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Francis Derby has taken the helm as culinary director at The Halyard at Sound View Greenport.
Long Island native and acclaimed chef Francis Derby has taken the helm as Culinary Director at The Halyard at Sound View Greenport, bringing his ingredient-driven style and deep commitment to seasonal, local sourcing to the iconic waterfront restaurant.
Raised in Bellport and inspired by his grandfather’s duck farm, Derby began his culinary journey at 14 and went on to cook at celebrated spots like WD~50, Momofuku Ssäm Bar, and Gilt, as well as the legendary Mugaritz in Spain. He later earned acclaim as the opening chef at The Cannibal, in both New York and Los Angeles, before returning to Long Island to lead standout kitchens including Prime in Huntington and The State Room in Patchogue.
At The Halyard, Derby’s menu showcases the best of the North Fork with dishes like pan-seared striped bass with summer squash salad and citrus buttermilk, corn chowder scallops with bacon XO, and a grand raw bar tower overflowing with local oysters, clams, shrimp, and fluke ceviche. His thoughtful updates stay true to the region’s traditions while elevating the waterfront dining experience.
Derby’s appointment marks a fresh chapter for The Halyard, reinforcing its mission of sustainability, local partnerships, and a strong sense of place.
Seafood lovers, take note: Paella Night is back at Multi Aquaculture Systems, 429 Cranberry Hole Road in Amagansett. Every Wednesday evening through the end of August, Chef Paul Roman will serve up authentic seafood paella at the local fish farm. Seating is limited and reservations are a must. Call 631-267-3341 to reserve your spot.
Claudio’s in Greenport — one of the North Fork’s most storied restaurants — has announced a series of summer events aimed at celebrating the season with fresh seafood, waterfront views, and a bit of nostalgic fun.
In honor of National Oyster Day on August 5, Claudio’s will offer a special “Sunset Hour” deal: six Peeko Oysters paired with a glass of champagne for $30. The oysters are sourced from Little Peconic Bay and are part of a sustainable aquaculture program supported by Cornell Cooperative Extension.
The restaurant also continues to promote its Dock & Dine program, allowing boaters to pull up and dine dockside for $2 per foot, up to three hours. No reservations are required, making it a popular option for casual, on-the-water dining.
More information is available at claudios.com.
Mark your calendars and come hungry: The 19th Annual North Fork Foodie Tour returns Sunday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a behind-the-scenes look at some of the region’s most celebrated farms, kitchens, and food producers.
This year’s tour welcomes new stops including Pendleton’s Harvest Moon Farm, Golden Acres Organic Farm, and Little Ram Oyster Company, alongside returning favorites like 8 Hands Farm, Disset Chocolate, Lavender by the Bay, and Matchbook Distilling Co.
Headquartered at Charnews Farm, the day also features a lineup of guest speakers beginning at 10:30 a.m., covering topics like coffee roasting, sustainable farming, beekeeping, and eating local fish.
Tickets are $30; children 12 and under attend free. Gift certificates available. For details and to purchase tickets, visit northforkfoodietour.com or call 917-903-4228. Presented by the North Fork Reform Synagogue.
Celebrate local oysters and marine conservation at the Montauk Yacht Club Oyster Happy Hour, taking place on Thursday, August 7, at 5 p.m., hosted in partnership with Back to the Bays.
Held at the Montauk Yacht Club, 32 Star Island Road, the event invites guests to enjoy drinks and appetizers while learning about the Back to the Bays mission and the future of its Montauk Stewardship Site and oyster reef. Educators will offer hands-on demonstrations, giving attendees a deeper look into how oysters help protect and restore local marine ecosystems.
Tickets are $25 and include one drink and a Back to the Bays Stewardship Package. All proceeds support bay restoration and environmental education programs.
For more information and to register, visit: eventbrite.com/e/montauk-yacht-club-oyster-happy-hour-tickets-1382502565389.
Almond Restaurant has teamed up with local brewery Kidd Squid to create Rhubarbarella, a new rhubarb sour pale ale. Brewed with locally sourced rhubarb puree from Marilee’s Farm Stand and Stone’s Throw Farm, along with Sag Harbor honey, pine tips, sea salt, ginger, and hibiscus, the 5.6% ABV ale offers a tart, fruity flavor with a crisp finish.
The brew features custom label artwork by Almond co-owner and artist Almond Zigmund, whose work is widely exhibited and recognized. Available on tap and in cans at Almond in Bridgehampton and Kidd Squid Brewery in Sag Harbor.
Almond, known for its French bistro cuisine and commitment to local ingredients, has been a Hamptons staple since 2001.
For more, visit almondrestaurant.com.
Shelter Island’s own Léon 1909 has been recognized in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards, receiving the coveted Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine program. The award celebrates restaurants that offer thoughtfully curated selections from quality producers, with wine lists that align beautifully with their menus in both style and price.
The wine list at Léon 1909 — helmed by certified sommelier Andrew Izzo — features 163 selections (and counting) and more than 2,600 bottles. Izzo’s curation balances revered classics from Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, and Tuscany with hidden gems that surprise and delight. “A great wine list should feel both timeless and personal,” Izzo says.
Founded by Valerie Mnuchin and her father Robert Mnuchin, Léon 1909 brings a soulful blend of countryside French-Italian cuisine to the East End, with nearly every dish prepared over a live fire by Chef Armond Joseph. This recognition not only celebrates the restaurant’s dedication to wine but also highlights Shelter Island’s growing reputation as a destination for food and wine lovers.
Staff Writer on Jul 29, 2025