Executive Chef Anand Sastry and Chef de Cuisine Yusuf Lovett developed a balanced menu of seasonal and savory dishes; all of the qualities that make for a reliable local favorite. Chef Sastry brings decades of experience working in restaurants around the world, but has been at the helm the last six years at Highway Restaurant & Bar. Joining Chef Sastry’s team is Chef de Cuisine Yusuf Lovett, who sharpened his knives at NYC’s Michelin-starred The Finch and Legacy Records before heading out East for this special venture. Both Chefs are steadfast in their attention to high-quality, locally sourced seafood and vegetables, bringing the community spirit of Main Street Tavern full circle.

The duo developed a balanced menu of all-American classics like Tavern Wings ($14), served by the 1/2 dozen with a sweet chili or buffalo sauce, the juicy Steak Sandwich ($20) served on ciabatta with onion, peppers and horseradish, the classic beef or chicken burger ($15) and the Hamptons-essential Summer Lobster Roll ($29) made with a blend of celery, fennel and mayo and served on a lightly-grilled bun with cottage fries. There are also fresh, healthful options like the Summer Kale and Quinoa Salad ($16) with local snap peas, avocado and herbs, or the Farro Salad ($15) with fava beans, Sungold tomatoes, artichokes, and Parmesan. For dessert; a decadent, rustic-style carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or the American Cheesecake ($12) baked in a handmade crumb crust and served with passion fruit or black cherry sauce.

Main Street Tavern’s beverage program includes several classic and creative cocktails, a wide selection of spirits, and a rotation of draft and bottled beers, including locally brewed Montauk Wave Chaser and Brooklyn Summer Ale and international favorites Peroni and Guinness. The wine list is smartly curated by Parcelle, the well-known boutique wine shop, offering excellent wines at affordable prices; perfect for everyday drinking, in good company. Summer by-the-glass highlights include the Val de Mer sustainably-grown, sparkling brut nature rosé by Patrick Piuze from Chablis — and a light and leathery L’Umami Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.

Located at 177 North Main Street in the heart of Amagansett, Main Street Tavern will be open year round. Starting with the hours 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Monday, the Tavern will embrace a continuum of clientele from locals to summertime and weekend vacationers. For more information visit mainstreettavern.com.