A Taste of Fall

Though some restaurants close off season, there’s still a wealth of selections open year round

As the air cools and the golden leaves start to fall, appetites turn toward seasonal autumnal dishes and hearty fare.

There’s nothing like colonial charm and an antique fireplace to make fall dining fantasies come true. East Hampton’s 1770 House Restaurant and Inn was originally built as a home in 1663 and converted to an inn in 1770. Over the years, it has retained much of its original ambiance and today provides a fine dining oasis helmed by chef Michael Rozzi. Dishes with an autumnal appeal include red wine braised Wagyu oxtail risotto with Tuscan-style kale, carrots and black truffle and maple-soy cured pork chop with quince and ginger compote on faro stir fry with pumpkin, currants and bok choy. For desert there is a Halsey Farms apple crisp with Sicilian pistachio gelato and cranberry sauce. If you just want a burger in a more casual setting, there’s a tavern downstairs.

Fall sunsets over Fort Pond are spectacular and the Tuscan inspired menu served family style is hearty in this rustic setting. No one leaves Harvest on Fort Pond hungry. Char broiled oysters and marinated lamb ribs are appealing appetizers. Grilled pizzas include bacon, onion, jalapeno, tomato, and mozzarella as well as a more classic oven roasted tomato and mozzarella. Pastas range from a meaty veal Bolognese to linguine with littleneck clams. Satisfying mains include pork tenderloin with apricot/apply chutney, swordfish piccata with sauteed spinach and  porterhouse steak with green peppercorns. Save room for the tiramisu.

If you’re looking for a burger and a beer or even a more substantial entrée like steak frites, Rowdy Hall offers a lively pub atmosphere. It’s known for a strong beer program. It was originally opened in East Hampton in 1996 and has recently relocated to the main street of Amagansett where its black exterior caused something of an uproar. The name came from a turn of the century boarding house frequented by artists considered by church going locals a ”rowdy hall.”

Rosie’s is a bright and cheerful spot in the middle of Amagansett that offers a “fresh take on everyday dining” and an extensive weekend brunch. The restaurant makes a point of sourcing as many ingredient’s as possible from local farmers. Brunch could be a signature Irish soda bread scone, avocado toast, a hearty breakfast burrito or a creative spin on cacio & pepe oatmeal. Dinner items range from burgers and tacos to a leek gratin, chicken Milanese, and swordfish au poivre. The mocktail menu vies for as much attention as the cocktail menu. There’s also a wine by the glass list. The bar is open late and there are live jazz Mondays. A take-out window offers coffee and to-go items.