On the Tip of Everyone’s Tongues

There has been an awful lot of talk about Montauk this summer. Just about everyone I know is suddenly surfing at Ditch Plains, trying stand-up paddleboarding or kite-surfing at Napeague Harbor. If they’re not the most athletic people, they’re in a car driving out to Montauk to eat at Gulf Coast Kitchen, recently taken over by chef Robbin Haas, or Todd Mitgang’s South Edison—or boating, docking and eating at Navy Beach. The Surf Lodge is still the place to be, and now chef Sam Talbot is overseeing its new late-night Hawaiian-plate truck. Divine! With all the Montauk buzz, it’s fitting the town hosted our cover shoot with the lovely Kelly Rutherford. (Panoramic View, with its newly renovated condos, felt like the right place.)

The surfers in Montauk, who tightly guard their favorite spots and are adept on a variety of boards, have an old-school set of values and even a pecking order among the lot. This strip of surf at island’s end has fostered such talent as Leif Engstrom, Quincy Davis, Trip Patterson and John Rist. In a photographic essay, Eric Cahan and Danny DiMauro capture a glimpse of the scene, from the Montauk locals to the Ditch regulars to the Golden Breed.

For my family, the Montauk experience remains the same, and that’s partly what I love about it. It always includes a visit to Clam Bar, for its super-laid-back vibe and absolutely delicious steamers, lobster rolls and chowder. (We always save a little extra room for when we go a little farther out.) One of the best spots for fresh seafood is West Lake Clam & Chowder House; if you’re lucky enough to be there as the boats pull in with the daily catch, they’ll hang up the fish on the dock and cut fresh sashimi right there for you.

The other thing I love about Montauk is that old-time haunts have always mixed well with newfound favorites. Under the new management of Sean MacPherson, The Crow’s Nest is destined to fly. While it’s still relaxed this summer, I suspect the hotel won’t be so calm next year. The same goes for the rest of town, so make time this summer to drive out to Montauk. You won’t be disappointed.

SAMANTHA YANKS
Editor in Chief