Greenport's Memorial Day Weekend

As many East Enders know, Memorial Day weekend is the kick off for the Hamptons summer season. While those east of Southampton may object, the North Fork is becoming a hotspot of its own and is even included in Hamptons-related media. You may want to read that again. That’s right, the North Fork is a key player in Hamptons culture. The only this missing on this side is the ocean and the traffic. All of that aside, there is a lot to do in the summer out here, so a few friends and I spent Memorial Day weekend near the very end in Greenport.

A few years ago, there were very few things synonymous with the small seafaring town. Of course you have Claudio’s, a restaurant that has been around since the late 1800’s. One may also think of whaling, if you’re around 60+. The current times are different with many restaurants, bars and lounges to check out all within walking distance of each other. Our group decided to check out four on Sunday, May 26.

Photo credit: Gordon M. Grant, Newsday

We made the short trek out to Greenport in the early afternoon. Our first stop was Scrimshaw, located right on Preston’s Wharf. I had previously only visited the bar, usually for one drink before moving on to the next spot. Two other couples and I (yes, my cocktail and I are an item) decided to try it out for lunch. The dining room was pretty empty despite the awful weather as barbecues had been rained out. After lunch we realized that maybe it wasn’t the rain, it was the restaurant. Not one of us has a desire to visit Scrimshaw again. It is unfortunate as chef/owner Rosa Ross has quite the reputation. She actually came over and chatted with us briefly before the meal and though she was lovely, it was evident however that she was not in the kitchen during service. The food came out in the wrong order and the wait time was bordering ridiculous. The food itself was a disappointment with the burgers being way over done (well done instead of medium rare as ordered) and even a little cold. The staff seemed utterly unaware of their surroundings, except for the bartender who was attentive and made a great cucumber margarita. We were eager to get out of there and moved quickly once the bill was paid.

The Square was our next stop. This new spot is the latest venture for local famed chef Keith Luce. He is a man with a vision and knows how to execute it. For a little break down, The Square features four different, but connected, businesses: Main, Nosh, Prep and Meet. Main is the restaurant that features Luce’s popular dishes like the NoFo duck wings. If you have been to his previous restaurant, Luce & Hawkins, you’ll know what I am talking about. Chef Al Hand is behind the line in Main while Luce oversees the other operations. Inside Main we enjoyed a pop up lemonade stand (for adults only) while I went over to Nosh for a delicious scoop salted caramel gelato. Another member of our party went to Prep for a flatbread with a light tomato sauce and house-pulled mozzarella. It was our favorite stop of the day. Chef Luce and his team have really got something going.

Lemonade, gelato and more at Main

Later in the evening we made a stop at Claudio’s. It is a right of passage really, so we had a drink and left soon after. It was surprisingly dead at that time but they need not worry, Claudio’s will be packed all summer long if for nothing other than their name.

A little boozed up and hungry, we decided around 9 p.m. it was time for dinner. What was left of the clan wandered over to D’Latte on Main Street. The dimly lit restaurant was warm and welcoming with a small crowd inside. Once seated, a friendly server in street clothing came over to take our drink order. We ordered a bottle Chardonnay from One Woman vineyards. The lightly oaked wine was well balanced and mild to complement almost any dish. The food however, was underwhelming. The calamari was your average. The fish and chips consisted of small pieces of tempura-fried flounder and vegetables – the veggies being the best. The other choices were less thrilling, but I have enjoyed a great meal at D’Latte before and would definitely give them another shot.

Greenport comes alive in the summer. The thriving town invites locals and weekenders alike, with a blossoming culinary scene and easy bar hopping capabilities. If visiting the East End of Long Island this summer, Greenport is a must.