Foodstuffs: Celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah And Smokin’ Hot Tunes

Feast for the Holidays

The first night of Hanukkah marks a joyous celebration of family, light, miracles and, of course, food — which is where both Rowdy Hall and Nick & Toni’s come in.

In addition to their regular menus, the East Hampton establishments will offer a la carte specials for Hanukkah on Sunday, December 22, and Monday, December 23.

At Nick & Toni’s, start with Potato Latkes with smoked salmon and whipped crème fraiche for $19, followed by Mustard Braised Short Ribs with roasted baby carrots and house-made potato knish for $39. Dessert includes Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with raspberry jam and mascarpone cream for $15.

Rowdy Hall kicks off the festivities with traditional Matzoh Ball Soup for $12, followed by Red Wine Braised Brisket with baby carrots, maple sweet potato purée and pomegranates for $28, and Olive Oil Cake with a blood orange glaze and toasted almonds for $11.

Keep the holiday eats going on Christmas Eve, for lunch only at Rowdy Hall. A la carte offerings include Lobster Bisque for $14, a Smoked Salmon and Chive Omelet for $18, and a Hot Butter & Thyme Lobster Roll for $32 — before heading to Nick & Toni’s for dinner.

Beginning at 5:45 p.m., the festive a la carte appetizer — East End style — is a Grilled Octopus Salad with roasted red piquillo peppers, black olives and trevisano for $21, followed by Cioppino with lobster, Dungeness crab and monkfish for $48, and Chocolate Chestnut Tiramisu trifle with chestnut cream, chocolate mousse and espresso-soaked lady fingers for $15.

For more information, call Nick & Toni’s at 631-324-3550 and Rowdy Hall at 631-324-8555.

The Perfect Foodie Gift

For the Almond lover in your life, the Bridgehampton restaurant is offering a gift card promotion now through Christmas Eve: Buy a $100 gift card and score a free $20 gift card for yourself, or a $50 complimentary gift card with the purchase of a $200 gift card.

The special is available online at almondrestaurant.com — use the discount code “ALMOND2020” — or drop by in person until Tuesday, December 24, where a feast will be waiting.

The 19th annual Christmas Eve tradition continues with a Suckling Pig Roast, served with seasonal accompaniments from 5 to 9:30 p.m. for $36 per person. A portion of the revenue will benefit the Pajama Program, which provides new, warm pajamas and new books to children in need domestically and abroad, many waiting to be adopted.

The regular a la carte menu will also be available. For more information, call 631-537-5665.

Maidstone Serves Up Christmas Day Dinner

When present fatigue strikes, The Maidstone Hotel has Christmas dinner covered.

On Wednesday, December 25, appetizers at the East Hampton establishment will include a festive Christmas basket, including breads, muffins, rolls, confitures, cheese spreads and Vermont butter; a Holiday Salad with mixed baby lettuce, apples, dried cherries, toasted walnuts, Maytag bleu cheese and balsamic vinaigrette; and Christmas Roasted Chestnuts with thyme cream.

Starring as main dishes are standing Rib Roast with bacon, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Yorkshire pudding, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and pan sauce; Salmon and Scallop en Croute with spinach and lobster sauce; Roasted Lamb Loins with mustard herb crust, gratin of potato dauphinoise, roasted chèvre, tomato and asparagus; and Vegan Spiral Christmas Tart with miso gravy — followed by a fully-stocked holiday dessert table.

Fee is $90 and $40 for children. For more information, call 631-324-5006 or visit themaidstone.com.

Regent Cocktail Club Hosts Macari Wine Dinner

With sweeping views of the ocean, The Regent Cocktail Club is home to a bar and lounge that connect to The Regent Firepit and surrounding couches, the sound of waves crashing in the distance.

It is here that Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa will host a Macari Wine Dinner on Friday, December 27, starting at 6 p.m. with cocktails and appetizers, followed by a 6:30 p.m. seating.

The menu includes Amagansett Bay Scallop Crudo, GSI Cured Macari Prosciutto, Squid Ink Bao Bun, Mecox Bay Dairy Ricotta Gnocci, Maine Halibut Saucisson Cassoulet, and Passion Fruit Semi Fredo. Cost is $80, plus additional fees. For more information, call 631-668-2345 or visit gurneysresorts.com.

Smokin’ Hot Tunes on Fridays at Townline

It’s time for bands, brews and BBQ in Sagaponack. Townline BBQ continues offering live music every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Happy hour specials are available Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and all day on Mondays and include half price pint cooler specials and cocktails on tap, $4 Modelo cans, $5 Dealer’s Choice pints, $6 wings, $6.25 garbage fries and more. The bands playing in the next couple of weeks include Jake Lear on December 27 and Chris Klein on January 3.

Townline BBQ is at 3593 Townline Road, Sagaponack. Call 631-537-2271 or visit townlinebbq.com.

Welcome 2020

Bel Mare Ristorante is ringing in the New Year with a special four-course prix fixe menu, available Tuesday, December 31, beginning at 5 p.m. The cost is $50, plus tax and gratuity and a cash open bar will be available until 1 a.m. The last reservation will be taken at 9 p.m. and the cash bar will be open to the public. The regular a la carte menu will not be available. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant directly at 631-658-9500. Bel Mare Ristorante is at 28 Maidstone Park Road, East Hampton. Call 631- 658-9500 or visit belmareristorante.com for details.