Tag Archives: montauk

Nommin’ Through the Hamptons: 1770 House

31 May

On our last night in Montauk, we found ourselves surrounded by crazy teenagers who crash landed in Montauk for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  After 3 days of so-so eats, we decided it was time to get the hell outta dodge. (Sorry Montauk… I really wanted to like you more).

We drove west and into East Hampton.  The downtown there has a very nice shopping downtown and some lovely neighborhoods off the main drag.  I pulled up the Open Table app on my phone in search of a reservation in the area at a restaurant with good reviews.  I stumbled on the 1770 House.

1DSCF8461

We were seated in the downstairs area, which, according to FourSquare tips, is where the “locals” eat.  It had a great intimate feel with some beautiful classic touches.  We also sat facing the back of what must have been a very large oven (see dome below).

DSCF8475

For some reason, I found myself totally enamored with the little lantern on our table.

DSCF8451

As it turned out, 1770 House was also participating in Restaurant Week, so we took full advantage.

Mike got the fried poached egg with spicy ragu.  I couldn’t have the rago, but I was fascinated to try the egg. It was really, really good.

DSCF8455

I got the Crispy Pork Belly with Endive, Honeycrisp Apple, Cilantro & Spiced Yogurt Dressing. It was succulent and charred perfectly.

DSCF8458

For our entrees, Mike got the steak with french fries and Maitre D’ butter. It was charred perfectly and the fries were deliciously crisp.

DSCF8462

I chose something that I, very sadly, cannot remember.  I remember feeling like my mind was blown, but sadly, I cannot figure out what this was.  I remember the sauce was fantastic.  I think I was swooned into la la land so now I don’t remember what it was. Damn.

DSCF8468

For dessert we got a molten chocolate cake that was perfectly sweet and lava-y.

DSCF8478

I got the Sticky Date Cake with Toffee Sauce & Panna Gelato. This was heaven. Pure heaven. 

DSCF8479

It appears that 1770 House does a number of prix fixe specials throughout the year, so you’re in good hands no matter when you arrive.

We really loved our meal here, from start to finish, and would highly recommend it.  The restaurants in Montauk were very underwhelming, but this place could rival some of the best in Manhattan.

Total Nom Points: 7.5 out of 10

Total Nom Points: 7.5 out of 10

Nommin’ Through the Hamptons: John’s Pancake House

30 May

On our 3rd morning in Montauk (after a few other Hamptons meals), we decided to try John’s Pancake House, which is right on main street in the center of town.  It reminded me of the pancake houses on the Jersey Shore. In fact, Montauk reminded me in total of the Jersey Shore, except with fewer teenagers. That is until the Montauk St. Patty’s Day Parade, which is an annual parade a few weeks after St. Patrick’s Day that for some reason magnetizes the teenagers from all over Long Island to show up, drunk, and make a mess.  (It got so bad we actually left Montauk just after the parade ended and the highschoolers descended). 

Anyway… back to John’s.

We were sat at a kitschy (and sticky) breakfast counter due to lack of seating.  The waitresses all look like they have been there forever.

DSCF8392

Mike went with the western omelet.  It was a very classic omelette with very classic breakfast potatoes.

DSCF8395

I got a side of the corned beef hash (which was a huge portion).  The charred side was delicious, though it had some of the gritty texture that makes corned beef hash a bit less than delectable. 

DSCF8398

And I got the banana pancakes.  These were classic pancakes with a bit of banana in them.  Could have used some more banana.

DSCF8401

Overall, John’s is exactly what it looks like.  A run-down, classic diner that has been around forever and serves classic, good-enough food that they have no desire to change.  It’s good fuel, but not exactly a tourist draw.

Total Nom Points: 6 out of 10

Nommin’ Through the Hamptons: Montauk Yacht Club

29 May

It’s Hamptons Week in honor of the official start of summer! If you are going to The Hamptons this summer, check out all the posts from this week to get my recommendation on where to eat (and where not to).

Our second Restaurant Week Reservation was at Montauk Yacht Club.  We had a whole lot of trouble finding it (note: iPhone GPS puts it in a different location than it really is). The restaurant is actually called “Gulf Coast Kitchen” so be sure to follow those signs.

When you walk in, it’s simply beautiful.  Every room had a great look and feel to it.

DSCF8425

The view from our table was across a seating area and to the water.  

DSCF8427

Their menu was pretty good for Restaurant week with 4 selections each for the starters and the mains. 

DSCF8428

Mike chose the Chowder MYC that came with double smoked bacon, local clams, and fresh cream.  This was pretty good with some nice flavor, but one thing I love about chowder is the big pieces of clam and potato.  This was a bit more liquidy than I would prefer, but still quite nice.

DSCF8430

I got the Big Eye Tuna Tartar that came with shallots, Italian parsley, lemon zest, micro truffle salad, and crostini.

DSCF8431

This was gorgeously constructed and was a great combination of flavors.  I didn’t know what micro truffle salad was, but I was expecting something truffle flavor. Unfortunately, there was none.  This was one of those “over-promise and under-deliver” moments.  Had they never mentioned truffles, I would have eaten this happily and been on my merry way. But once the “truffle” was out of the bag, I wanted truffle.  

DSCF8433

For the main, Mike chose the grilled hangar steak with fresh salsa verde, roasted vegetables, and rosemary and sage potatoes.  This had good flavor and the salsa verde gave it a nice touch.

DSCF8439

I got a special that wasn’t on the menu but still counted for Restaurant Week.  It was a pork chop with some greens and potatoes.  Unfortunately, this was a bit disappointing. Not too big on flavor and in need of a sauce.

DSCF8441

The dessert selection included lemon tarts that Mike enjoyed while on his lemon kick.

DSCF8444

I chose the chocolate mousse cake that came with a passion fruit sauce. It was delicious but VERY rich.

DSCF8448

Overall, I enjoyed the Gulf Coast Kitchen at the Montauk Country Club, but I can’t say it was a brilliant meal. For $25 it was a well priced meal, but I’m not sure I can say it was great. The location, however, is stunningly beautiful and probably worth it just for that.

Total Nom Points: 6.5 out of 10