Whereas every season in Southampton has its charms, restaurateur Ian Duke prefers the cooler climate, when the social frenzy slows down. “Fall and winter I discover to be probably the most stress-free, because the depth drops off significantly,” says Duke, who owns a half dozen eating places and hotspots cut up between Southampton and New York Metropolis. “I additionally actually don’t like excessive warmth,” he provides. “Give me leather-jacket-weather any day.”
Duke has lived “out east” since 2010, when he opened Southampton Social Membership (256 Elm St., 631.287.1400), and he makes his residence within the small village of East Quogue. “I like it right here,” he says, although he spends most of his time in Southampton. “If you dwell your life in hospitality and nightlife, a bit sanctuary is kind of important.” —Jeanne O’Brien Coffey
UPSCALE FEASTS
Duke admits that— particularly with the staffing scarcity wrought by the pandemic—he doesn’t get many free evenings. However he’s a fan of the rib eye steak on the latest jewel in his hospitality crown: Union Sushi & Steak (40 Bowden Sq., 631.377.3500), which opened in July 2020. “I eat it far too commonly as a result of it’s that tremendous. It’s most likely taking a yr off my life, however a minimum of I’m smiling,” he says, including that the restaurant “has a cool vibe, an excellent employees, and provides a uncommon spot for year-round outside eating.” Its pure air circulate—crucial because it opened within the midst of the pandemic—and house heaters preserve folks snug even within the lifeless of winter.
Duke loves the atmosphere at Argento (15 Primary St., 631.488.1300), the place his buddy Vlad Rozsypal is managing associate and maître d’. “He is aware of how to ensure persons are having enjoyable. [Guests] are energized after they’re in his restaurant.”
CASUAL COMESTIBLES
For breakfast, you’ll discover Duke at Sip & Soda (40 Hampton Rd., 631.283.9752). “[It’s] a real throwback from the outdated days, run by an excellent neighborhood household.” When he goes out along with his spouse and daughter, they often head to Union Burger Bar (40 Bowden Sq., 631.377.3323 ) as a result of his daughter loves the milkshakes. “I find yourself being in my restaurant even for the few hours that I don’t need to be,” he says with fun. “What are you able to do? It’s probably the most family-friendly restaurant in Southampton.”
PET FRIENDLY
The Duke household features a cat and three canines. One, a Jack Russell combine with an inclination to choke, is called after Scott Norwood, the Buffalo Payments area purpose kicker who missed towards the NewYork Giants within the Tremendous Bowl. All are from Southampton Animal Shelter (102 Outdated Riverhead Rd. West, Hampton Bays, 631.728.PETS), which Duke helps ardently. “We’ve achieved occasions with them. I really like the individuals who run it. I couldn’t be extra emphatic.”
Whereas he finds the quieter seashores of East Quogue higher for working his canines, the Southampton Village Canine Park (Lola Prentice Memorial Park at Windmill Lane) can also be terrific for pooches, he says. “We do a variety of seaside walks and visits to the good canine run in Southampton.”
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