New Hot-Spots

Summer is almost here, and Memorial Day weekend is upon us. With its arrival comes the welcome addition of some great new venues that are gearing up for what we all hope will be another warm and sunny Summer season. From midtown Manhattan to Long Island wine country, these are some of the most buzzed about newcomers you won't want to miss in the coming months.

Manhattan

Thompson Hotels' newest terrace lounge is here. Above 6 - at the top of 6 Columbus - is the boutique hotel group's third open-air retreat in Manhattan, joining the likes of 60 Thompson's Above 60, and Thompson LES's Above Allen. With a retractable roof, iconic views of the city, and food and beverages by Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, this new and exclusive destination is sure to be a hit. Above 6 is open to hotel guests and by reservation only, so be sure to call ahead. 6 Columbus Circle, NYC, (212) 204-3000. thompsonhotels.com/hotels/nyc/6-columbus/drink/above-6

South Fork

Hampton Bays

Dock and dine in one of the slips at Chef Tom Rutyna's TR Restaurant & Bar, a new waterfront restaurant with direct access to Shinnecock Bay. This yearround hidden gem of a restaurant offers fresh seafood including grilled lobsters, soft shell crabs, tuna sashimi, grilled squid, and prawns. 78 Foster Avenue, Hampton Bays, (631) 728-8700

Southampton

The new and hugely improved Capri Southampton is now a self-contained destination offering a handful of chic distractions including the pool at The Bathing Club; the beach shop by Cynthia Rowley; and restaurant Nobu at Capri from renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and restaurateur Richie Notar. 281 County Road 39A, Southampton caprisouthampton.com

The former Madame Tong's Redeux is re-opening this season with a new menu, interior and concept, as the Southampton Social Club. Offering an innovative American menu with a refreshing take on classic favorites, live music and post-dinner DJs, this indoor and outdoor venue promises to be a lively destination. 256 Elm Street, Southampton, (631) 287-1400

Watermill

The Watermill Shops have said goodbye to Citarella, and hello to the Avanti Culinary Market. The new full-service gourmet market carries cut and wrapped-to-order prime meats and poultry, fresh seafood, organic produce, artisanal cheeses, unique grocery products, and prepared foods. Keep an eye out for a full schedule of events and tastings planned for the high season on the upstairs deck. 760 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, (631) 726–2800 avanticulinarymarket.com

Bridgehampton

I was happy to hear that the closure of longtime favorite Almond was thanks to Eric Lemonides' and Jason Weiner's decision to relocate their affordable French bistro to a prime location in downtown Bridgehampton. Now at the corner of Montauk Highway and Ocean Road, the new space has a significantly larger dining area featuring casual wood topped tables, warm colors and low lighting, as well as some outdoor seating on the sidewalk. 1 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton, (631) 537-5665. almondrestaurant.com

Sag Harbor

East Hampton native and veteran Chef Jessie Flores (formerly at Della Femina) is now leading the kitchen at Page at 63 Main (formerly Blue Sky), a new restaurant offering eclectic cuisine with a focus on natural, local, healthy and organic dishes that also features a quick-service café serving juices, smoothies, coffees, pastries, hot entrées, picnic lunches and other portable fare. 63 Main Street, Sag Harbor, (631) 725-1810 facebook.com/Pageat63Main

East Hampton

The Boathouse's Michael Gluckman recently introduced The Beachhouse into the long vacant Prime 103 space on Montauk Highway, bringing sea grill chic to the classic American steakhouse. Plush leather banquettes and a 50-foot mahogany bar complement the space's exposed brick pillars and high ceilings. A wisteria covered patio and garden set the stage for outdoor dining. 103 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, (631) 329-3663

Django's Organics is the Springs' new all-natural one-stop shop for healthy living. Located in Maidstone Commons on Three Mile Harbor Road, the bright and airy space is stocked with packaged, organic, vegan and gluten-free foods including natural juices, specialty coffee and teas, chocolate, snacks, frozen goods as well as natural beauty products and supplements. The juice bar also serves up made to order "green" juices and smoothies. 514 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton, (631) 604-1770. facebook.com/DJangosOrganics

North Fork

Southold's Port of Egypt Marina is now also home to A Lure Chowder House, a new relatively casual waterfront seafood restaurant from Chef Tom Schaudel and restaurateur Adam Lovett, whom you may know from A Mano, PassionFish, and Jedediah Hawkins fame. Chef de cuisine and partner Jeff Uguil heads up the kitchen serving fresh fish and seafood perfect for locals, boaters, day-trippers, and vacationers on the idyllic north shores of Long Island wine country. Make sure to check out the Long Island-only wine list. 62300 Main Road, Route 25, Southold, (631) 876-5300

So, there you go...now you're officially "in the know". Plan ahead and try to get to these spots before high season, so you can really enjoy them!