HC&G BEST OF SEASON

41 NEW WAYS TO EAT, DRINK, SHOP AND LIVE IN THE EAST END

Waterfront restaurant East Hampton Point (295 Three Mile Harbor Rd., 631-329-2800, easthamptonpoint.com) gets a new chef and, fingers crossed, happier price points. Their prices may seem reasonable compared to those at Philippe (44 Three Mile Harbor Rd., East Hampton, 631-907-0250, philippechow.com), a new branch of the chichi worldwide chain celebrating Philippe Chow. You’ll find it at the former Kobe Club spot, which shuttered its NYC and Miami locales this spring. Matto’s (104 N. Main St., 631-329-0200, mattorestaurant.com), which contends with East Hampton neighbors Della Femina and Nick & Toni’s, has imported a few former top brass from Cipriani to amp up its game. Popular Mexican restaurant Blue Parrot (33A Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-3609) reopens under new management. Will the food be better? After two margaritas, who cares? (Or, just sate your sweet tooth with the new mini-desserts, pictured, at Rowdy Hall, 10 Main St., 631-324-8555, rowdyhall.com). There’s a lot better buzz and better food at the venerable Nichol’s on Route 27 (100 Montauk Hwy., East Hampton, 631-324-3939) now run by former model Julie Stone. Manhattan eatery Mezzaluna (231 Main St., 631-267-6399, mezzalunany.com) is bringing its kitchen staff to the former Gordon’s spot in Amagansett. These pros will battle current Italian favorite. Tutto Il Giorno (6 Bay St., 631-725-7009) in Sag Harbor. Since it’s tough to snag a table on weekends at Tutto, this may prove a popular alternative, especially since Wainscott’s Almoncello is changing hands. Italian food lovers on a budget should check out American Pie in the Bridgehampton mall (90 Montauk Hwy., 631-218-8884). Slices start at $2 and these folks know their dough. Savannas in Southampton (268 Elm St., 631-283-0202), which is now under the direction of Rita Schrager’s beau, chef Andrew Buffalino, has expanded patio dining and a new late-night cocktails and food menu. Annie’s Organic Café and Market (56 Nugent St., Southampton, 631-377-3607) should please the health-conscious crowd. Rumor has it… that East Hampton’s Citta Nuova (29 Newtown Ln., 631-324-6300, cittanuova.com) is eyeing the Spinnaker’s spot in Sag Harbor; that the School Street space in Bridgehampton that housed Allison’s will soon become a tapas and wine bar and that Townline BBQ in Sagaponack (3593 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-2271, townlinebbq.com) plans to offer gospel brunch—all they need is believers.

SCINTILLATING TIPPLE| Bubbly-lover and HC&G wine columnist Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave is counting the days until North Fork newcomer Sparkling Pointe (sparklingpointe.com) opens its Southold tasting room later this summer.