Foodstuffs: Donuts and Movies, Pizza and Beer, Food and Drink

Movies and Donuts, What Could Be Better?

On May 26, the new Grindstone Donuts Outpost opened at Sag Harbor Cinema. The popular Grindstone Donuts has partnered with the Cinema to open an Outpost in the lobby of the landmark, historic building at 90 Main Street. With a custom grab and go menu, including a line of new stuffed cookies (in collaboration with local baker Dorothy Stone), traditional cookie options, donut holes and coffee offerings, the Outpost aims to share Grindstone’s delicious treats with even more customers timed to the busy summer season.

As part of the Grab and Go menu, the Outpost will offer two of Grindstone’s organic drip coffees and its locally brewed cold brew from Ace Coffee. No espresso or milk-based drinks will be served.

“We are excited to partner with Grindstone — whose donuts are a favorite of so many cinema staffers! — and welcome patrons and movie-goers with such enticing treats just in time to check out the summer films,” said Genevieve Villaflor, executive director of Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center. “Like the Cinema, Grindstone is a Sag Harbor fixture and we are thrilled to share our space with them in the mornings.”

As community members know, the historic Sag Harbor Cinema is located directly in front of several bus stops including the Jitney, the Ambassador and the county bus line. Thanks to the partnership, Sag Harbor visitors and residents alike will have another option to indulge in delicious quick snacks and coffee before jumping on a bus or while exploring all the village has to offer.

“Grindstone is excited about this expansion and the opportunity to serve even more of the community through this partnership with Sag Harbor Cinema,” says Kyle Sanderson, Grindstone’s owner. “Nothing goes better than sweets and a trip to the movies, so this partnership with the iconic Sag Harbor landmark feels meant to be.”

While the Cinema will maintain normal business hours, Grindstone Outpost is open at 8 a.m. daily and will offer a rotating menu throughout the season. More information can be found at sagharborcinema.org.

Torch & Crown Joins Best Pizza & Dive Bar

Torch & Crown Brewing Company, Manhattan’s only fully-functioning brewery, is making its way to Montauk for the first time this summer. Setting up in the legendary Best Pizza & Dive Bar on the Napeague Stretch, Torch & Crown Montauk is sure to be a surfer and beach lover’s paradise. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the new summer hot spot will provide city-goers with an essential weekend escape for friends and family.

On the heels of its recent opening at the historic Union Square Pavilion, Torch & Crown Montauk will be located steps from the beach and just down the road from the iconic Surf Lodge. The new location will feature a variety of hand-crafted drafts that pair perfectly with Best Pizza & Dive Bar’s specialty pies, including brand-favorite Almost Famous, a smooth, bright, aromatic hazy IPA packed with peach and grapefruit notes, and the summer seasonal Share House, an easy-drinking crisp ale made for summers out east. The surfer-themed beer garden will also feature a rotating list of live bands and DJs every weekend.

Growing up in the New York City area, Torch & Crown founders and friends Joe Correia and John Dantzler didn’t always want to open a brewery. But one night at age 16, fate struck — both tragically had their fake IDs confiscated at a bar in the East Village. Left with no way to buy beer, the two decided they’d make it themselves.

The first batch started with a Mr. Beer homebrew kit, two guys who hadn’t quite read the instructions, and Dantzler’s mom coming home to find that kit exploding all over her kitchen. Despite both being grounded for a month, their resolve was undeterred, and the two kept at it. By the time high school graduation rolled around, the pair were winning some modest homebrew awards (which they had to send to their dads to accept), and a passion had fully been born. On a trip to Ireland, the friends formally decided (over a toast of a pint of Guinness) that one day, they’d open their own brewery centered around their love of three things: great beer, ambitious creations and the amazing city of New York.

After 10 years, thousands of trial batches, and a few more boil-overs, the longtime friends have reunited to create Torch & Crown Brewing Company.

Best Pizza & Dive Bar is at 2095 Montauk Highway, Amagansett. For more information, visit divebarpizza.com/menu.

East End Distillery Expands Its Reach

Montauk Distilling Co. is expanding into Rhode Island with McLaughlin & Moran, Inc., and New Jersey with Shore Point Distributors. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to grow its presence in the United States.

Montauk Distilling Co. has seen significant growth in recent years. The company has received numerous product accolades, including winning Silver and Bronze Medals at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 71st Regiment Gin and 108 Tunney Cask Strength Bourbon. Montauk also won a Double Gold status at the 2020 SIP Awards for the Bellamy Spiced Rum and multiple SIP Awards in 2019, including Double Gold status for the 71st Regiment Gin, Gold for Black Sail Rum, and the Consumer Choice Award for 71st Regiment Gin, which honors brands that demonstrate the ultimate in quality year after year.

“We are thrilled to bring our premium spirits to customers in both Rhode Island and New Jersey and are honored to have won recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition,” said Tom Joyce, CEO and co-founder of Montauk Distilling Co. “Our team has worked hard to create high-quality products that we know people will enjoy, and we’re excited to share them with a new audience.”

With the expansion, customers in Rhode Island and New Jersey will now have access to Montauk Distilling Co.’s full range of award-winning spirits, including its signature Black Sail Rum, Bellamy Spiced Rum, Tunney Bourbon, Modico Vodka, 71st Regiment Gin and more.

Founded in 2018 by three lifelong friends, Montauk Distilling Co. produces small-batch, handcrafted spirits using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. It is committed to producing high-quality, artisanal spirits that celebrate the unique character of the East End. Montauk Distilling Co. is a leading producer of premium spirits, including its award-winning Montauk Rum and Montauk Vodka, both of which have garnered acclaim for exceptional quality and taste. For more information about Montauk Distilling Co. and its products visit montaukdistillingco.com.

Turkish Eatery Is Back for Its Encore

El Turco Hamptons is returning to its Three Mile Harbor Road location in East Hampton for a trailblazing second season in the sun. Executive chef Yılmaz Güney is set to showcase exquisite tastes from Turkey along with an expanded Mediterranean menu featuring some of the most unique and delectable dishes available anywhere on the East End.

Presenting an array of inspirational gourmet selections, guests can expect an expanded presentation that brings back last season’s notable Turkish favorites as well as many new Mediterranean offerings, all featuring farm to table aspects. When dining at El Turco Hamptons, guests will enjoy many locally sourced ingredients including fresh fish and seasonal vegetables that are crafted in groundbreaking ways.

El Turco Hamptons highlights include shareables like Diyarbakir Usulu Kavurma (lamb served with rice pilaf, cacik, and mixed pickled vegetables) and Kuzu Incik (lamb shank served with rice pilaf, grilled vegetables). The mezes menu always stands out as a crowd favorite with offerings like traditional hummus (homemade daily and served with paprika oil and pepper), cacik (shredded cucumber, fresh dill, and mint in garlic yogurt), sarma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, currant and spices) and roasted beet hummus (with lemon, coriander, garlic, and cumin).

Traditional main entrees include frequently ordered items like the El Turco kebab (meatball wrapped in filo dough, charred eggplant with yogurt and garlic), chicken skewers Antep style (chicken marinated with tomato and pepper paste and served with grilled tomato and pepper), and fish kebab (fresh market fish skewered with seasonal vegetables).

Chef Güney curates these selections that embrace his background that blossomed as a child growing up in Istanbul. Ultimately becoming an award-winning culinary leader in the United States, he decided to bring his immense skills to assist El Turco in Miami where soon after his arrival he was awarded a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. These combined skills and accolades also apply to the newest sister company, Chef Meze Catering & Events. Together the institutions are quickly establishing themselves as premiere culinary companies on the East End.

El Turco Hamptons is at 44 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton. To book a table, reserve at elturcohamptons.com.

A Pop-Up Dinner Party

pastaRAMEN is coming to the East End for a special dinner party series. The speakeasy-style experience from Montclair Hospitality Group just hit Kinhouse in SoHo following sold out dinners in Seattle, Jersey City, Miami and Los Angeles. Those pop-up dinners were so successful that pastaRAMEN opened its first permanent restaurant location earlier this year in Montclair, N.J., which is completely sold out till July.

Garry Kanfer, owner of Kissaki in Water Mill, struck a deal with Montclair Hospitality Group’s founder Luck Sarabhayavanija and CEO Joey Simons to bring this one-of-a-kind dining experience to the Kissaki’s private omakase room Mill from June 26 until August 28.

pastaRAMEN’s James Beard Nominated executive chef Robbie Felice is known for his irresistible Wafu (Japanese Inspired) Italian and will serve up an eight-course, $250 per person dinner with standout dishes like truffle porcini ramen, mochi ramen and Kaluga caviar and in-house dry-aged Japanese A5 Wagyu.

Twelve-person seatings will be offered on Sunday and Monday nights at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Wine and sake pairings will also be available for an added cost. Reservations will be offered via Resy and more information can be found by visiting pastaramen.com.

Kissaki is located at 670 Montauk Highway in Water Mill.

Mexican Fave Returns for Season Three

Rita Cantina in Springs is back for its third summer season, not only with a newly refreshed menu, but also with weekend brunch starting Memorial Day Weekend. Executive chef and co-owner Eric Miller is back at the kitchen helm, and beverage director and co-owner Adam Miller has been hard at work perfecting the bar program with head bartender and La Factoria vet Diego Rivera.

With new dishes like ancho rubbed lamb shank tacos, grilled octopus tostadas, herb crusted tuna, and the launch of Rita’s innovative beverages like the Pina Coco Margarita and Guava Cava Paloma (crafted with modern clarification and carbonation techniques), Rita Cantina has something for everyone. As for weekend brunch, guests can enjoy Mexican-inspired favorites like masa pancakes, chilaquiles, the Rita breakfast burrito and a churro waffle inspired by a fan-favorite dessert.

“As we embark on our third season with great anticipation, we are delighted to welcome our returning guests, and introduce new visitors to our Springs eatery,” says Eric Miller, who continues building on his deep relationships with independent local fishermen and farmers, like Satur Farms, Multi Aquaculture System, and Gosman’s Dock, guaranteeing the kitchen access to the freshest ingredients.

“We have spent the off-season carefully refining our classic dishes while introducing exciting new elements to innovate and elevate the dining experience,” he added. “We are confident we have put our best foot forward for Summer 2023.”

Rita Cantina is located at 28 Maidstone Park Road, East Hampton and serves dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Starting June 26, Rita will be open seven days a week. The space offers Daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with $1 oysters and $10 margaritas. Rita Cantina is now serving weekend brunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, starting Memorial Day Weekend and ending Labor Day Weekend. Reservations are available at ritacantinahamptons.com, on Resy or via phone at 631-329-3663.

Karaoke at Almond

As of May 25, Almond Restaurant and Bar has shifted its world-famous karaoke night to every Thursday when, starting at 9:30 p.m., patrons are welcome to choose their favorite tune to belt out. Hosted by DJ Carlos Lama, Karaoke Thursday will run until midnight. Almond Restaurant is at 1 Ocean Road in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit almondrestaurant.com.

Crash Cantina Margaritas

Crash Cantina, The Inn Spot’s casual Latin American-inspired restaurant in Hampton Bays, is offering $10 house-made margaritas all day long, all summer long. With an expansive list of tequila and mezcal varieties, and a margarita menu featuring a spicy watermelon Margarita and a sweet passion fruit Margarita, Crash Cantina makes for the perfect spot to grab a drink after a long day in the surf. The restaurant is located directly on the water and boasts stunning sunset views, making it the best destination to enjoy all day long happy hour.

The quintessential Hamptons dining spot also offers nontraditional tacos and dishes, such as duck confit nachos, tempura fluke tacos, the signature Crash rice bowl, local oysters and Montauk fluke ceviche, each bursting with flavor. Crash Cantina is at 32 Lighthouse Road, Hampton Bays. For details, visit theinnspot.com/crashcantina.

A Sip for the Season

Summer is here, and The Surf Lodge in Montauk is sharing the recipe for The Coco Blanco, its new seasonal cocktail addition, so even if you can’t make it out to the iconic nightlife spot, you can still create a taste of the place at home.

The Coco Blanco blends hydrating coconut water with tequila, agave and lime. The Surf Lodge founder and creative director Jayma Cardoso endorses the cocktail as the perfect summer drink made with refreshing Vita Coco coconut water.

“I am from Brazil, where coconut water is a staple in our daily lives,” Cardoso said. “So I am very excited to feature the cocktail on our menu at The Surf Lodge this summer.”

Cheers!

The Coco Blanco recipe by Vita Coco

Ingredients:

1.5 oz of Casamigos Blanco

4 oz of Vita Coco Coconut Water

0.25 oz agave

Lime

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill

Strain and serve over low ice

Garnish with a lime