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A SOUTH FORK IN THE ROAD DINE, SLUMBER AND SPLURGE IN THE HAMPTONS EAST HAMPTON By Karen Holly Berliner
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s you drive east along Route 27, you know you’re entering East Hampton as you pass the large and beautiful Georgica Pond. Also known as Main Steet, the route is lined with historical inns, a bounty of boutiques, top notch restaurants and, of course, a landmark windmill or two.
Rita Cantina
RITA CANTINA Located in Springs, this modern Mexican cantina features the cuisine of the renowned chef Eric Miller, known for his prior successful restaurants, including Bay Kitchen Bar. His partners Adam Miller, who is behind Rita Cantina’s creative and mindfully curated bar program, and Marc Miller, who handles operations, complete the Miller family dream team. Designed and custom built by Adam Miller, the space itself is resplendent with Oaxacan textiles and vibrant pieces of pottery creating its authentic vibe. The indoor dining room features an inviting bar and dining tables leading directly to a back patio with lush plants and white picnic tables sitting on a bed of sand and beneath a canopy of yellow-and-white striped umbrellas. This array has you whooshed off to a Mexican resort beach.
Rita Cantina’s menu pays homage to Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on local offerings, straight from local farms and waters of Gardiner’s Bay and beyond. With a menu that features a range of ceviches, quesadillas, tacos, slow-cooked dishes, and large plates, every palate can be satisfied. Signature dishes, such as the local littleneck clams with chorizo, serrano and tecate or the seafood ceviche with fluke, scallop, squid, shrimp, habanero and pomegranate, are winning choices among others. Large plates, such as the local market catch — whole fish roasted with citrus — is both aesthetically pleasing and flavorful. Why not pair this with a refreshing cocktail mixed with tequila or mezcal, such as the horchata colada with rum blend, house made and dairy-free horchata and pineapple. Frozen and original margaritas hit the spot anytime. Tres leches cake with strawberries and passion fruit complete the meal with flair. Social Life
