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I've been fortunate to spend the summer months out on the East End. It's amazing and refreshing to see how many people I run into that are rediscovering this beautiful place.
The beaches, shops and quaintness of this rich, yet unpretentious community, once home of the Native American Montaukett Indians, has become incredibly popular by a diverse demographic.
After a full day of outdoor activities, visitors look forward to their evenings, searching for a spot to dine. Though I've been coming to Montauk for years, I recently went to Navy Beach, that in my estimation defines everything that Montauk is.
A casual beachfront restaurant that brings together sophisticated cuisine in a casual setting with sunsets unmatched anywhere else on Long Island. Plenty of indoor seating, but why bother? It’s all about the view!
As you enter the rear porch, you will be calmed by the welcoming beach that surrounds with outdoor lounges and picnic type dining tables. Not the kind that you find in a state park, but picnic style all the same. In a setting like this, even a bologna sandwich would be exquisite! Skip the school lunch and match the ambience with mega yachts basking in the anchorage and Navy Beach’s bill of fare.
The menu is New American with emphasis on local seafood and farm to table produce. During a recent visit, I took my family, allowing me the opportunity of tasting a wide variety of dishes. After reading this article, it will give cause to make the trip.
For starters try their Crispy Calamari Salad; beautifully presented with Endive and Frisée, drizzled with a Thai Chili-Garlic dressing. “Simply Addictive”. With this share the Beet & Arugula Salad; prepared with Golden Raisins, Pistachio, Candy Cane Beets and Goat Cheese. With any of their salad options, you can add the following and make a meal out of it: Grilled Scallops, Grilled Shrimp or Blackened Tuna Tatartar. Some other appetizers to consider:
The Navy Beach Edamame is unique; served warm with Sea Salt in a Miso-Yuzu Butter dressing. Also delicious is The Grilled Artichoke; Sea Salt, drizzled with Caesar Aioli and a touch of Lemon. Sriracha Soy Salmon Tartare; Cucumber, Avocado, Green Olives and Wasabi. The Crème Fraîche gives it a silky delicate touch.”sensational!”Finally the Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is one of their more popular starters; prepared with Pickled Corn Succotash, Daikon Sprouts with Korean BBQ Aioli.
For the Mains: Soy-Glazed Hake; a cod like fish presented atop Sushi Rice, Wakame, Coconut Red Curry Sauce, and Sesame gives this dish an Asian flare. It seemed as if every other table was ordering the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, so we couldn’t help but to try. Coated well and crispy, then finished with a Spicy Honey Drizzle, served with a Cheddar-Jalapeño Cornbread square and house made slaw, elevates this traditional southern favorite.
You’ve got to figure, any cool place like Navy Beach that has a burger on the menu, has got to be good, and it is! The Navy Burger is at least 8 oz, dressed with Bacon-Onion Marmalade, a generous layer of Cabot Cheddar atop, with house pickles and hand-cut fries. Juicy, Beefy, Delish!
Other entrees that come highly recommended include: Fire Roasted Sea Scallops; presented with a Cauliflower Puree, Grapefruit, Fennel and Bagna Cauda. Also the Atlantic Salmon; over Soba Noodles, Daikon, Baby Bok Choy and Mushroom Dashi.
Great Sides to accompany any entree include: Roasted Cauliflower; Topped with Pistachio Breadcrumbs and Orange Aiol. The Truffled Mac has a crispy layer of Swiss-Gruyere-Cheddar with Panko breadcrumbs, Scallion, with “the mac” laced in Truffle Oil. “Rich and Flavorful”
Since we were celebrating a birthday, we ordered a couple of their signature Brownie Cake Sundaes. What's not to like? With a Cappuccino, you can't miss.
Though dining alfresco is the allure, the inside dining room and bar maintain the look and feel of a beautiful seaside experience that you are certain to fall in love with.
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