This date itinerary features three of our favorite things: baked goods, art, and cocktails.
Although the beach weather is long gone, and the pumpkin flavors have been exhausted, there is still plenty of romance to be had on the East End of Long Island. A mini wintry adventure is just what you need to take a break from the humdrums of the season, and to lessen the affects of seasonal affective disorder. We hope you enjoy this month’s curated date. We took it for a test ride, and it’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
First Stop: Tate’s Bake Shop
Tate’s is rightfully famous for its cookies—but on this date, we suggest you step out of the box.
It’s for good reason that Tate’s cookies—sold in that ubiquitous green bag—are popping up everywhere. The chocolate chip cookies are their best sellers, and if you try them you’ll know why. But when you visit their bake shop in person, you’ll find that their freshly baked goodies are what you must try. Their chocolate mousse cake is possibly the most popular item there, and I can personally attest to their coffee cake’s perfection. Sit out front, if you can handle the cold, with some hot chocolate in hand. And breathe in the fresh air on a brisk day while holding mittened hands.
Tate’s Bake Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Second Stop: The Parrish Art Museum
Through January 21, 2018, the Parrish Art Museum will offer an incredible photorealism exhibit you won’t want to miss.
Engage your inner intellect at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill. While at first glance, this museum could be mistaken for a shipping and receiving facility, the great give-away that it could be something more are the two massive LED screens projecting a video art project that can be seen from far away. It’s a really stunning sight—and one we imagine would be even more beautiful surrounded by snow, so fingers crossed you catch it on a snowy day.
Through January 21, 2018, the museum will offer an incredible photorealism exhibit that will stretch your conception of what differentiates photography from painting—and they also have new events and exhibits regularly, so check their website for info. On your way out, visit the cafe for a snack and the museum’s store for some holiday gifts.
Admission for adults is $12 (kids under 18 are free). The Parrish is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday. The museum is closed on Tuesday.
Last Stop: Almond in Bridgehampton
When in Bridgehampton, eat as the locals do—at Almond.
Finish your date with a romantic dinner at Almond in Bridgehampton. You might already be familiar with the Almond in the Flatiron district of Manhattan. The Bridgehampton location is its sister site where they proudly serve local fare. You must try the head bartender’s latest creation, Coop’s Coupe. Named after a local winemaker’s son, it’s made with the vermouth produced by the local winery, Channing Daughters, and includes ingredients as surprising as parsley flower bitters, cider confit, and a garnish of dehydrated local pears that the bartender dehydrates himself, amongst other clever ingredients. In addition to having a cozy french vibe, the restaurant also boasts a whole slew of artist and writer’s nights where you will dine with poets, writers or composers, to name a few. Reservations are required. See website for schedule.
Almond is open Sunday through Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
