While the Great Recession never generated rationing at Soul Cycle or soup lines outside Nick & Toni’s, ever since 2008 there’s been a slowdown is new restaurants and nightlife upgrades in the Hamptons. But 2014 marks the return of decadence as much of the East End prospers with new developments and fresh-new marquees up and down the Montauk Highway.
Most of the action is coming from Montauk as Sean MacPherson shows-off the completed expansion of Crowe’s Nest that now includes five new cottages and family-villa overlooking Montauk Lake. A slate of stylish yet unpretentious new eateries join the ranks of South Edison, Ruschmeyer's and Navy Beach. The Harbor is the most ambitious of the lot located within a monotone cottage that got a designer one-over and now features raw bar menu complimented by Mint Juleps and Singapore Slings. Nearby Surf Lodge will expand its summer concert series with events by St. Lucia, San Fermin and Youngblood Hawke.
In East Hampton, Main Street is showing off some new retail paint with the opening of Lisa Perry and her resort-wear essentials as well as Peloton that takes the at-home spin craze to pricey new levels. Bay Kitchen Bar opens in a waterfront space overlooking Three Mile Harbor with ambitious menu of raw bar and small plates that’s only open for dinner. Nearby, Sienna somehow also returns this year with new lounge line-up. And in terms of nightlife, the big players of the last years have made way for two newcomers including Finale from the creators of SL and alas a resort outpost of 1Oak that alas brings Scott Sartiano to the beach.
