In anticipation of the Buffalo Bills season opener at the Jets, I got up early, deboned a leg of lamb, seasoned it with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, thyme and salt and pepper and roasted it in the oven over carrots, celery, vidalia onion and rosemary sprigs. At Nicole's recommendation, I also made my first au gratin with mild cheddar and blue cheese, and a little buffalo hot sauce of course. So while the Bills got smoked today, I got to share in the anticipation of the game and first kickoff with my boy Alec, and also enjoy this great meal with a few friends and fellow Bills fans too. The lamb turned out so tender and moist, after spending an hour and 50 minutes in the preheated oven at 400 degrees. And the potatoes were truly sinful.

Grilling Queen

On the eve of the end of our run in the Northwest Woods of East Hampton, Nicole had exceptional shrimp and chicken fajitas hot off the grill, waiting for me after a few mile run. It's been a perfect summer with her, Alec and many friends and family.

A Hidden Gem in Montauk, NY - The Crow's Nest

We had spicy moroccan chickpeas, assorted heirloom tomatoes, blistered shisito peppers and whipped ricotta, and for entrees a glorious natural grass-fed ribeye, local curry with halibut, whole local Montauk fluke and grilled dayboat sea scallops.  First time visitors to this Inn with Restaurant and waterside firepit and bar area... no reservations taken, but well worth the wait.

Tutto il Giorno, Sag Harbor, NY

Spicy tuna tartare, marinated cucumbers, avocado; Pappardelle with bay scallops, langoustine roasted peppers, spicy "sette fratelli" fresh oregano; and Roasted halibut with wild kale.

Almond, Bridgehampton, Long Island, NY

From top left, and counterclockwise: citrus marinated sardines (heirloom radishes, avocado, hearts of palm), los tres (scallop and fennel crudo, curried mussel cocktail, marinated octopus), pan roasted Montauk fluke (artichoke barigoule, tomato compote, clams casino, basil toast), lamb spare ribs (coconut rice, sriracha glaze) and cheese fries americane. 

Bay Burger's Lobster Roll, Sag Harbor, NY

Over the years, definitely the best the Hamptons have to offer. No frills, low mayo, 100% knuckle and claw meat, and in-house made top cut buns. The tap beers in this old school beachcomber diner were a needed thirst quencher.

Pizza e Vino

With my parents, Kate and her boyfriend Justin visiting us in East Hampton, we decided to make it a homemade pizza night.  After creating a handful of personal sized varieties to snack on, we then came up with two fantastic pizzas.  The round pizza was a white pizza with extra virgin olive oil, heirloom tomatoes, jalapeños, feta and cracked pepper.  The rectangular pizza was a red sauce with green peppers, mozzarella and lean ground beef. These went perfectly with a few bottles of red and white wine.

The Haul

 

From left to right, 2 seabass, 7 porgies, 1 bluefish and 4 striped bass.

Good Fishin' off Montauk, L.I.

So my dad and I went fishing with Captain Ron out of Montauk, Long Island.  Within 20 seconds of dropping our first line, my father caught a 36 inch plus striper... a striped bass.  I then was able to pull in the largest catch of the day, another striped bass at 40 inches, seen above on the far left.  Throughout the day, we caught our 4 stripers (2 max each), 1 bluefish, 7 porgies and the 2 sea bass my father caught.  A great haul today, a beautiful morning and great time with my pops.

Grilled Lobster du Jour

We hit the grill tonight, adding a sweet, smokey flavor to the meat.

South Edison, Montauk

Hit the beach, and bring your polka dots!

Swordfish and Shrimp Kabomb!

With a lemon and lime juice cilantro marinade.

Finally a Summer Lobster Boil

Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet 'n Spicy BBQ Chicken

SBT (salmon, basil, tomato) Bagel

An herbaceous breakfast, thanks to the local farm stand,
LKL, in East Hampton.

S'more please!

Jon and Lara, and Charlie!, have been up visiting us for the 4th holiday weekend at 18 Ely Brook.  Yesterday was a great day, though Jon had to head back to the city for work.  We enjoyed the day by the pool, I spent the entire time on calls for work, and then we made it out for yappy hour at the Maidstone.  After ordering in sushi from ShoWin in East Hampton, having a little wine and sake, we cracked open a fun gift from Jon and Lara... a s'more maker!  As you can see here, this ingenious invention keeps everything together for the perfect S'more.

Happy 4th of July

A blue cheese stuffed burger, please.

The Skate Turned out Great

I'm back.  The creative juices are flowing in the kitchen on the first weekend my family is spending together at a new house in East Hampton.  That's right... my family.  Nicole and I welcomed a blessed little boy into our lives on May 18, 2012... Alec.  He's a gem.  Anyways... this is about the hot sauce, which hit our dinner tonight.  After putting the little guy to bed for the night (he's only 6 weeks old!), I started with an appetizer.  A dozen littleneck clams, steamed.  All they needed was a squeeze of lemon and we definitely had Louisiana hot sauce on the side.  I also prepped some skate for the grill... olive oil, capers, parsley and cracked pepper.  Time to go grill the skate.  And it's good to be back. Ciao.