News For Foodies: 02.25.16
Awarded the Snail
Estia’s Little Kitchen in Sag Harbor has received the Slow Food organization’s Snail of Approval award from the international group’s East End chapter. The award recognizes businesses that exemplify the Slow Food ideals regarding local, sustainable, and seasonal food. Estia’s owner and chef, Colin Ambrose, was an early advocate of the farm-to-table philosophy; he has been a member of the Quail Hill Farm community-supported agriculture collective for two decades, has tended his own kitchen garden, and has been a supporter of Slow Food and of the Edible School Gardens program.
Other East End restaurants that have earned the Snail of Approval include Nick and Toni’s in East Hampton, Noah’s in Greenport, the North Fork Table and Inn in Southold, Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck, and 18 Bay restaurant on Shelter Island.
Farm Memberships Open
Memberships are available for the 2016 season in the community-supported agriculture program at Balsam Farms in Amagansett, at fees ranging from $500 for a 15-week season of weekly produce deliveries to $860 for a 26-week season. Add-on deliveries, of cheeses, bread, flowers, fruit, or eggs, can be arranged for additional individual charges of up to $253 for the long season. The season begins on May 27, and payment in full must be made two weeks beforehand.
The items in the weekly share are chosen by the farm, according to what is available, and may include a food product such as Balsam pickles, tomato sauce, jam, or pesto. A list of what was provided to members during last year’s season can be found at the farm’s website. Those who sign up by March 15 will receive a free hat or T-shirt and a shopping bag.
Assorted News
A new Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee shop will be opening in Sag Harbor. The company, established in New York City in 2003, has a location in Amagansett in addition to its five Manhattan shops.
The Shagwong in Montauk is being rehabbed — brought back to its past, according to a press release, with its original interior decorations, such as vintage Montauk photographs, returned. An updated menu has been promised, however.