Foodstuffs: The Bird Lands, Restaurant Round-up and Healthy Eating on the Go

Montauk’s Bird on the Roof restaurant has reopened for the 2023 season, and this year, is simply called The Bird. The restaurant features a redesign by acclaimed Brooklyn-based design firm Home Studios while the menu has been reconceived by celebrated chef Marcos Martinez Perez with a beverage program by Sophia Depasquale to now include dinner and a cocktail and wine bar.

Overseen by the team behind Daunt’s Albatross — its sister establishment across the street which reopened last summer and was also designed by Home Studios — The Bird is the latest opening in the heart of the hamlet, a short walk to the other restaurants and bars, shops and cafes of Montauk. Offering daily breakfast, brunch and lunch in addition to dinner, the new restaurant remains true to its past — featuring accessible food in a warm and welcoming environment, suitable for all.

The reopening has been led by Leo Daunt, third-generation proprietor of the Albatross, along with his sister Zoe. Born and raised in Montauk, Daunt returned to Montauk after college in 2014 to help run the family business. He wanted to return to the days when both the restaurant and motel were under joint ownership after his grandfather first bought the Albatross in 1977, and in 2020 took over as general manager. A history buff (and co-president of Montauk Chamber of Commerce) Daunt is passionate about paying homage to Montauk’s history with the renovation of the hotel, focused on keeping it authentic to the place while feeling timeless.

Last year, Daunt took over operations of Bird on the Roof making slight tweaks before unveiling his full concept this year. The new iteration of the restaurant reflects an ongoing evolution of each property — remaining familiar to patrons who have frequented the restaurant over the years, striving to offer the best of local and seasonal ingredients with updated takes on familiar staples while introducing new flavors and dishes to the menu.

After taking the helm last summer, chef Marcos Martinez Perez returned to conceive menus reflective of the updated look of the interiors. Items during the day are consistent with what was on offer last year, including new favorites such as fish tacos or soft scramble toast (topped with young burrata, avocado and basil oil). Meanwhile, the dinner menu of appetizers and entrees features standouts like tempura trumpet mushrooms with gochujang sauce, green curry with tofu, roasted baby zucchini and Brussels sprouts and smoked half chicken with harissa yogurt and arugula salad.

“The team and I are really excited to expand upon our work in the kitchen last year,” says Marcos who, prior to joining the team, worked at East End hot spots such as the Gigshack, Rosies, and Carissa’s. “By being open for dinner for the first time, we’re able to show different techniques and flavor profiles.”

The concept for the bar program drew inspiration from the family-owned histories of Daunt’s Albatross and Bird on the Roof and is meant to evoke the care with which these two Montauk classics were elevated to something fresh and new while still holding on to the same local vibe. Accordingly, consultant Sophia Depasquale, formerly of South Eddison, developed a menu of specialty cocktails that took a classic such as a Hugo and punched it up into The Bird’s “Hallie Parker,” a blend of gin, prosecco, St. Germain, strawberry and lemon. The menu is designed to have a little something for everyone, from wine to mezcal Negronis.

“We want a seat at the bar to feel like a seat at your friend’s,” said Depasquale. “A place you can kick back, enjoy a drink and laugh until you only have enough air left to say, ‘I’ll have another please.’”

The Bird is located at 47 South Elmwood Avenue in Montauk. Visit birdontheroof.com for more information.

Claude’s Restaurant, Southampton

Claude’s Restaurant at the Southampton Inn is kicking off the summer season with a new tavern-style menu from the new chef plus a selection of grab-and-go options to complement the restaurant’s menu. Claude’s will be open daily for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., lunch from noon to 4 p.m., weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner Thursday through Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoying lunch outdoors by the pool or on the patio is a great way to catch up with friends and family and make the most of the summer weather. Claude’s Restaurant at the Southampton Inn is at 91 Hill Street, Southampton. For reservations, visit southamptoninn.com or call 631-283-6500.

Union Burger Bar, Southampton

Celebrating its 4th Year, the casual dining destination restaurant from owner Ian Duke with award-winning executive chef Scott Kampf is open year-round. While continuing to offer a variety of specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, milkshakes and desserts and an elaborate craft beer and small batch bourbon selection. New this summer is the addition of an outdoor sushi bar offering a selection of the finest Asian dishes.

Well-regarded for its fresh Colorado beef burgers that also are hormone, anti-antibiotic and additive free, the restaurant is dedicated to environmental sustainability and is open for both lunch and dinner. Union Burger Bar is at 40 Bowden Square, Southampton. For details, call 631-377-3500 or visit unionburgerbar.com.

Nearby, Southampton Social Club, owned by Duke and David Hilty, sets the standard for a season of dining, drinks and socializing. Enjoy the supper club vibe with an all-new dinner and drinks menu in the lounge from Kampf. In the revamped patio and cabanas this summer enjoy a new cocktail program. Live music and DJs perform to create blissful summer vibes. Southampton Social Club is at 256 Elm Street, Southampton. For details, call 631-287-1400 or visit southamptonsocialclub.com.

T-Bar Southampton

Led by Tony Fortuna and Derek Axelrod, the team from T-Bar Steak and Lounge are making its return to Southampton. Like its sister restaurant located on East 60th Street in the city, T-Bar Southampton offers guests outstanding cuisine in a casual yet elegant space, and the outdoor terrace and garden make it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings. The restaurant will boast an extensive wine list, and wide selection of cognac, bourbon and single malt scotch. T-Bar Southampton is at 268 Elm Street, Southampton. For more details 631-283-0202 or tbarsh.com.

Centro Italian, Hampton Bays

Enjoy a Hampton Bays staple, Centro Italian owned by Salvatore Biundo, which boasts a prime outdoor dining location from which to see and be seen. New this season enjoy the cuts of steak added to the menu. Events include “Sunday with Sinatra and Friends” with live singer Tony Della and on Wednesdays, play a round of bocce on the restaurant’s court. The 2023 bocce league starts soon. Centro Italian is at 336 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays. For details, call 631-594-5744 or visit centrohamptons.com.

Popping up in Bridgehampton this summer is Sakara, a plant-based meal delivery service, which debuts its plant-rich offerings in a first-of-its-kind outpost at The Barn on Butter Lane in partnership with SoulCycle.

Stocked weekly with fresh meal options as well as post-workout grab-and-go snacks, the Sakara pop-up will be the exclusive spot to enjoy brand best-sellers in person, all summer long. Fan favorites include the company’s Anti-inflammatory Green Smoothie ($14) and sweet treats like the Chia + Coconut Waffles, Goji Rose Donuts and Chocolate Love Muffins ($11). Also available will be Sakara’s Energy Protein Super Bars ($29 for eight) and Classic Superfood Granola ($16), both of which are perfect for consistent refueling throughout the day.

Sakara’s new outpost at SoulCycle is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Barn, 264 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton. For information, visit sakara.com.