Hamptons Restaurant Week Spotlight: Micole's, Westhampton

Hamptons Restaurant Week - it's a genius idea that is now viewed as an official kick-off to "the season" by East End restaurants as well as an opportunity to try somewhere new by local (or not-so-local) guests. For me, it is a really good excuse to go out for a nice dinner. Not only do you receive a delicious three-course meal for $24.95 but you can also take advantage of trying a gourmet hot spot that you've always meant to visit without the risk of disappointment accompanying an empty wallet.

My husband and I, along with two close family members, made our reservations at Micole's in Westhampton. We chose Wednesday evening figuring it would be more intimate but also because the restaurant was featuring Raphael wine for a $3.00 per glass/endless pour. You could taste the three wines they were pouring (Grand Cru Sauvignon Blanc 2008, La Tavola 2007 and La Fontana 2007), choose your favorite and have as much as you'd like for $3.00 per glass. Plus, the wine was poured by a vineyard representative. It was a very nice touch!

Okay, so the wine was a perk but Micole's menu played a large part in the decision-making process. This cozy spot, was not only creative in their interior design but their cuisine featured items such as ginger carrot bisque; roasted beet salad with honey walnut vinaigrette and goat cheese; Micole's (famous) lobster pot pie and sliced filet mignon au poivre. I chose the lobster pot pie dish. The chef generously added large chunks of lobster, scallops and shrimp in a bowl with cognac cream sauce and topped it with a puffed pastry. It was a brilliant way to eat my favorite seafood items but also a gourmet twist on the pot pie concept.

The plush, large booth we were seated in was more than perfect for the tone of the evening, but the relaxed atmosphere and the professional staff were even better. All of these elements combined were ingredients for one of the best Restaurant Week experiences I've ever had. I look forward to returning to Micole's very soon!

Thank you to Micole's and MJ; to Raphael and Larry Bryant; and of course the wonderful company.