Surf's Up: THE GIGSHACK in Montauk

The Gig Shack has been open in Montauk for a few years now, and it seems to have finally come in to its own. A casual indoor/outdoor café open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 668 Gig Shack is adjecent to Herb's Deli and the legendary Shagwong on Main Street.

Inside, the wall on one side is covered in tin roofing material, the ceiling is white with blue Pollock-esque paint spatters, and the bar top is five billion bottle caps encased in resin. Surf movies play on a large screen and the decor is pure surfer chic. One of the best things about Gig Shack is that it's a family-run restaurant. The staff always friendly and cheerful; they never blink at any kind of complaint. Above all, I love the low-key vibe: on a recent Friday night, a local band of teenagers played sloppily but happily to the full restaurant and outdoor bar. No one seemed to care that they couldn't hit a note; everyone was just content to soak up the atmosphere and delicious food. Way to go, dude.

On the menu, my favorites are the fish & chips (striped bass most recently), the “Montacos,” crispy fish tacos with mango salsa and creamy slaw, and the gorgeous “Lamburginis,” lamb sliders on cheddar cheese buns with a garlicky aioli. I've also had shrimp tacos, BBQ pork empandadas, and soft shell crab BLT. There's also gelato and desserts, and a full wine and beer list. You can't miss The Gigshack when strolling around downtown Montauk - walk right in.

Here's THE SITUATION at The Summit Bar on Avenue C

A new favorite:

The Situation at The Summit Bar
Afghani Raisin Infused Rittenhouse Rye, Caraway infused agave, fresh lemon, Summit Orange Bitters. This was beautifully balanced, not too bitter and not too sweet, with golden raisins as garnish. ($12). The Summit is a new find: handsome cocktail bar, outdoor patio, and one of the best places to drink on the increasingly trendy Avenue C in the East Village.

MAGGIE'S: The Real New York Gastropub

Long before The Spotted Pig, and long before the current New York City gastropub craze, there was Maggie's.

This midtown institution has always been one the very best Irish pubs in Manhattan. And ever since Mark Whelan, son of the original owners, Teddy and Maggie Whelan, took over the kitchen after culinary school almost fifteen years ago, it has served outstanding, high-quality food.

The menu has plenty of steaks, pasta, and fish specialties, but I usually stick to the pub grub: steak and mushroom pie, fish and chips, lamb stew, shepherd's pie (all around $15). Best of all are the killer slow-roasted baby back ribs, which puts Blue Smoke and many other NYC BBQ imposters to shame. Another dish that I love that occasionally appears as a special is beef stroganov. The bar also has its own menu as as well, with fried oysters, potstickers, calamari, flatbread pizzas, and min-burgers.

Fair warning: Maggie's Place is a very popular after-work spot for the midtown office crowd. If you're going during the week anytime between 4-7pm, be prepared to meet a small army of suits, jostling around the bar, and talking loudly. I love Maggie's on the weekends, or after 8pm, where you can sit at the bar and enjoy proper pint.

What to Eat at Yankee Stadium

Everybody loves to eat at baseball games: hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn - they are every part of the ballpark experience as watching the game itself. Culinary standards have soared in recent years, and I've had some excellent food at A.T. & T. Park in San Francisco, Citizens Bank Park in Philly, Camden Yards in Baltimore.

At the new Yankee Stadium, my first and only choice is the superb steak sandwich (pictured) from the Lobel's concession stand at field level. It's a generous helping of USDA Prime Rib, drenched in au jus, and served on an onion brioche bun. There are small containers of excellent horseradish on the side. I always ask the server for extra rare, and they usually oblige. Fifteen bucks, but this sandwich is absolutely delicious. Lobel's of New York has been one the great butchers and meat suppliers in the city for years, and it stands far and above the other food merchants at Yankee Stadium: Carl's Cheesesteaks, Brother Jimmy's BBQ, Johnny Rockets, Moe's Southwest Grill, Famiglia Pizza, Noodle Bowl, etc., etc. One you've got your Lobel's sandwich, head over to Garlic Fries ($5), and then to the Beers of the World stand for a $11 draught beer. Enjoy the game!