Ram's Head Inn Press Book

The Top 5 NEW Things to Do On Shelter Island this Summer BELLA New York MAGAZINE | June 24, 2015 |

Often referred to as the “Un-Hampton,” Shelter Island is true escape for those in the know, where vacationers come to vacation, and harried Hamptonites come to relax. Between the abundance of charming watering holes and fresh seafood, unique and impressive restaurants, and pristine (and uncrowded) beaches, it’s hard to find a reason NOT to come. Still, here are the top 5 NEW reasons to visit this la isla bonita before the sun sets on Summer 2015:

1. Lunch on the Beach at the Ram’s Head Inn This iconic beachfront hotel is turning things up a notch this summer, and is not only offering live music on Tuesdays and Sundays, as well as a brand new waterfront yoga series, but has ramped up the happenings on their private beach. Diners can now enjoy a full lunch menu from the Inn’s farm-to-table restaurant right from their chaise lounge, and the simple yet delicious menu is the hands down best on the Island (don’t skip the Lobster BLT). After lunch, guests can feel free to stay and partake in any of the complimentary beach activities offered on the Ram’s Head Inn’s beach, including kayaks, sailboats, and paddle boards. Better yet, come by boat and tie up for free at any of the Inn’s 15 free moorings –first come, first served!

The Ram’s Head Inn 108 Ram Island Drive Shelter Island, NY 11965 www.theramsheadinn.com 631-749-0811

2. Stop for a Beer at the New Shelter Island Craft Brewery Shelter Island’s first craft brew pub is open, offering a range of regular products and a rotating list of special beers. One of the unique elements these brews is that the brewer has not only focused on using “top quality ingredients,” but that many of them are actually sourced on Shelter Island. There will be three regular beers available and a rotating selection of specialty items, timed to the season and availability of ingredients. For the opening, look for “Shelter Island Liquid Sunshine,” a mild summer ale; “114 Minutes,” an East Coast-style India Pale Ale (IPA) that is, according to its creator, “strong, aggressive, very hopping and malty.”

55 North Ferry Road Shelter Island, New York (631) 749-5977 http://home.shelterislandcraftbrewery.com/

3. Rent a Paddle Board on Crescent Beach Venture Out Paddle Boards, located right on Crescent Beach (also known as Sunset Beach) will get you and your friends out on the water for a fun and easy way to get the full island experience. Seen all that Crescent Beach has to offer? Venture Out will drop off and pick up boards for free at any beach, house or location of your choice anywhere on Shelter Island. Rent boards by the hour, half day, full day, weekend, or long term. Drop off and pick up between 8am and 8pm daily with a reservation. www.ventureoutsi.com Shore Road, Shelter Island, NY 631-317-7466

4. Enjoy Live Music 7 Days a Week at The Shipwreck Bar at Salt An island getaway isn’t complete without an evening of listening to live music from your seat at a sailboatturned-watering hole, complete with waterfront views. The Shipwreck at Salt is 39′ Schooner that has been transformed into a glorious open air bar serving drinks and food, and offering live music 7 days a week at 5pm starting July 4th. Recent visitors include Jimmy Fallon and Jerry Seinfeld. http://www.saltshelterisland.com/ 63 S. Menantic Rd – Shelter Island Island Boat Yard (631) 749-5535

5. Play a Round of Golf and (or) Wine and Dine at Vue VUE Restaurant and Bar at The Shelter Island Country Club opened its doors this past Spring and has quickly become an island favorite for food, fun, and drinks. Situated on one the highest points on Shelter Island, Vue offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Peconic Bay, Dering Harbor and the 9 hole golf course. The course dates back to 1901 and is open to the public.

VUE Restaurant & Bar @ The Shelter Island Country Club 26 Sunnyside Drive

Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965 631.749.5424 www.vueshelterisland.com Tags: New York, Shelter Island, the un-hampton Category: BELLA Blog, Home, Travel

How Classic Hamptons Hotels Stay Some of the Best BELLA New York MAGAZINE | June 30, 2016 | Reply

With new hotels and restaurants opening and closing on the East End year after year, these classics have not only stood time’s test, but have made updates and renovations to stand up against even the shiniest newbies. Here is a look at what some of the oldest hotels in the Hamptons are doing to continue to stay some of the best.

Ram’s Head Inn, Shelter Island, NY Ram’s Head Inn 108 Ram Island Drive Shelter Island, 11965 631-749-0811 www.theramsheadinn.com The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island reopened this spring after closing for repairs and updates during the winter months. The classic waterfront hotel and restaurant, built in 1929, unveiled a $20,000 renovation which included a new sound system, updated decor and lighting, and a new look to their popular bar & lounge, newly dubbed “Harbor Hall,” which included tables personally hand- crafted by owner James Eklund. Several guest rooms were renovated and redecorated as well. James and wife

Linda Eklund have been at the helm since 1979 and have taken care to keep this beauty in pristine condition. Guests get the full experience of a chic and relaxed Shelter Island vacation at the airy inn, its award winning farm-to-table restaurant, and its expansive beachfront grounds offering amenities like tennis and bocce. The Inn most recently partnered with Elements Fitness bringing Beachfront Barre and paddleboard lessons, rentals, and excursions to the waterfront property.

Gurney’s Montauk, Montauk, NY Gurney’s Montauk 290 Old Montauk Hwy. Montauk, 11954 +1-631-668-3203 www.gurneysmontauk.com Since new owners took over in 2013, the 90-year-old oceanfront resort has been undergoing a major facelift which now boasts 42 newly renovated rooms, a 30,000 square-foot spa and sand-filtered seawater pool, and new dining options. The interiors now do justice to the unbeatable views and location

Southampton Inn, Southampton, NY Southampton Inn Southampton, 11968 +1-631-283-6500 www.southamptoninn.com Combining casual Hamptons style with European comfort, the Southampton Inn has been a local landmark for three generations. The most recent update to this classic boutique hotel is the addition of Café Klyde, a farm-to-table restaurant. Guests will experience well priced, locally sourced options, with plenty of selections for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diners – all within a family friendly environment.

Guests have a choice of dining outside in the Inn’s courtyard or in the renovated 68-seat dining room.

Carry Out is also available for guests to bring to the pool patio, the beach, or on a bicycle excursion.

Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton, NY Topping Rose House 1 Bridgehampton – Sag Harbor Turnpike Bridgehampton, 11932 +1-631-537-0870 www.toppingrosehouse.com The 22-room, 1890’s-era inn is celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s first foray as a hotelier, and food is a major part of the experience by Kyle Koenig, a Colicchio protégé. The main house rooms retain the original charm and feel of the Greek Revival-style mansion, yet offer modern amenities such as flatscreen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi.

C/O Maidstone, East Hampton, NY C/O – The Maidstone 207 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937 631.324.5006 www.themaidstone.com The Maidstone has maintained its residence since 1740, yet this classic Hamptons institution has a modern and eclectic feel due to owner and hotelier Jenny Ljundberg who took over the property in 2008. Ljungberg is responsible for its unique and modern Scandinavian decor, and updated onsite restaurant as well as modern amenities such as onsite yoga classes provided by popular East Hampton studio Elements Fitness. The chic, eclectic guestrooms feature different themes, ranging from old-world regality to contemporary Finnish design. All have private bathrooms, WiFi, TVs, DVD players, and minibars. There are also 3 Swedish-style cottages.

Category: BELLA Blog, Home, Travel

6 Fresh Bachelorette Party Ideas For The Beauty-Loving Bride There's nothing like bonding over a group blow-dry.

by Aly Walansky August 23, 2016 • 9:36 AM ET

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If partying all night in a Vegas nightclub isn't your thing, don't feel like you can't have a stellar bachelorette party. For the bride-to-be who loves beauty, there are options galore for your bridal shower or bachelorette party!

Blow It Even better than a round of shots? A group blowout. In New York, RPZL hosts bridal showers and bachelorette parties on the reg. "Our girlie yet futuristic open space lends itself to the perfect day of

relaxation and cocktails before all the wedding madness starts, says Lisa Richards, RPZL co-owner.

At the fetes, each girl picks a style from a look book, then the group sips cocktails, dances, and snaps photos in the on-site selfie booth (clearly a must.)

If your group is set on doing the nightclub thing, why not combine the best of both worlds? Drybar Vegas has 20 chairs—making it twice as big as most Drybar locations—and it's open till midnight on the weekends. The yellow-and-pink salon also has a DJ and a full cocktail bar stocked with drinks that match the names of hairstyles on the blowout menu: Mai Tais, Cosmos, Manhattans, check!

Get an IV Wait, what? No, seriously: IV treatments are all the rage, including for the beauty set.

While IV clinics have been getting attention in the media for curing hangovers, they are also great for everything from sexual pleasure to feeling pretty! IVme Wellness + Performance in Chicago, for instance, offers a Wellness & Vitality Package. This is used to promote well-being via hydration and high dose vitamins. The vitamin-packed IV will moisturize your bachelorette party from the inside out.

The package also includes a Super B Shot, which is known to boost energy; the oxygen therapy is knows to reduce stress. All useful stuff for a bridal party!

Polish Change At Can Can Parleur, an organic nail spa in Los Angeles, owner Carolann Sanchez-Shapiro is all about empowering women while pampering them. The salon is decked out in Moulin Rouge-type decor, and treats, champagne, and more are always on hand. "Can Can Parleur is the perfect place for an indulgent bachelorette party that makes the bride and her maids feel special from head to toe.

It's a Parisian soiree without leaving LA," says Carolann. Services include manicures and pedicures with toxic-free polishes and gel options; staffers can even whip up a signature scent for the party's body scrub, lotions, and oils. Oh, and they customize cocktails, too.

Relaxed Retreat If you go away for a weekend, your first inclination may be to head to a party town. But, don't overlook getaways that offer a little R&R. For instance Ram's Head Inn on Shelter Island recently partnered with Elements Fitness for in house health and wellness programming. One of the Inn's offerings is customized Stand Up Paddle Boarding for bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as wedding parties. The paddle boarding excursion, as well as the food and cocktails to follow, are tailored to each group's preference. The day can even include a sunset dinner at the beach-front gazebo upon return.

Glam Photos You'll remember this night forever. You may as well look hot in the photos! WithHollywood Pop Gallery, bachelorettes and bridesmaids get professional makeovers and designer clothes; then, each girl gets to participate in a pro photo shoot. Some groups have even been known to hire male models to pose in the pics as well.

Fashion Tour This one's for the shopaholic. With Tour de Couture LA, groups get a curated tour from one of LA’s top personal stylists, complete with champagne or Perrier and private tours of the best fashion destinations—including hidden gems and exclusive vintage shops. Naturally, styling advice is included.

The Lookbook is Bravo's home for inspiring content and experiences that feed fashionistas with a steady diet of share-worthy styles, personalities, and industry news.Like us on Facebook to stay connected to our daily updates.

Deal of the Day: Rent a Hamptons Inn for a Weekend This Winter Written by Meredith Carey November 04, 2015

Courtesy of the Ram's Head Inn The cozy and charming (and cheap) Ram's Head Inn.

Find 34 of your closest friends and take over the the Ram’s Head Inn this winter for just $50 per person.

This deal has our Bing Crosby White Christmas, dreams written all over it.

This winter, from January to March, while the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter

Island, New York, is officially closed, a special few will get complete access and keys to the inn for just $1,700. With 17 rooms, 34 beds (38 if you bring a few air mattresses), each visitor will end up spending just $50 for a full weekend at this winter wonderland of a hotel.

Don’t worry, this isn’t The Shining. The inn, located on the northeastern end of Long Island, near Sag Harbor, will be staffed with housekeeping and front desk employees. And, while the kitchen is closed to guests, the waterfront inn works with guests' budgets to offer affordable meals and additional service.

The island also offers a few year-round restaurants. In previous years, guests have organized everything from a simple open bar or buffet breakfast to a full wine service and sit-down meal for 75 people (the extra guests staying just for dinner).

Home to Jonathan Adler and other celebrities, Shelter Island is a more relaxed option in the Hamptons. Only 100 miles from New York City, the island is virtually free of traffic and crowds, especially during the quiet winter season.

Ram’s Head has been opening its doors for this exclusive stay for the past three years.

July 16th, 2015

Joe Smith of The Ram’s Head Inn on the Foodie Scene

JOE SMITH OF THE RAM'S HEAD INN. JULY 16, 2015 BY KELLY LAFFEY

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According to Joe Smith of The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island, the food that everyone should try at least once in life is “oysters on the half shell. It’s just a perfect food that you don’t have to do anything to.” Smith will join fellow heavyweights of the East End culinary world at Dan’s Harvest East End, held at McCall Vineyard and Ranch in Cutchogue on August 22. Here, he dishes on the event, and the foodie scene on the East End.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Harvest East End this year?

Getting a chance to meet some of the exceptional chefs from all around the East End

One food or dish that everyone should try at least once in life: Oysters on the half shell. It’s just a perfect food that you don’t have to do anything to What is the best pairing of food and East End wine?

Local oysters and Sparkling Pointe Brut If you were to eat at your restaurant as a guest, what would you order?

Our Crescent Farm Duck Breast. [It’s] crispy, salty and delicious.

Describe the relationship between East End wine and the agriculture, aquaculture and overall East End culinary culture?

Each complements the next so perfectly. Nature’s finest.

The perfect drink for a summer night: Crooked Ladder Gypsy Red Food that defines summer on the East End: Local bi-colored corn. I use it as a side for everything.

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on Friday, July 17, and continues on Saturday, July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, both at Sayre Park, 156 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, rounds out the trio of events on August 22 in Cutchogue. For more information on all three events, including tickets and VIP packages, visit DansTasteofSummer.com.

Favorite East End-inspired meal?

Any local seafood. The quality is fantastic.

What is your favorite local ingredient?

Heirloom tomatoes from Sang Lee. They’re just perfect.

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the culinary culture on the East End? The abundance of fresh, local produce. It makes my job a lot easier.

When you hear the phrase “local,” what comes to mind?

Knowing exactly where your food comes from.

Where do you find inspiration, inside and outside the kitchen?

My kitchen staff. A really great group of talent.

A great meal always begins with‌ Friends and drinks.

Make a toast to East End wine: To an endless summer!

Ram’s Head Inn, 108 South Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island Heights. 631-7490811, theramsheadinn.com

Dan’s Taste of Summer Countdown: Joe Smith, Ram’s Head Inn

PHOTO: COURTESY RAM'S HEAD INN JULY 8, 2016 BY STACY DERMONT

Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, will be held on Saturday, August 20, at McCall Vineyard and Ranch in Cutchogue. As Chef Joe Smith from the Ram’s Head Inn says, “it’s important to recognize and celebrate the relationship between East End wine and the agriculture, aquaculture and overall East End culinary culture. Each complements the next so perfectly. We are so blessed to live and work where we do. Truly nature’s finest.”

What fuels your creativity as a chef?

Fresh, local ingredients. We have access to the best in the world here on the East End. What local ingredients are you using right now?

Anything I can get my hands on. The fish and duck we offer is local, and, as the growing

season progresses, we will use as much produce as is available in our dishes. We will start using herbs and vegetables we grow in our own gardens as soon as they are ready to harvest.

Some herbs are already up.

What do you think of the Montauk Fishburger?

This is something that the Ram’s Head Inn is very much in favor of. We have been very active in supporting the local school garden project since it’s inception four years ago. The garden supplies the students and faculty with produce for their lunch program and, during the summer, the produce is sold at the local farmers market to help support the garden. Teaching children about sustainability and conservation is near and dear to our hearts.

What’s your local beverage, or cocktail, of choice this season?

Wölffer Rosé is a continual favorite. We make a blueberry mojito with blueberries and mint, which are both grown on our property.

Which of your dishes would you most like to serve to another chef?

Our Crescent Farm Duck Breast—it’s crispy, salty and delicious.

How has the gluten-free eating trend affected your menu?

Not that much as many of the items we offer can be easily altered or are already gluten-free.

What are you most looking forward to at Dan’s Harvest East End? Getting a chance to meet some of the exceptional chefs from all around the East End I could survive on a desert island if I just had: oysters on the half shell, bicolored local corn, heirloom tomatoes, and Wölffer Estate Vineyard rosé.

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton hosted by Adam Richman on Friday, July 22 and continues on Saturday, July 23, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented

by Farrell Building Company hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli, both on the waterfront at Fairview Farm at Mecox in Bridgehampton. VIP tickets for GrillHampton are $185 and offer early access to the event beginning at 7 p.m. General Admission, from 8 p.m.–10:30 p.m., is $135.

VIP tickets for Taste of Two Forks are $295 and offer early access beginning at 6:30 p.m.

General Admission, from 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m., is $185.

The oceanfront food and drink fest ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Marc Murphy and Eden Grinshpan premieres on Saturday, July 30. General Admission for ClambakeMTK, from 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m., is $150. VIP tickets are $250, and include access to the after-party from 10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian, is Saturday, August 20, at McCall Vineyard and Ranch in Cutchogue. VIP tickets for Harvest East End are $285 and offer early access beginning at 6:30 p.m. General Admission, from 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m., is $135.

A portion of this year’s ticket proceeds from GrillHampton and Taste of Two Forks will benefit All For The East End (AFTEE), a 501(c)(3) that showcases and provides support to the more than 1,000 charity organizations in the five East End towns. A portion of proceeds from Harvest East End benefits Long Island Farm Bureau and HRHCare.

To purchase tickets and get more info on all Dan’s Taste of Summer events, visit DansTasteofSummer.com!

Making Memories at Harvest East End 2016

HARVEST EAST END HOST GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN, PHOTO: DANIEL GONZALEZ AUGUST 22, 2016 BY DAN'S TASTE OF SUMMER

Dan’s Taste of Summer 2016 concluded in an epic way on Saturday, August 20 with Harvest East End, the food and wine classic at the beautiful McCall Vineyard and Ranch. More than 50 local wineries and restaurants turned out in fine form with fabulous offerings, from delicious wine tastings to tasty treats. Here are just a few highlights from the fabulous evening.

Host Geoffrey Zakarian returned for a second year at the helm of the party, having a great time while signing copies of My Perfect Pantry, taking photos with guests and tasting the wide array of goodies and wines under the tent, in the courtyard and out in the BNB VIP Lounge.

In a seemingly unintentional nod to Dan’s famed Best of the Best competition, Zakarian exclaimed to the crowd during his welcome alongside emcee Josh Wesson that Dan’s Harvest East End, “Is always the best of the best!”

What would a Long Island wine event be without a little rosé? Or a lot. Wineries offering rosé included Bedell Cellars, Clovis Point Vineyards, Croteaux Vineyards, Harbes Vineyard, Lieb Cellars, Macari Vineyards, McCall Wines, Osprey’s Dominion, Palmer Vineyards, Pellegrini Vineyards, Raphael Vineyard, Sannino Bella Vita and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.

Quite a few guests enjoyed dessert before dinner—how could one resist, with those delightful cream puffs from Caci right near the entrance?

The sparkling water from smartwater was a notable hit with guests looking for a little refresher.

Guests also lounged happily on their comfortable, swinging bubble chairs.

Speaking of bubbles, Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery, clad in “sparkly” shirts, enthusiastically poured their delicious Brut and Carnivale for guests, who reacted with just as much enthusiasm after tasting.

“They haven’t figured out how to put caffeine in wine yet,” said one smiling gentleman getting an iced beverage at Hampton Coffee Company‘s Mobile Espresso Unit.

Of course, it wasn’t just wine that was flowing. Guests raised many a glass to the East End with Bulldog London Dry Gin, Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Woodford Reserve, Keith’s Nervous Breakdown Margarita Mix, Milagro Tequila, Russell’s Reserve 6-year-old Rye and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Holy crepe! Whole Le Crepe’s strawberry and Nutella crepes were so good we went back for seconds!

Gramercy Vineyards’s two Merlot Reserves were delightful. Other Merlots people were raving about included Martha Clara Vineyards’ Malbec/Merlot and Estate Reserve Merlot.

It was almost impossible to eat just one pulled pork slider from Smitty’s All American Grill.

Outside in the courtyard, guests ogled the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, both of which were shining and sleek in the summer night air.

The Backyard Brine table was hoppin’ all night as folks stepped up to sample a variety of their pickles.

“It’s the experience that allows them to fall in love with the wine,” Wolffer Estate Vineyard’s Max Rohn said about guests getting the chance to taste from so many East End vineyards.

Color our world! North Fork Table & Inn’s green chickpea hummus was simple but interesting…and addictive!

Ram’s Head Inn’s soup was a favorite. Though chilled, it brought a little heat to the party and corn, coconut milk, chili and crab. It was all so good!

Great fruit and cheese pairing? Lombardi’s Love Lane Market’s grilled peach was burratta was ooh la-la!

Super chef Tom Schaudel was at Harvest in a big way—in four big ways, actually. A Lure Chowderhouse & Oysteria, A Mano Osteria & Wine Bar, Jewel and Petulant Wino are all Schaudel creations—which was your favorite?

Chardonnay (nay, nay, nay) was all the rage, with Clovis Point, Coffee Pot Cellars, Diliberto Winery, Harbes Vineyard, Jamesport Vineyards and Onabay Vineyards, Pellegrini Vineyards, Pugliese Vineyards, Reilly Cellars, Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard, Scarola Vineyards and Sherwood House Vineyards all offering up their own spin on the popular white.

Sweet-lovers couldn’t decide which SCGP Cafe treat they loved more—those ricotta-filled doughnuts (“They made me cry, they were so good,” gushed one guest) or those full-color rainbow cookies.

Anthony Nappa Wines’ creatively named wines, like their 2015 Anomaly White Pinot Noir, were unique and fun. Their 2014 Fruition Viognier was crisp and light.

It may not be easy to pronounce, but One Woman Wines & Vineyards’ 2015 One Woman Gewurztraminer was sweet and easy on the mouth.

Coming from the west, the hip Brooklyn Oenology impressed with their various wines as usual! Our fave: their 2012 Motley Cru, which included Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Corot Noir.

Bedell Cellars’ First Crush Red left tasters with a big ol’ crush on the lovely Cutchogue winery, and their Viognier was fruity and refreshing.

Where there’s smoke, there’s…a huge line of guests in the courtyard waiting to get up close to see (and taste) the outdoor cooking creations coming off the Arteflame, just one of the incredible items bid upon in the annual silent auction—which also included a grill from Chillen & Grillen, DSC Grill, Magnus Madness wine collectors package, North Fork Wine Weekend Getaway for Two, Wölffer Estate Platinum Collectors Case and VIP Tasting, golf with Martha Clara’s Juan Micieli-Martinez, Sparkling Pointe tour, tasting and pairing, Pellegrini Wine Club membership, two-night stay at Sound View Inn, a VIP tasting and tour at Palmer Vineyards, a tasting at Channing Daughters and lunch with Dan Rattiner, a Long Island Wine Sampler, a rosé collection, two 90-point wineries, a White Fences weekend stay, two tickets to Guild Hall’s Celebrity Autobiography on Friday, August 26, a winemaker for a day experience at Sannino Bella Vita, a Robb Vices gift collection, Dan’s Papers cover art by Gia Schifano, canvas prints of Dan’s Papers cover posters and his and her kayaks.

The BNB VIP Lounge, sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank, was the place to be all night, with delish desserts from MG Meal Appeal and exclusive pours of regional wines with 90-point and higher ratings.

Impromptu kick-lines and DJ Lowtree’s spot-on pick of “New York, New York” as the final song of the night brought Dan’s Harvest East End to a rousing finish, the perfect end to a great season of foodie fun with Dan’s Taste of Summer. We can’t wait until next year!

East End Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner

If you love a classic Thanksgiving feast but hate the stress of cooking—or if you want to start a new family tradition—we’ve got you covered. Here are just some of the top restaurants on the East End offering Thanksgiving dining:

HAMPTONS The Bridgehampton Inn will be serving Thanksgiving meals from November 25 to 29, with Thanksgiving hours from noon to 6 p.m. Some menu highlights include bacon-wrapped turkey breast, pumpkin butternut squash soup, brussels sprout fritters with aioli, and duck wing confit. For dessert, dig into poached pears with chocolate sauce, or a slice of apple pie. 631537-3660 bridgehamptoninn.com For some North Fork family cooking, Modern Snack Bar is offering their pies (apple, strawberry rhubarb, and pecan, just to name a few) and sides, including their famous mashed turnips, ordered by the pint or by the quart. Call ahead to place your order and pick-up time.

631-722-3655, modernsnackbar.com

Highway Restaurant and Bar is offering a “no-stress Thanksgiving,” a menu of sides and pies available for take-out. Order out some gravy and mashed potatoes, cranberry and orange sauce, or a dozen cornbread muffins. Choosing between their fennel sausage apple and their sage onion stuffings is tough; when in doubt, why not order both? 631-5275372, highwayresturant.com Let Citarella do the cooking this holiday, with endless options for you and your family. Order the Thanksgiving Feast for Eight, a full thanksgiving meal complete with free-range turkey and all the fixings. Or, order some delicious sides and desserts, such as pumpkin ravioli, turkey meatballs, sweet potato praline, or a tangy sour cream apple pie with walnut crumble.

Looking for a pre-meal snack? The catering department offers an assortment of tasty hors d’oeuvre and party platters. Choose from their selection of cheese and cheese pairings for an unforgettable and addictive experience.631-537-5990, citarella.com For gourmet home-style, visit the Living Room Restaurant at the The Maidstone Inn for a four-course Thanksgiving feast. Warm up with a bowl of saffron potato soup, followed by fried oyster, or housemade ravioli, among many options. The third course can be a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, or opt for lamb osso buco, lasagna, wild salmon or a New York strip steak. Finish the meal with a choice of four desserts: classic pumpkin pie, Granny Smith apple cobbler, chocolate molten cake or a sticky toffee date cake. 631-3245006, themaidstone.com The 1770 House is hosting a Thanksgiving meal surrounded by historical charm. Before you eat, take a chance to warm up by the roaring fireplace, and enjoy the book-lined lounge. The star of the meal is the traditional organic Amish turkey with sage gravy. Not a turkey lover?

Try their roasted Icelandic cod or their Berkshire pork chop, served with baby bok choy, quince, and potato purée. Start the meal with Peconic Bay scallops, roasted cauliflower and apple soup or porcini mushroom risotto, and end with a selection of pumpkin pie, apple crisp or date cake. 631-324-1770, 1770house.com 75 Main will be serving a Thanksgiving menu from noon till close. The price is $29.95 for the three-course meal with fresh roasted turkey white and dark meat, apple sausage stuffing and sweet whipped potatoes with giblets gravy. Kids eat for half price. 631-283-7575 Searching for a refined alternative to the same old holiday meal? Stop by Pierre’s Restaurant for elegant, casual cuisine. Try the Chilean sea bass with beurre blanc, grilled

pasture-raised hanger steak with béarnaise, or a refreshing mango avocado salad. Pierre’s Thanksgiving

turkey

is

offered

in

regular

and

child-size

portions. 631-537-

5110, pierresbridgehampton.com

NORTH FORK & SHELTER ISLAND Join the Jamesport Manor Inn and executive chef Jeff Russell for a delicious experience on Thanksgiving from noon to 7:30 p.m. The menu includes herb turkey roulade, roasted pumpkin bisque and pumpkin caramel cheesecake. Reservations strongly recommended.

631-722-0500, jamesportmanorinn.com Shelter Island’s Ram’s Head Inn will be open this Thanksgiving for a full dinner buffet stocked with holiday favorites. Begin with a butler-style soup and salad course, and end with a dessert bar of classic and new festive treats. 631-749-0811, theramsheadinn.com

The Ram's Head Inn to Host Their First Annual Summer Games!

Saturday, August 8th, 3-7pm Live music, BBQ, Wรถlffer Estate Vineyard Cider & Wines, and Lawn Games will make this the best day of the Summer! Come with your team ready to compete in Bocce, Croquet, Horseshoe & Cornhole -- or to simply enjoy the festivities and live classic rock covers from The Erich Collins Carey Constituency Band.

To benefit the Shelter Island Ambulance Foundation.

Ticket Price $50 Visit www.theramsheadinn.com or call 631-749-0811 for tickets

North Fork Weekend Calendar: Eat, Drink & Enjoy the Harvest

GRAPES THRIVE IN THE OCTOBER SUN, PHOTO: FABIOVOLPE/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Fall is arguably the best time of year on the North Fork. Celebrate Oktoberfest and the harvest and delight in a local bounty of wine, artisanal foods, fresh local produce, live music, poetry and “Jazz Horse” art this weekend, October 16–18, 2015. What’s your pick of the week?

SHELTER ISLAND FALL 5K RUN/WALK 11 a.m. Benefits North Fork Breast Health Coalition and Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital. Medals for top finishers and first-place breast cancer survivor. 631805-6279shelterislandrun.com

OKTOBERFEST AT RAM’S HEAD INN 1:30 p.m. Live music, pig roast and local wines and beers. Bring your Shelter Island 5K race number to enter to win a grand prize in the raffle. $35++ per person includes two drink tickets, food and music. Ram’s Head Inn, 108 Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island. 631-7490811 theramsheadinn.com

SECOND ANNUAL OYSTER FESTIVAL AT HAVENS BARN 4 p.m. Oyster tastings by Alice’s Fish Market and Fast Frets. Wine bar, silent auction, raffle, live music and more. $40 per person. Proceeds benefit the Shelter Island Historical Society.

Havens Barn, 16 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island. 631-749-0025 shelterislandhistorical.org

JUNE 23, 2016

TH E R AM’ S HE AD I NN R E S TAU R AN T & B AR

The Ram’s read Inn is a staple of the historic and peaceful Shelter Island. Founded in 1929, every aspect of the Inn takes you back into the pages of the roaring 20’s with its grand, rustic interior and decorum. Driving to the Inn takes you about ten minutes or so away from the town’s center, though every moment is worth it. I felt as if I was heading toward my own serene escape, that may be the island’s best kept secret. I could only hear the wildlife’s calls and chatter as I exited my vehicle.

This is true country living at its finest. Instantly, I noticed the row of Adirondack chairs, a private beachfront, play equipment for the youngest visitors, a tennis court, and sprawling acres of green grass with plenty of shade. This is the place most of us only dream of escaping to. There are very few, if any, spots on the East End that exists quite like this. I felt as if I transported back in time by at least fifty years. My family recently told me that they frequented The Ram’s Head Inn in the 1980’s and 1990’s as their hideaway far from the seasonal traffic.

Recently, The Ram’s Head Inn opened the season with a newly renovated cocktail and music lounge, newly dubbed Harbor Hall, due to the Inn’s breathtaking views of Coecles Harbor, and the classic, music hall feel of the bar, lounge, and patio.

At the Inn, you will find music and vineyard tastings every Tuesday night with the added perk of a cultivated and locally sourced cocktail list by their new bar manager and in-house mixologist, Harry Brigham. With the addition of twists on classic cocktails, Brigham has also crafted a few seasonal libations that truly tap into what it is to celebrate summer in the Hamptons. Think Blueberry Mojitos with fresh mint and berries plucked from the Ram’s Head’s own garden.

The cocktails I sipped were Summer Thyme: Belvedere Vodka, local raspberries, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, Fee Brothers peach bitters, and topped off with a fresh sprig of thyme; and Sidecar: Remy Martin 1738, Cointreau lemon juice, flamed orange peel ($14/each). Another notable cocktail is the Modena Cocktail: Hendricks Gin, 25 year old aged balsamic vinegar, fresh strawberries, topped with St. Germain foam. Brigham has created ten specialty cocktails for the season.

For my tasting, I tried from their spring menu first the Hazelnut Crusted Goat Cheese: pickled beets, micro arugula, truffle honey ($16); Pan Roasted Angus Filet Mignon: artichoke creamed spinach, rosti potato, Madeira ($44) with a side Caesar salad. The Filet Mignon was cooked to perfection, what a masterpiece. Each layer was a splice of heaven on earth. The dish set in well with the classic, laid back vibe. As you may know already, anything goat cheese tops priority on my list. The Goat Cheese plate was superb with a little taste of savory, creamy, crunchy, and sweet; a little tease for the palate but so satisfying.

Bar fare menu items include the R.H.I. Burger: white cheddar, chipotle aioli, bacon ($18); and Truffle Mac and Cheese: smoked bacon, white cheddar, gruyere, parmesan ($14). For the spring menu, there is a Raw Bar that includes East Coast Oysters with cucumber-ginger mignonette ($18/35); Jumbo Shrimp ($18); and Tuna Poke with avocado-wasabi mousse ($20).

Fresh fruit and vegetables are grown in their garden including blueberries, tomatoes, and hearty herbs such as thyme.

Lunch and dinner are served daily at the Inn, as well as a brunch every Sunday. http://www.theramsheadinn.com/restaurant-and-bar-menus // 631-749-0811

Ram’s Head Inn 2015 Oktoberfest October 17 @ 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm $35++ 

Ram’s Head Inn is hosting its 2015 Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 17, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ram’s Head Inn’s 2015 Oktoberfest will feature live music from Points East, a traditional pig roast, onsite vineyard tastings from

Pindar Vineyards and Lieb Cellars, local breweries on tap, and pumpkin painting on their Great Lawn.

Join the Ram’s Head Inn for their 2015 Oktoberfest after the Shelter Island 5k and enter your race number into their raffle to win the Grand Prize of a North Fork Vineyards Gift Basket! The basket features a case of wine and VIP tastings from Lieb Cellars and Pindar Vineyards.

Admission is $35++ per person, and includes two drink tickets, food, and music. Admission for children under 12 is $15++.

By Madison Fender and Julia King Photos by Madison Fender

February 1, 2016

The Ram’s Head Inn

Cracker crusted halibut at the Ram’s Head Inn with Wölffer Chardonnay.

Want to know where the Shelter Island locals hang out? I’ll let you in on a little secret: it is this rustically elegant, very historic inn on top a large hill overlooking Coecles Harbor and the Peconic Bay. To get the full experience be sure to come with an appetite. Chef Joseph Smith presented me with breath taking dish, cracker crusted halibut filet on a bed of sautéed kale submerged in a broth of little neck clam chowder. The crunch from the crust coated in the clam chowder is a match made in seafood heaven. This dish paired beautifully with the 2012 Wölffer Chardonnay. This chardonnay is mainly stainless steel fermented but a percentage of the wine spends time in neutral oak adding a creamy texture and subtle complexity. Bon appetite!

A (Harbor) Hall With a View: Rams Head Inn Is the Place to Sip on Shelter Island This Summer

By Meghan Harlow Photos by Madison Fender Photography + Rams Head Inn April 19, 2016 108 S Ram Island Drive Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965

Renovations make happy hour at the Ram’s Head Inn even happier.

Happy hour is now even happier on Shelter Island. The Ram’s Head Inn officially reopened for the season on March 25, revealing changes—among them, menu updates and renovations—that visitors will have to see (and sip) to believe.

First up is Harbor Hall. Inn-owners James and Linda Eklund have just completed a $20,000 renovation of the bar and lounge overlooking Coecles Harbor. New to the room, most notably, is a gorgeous new ceiling and sound system. The latter is an especially fitting addition; with the lounge’s themed music nights—jazz on Sundays and classic rock on Thursdays—the inn has become something of a music destination among locals and staycationers.

Also new to the inn is Harry Brigham, Harbor Hall’s new bar manager.

Harry Brigham

“Ram’s Head has always been my favorite place on Shelter Island,” says Brigham, who enjoys a history with the inn and its owners. He first worked for the Eklunds in the late ’90s. Since then, he’s moved to Brooklyn and gotten married. He’s thrilled now to be back.

“I’m just happy to be a part of this team,” says Brigham. “And I’ve got big plans for how I’m going to do my part.”

A big part of his big plans, he says, is the cocktail list.

“I’m going after it,” says Brigham. “We’re going to offer more chic, updated versions of classic cocktails. I’m also working on some creations of my own— upscale cocktails to go with the food [executive chef Joe Smith] prepares.”

Brigham is also working with local vineyards on the wine list. His promise, he says, is that Harbor Hall will have something for everyone. Just like Ram’s Head Inn. “Whether you’re a young couple or a family with kids, the inn really does have it all,” says Susie Halloran, President and founder of Starlet PR. “For adults there’s great live music and the chance to sip cocktails with a view. And for kids, there’s the huge lawn. It’s just a great summer day.”

Ram’s Head Inn

By Meghan Harlow Photos by Estefany Molina August 1, 2016 108 South Ram Island Drive Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965

The best of Shelter Island—and the forks on either side.

Imagine the prongs on a tuning fork. Strike one, either or both and a beautiful buzz bounds through the space in between. Similarly, between the East End’s north and south forks is Shelter Island. Spend a day exploring its winding roads and you’ll hear its quiet sort of music. There’s no better place to hear it than at the Ram’s Head Inn. Built in 1929, the Ram’s Head has all the romance of an inn with nearly 100 years of history.

There’s the dining porch that overlooks Coecles Harbor and the grand lawn that stretches out before it, the meticulously restored Harbor Hall—a spacious bar and lounge area—and the grand and beautiful entryway that stands just outside it.

The inn’s current owners, Linda and James Eklund, have owned and operated the Ram’s Head for almost 40 years, borrowing all the best from the forks on either side of them while letting their Shelter Island setting sing its unique song. The man in charge of the back of their house, executive chef Joe Smith, shares a similarly long history with the inn and employs this same philosophy in its kitchen.

Chef Joe Smith picking blueberries on the lawn at Ram’s Head Inn.

“I’ve worked for James and Linda since I was 12 years old,” says Smith, who speaks just as he cooks: with an infectious, boyish energy. “I started off washing dishes and just grew from there.”

Smith’s tenure at the Ram’s Head has not, since then, been continuous. He left for a time—as most local boys do—and settled out West, finding work at a restaurant in Santa Fe. He returned to the Ram’s Head in 1998 and has been there ever since.

“I just love it here,” says Smith. “If I want blueberries, I walk right onto our lawn and I pick them. We also have two other gardens on the island available to us. James, the owner, comes in with baskets of stuff on a daily basis.”

Smith’s summer menu reads like a guide to what’s in season. Prosciutto, peach and fennel salad sits beside Crescent Farms duck breast served with black rice, local blueberries and ginger-peach relish. If there’s ever something Smith wants but struggles to find on Shelter Island, all he has to do is take a short ferry ride in either direction.

Chef Joe Smith plating his Crescent Farms Duck Breast.

“I live in Southold,” says Smith. “Sang Lee is a mile from my house. Wickham’s is right down the block. They have the best peaches in the world. So, if I want something, I can just pick it up on my way into work. Whenever time allows, I’ll go and pick up local produce to cook with. So, for me, working on Shelter Island really lets me bring in the best of both worlds. For a chef, it really doesn’t get any better.”

It doesn’t get much better for diners either. Smith’s favorite dish on the menu—his Long Island sweet corn bisque with smoked bacon, cilantro and green chile—is a revelation. His potatocrusted halibut with ratatouille, hummus and preserved lemon is a master’s class in pairing different flavors and textures.

Smith gives most of the credit to his team.

“They’re all such good guys,” says Smith. “They all have solid experience. Nobody is really green. And I work them hard. I have to be honest, I work them really hard. Together we do great things.”

Chef Smith’s Long Island Sweet Corn Bisque is essentially summer in a soup bowl—with smoked bacon, cilantro, and green chile.

Enjoy a meal outside on the inn’s dining porch, and you’ll know “great” is the perfect word for it. You’ll know also that although the experience you’re having may remind you of others you’ve had on the East End, there’s something unique about your time at the Ram’s Head, something impossible to replicate just about anywhere else.

“It’s a mixture of the setting and the food, I think,” says Smith. “We just have the perfect marriage of the two. We work for it.”

Crescent Farms Duck Breast with black rice, local blueberries, and a ginger peach relish.

Ask Smith about his typical workday and you’ll know that work for it he and his team most certainly do.

“I usually come in by 9:30 in the morning and I leave at around 11:15 at night,” says Smith.

“That’s not just me though. All of us in the kitchen do the same hours.”

It is—by any standards—a long day, but it’s also a productive one. Smith and his team daily serve brunch, lunch and dinner.

“We have a great time,” says Smith. “And then I go home to dogs that are super happy to see me, because it’s been a long time since they saw me last. And they’re also happy, obviously, because I smell like the best food. Better than anything they’ve ever had.”

Hamptons Insider's Guide

Harbor Hall, Shelter Island The new lounge and bar at the Ram's Head Inn has a fantastic raw bar and locally sourced menu. 
108 Ram Island Dr.; theramsheadinn.com.

Ram’s Head Inn Hotels & Resorts — 02 November 2015

Book an exclusive winter escape.

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island, New York may close its doors to the public from January through March, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own picturesque winter weekend at the classic waterfront inn. The cozy 17 room inn is offering a special rate of $1,700* to hand you the keys for the weekend. This exclusive rate gets you the run of the Ram’s Head Inn and each of the comfortable and charming rooms for you and your closest friends and family. Come celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or simply each other, and enjoy Shelter Island at its most beautiful.

The Ram’s Head Inn is a classic hotel, critically acclaimed restaurant, and renowned event venue. Each of the 17 guestrooms is individually designed to offer a comfortable and relaxing escape, while capturing the history and charm of this waterfront Inn. The Ram’s Head Inn offers relaxed and accessible luxury with attentive service and plush amenities, including well-appointed bathrooms, quiet suites, and shuttle service to the island’s ferries. The Ram’s Head Inn is home to an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, led by Chef Joe Smith for the past four years. Open until December 31st, Smith’s seasonally focused New American menu boasts fresh local produce, game, and seafood, accoutered with herbs from the Inn’s own garden.

Odds of Encountering Children: Zero from January through March, because there won’t be any kids unless you bring them. 21 Plus Salute!

More Information…

The Ram’s Head Inn 631-749-0811 *Special rate does not include tax or gratuity. Restaurant and bar services are an additional charge.

The International Writers Magazine: New York Getaway's in Winter

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island, NY may close its doors to the public from January through March, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have your own picturesque winter weekend there! The charming waterfront 17 room inn is offering a special rate of just *$1700 to hand you the keys for the weekend.

This exclusive rate gets you the run of the Ram’s Head Inn and each of the comfortable and charming rooms for you and your closest friends and family. Come celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or simply each other, and enjoy Shelter Island at its most beautiful.

Located in the heart of Shelter Island, New York, the Ram’s Head Inn is a classic hotel, critically acclaimed restaurant, and renowned event venue. Each of the seventeen guestrooms is individually designed to offer a comfortable and relaxing escape, while capturing the history and charm of this waterfront Inn. The Ram’s Head Inn offers relaxed and accessible luxury with attentive service and plush amenities, including well-appointed bathrooms, quiet suites, and shuttle service to the island’s ferries.

The Ram’s Head Inn is home to an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, led by Chef Joe Smith for the past 4 years. Open until December 31st, Smith’s seasonally focused New American menu boasts fresh local produce, game, and seafood, accoutered with herbs from the Inn’s own garden. * Rate does not include tax or gratuity. Restaurant and bar services for guests are an additional charge.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.theramsheadinn.com or USA - 631-749-0811.

How to get to Shelter Island LIRR to Greenport Depart: Penn Station, transfer in Ronkonkoma.

Arrive: Greenport, NY (within walking distance of ferry). Duration: 2.5-3 hours.

Cost: About $23 peak and $16 off peak. Lower rates for senior citizens and disabled.

Notes: Purchase tickets online for a cheaper rate.

Greenport Ferry to Shelter Island Depart: Greenport, North Ferry Arrive: Shelter Island Duration: Less than 10 minutes.

Cost: $2 foot passenger. $9 one way vehicle and driver, $13 same day round trip-$2 for every additional person, $1 extra for SUVs. One way bike and rider $3, $5 same day round trip. One way motorcycle and rider $6, $8 same day round trip.

Notes: Ferry runs 6am to midnight about every 20 minutes. No auto reservations, first come first serve. Autos, bike and motorcycles pay on board, cash or checks only. *Hackwriters has not stayed there - this is not an endorsement More lifestyles

Daily Bee: Momi Ramen Opening Soon.

Plus, White’s Expands And Shelter Island Jazz On tap for the weekend Shelter Island is hot these days…if you’re looking for a place to end the weekend with a glass of rosé, a spot on the porch and some live tunes, then check out Ram’s Head Inn. It’s all part of the Sunday Night Jazz Series from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m with Jane Hastay and Peter Martin Weiss, plus weekly guest vocalists and musicians. No cover. AND you can watch the sunset. Sweet. The inn, built in 1929, has been owned for 35 years by Linda and James Eklund.

Daily Bee: Ram’s Head Inn Is Renovating.

POSTED BY: THEHAMPTONBEE FEBRUARY 17, 2016

A hot spot in the making?

Speaking of rosé, the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island, pictured above, is reopening March 25 with new renovations to its popular lounge, which will now be dubbed “Harbor Hall.” The space is named for its lovely views of Coecles Harbor, which we have no idea how to pronounce (so we’re happy that it’s just Harbor Hall). The venue played host last season to a number of musical acts and “Tuesdays Tunes and Tastings,” featuring a local vineyard or specialty cocktail tasting. The updates include a new sound system, updated lighting and tables handcrafted by the inn’s owner, James Eklund, who also happens to be a contractor, plumber and electrician (handy!). He and wife Linda have owned the 87-year-old inn for more than 30 years.

What’s Happening In The #Hamptons During Fall Shoulder Season POSTED BY: THEHAMPTONBEE SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island.

Now that the cold, cold winds of fall have blown through the Hamptons (and summer residents and their controversial Ubers and Blades and post-apocalyptic parties have almost faded from memory), it’s time to enjoy the shoulder season. That’s right — despite ominous terms like “Tumbleweed Tuesday,” which we ourselves use with abandon — there’s still lots to do in the Hamptons in the fall. Skies are cornflower blue, the ocean is gloriously warm, and there’s nary a Range Rover or G-Wagen on the road. Who says summer is the best season on the East End? Below is a smattering of offerings to enjoy. As usual, listings on the Hampton Bee calendar must meet the following criteria: Events must support local businesses; we’d actually have to be

interested in attending them; and they must involve booze. (We jest. Drink responsibly, kids.) If you’ve got something to add to our list, please email us at thehamptonbee@gmail.com.

Shelter Island 

The Ram’s Head Inn has live music featuring Jon Divello Band on Friday nights (Oct. 9 and Oct. 23), while its popular Sunday Night Jazz series continues through Columbus Day. The inn also plans its first ever Oktoberfest on Oct. 17, which will include live music, a pig roast and onsite tastings from East End vineyards and breweries ($35 per person). The inn plans its annual Halloween celebration on Oct. 31, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., no cover charge. For more information visit the inn’s website or call 631-749-0811. 108 Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island Heights.

Sagaponack 

Wolffer Estate Vineyard will host its annual celebration of the grape harvest on Oct. 10 (Rain date: Oct. 11) featuring live music by Clinton Curtis, food and beverages made by Wolffer, grape-stomping, barrel-rolling, pony rides, facepainting and more. General admission tickets are $135 per person, with discounts for children and wine club members. More infohere. 3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack.

East Hampton 

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Guild Hall has an ongoing exhibit, Roy Lichtenstein: Between Sea and Sky, on view through Oct. 12. Museum hours: Monday-Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Also, a free event: Clare Bell of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation will moderate a panel on Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. on Roy Lichtenstein’s film with filmmaker Joel L. Freedman and Chrissie Iles, curator of the Whitney Museum. 158 Main St., East Hampton.

YMCA East Hampton RECenter will host a Fall Festival for families on Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a pumpkin hunt, an inflatable slide, face painting and a petting zoo. Pre-registration required at 631-329-6884 or sondra.vecchio@ymcali.org. 2 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton.

Amagansett 

Indian Wells Tavern is offering fall football specials on Sunday and Monday, for those who like tasty nibbles and pours with their pigskin. A special snacks menu (did someone say moules frites?) is offered on Sunday nights, while a special

drinks menu (hello, pumpkin ale) is featured on Mondays. 177 Main Street, Amagansett.

Here’s What’s Happening In The #Hamptons For Fourth Of July POSTED BY: THEHAMPTONBEE

JUNE 30, 2016

Well hello, blue skies! And Happy Birthday, ‘Murica. If you happen to be taking a jaunt to the Hamptons, perhaps for the full week ahead, here’s a short list of what’s going on. Our criteria: Events must support local businesses or entrepreneurs, plus we’d actually have to be interested in attending them.

(This explains why there is a shameful number of events involving booze.) We’ll be adding to the calendar as we hear about more.

Friday, July 1 

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Dockers Waterside, 4th of July Kickoff. $5 Friday Happy Hour from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then dancing under the stars with party band Mean Machine on stage until 11:30 p.m. 94 Dune Road, East Quogue.

Elements Fitness, pop-up barre at The Maidstone hotel. Workout fuses isometric exercises with ballet conditioning, followed by happy-hour specials at the bar (we

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didn’t make this up), 3:30 p.m. (Also offered Sunday, July 3, at 11 a.m.) 207 Main St, East Hampton.

Wolffer Wine Stand, Sunset Friday with vineyard views (bring blanket) and live surf rock with Mamalee Rose & Friends, rhythm & blues, 5 p.m. till sunset. 3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack.

Marders, Films on the Haywall, “Hamlet” starring Sir Laurence Olivier. Bring a beach chair, a blanket and a picnic. Films start at dark, but not before 9:00 p.m. 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton.

Saturday, July 2  

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Springs Farmers Market, vendor stalls outside Ashawagh Hall featuring local food entrepreneurs, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton.

Westhampton Beach Farmers Market, more than 40 local farmers, growers, producers and vendors with everything farmed, grown or produced on Long Island, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 85 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach.

Pig Pen Produce, quirky produce stand in Springs famous for its pink trunk, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 240 3 Mile Harbor/Hog Creek Road, East Hampton.

Oreya, the new Greg Grossman restaurant, is featuring live free music starting at 2 p.m. (and continuing all day Sunday), with a line-up that includes acts Ja Rule and Sacha Muki. Capri Hotel, 281 County Road 39A, Southampton.

Sunday, July 3 

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Southampton Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market, with local vendors offering vegetables, fruits, pickles and more, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.

Healthy in the Hamptons, fitness and health-inspired morning featuring miniworkouts (and bonus: free childcare!), sponsored by Bombelle, Raw Revolution, Sag Harbor Cycle Company and others, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Duck Walk Vineyards, 231 Montauk Highway, Water Mill.

Springs General Store, Sunday Jam with Job Potter, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 29 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton.

Monday, July 4

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Montauk July 4th Fireworks, sponsored by Montauk Chamber of Commerce, 9 p.m.-ish, from Umbrella or IGA Beach. There’s also a dinner cruise. Best viewed from any town beach, Montauk.

Tuesday, July 5 

Tuesday Tunes & Tastings, live music (Jon Divello and Chris Tedesco) and a complimentary tasting of Macari Vineyards wines on the lawn at the Rams Head Inn, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., 108 Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island Heights.

Daily Bee: Summer Games On Shelter. A Xmas Pop-Up. Plus, Ice Cream On The Beach POSTED BY: THEHAMPTONBEE JULY 13, 2016

Happy Thursday! Behold, pictured above, a pleasant cocktail hour on Shelter Island (specifically, on the lawn at the Ram’s Head Inn). Shelter Island, the island off the coast of Sag Harbor, accessible by ferry only, is sort of like the forgotten Hampton. Full of halcyon charm, it’s also a place that time forgot. There’s a lot of forgetfulness about Shelter Island, including the fact that we forget to go there, all the time. But once we do, we LOVE it. So here’s a reminder: Go to Shelter Island.

And if you care to go this weekend, the Ram’s Head Inn, built in 1929, is hosting its second annual Summer Games, with bocce, cornhole and horseshoes, on Saturday starting at 3 p.m. There will also be live music, BBQ and (we hope) lots of Harry’s “Summer Thyme” Cocktails, which is that red drink pictured above…

Seven Sips To Add To Your Father's Day BBQ

Nicole Barylski nbarylski@hamptons.com

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No. TEN Watermelon. (Courtesy Photo) Father's Day is the time to impress dad with your mixology skills by whipping up something that will awaken his taste buds. If you're stuck on summer sips, here's a few to test out.

Smoky Paloma. (Courtesy Photo) 1. Veuve Clicquot Rich Pineapple Polo Classic: • 5 to 6 pieces of Pineapple, cut into quarters • 5 Ice Cubes • Veuve Clicquot Rich Directions: Place 5 ice cubes in a large wine glass. Add 5 to 6 pieces of cut pineapple and finish with chilled Veuve Clicquot.

2. Smoky Paloma: • 901® Tequila • 1 part Grapefruit Juice • 1/2 part Agave Syrup • 2 Chipotle Peppers • IPA Style Ale Directions: Muddle one chipotle pepper with agave syrup and grapefruit juice in mixing glass. Add 901® Tequila and shake vigorously over ice. Strain into collins glass filled with ice. Top off with IPA Ale. Garnish with skewered chipotle pepper.

3. Nashville Red Eye: • 1 oz. Jack Single Barrel Rye • 1 oz. Cold Brew Coffee • 1/2 oz. Raw Simple Syrup

• 4 oz. Oatmeal Stout • Coffee Beans, for garnish

Nashville Red Eye. (Courtesy Photo) Directions: Shake first 3 ingredients with ice for 10 seconds to combine and chill. Strain into chilled Snifter already containing the 4 oz of Stout. Float coffee beans on top of foam.

4. Splash Bay St. Bourbon: • 1 part of Dad's favorite brand of Bourbon • 1 part of Splash Bay St. Ginger Directions: Mix 1 part of Dad's favorite brand of Bourbon with 1 part of Splash Bay St. Ginger. Serve on the rocks in a highball glass or shaken and straight up in a martini glass with a lemon twist.

5. Sand Bar: • 1.5 oz. Appleton® Estate Reserve Blend • 4 oz. fresh Squeezed Orange Juice • .5 oz. Galliano Herbal Liqueur Directions: Build ingredients, shake and strain over fresh ice into a highball glass. Top with Galliano and garnish.

Sand Bar. (Courtesy Photo) 6. No. TEN Watermelon: • 1.25 oz. Tanqueray No. TEN • 3 oz. fresh pressed Watermelon Juice Directions: Add fresh pressed juice and Tanqueray No. TEN to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain in cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with piece of fruit.

No. TEN Watermelon. (Courtesy Photo)

7. Shelter Island Sunset: • 2 1/2 oz. Soltado Tequila • 1/2 oz. Lemon • 1 1/2 oz. Strawberry Puree • 3 1/2 oz. Mango Puree Directions: Combine all ingredients in mixing cup with ice; shake; strain and pour into a tall, iced glass; garnish with a fresh strawberry.

Shelter Island Sunset. (Courtesy Photo)

Nicole is the Editor-in-Chief of Hamptons.com where she focuses on lifestyle, nightlife, and mixology. She grew up in the Hamptons and currently resides in Water Mill.

www.hamptons.com

NicoleBarylski

NicoleBarylski

THE RAM’S HEAD INN HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL SUMMER GAMES JULY 16TH JULY 16, 2016

Kelli Delaney and Dr. Mark Kot at the Ram’s Head Inn The Ram’s Head Inn 2nd Annual Summer Games, sponsored by Crops Farm Vodka, will host a tournament of lawn games including bocce, cornhole, and horseshoes on Saturday July 16th from 3-7pm, to benefit the Shelter Island Ambulance Corp. Overlooking Shelter Island’s scenic Coecles Harbor since 1929, the Ram’s Head Inn is a classic hotel, critically acclaimed restaurant, and renowned event venue. Each of the seventeen guest rooms is individually designed to offer a comfortable and relaxing escape, while capturing the history and charm of this waterfront Inn. The Ram’s Head Inn offers relaxed and accessible luxury with attentive service and plush amenities, including well-appointed bathrooms, quiet suites, and available transport service to the island’s ferries.

For the past 5 years, the Ram’s Head Inn has been home to an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, led by Chef Joe Smith. Open 7 days a week for brunch, lunch and dinner, Smith’s seasonally focused New American menu boasts fresh local produce, game, and seafood, accoutered with herbs from the Inn’s own gardens. For more information and reservations, please visit www.theramsheadinn.com or 631-749-0811. BBQ & cocktails are also included in the $50 ticket price with music by Jon Divello.

Location: 108 Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island, NY 11965

A Rocking Reason to Head to Shelter Island This Summer TRAVEL BETH ANN CLYDE | MAY 31, 2016

New lounge means more music at summer staple Ram’s Head Inn Since 1929, Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island has been a go-to spot to gather, relax and escape the grind of everyday life. Never one to rest on the laurels of being a summertime staple, co-owners Linda and James Eklund did some off-season renovating. Expect the Harbor Hall lounge you’ve been

listening to Sunday Night Jazz in since the 1980s to look and sound a little different.

There will still be great music—even more, perhaps, and you’ll be able to hear it better thanks to an enhanced speaker system. The improved lighting includes pendant fixtures and more light behind the bar that makes the glass rack sparkle, and you’ll be able to sip a crafted cocktail at a newly installed mahogany tabletop.

“My husband likes to say, ‘Owning an old building is like owning the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you’ve finished everything you wanted to do, it’s time to do something again,’” Linda said. “You always want to do something that’s going to create a spark when someone walks through the door.”

The Harbor Hall lounge got a facelift, but the cocktail menu will be vintage.

Expanding the lounge became something of a necessity after the Eklunds gave guests the chance to extend their much-needed getaways a day longer by opening the inn on Tuesdays last year. Dinner in the lounge and kitchen

became more like free-flowing experimentation, with food and drink pairings and tastings. The kicker? The meal was free for guests as part of “Tuesdays On Us” promotion.

“There’s no set format, it’s that day where we can play around,” Linda said.

“We do all kinds of things and someone was like, ‘Why don’t we do music there also?’”

The Eklunds obliged. Though the lounge got a facelift, this year the cocktail menu will be more of a throwback. Bar manager Harry Brigham will be making cocktails with hand-squeezed juices and top-shelf liquor. Think the Sun Splash made with lemon, lime and orange juices, orange blossom water, orange-flavored vodka, Cointreau and a splash of cranberry juice.

“On Shelter Island, people have great bars and wine lists, but I wanted to go a step further and I really thought our clientele would be willing to wait those extra few minutes while they watched their cocktail being created,” Linda said.

It is vacation, after all, and that “enjoy-yourself” vibe has helped Ram’s Head Inn stand the test of time.

“It’s just a comfortable place,” Eklund said. “We’re not trying to be anything other than that. People can come dressed up, people can come dressed down and everybody feels like they fit right in.”

beth ann clyde

Rent the Ram's Head Inn on Shelter Island for a Winter Weekend November 2, 2015 -

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island, NY may close its doors to the public from January through March, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have your own picturesque winter weekend there!

The charming waterfront 17 room inn is offering a special rate of just $1,700 to hand you the keys for the weekend. This exclusive rate gets you the run of the Ram’s Head Inn and each of the comfortable and charming rooms for you and your closest friends and family. Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or simply each other, and enjoy Shelter Island at its most beautiful.

Each of the seventeen guestrooms is individually designed to offer a comfortable and relaxing escape, while capturing the history and charm of this waterfront Inn. The Ram’s Head Inn offers relaxed and accessible luxury with attentive service and plush amenities, including well-appointed bathrooms, quiet suites, complimentary breakfast, and shuttle service to the island’s ferries.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.theramsheadinn.com or 631-749-0811.

Shelter Island: Where to stay and play July 11, 2015

By ERICA MARCUS erica.marcus@newsday.com

Change comes slowly -- and rarely -- to Shelter Island.

Summer after summer, the hills roll, the marshes rustle and the waves lap the crescent beaches. The hospitality scene is similarly constant: a dozen or so bed and breakfasts, and six small hotels.

This year, however, change is afoot on the hotel front: The venerable Chequit has been completely renovated by new owners, and another set of new owners has taken over La Maison Blanche and renamed it Shelter Island House.

Here's a rundown of Shelter Island's hotels. Be forewarned that in most cases, hotels require a two- or three-day minimum stay, and rates may vary depending on the month or day of the week.

The Ram's Head Inn

(Credit: Gordon M. Grant)

The Ram's Head Inn (108 Ram Island Dr., 631-749-0811, theramsheadinn.com) Cut off as Shelter Island is from the rest of Long Island, Ram Island is even more remote. The lush outcropping is connected to the rest of Shelter Island by a narrow causeway. There, among the handful of luxurious dwellings, is the Ram's Head Inn, which overlooks Coecles Harbor and Gardiners Bay. The gracious 86-year-old inn has a classic Hamptons look -- cedar shake exterior, antique-accented decor.

(Credit: Gordon M. Grant)

Highlights of The Ram's Head: There may be no more serene spot on the island than the lawn, strewn with Adirondack chairs, that gently slopes down to the inn's 800-foot private beach.

Sailboats, paddle boards, kayaking are available for guests' use (or moor your own boat) as is a tennis court / basketball court. TVs in common rooms.

The restaurant, whose executive chef is Joe Smith, serves an updated continental menu with global accents (duck-confit spring rolls, grilled tournedos of beef with truffled cream corn).

Lunch and dinner are served; breakfast is a continental buffet for hotel guests.

(Credit: Gordon M. Grant)

The Ram's Head has 17 rooms. Rooms on the weekends with shared bathrooms are $195 per night; rooms with private bathrooms, $325 per night; two-bedroom suites, $425 per night. Prices lower on weeknights. Open April through October.

RAM’S HEAD INN CONTACT INFO Address: 108 Ram Island Dr (Map) Neighborhood: Shelter Island Cuisine: American, Seafood Website: theramsheadinn.com Phone:(631) 749-0811 Price: $$$

NOBREAD FACTS Gluten Free Menu: Yes Cross Contamination: Yes Malted Rice: N/A Gluten Free Pasta: No Gluten Free Bread: No Gluten Free Taco Shells: N/A

SO HERE'S WHAT WE THINK...

Ram’s Head Inn is one of Shelter Island’s go-to Inn’s when visiting the area for a weekend getaway or wedding. Overlooking the water and equipped with tennis courts, paddle boards, a bar, and more- what’s not to enjoy? I had the opportunity to check out the Inn this weekend and dine at their restaurant, and I am excited to report my findings. The Inn is casual and rustic, and my dining experience was superb! …

The staff at Ram’s Head Inn couldn’t have been nicer throughout our stay, and our experience at the restaurant was no different. Although we were just two people, we were served dinner large enough to feed a small family, but hey, that’s a good problem to have, right? To start, we were served homemade potato chips and hummus in place of a bread basket. This appetizer was one of the highlight’s of our meal! It was so simple, yet so delicious! Next, we tasted the Gazpacho served with shrimp instead of lobster so that me and my dairy-free palette could indulge, the Prosciutto, Peach, and Arugula salad, Oysters, and Steamed Little Neck Clams with chorizo and

chickpeas. Needless to say, we were full after the first round. The salad was my favorite dish; candied pecans were toasted and scattered about the salad, adding crunch and flavor, the prosciutto was light and delicious, and the dressing was incredibly refreshing. For our main course, we went with the scallops served on top of succotash and potato crusted fluke served with ratatouille. Both were amazing! The best part about Ram’s Head is how large the portions are! You will absolutely leave satisfied and full! The salmon, duck, and swordfish are all gluten free, too, and restaurant favorites, so I will have to go back again and give them a try.

I highly recommend going to Ram’s Head on a beautiful summer night to enjoy a delicious meal and a beautiful sunset. With plenty of gluten free options and an unbeatable view, Ram’s Head Inn is worth a visit!

DINNER Chilled Local Oysters (6) ginger-cucumber mignonette, smoked chile cocktail sauce 16 Shrimp Cocktail smoked chile cocktail sauce, lemon 15 Tuna Cocktail mango salsa, avocado, ginger-coconut dressing 19

Long Island Sweet Corn Bisque smoked bacon, cilantro, green chile 12 Avocado, Cucumber, And Tamatillo Gazpacho red chile oil, lobster 15 Jumbo Lumb Crab Cakes chipotle aioli, corn salsa, avocado puree 16

Steamed Local Little Neck Clams chorizo, roasted tomato, chick peas

14 Duc k Confit Spring Rolls hoisin sauce 15 Mushroom Flatbread herbed goat cheese, truffle oil 14

Classic Caesar Salad white anchovies, parmesan, garlic croutons GF IF NO CROUTONS 12 Bibb Lettuce Salad avocado, green goddess dressing, crispy bacon, blue cheese 14 Prosciutto, Peach And Fennel toasted pecans, goat cheese, cured lemon vinegrette 14

Heirloom Tomatoes buffalo mozzarella, aged balsamic, arugula pesto 17 Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew pistachio vinaigrette, mache, ricotta salata 17 Pan Seared Scallops buttery succotash, smoked bacon, oyster mushrooms 34

Grilled Tournedos Of Beef potato croquette, truffled cream corn, bacon-madeira sauce 39

Chic ken Milanese proscuitto-ricotta raviolis, spinach, roasted tomatoes 28 Pan Seared Scottish Salmon jumbo lump crab crust, artichoke barigoule 36

Crescent Farms Long Island Duck Breast forbidden black rice, blackberries, star anise duck jus 32 Potato Crusted Fluke ratatouille, hummus, preserved lemon 34 Blackened Swordfish mashed plantains, mango salsa 32

DESSERT Coconut Panna Cotta passionfruit sorbet, candied cashews 9 Bittersweet Chocolate Cake pistachio tuile, strawberry gelato 9 Caramelized Banana Turnovers spiced rum caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla gelato 9

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble vanilla gelato 9 Lemon Pudding Cake marinated raspberries, chantilly cream

9 White Chocolate-Lime Cheesecake blackberry compote, caramelized pineapple 9

Spiced Chocolate Creme Brulee amaretto-pecan biscotti 9 Sorbet & Fruit

RESTAURANT GALLERY

Summer in a Bottle is back, Scrimshaw and Sang Lee to reopen: North Fork Spring Watch 2016 03/28/16

• Ram’s Head Inn Shelter Island’s Ram’s Head Inn opened for the 2016 season on Saturday, March 26 with a new spring menu.

For more information call (631) 749-0811 or visit theramsheadinn.com. The Ram’s Head Inn is located at 108 Ram Island Drive on Shelter Island.

Ram’s Head Inn hosting first ‘Summer Games’ August 8 by shelterislander

Can you toss a bag like this guy? Well maybe this tournament is for you.(Credit: Matt Niemi/Flickr)

Are you and your pal the best horseshoe players around? How’s your cornhole game?

Test your skills against other teams in a tournament next Saturday.

Ram’s Head Inn is hosting its first “Summer Games” Saturday, Aug. 8, a fundraiser for the Shelter Island Ambulance Association.

Entry is $50 and two-person teams can compete in bocce, cornhole, horseshoes and croquet.

The admission fee includes a barbecue, wine and cider from Wolffer Estate Vineyard, and live music from the Eric Collins Carey Constituency.

For tickets call 631-749-0811 or visit theramsheadinn.com.

Ram’s Head Inn hosts its first summer Lawn Games: PHOTOS by shelterislander The Ram’s Head Inn held its first summer Lawn Games Saturday, an all-day tournament featuring a variety of backyard games, food, wine and music.

Teams competed in bocce, croquet, horseshoes and cornhole. Wine and cider from Wolffer Estate was served and the musical entertainment was provided by The Erich Collins Carey Constituency Band.

Check out our favorite photos from the event below:

Welcome to the Lawn Games 2015. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

Jonathan, Linda and James Eklund with event organizer Susie Halloran Dempsy.

Event organizer Susie Halloran Dempsy with Rams Head owner Linda Eklund. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

The Erich Collins Carey Constituency entertains the crowd. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

Lauren and Cade Eklund with the crowd. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

A group of friends enjoy a little R&R during the tournament. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

Jordan Maggio and his son, Jax of Shelter Island play a little croquet. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)"

Kate Nurczynski of New York City tosses a horseshoe. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

Sumana Swamy and Brian Castelli of New York City play a game of cornhole. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

Dr. Jude Fink of Idaho steadies his shot. (Credit: Beverlea Walz)

Elizabeth Eklund and her nephew, Cade. (Credit: Beverlea Walz) Lawn Games, Ram's Head Inn, Summer Games

Ram’s Head Inn to celebrate Oktoberfest

by Monique Singh-Roy

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island (Credit: Monique Singh-Roy)

Put on your lederhosen and belly up to the bar, because Oktoberfest is coming to the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island.

The historic restaurant and inn will host their first Oktoberfest celebration next month on Saturday October 17, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“We used to do some beer dinners and stuff like that,” said Ram’s Head owner Linda Eklund.

“But this time we thought it would be fun to host an event, because there are some great things going on the island that day. There’s the Shelter Island 5k, then we’re doing the Oktoberfest and then the Shelter Island Historical Society will host their Oyster Festival at 4 p.m.”

Oktoberfest celebrations will take place on the hotel’s great lawn right after the Shelter Island 5k race and will feature a pig roast along with live music, as well as East End vineyards and

breweries offering tastings. Admission is $35 per person and will include two drink tickets along with the food and music.

Runners taking part in that day’s Shelter Island 5k race are invited to bring their race number with them to the Oktoberfest after the race, to enter to win a grand prize raffle.

“It’s very rare that Shelter Island has a complete day of activities where you can just roam the island and see one event at 11 a.m. , then another event at 1 p.m. and then even another event later in the day,” Eklund said. “This is a great way of connecting all these events with one another.”

The Ram’s Head Inn is located at 108 Ram Island Drive on Shelter Island Heights. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.theramsheadinn.com Oktoberfest, Shelter Island, Shelter Island 5k, Shelter Island Heights, The Ram's Head Inn

Browse by Topic Location Drink Shelter Island 07/05/16 6:25am

Kicking back at The Ram’s Head Inn: Cocktail Island

by Annette Hinkle

The Basil Breeze at the Ram’s Head Inn. (Credit: Annette Hinkle)

Built in 1929 and perched on a gentle hill overlooking Coecles Harbor, The Ram’s Head Inn is one of the most idyllic spots on Shelter Island and an ideal place to get away from it all and unwind in style.

And when it comes to unwinding, Harry Brigham, the man behind the bar in the inn’s comfortable and elegant lounge, is always ready and willing to mix up a cocktail or two to get the process going.

Traditionalists will appreciate the fact that on offer at The Ram’s Head Inn bar are some great retro favorites, like the Old Fashioned and the Sidecar. But with summer now upon us, one of the most popular signature drinks on the cocktail card is the well-named Sunsplash, an inspiring offering made with vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, fresh lemon, lime and orange juice, and the key ingredient — orange blossom water.

“It’s cold and fresh. The orange blossom water adds perfumy notes,” explains Mr. Brigham. “It’s just a couple drops — it’s very powerful stuff and adds that aromatic perfuminess — but when you don’t have it, it falls short.”

As a bartender, Mr. Brigham has been making the Sunsplash for more than 20 years and he notes his secret to crafting great cocktails is to use the best ingredients available and not cut corners by working ahead.

“The staff and I don’t take shortcuts when making drinks,” he says. “Everything is done to order.

Anything we can do at the moment, we do.”

That means muddling the herbs by hand as needed and using only fresh lemon, lime and orange juice. Crafting high-end cocktails has become a tend from coast to coast in recent years. So here on Shelter Island, what does Mr. Brigham find his customers are really looking for in a drink these days?

“We’re on an island. It’s not a Caribbean island, but it is an island,” Mr. Brigham explains.

“People want something fresh and fruity. So we try to do what wouldn’t be over the top in sweetness and make sure you don’t lose the base spirit.”

“All these things work together… and premium spirits make premium drinks.”

Two herb-inspired cocktails at The Ram’s Head Inn are the Summer Thyme and the Basil Breeze. The Summer Thyme consists of Belvedere vodka, raspberries, lime juice, locally sourced peach bitters (when available), and a sprig of thyme. The Basil Breeze is a creative blend of house infused basil vodka, fresh lemon and Steigl-Radler Grapefruit beer from Germany. The beer provides a gentle fizz with grapefruit overtones that combine nicely with the basil flavoring to make this a particularly refreshing drink for a hot afternoon.

Speaking of hot, for those really looking to spice up their summer, the Shelter Island Sunset is the way to end the day — figuratively and literally. Mr. Brigham’s version is made with Soltado’s añejo tequila, which is infused with Serrano peppers and cinnamon. While the tequila brings a nice amount of heat to the drink, its spice is tempered with a mixture of mango and strawberry purees and a splash of citrus.

To our way of thinking, it’s an ideal way to heat up our summer spirit while we watch the sun go down over Coecles Harbor. So grab a seat in an Adirondack chair on the inn’s lovely lawn and get lost in a cocktail or two.

Let’s face it… summer doesn’t get much better than this. Cheers!

The Ram’s Head Inn is located at 108 S. Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island Heights. (631) 7490811www.theramsheadinn.com.

Cocktail Island, Coecles Harbor, Harry Brigham, Ram's Head Inn

3 Things to do on Shelter Island this weekend: August 12, 13 & 14 by shelterislander

August 12, 2016

The Ram’s Head Inn will host the Island Gift of Life’s 2nd Annual Summer Soiree this Sunday (Credit: Monique Singh-Roy)

Looking for something to do on Shelter Island this weekend? Shelter Island by northforker has got you covered.

Here are three events worth checking out. Or as always, you can visit our events page.

Island Gift of Life Foundation 2nd Annual Summer Soiree Spend an afternoon enjoying food, drinks and shopping on Saturday, August 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ram’s Head Inn. There will be a J. McLaughlin trunk show, live music, an art auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds benefit the Island Gift of Life Foundation, which provides financial assistance and other related support services to patients on the East End with life-threatening illnesses. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance at islandgiftoflife.org or at the door.

The Ram’s Head Inn is located at 108 Ram Island Drive.

Tuning up: Schedule of Shelter Island Sounds Summer is officially here and the Island music scene really revs up this week with a dozen different events. In addition to the cool Sunday evening jazz line-up with Peter Martin Weiss and Jane Hastay, the Ram’s Head Inn will feature the Jon Divello and Chris Tedesco duo on Tuesday nights.

The Pridwin has jazz on Tuesdays with Dennis Raffelock and great dance bands every Wednesday at their famous barbecue. The Shipwreck at SALT will also offer an expanded musical schedule, and Sylvester Manor will initiate its first-ever Sunday evening concert series, the second Sunday in July, August and September. The Dory will host a Jazz Fest in August.

The Perlman Music Program has concerts every Friday and Saturday as well as free Works in Progress concerts all summer long, and the Friends of Music will continue with concerts monthly.

It’s great to see so much music offered in so many great spaces. Email me at music@sireporter.com.

Here’s what’s happening this week: Thursday, July 2 • The Shipwreck at SALT: Rock with Mick Hargraves from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, July 3 • Ram’s Head Inn: “Musical Food” with Lisa Shaw, Tom Hashagen and Doug Broder — jazz standards, blues and light rock from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

• Perlman Music Program: Annual faculty concert at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 4 • The Shipwreck at SALT: The Tranya Trio from 1 to 4 p.m.; blues with Rob Europe from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Perlman Music Program: Works in Progress concert, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 5 • The Shipwreck at SALT: Jon Divello Duo from 1 to 4 p.m.; Scott E. Hopson from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Ram’s Head Inn: Jazz with guest vocalist Sari Kessler, with Jane Hastay, Peter Martin Weiss, John Ludlow and John Cataletto, 6 to 9:30 p.m.

• Friends of Music: Beethoven sonatas featuring pianist Delia Lazar, 8 p.m., Presbyterian Church.

Tuesday, July 7 • Ram’s Head Inn: Jon Divello Duo, 6 to 10 p.m.

Stay in Shelter Island, NY

By Sara Lehman on June 8, 2015

Shelter Island, NY is a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city streets and get away for a little without going too far.

This island is quaint and charming nestled between the two forks of Eastern Long Island. Shelter Island is best known for its stunning sunsets, prime beaches, and locally caught seafood. Since 1929, the Ram’s Head Inn has been this island’s “anchor,” welcoming vacationers from around the world to this beachfront retreat overlooking Coecles Harbor.

The current owners are a husband and wife team: James and Linda Eklund. They have been a big part of keeping this Shelter Island institution primed with sunset cocktails and fine dining, chic accommodations, and picturesque weddings.

With many local hotels and restaurants seasonally opening and closing, it’s good to know that the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island has truly proven to be an exception to the numbers!

How’s the food? Well, The Ram’s Head Inn is home to an acclaimed onsite farm-to-table restaurant, run by Chef Joe Smith for the past 4 years. Visitors may choose to be seated in the beautiful and spacious main dining room or (if the weather permits) dining outside al fresco at one of the many tables overlooking the harbor.

Chef explains, “Our menu celebrates both the richness and simplicity of the local agriculture. Taking full advantage of all that the East End has to offer, including our own cultivated gardens, ensures that each course is created using the freshest, most vibrant seasonal ingredients.”

Some fun happenings here from now until Labor Day: Sunday Night Jazz is back for the Summer at the Ram’s Head Inn! Relax in the lounge with a cocktail or watch the sunset on the Great Lawn to the smooth sounds of live jazz by Jane Hastay and Peter Martin Weiss with weekly guest vocalists and musicians. No cover.

Who: Jane Hastay, Peter Martin Weiss, and Special Guests What: Summer Sunday Jazz Series Where: The Ram’s Head Inn 108 Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island, NY 11965 631-749-0811 When: 6:00pm – 9:30pm Every Sunday through Labor Day Weekend

Check out The Rams Head Inn this summer for some jazz, sips, and sun!

Summer eating in the Hamptons: Where to eat from Le Bilboquet to Union Cantina There's more to the east coast seaside than clam chowder, from French classics to fusion flavours, discover the top eateries to explore this summer Hugo Campbell-Davys Friday 12 August 2016

Summer in the city means one thing: go to the beach! Here is our pick of the best new spots to hit in the Hamptons.

Red Maple at The Chequit Armed with flatbreads, local seafood, and rustic yet delicious roasts, this new spot is set to be exactly the escape you need. Resting on a secluded hill, it has

been a favourite for celebrities and high rollers since the 1940s, such as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, who called it their Hamptons home. The revamped Red Maple restaurant is housed in the Chequit landmark resort on Shelter Island. With their new executive chef Gayle Scarberry in place, the menu has had an overhaul with seasonal dishes featuring ingredients including Montauk fluke, Prince Edward Island mussels and South Fork asparagus.

There is also picnic option available, where you can have a hamper made up of your favourite treats to take with you to the beach, poolside, or whatever adventure you might be getting into.

Le Bilboquet The classic Upper East Side hotspot, Le Bilboquet, is joining the cool kids and has headed to the Hamptons. Known as much for celebrity spotting as their French dishes, expect much of the same glamour and buzz at the new Sag Harbor location, that made this a social must in the city.

The menu keeps the French hits coming with dishes such as moules mariniere, foie gras, and duck. The former B Smith restaurant location has had a complete overhaul and has been nicknamed "the hottest new Hamptons opening of 2016".

Billionaire owner Ron Perelman is looking to expand further afield with an Aspen, Colorado location also in the works.

Arbor Much loved Duryea's gets a Mediterranean little sister filled with fun and sophistication. Businessman Marc Rowan has opened Arbor this season with a new team of players, offering beach-front dining from local favourite and former Shelter Island’s Sunset Beach's ex-chef Pierre Sudre. The menu has dishes such as merguez with braised lentil, bell peppers, soffritto and Dijon mustard and free-range chicken with roasted potatoes, lemon and basil. Light and full of flavour, this is a menu that everyone can find something on, pairing the chilled out energy of the beach with a hint of city sophistication.

With a gorgeous outdoor garden surrounding the bar, this is the perfect spot to spend summer days and nights. Inside, find a sunken dining room with an exposed wine cellar and yet another bar. The drinks list has around 20 bottles available by the glass as well as a craft beers and expertly made cocktails.

The Jue Lan Club opened in Circo's former home

Jue Lan Club Restaurateur Stratis Morfogen brings his Flatiron Chinese spot to the Hamptons.

After a Memorial Day weekend kick off, Flatiron's Jue Lan Club now has a second outpost in Southampton. Featuring some Chinese-styled classics, this new spot has opened in Circo's former home and follows a similar vibe to the original flagship.

Trying to capture an artsy yet clubby feel, this 6,000 square foot space features a nightclub (The Barn) with 200 seats plus a gallery space curated by Gruin Gallery's Emerald and Adrian Gruin, showcasing special works from Greg Haberny, Mint & Serf and never-before-seen Keith Haring. Hang out and eat small bites such as braised oxtail bao buns, chicken satay, and shrimp crystal dumplings, before putting on your dancing shoes until the wee hours of the morning.

Topping Rose House's patio dining area

Topping Rose House After chef Tom Colicchio's departure last year, the world waited to see who would be able to take his place at this year-round oasis of luxury at Topping Rose House. The restaurant managed to snag another big name to make sure their food game is on point. Enter Jean-Georges Vongerichten, award-winning chef and restaurateur, who will take over the kitchen housed within the 1842 Greek Revival-style mansion-turned-hotel. The menu is hyper seasonal with many of the ingredients coming from the estate's own farm.

Just 10 minutes walking distance from the Bridgehampton train station and less than a five-minute walk from the beach, the hotel has 22 guest rooms, annexes and guest cottages, as well as a pool and modern garden plus a spa and fitness centre.

Harbor Hall at the Ram's Head Inn has a newly renovated cocktail lounge with a vaulted ceiling and hand-crafted tables

Harbor Hall Armed with a new bar manager and a completely renovated dining room, the Ram's Head Inn is back and better than ever. Sitting right on the waterfront, the classic inn has been remodelled to the tune of £16,000. The Shelter Island getaway features the Harbour Hall restaurant, with world-class cuisine from chef Joe Smith which focuses on local produce and is very seafood heavy, embracing the region’s natural bounty. Using the local terrain as inspiration, the style itself falls firmly into the New American category, allowing influences from around the world to shape delicate dishes bursting with flavour.

The drinks are being looked after by mixologist Harry Brigham, who has worked in the Hamptons and New York City for several decades, and put together a new list of craft cocktails featuring seasonal flavours whenever possible.

The space had a complete makeover; updated decor features handmade-tables by the owner himself, plus carefully arranged lighting. The space is more than just a restaurant as it houses weekly wine tastings and a raw bar.

Union Cantina From the same restaurateur as the Southampton Social Club, this new upscale Mexican spot, Union Cantina, is full of flavour, colour, and delicious tequila

and mescal. Because summer obviously means you should be drinking agave spirits, Ian Duke’s traditional Mexican taqueria helps tick that box. The extensive menu aims to cover all the bright Mexican flavours, the drinks are a huge aspect of the experience. Modelling themselves on pulquerias (taverns) of Mexico, drinks focus on fermented agave drinks served with all the style and flair we've come to expect.

Housed in the former Publik House spot, this year round eatery features Iron Chef contestant executive chef Scott Kampf – who previously worked with Duke over at Southampton Social Club – and at the former sites occupants Publick House.

For more urban food news, go to urbanologie.com      

More about: Food and Drink The Hamptons America Food Restaurants

02.5.2016 HAMPTONS WEDDING SPOTLIGHT | THE RAM'S HEAD INN + MADISON LEE'S CAKES

1. Reception Site: The Ram's Head Inn | 2. Cake + Cupcakes: Madison Lee's Cakes Refined elegance awaits at The Ram’s Head Inn! Celebrate with a wedding weekend getaway rife with award winning cuisine and breathtaking waterfront views. From private beach ceremonies to open air receptions on the lawn, The Ram’s Head Inn is the ultimate destination for your East End “I do’s.”

Set hearts aflutter with confections from Madison Lee’s Cakes. Brilliantly designed and hand-painted, each cake is truly a work of art and perfectly capture the essence of the couples they are created for. Crowned with decadent sugar petals and baked with love, Madison’s Lee’s Cakes is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth.

No.09.9.2015 {NOTEWORTHY NEWS }

SAVE THE DATE | OFF SEASON COCKTAIL PARTY AT THE RAM'S HEAD INN

Seeking an elegant & intimate celebration in the heart of the Hamptons? Look no further than The Ram’s Head for the cocktail party style wedding of your dreams.

Delight in seasonal savings through November 1st and March 31st at the Ram’s Head Inn! Enjoy decadent hors d’oeurves and sweet sips during a lovely post-“I do” cocktail party in a classic and comfortable setting. Spend the weekend celebrating your wedded bliss in luxurious style in one of the sumptuous guest rooms, before indulging in a farm-to-table feast in the award-winning restaurant.

Click >> HERE << for more!

THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN

Thursday, MAY 26, 2016

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bar right in town where a delicious, affordable seafood lunch awaits you.

For an anytime snack or lunch stop by the authentic family run Bella Vito Pizzeria and restaurant.

Head over to Shelter Island Kayak and book a group Kayak trip to explore the island’s calm beautiful shoreline for only $60. Be sure to visit historic Sylvester Manor, the classic and oldest house on the island, built in 1652 and remodeled through the years to adapt to changing architectural styles. The manor is now a working plantation and an educational organic farm. Their annual farm-to table fund-raiser dinner is scheduled

for Saturday, June 25 and proceeds will support restoration efforts.

The residents of Shelter Island are fanatic bird lovers who have built platforms on top of telephone poles for Ospreys, to nest. Huge birds of prey similar to Eagles, the nests have significantly helped increase the local population of Ospreys; a once endangered species. To work off the fabulous meals you’re sure to be eating, stop by Shelter Island Pilates or head to Shelter Island Yoga.

If you bring the kids, they will enjoy The Whale’s Tale Mini-Golf next door to Whale’s Tale Ice Cream Parlor,

TRAVEL

Shelter Island

By Richard Levy

Historic, quaint and off the radar, Shelter Island is renowned for its gorgeous sunsets, pristine beaches and delicious, locally caught seafood. Nestled in the calm waters between Sag Harbor on the South Fork and Greenport on the North Fork, this tiny island is the antithesis of the pretentious, trendy and tedious Hamptons.

Catch the ferry to Shelter Island from the lovely old fishing village of Greenport. Or, instead of driving out and back, consider taking the Hampton Jitney from 44th Street and Third Ave., a block from Grand Central –taxi service is available throughout the island. Plan on an AM Jitney to avoid weekend traffic. This way, you can sit back on the comfortable seats, read, sleep or just drift off into nowhere-land. There’s a restroom on the Jitney and they serve complimentary beverages and snacks. The trip takes about two hours and you’ll arrive rested and stress-free at the Greenport Ferry.

Once you reach the island, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time, though you are only two hours from Westchester. First settled by the Manhanset Indians, farmers and fisherman flocked to Shelter Island in the early 1900’s. During the Depression, wealthy Long Islanders and beer barons from Brooklyn built huge Victorian mansions here.

Prohibition rum-runners would meet boats carrying rum from the Caribbean, unload their valuable cargo on the beaches and sell it to saloons on Shelter and Long Islands.

Visit the Historical Society at 16 South Shelter Road to see hundreds of vintage photos and other relics that document Shelter Islands past.

Shelter Island:

ShelterIslandChamber.org SylvestorManor.org Lapetiteshelterisland.com SunsetBeachLI.com MarieEiffelMarket.com GreenportVillage.com Shelterislandhistorical.org TheRamsHeadInn.com

Dering Harbor, Shelter Island. Image courtesy of the Shelter Island Historical Society Today, you’ll find quaint, but luxurious lodgings and absolutely fabulous restaurants. The island boasts a challenging nine-hole public golf course, 12 public tennis courts and marinas where you can rent kayaks, sailfish or motor boats. Enjoy great surf-casting from any of the four beaches. (Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve been lucky at Hay Beach at dawn or dusk).

Gazebo at The Ram’s Head Inn, In 1947, Dr. Robert Oppenheimer, Shelter Island. Image courtesy of referred to as the “Father of the The Ram’s Head Inn. Atomic Bomb,” organized the threeday conference at Shelter Island’s toasted gnocchi, peas, smoked ham Ram’s Head Inn for a very important and chanterelles. The Rams Head Conference on Quantum Mechanics Inn has an outstanding wine list that where the world’s most famous includes award-winning Long Island nuclear physicists assembled to tackle wines. physics most perplexing mysteries.

Two other charming hotels are La Was it the secluded location, Petite Maison – a boutique hotel in a the cozy accommodations or the Victorian setting and Pridwin Hotel appetizing menu that caused Dr. and Cottages, located on Crescent Oppenheimer to hold his conference Beach. at the Inn? I’m guessing all three. I The Island has quite a few fine enjoyed a lunch here one afternoon restaurants. Do plan to dine at the and highly recommend the “Lobster Vine Street Cafe on North Ferry Road, BLT,” loaded with chunks of lobster serving dishes you’d only expect to claw, crisp bacon and farm-fresh find in Michelin Guide restaurants. My tomato on a home made multi-grain favorite place for a relaxing delicious bun. Before or after dinner, spend Island breakfast is Kyles, on North some time lingering over your favorite Ferry Road, located in a charming old cocktail or two in their vintage, ornate house. I loved their eggs, cheese and large bar. For dinner, I suggest the bacon on a whole-grain ciabotta roll. incredible Spring Pea and Leek Soup Stop by “Marie Eiffel, a French with truffle-parmesan flan and the café and gourmet food market in amazing Shaved Asparagus Salad Shelter Heights: so French you’ll made with orange, radish, parmesan think you are on the Rive Gauche. and citrus vinaigrette. The Crescent Farms Duck Breast served with straw- Have a coffee and a slice of Marie’s berry-rhubarb relish, black rice, and Tarte Tatin as you sit out back on her broccolini is delicious. Lobster lovers deck facing Shelter Island Harbor and will find it doesn’t get any better than watch the boats swaying to the gentle their Butter Poached Lobster with breezes. Another great place for lunch is the vintage Dory restaurant and

Continued on page 12

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Page 12

THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN

Thursday, MAY 26, 2016

TRAVEL

Shelter Island Continued from page 11

offering some of the best home-made ice cream you’ve ever tasted. Look for hidden treasures at Fallen Angel Antiques and stop by Hap’s Iron Works to see his amazing sculptures.

I emphatically suggest that you spend a day in Greenport, named “One of America’s Prettiest Towns,” by Forbes Magazine in 2011. Greenport is a quaint old fishing village that now is home to fashionable restaurants and boutiques. Be sure to visit the East End Seaport Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Long Island Railroad Museum while you are there.

Stop by the Coronet Restaurant, – also known as the vintage Soda Restaurant and order their homemade corned beef hash and eggs. Have lunch overlooking the scenic harbor at Claudio’s. Wine lovers will enjoy

Mashonk Manor, Shelter Island. Image courtesy of the Shelter Island Historical Society

visiting Kontokosta Winery and Old Fields Vineyards on beautiful Long Island Sound in Greenport, to sample some of their Gold Medal wines.

Back on the island, stop by the

Harbor Hall Piano at The Ram’s Head Inn, Shelter Island. Image courtesy of The Ram’s Head Inn.

very un-Shelter Island like, tastefullyglitzy Sunset Hotel and restaurant on Crescent Beach for cocktails. You’re sure to catch a gorgeous sunset and jetsetters who’ve escaped the Hamptons.

BOOK REVIEW

Book Review: Left of Boom

How a Young CIA Case Officer Penetrated the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, by Douglas Laux and Ralph Pezzullo

By Lee Daniels

“I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants ever since I got here. The fact is, I have only the haziest understanding of Central Asia, or even of Tajikistan and its civil war. The place is a spy’s nightmare; American baseline knowledge is zero…the fortunate side of it is that Washington doesn’t really care whether I understand the place or not,” wrote former CIA operative Robert Baer in his 2011 memoir, The Company We Keep.

Like Baer, Douglas Laux, who recently retired from the CIA after seven years and several tours of duty as an operations officer in the war-torn Middle East, joined the CIA almost on a whim.

Also like Bauer, Laux, who had recently graduated from college and filled out an application after attending a job fair held by the Agency, did not expect to be accepted; indeed, months passed before he heard back from his future employer.

After several interviews and a battery of tests, Laux was offered a position in the Agency’s National Clandestine Service (formerly the Directorate of Operations)

and after a year of training and language school, was posted to a forward operations base in a remote area of Afghanistan close to a stronghold of Al-Qaeda and Taliban operations.

The similarities between Baer and Laux continue, coming to a head when Laux arrives at the forward base and realizes that he had leaned a dialect of Pashtu that is different from the one spoken locally.

“I arrived in Kabul two weeks later armed with some training, near fluent Pashtu (or so I thought), and no field experience,” Laux writes in his 2016 memoir of his service with the Agency, Left of Boom: How a Young CIA Case Officer Penetrated the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

In his book, Laux’s frustration with inadequate intelligence and logistical support, and harrowingly counterproductive bureaucracy from his superiors becomes a refrain that begins with the start of his service and continues unabated through his two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Syria.

“I learned quickly that most of the Agency support people in Afghanistan were like tellers in a bank. They

completed their tasks in front of them, but didn’t bother trying to understand the bigger picture—like what was going on at the forward bases, or what it took to run human assets. Their sole concerns seemed to be their safety and careers.”

But, the Agency had done well in choosing Laux for his work and post.

Instead of acquiescing to the problems that presented themselves, he did what few but the brightest, most resourceful and motivated young men will do when encountering barriers preventing them from success: he improvised.

Laux hired a local Pashtun (an ethnic group indigenous to the area of Afghanistan in which he was posted) to teach him the correct dialect, and dove into blending in with the local population, growing a long beard and dressing exclusively in local attire.

Through fierce determination and ingenuity, he managed to establish a network of agents who ultimately assisted in helping identify and take out some local Al Qaeda officials who were high up in the food chain, an accomplishment none of his predecessors had achieved. One of his biggest operations resulted in the capture of one of the most

Another great place for drinks is The Shipwreck Bar which often has music from Thursday to Sunday nights.

I suspect your time on Shelter Island will go by all to fast. Secluded,

nearby and easy to navigate, after an initial visit, you may find that the quiet charms of this peaceful island will have you returning again and again.

prominent kingpins of one of the largest Al Qaeda networks in the Middle East, who had eluded U.S. military and intelligence community for years.

Laux’s life as a CIA operative in Afghanistan and Syria, as described in his narrative, is packed with excitement, intrigue and action. Reading his accounts of close encounters throughout the book leave the reader’s palms sweating.

In one passage, he describes an encounter in an elevator with an agent who turns out to be a subversive rather than an asset.

“With a look of intense hatred in his eyes, he slowly opened his palm to reveal a three-inch folding knife…a million thoughts raced through my mind. The solution was to talk him out of doing something stupid. If he opened the blade, I’d slam him in the neck and drive the blade into his chest,” writes Laux.

In addition to the strains of living in hardship posts, engaging agents and possible enemies in remote areas in the middle of the night (he is usually accompanied by armed ex-Special Forces personnel and an interpreter in these meetings, but is always armed himself), Laux deals with another stressor.

Throughout his seven years of service, he is forced to lie to his family, girlfriend and closest friends about his work and whereabouts.

Posted in Washington, in between overseastours,Lauxbeginsabusingpainmedication after a serious foot injury and drinking heavily to combat his personal woes.

After seeking treatment, he manages to overcome his problems and is subsequently posted to Syria, from where he travels extensively in the region as well as Europe.

This ends up being his last tour. Both in his book and in a 2016 interview with NPR, he describes the strain of having to carry passports in seven different aliases and answer his phone in five different languages. After a short vacation in Costa Rica, during which he contemplates a future of constantly living a life under a continued cover story, he returns to headquarters and asks his superiors for an unpaid leave of absence.

“No, Chief,” I answered, “I don’t have PTSD. I’m just really burnt out from three consecutive war-zone assignments and would like to take an extended break.

I haven’t taken an R&R for eighteen months,” writes Laux of this meeting.

His request for a year of unpaid leave denied, Laux votes with is feet, and hands in his resignation.

In a farewell gathering at one of his and his colleagues’ favorite Georgetown watering holes, Laux has a revelation.

In conversing with a younger colleague Continued on page 13

OPENINGS

What's New in the Hamptons for Summer 2016

By Sara Ventiera | May 18, 2016

Harbor Hall The Ramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head Inn on Shelter island renovated over the winter, updating its bar and lounge to the newly reopened and renamed Harbor Hall. The waterfront space features a new sound system, updated decor and lighting as well as tables that have been handmade by the owner himself. Expect weekly wine events, frequent live music, raw bar and locally-sourced fare. Mixologist Harry Brigham has taken over the bar, serving a new craft cocktail menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The inn is accessible by car and boat.

108 Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island; 631-749-0811