I love apple picking! So with fall barely in full swing, Jack and I have already been twice. I pick while he taste tests every assortment (gala, cameo, ginger gold, empire, etc.) and provides commentary.

There is something so comforting about picking apples. I haven’t quite pin pointed the feeling but perhaps it comes from envisioning all that we can do with these gorgeous, delicious apples. As Jack and I walk down the lanes of apple trees we talk about what we plan to make: apple juice, applesauce, apple pie, apple crisps, apple tarts, apple muffins, caramel apples or just simply apples and honey (a big topic these last few weeks with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah).

The first time around it was apples and honey for the holiday and an apple crisp. The second time it was apple juice and with a fruit drawer still full, we have some decisions to make. But I am thinking apple muffins (see recipe below) and caramel apples (something I can’t resist).

Mema & Jack

We live in an area rich in farmland. Thus, whether an apple orchard, a farm stand or a farmer’s market (and there are many on the East End) there is an abundance of local and sometimes organic (and gorgeous) fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and more.

Being that I am a culinary nutritionist (and a mom like most of you), I need and want to offer my kids the best food education that I can. Farms (like Quail Hill or Amber Waves) are great places to take the kids to help them understand where our food comes from. If not the farm, the farm stand or farmer’s market is another fabulous option. I always allow Jack to pick something he wants then we go home and cook with it.

In fact last week we took it a step further, away from the vegetables and fruits, and went to Iocona Farm on Long Lane in East Hampton. It’s the spot out here to get great poultry, fresh from the farm. I have a confession to make: I do eat fish and poultry, but if I see it alive (as in fishing for fish or seeing my chicken running around), I get freaked out and can’t eat either. Yes, maybe I should be a vegetarian, but I am not. So at a friend’s suggestion, I sucked it up and went to Iocona (in fact, I called ahead to be sure that I did not see my feathery friend alive). My antibiotic-free, vegetarian fed and free-roaming chicken was packaged and ready when we arrived. And, roasted with the potatoes from the farm stand across the street, it was seriously the BEST chicken I have ever had.

So, welcome to fall and all that the East End has to offer. The colors, textures, smells and flavors will awaken the senses and give you and your family something fun to do!

Apple Muffins
by Stefanie Bryn Sacks, M.S.
SERVINGS: 8

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup             maple syrup
1 cup            apples, grated
1 teaspoon         cinnamon
1 teaspoon         nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon         ground cloves
1/4 cup         safflower oil
1/4 cup         apple butter
1 teaspoon         vanilla
1 cup            unsweetened soymilk

2 cups         whole wheat pastry flour (or spelt flour)
2 teaspoons         baking soda
3/4 cup         walnuts chopped

METHOD:
Pre-heat oven to 350˚

In a large saucepan, combine first 9 ingredients and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, mix all dry ingredients together. Then combine the two to form a batter. Pour into muffin pan (using paper liners) to fill cup 3/4 and bake for 20-30 minutes.

Sole East

Last week I was out to dinner at a stereotypical Montauk “tourist hot spot”. I never go, but we had family in from France so we thought it would be apropos.  After one look at the menu, I asked our waitress (who was not from this country) if there was anything “UN-fried” on the menu (about 85% of menu was fried food). Her reply, “That is what American’s eat, fried food!” I was beside myself. Sadly, that is the way we American’s are seen—fried food lovin’ freaks!

I am happy to say that this week I am writing about a restaurant that is the farthest thing from stereotypical Montauk “tourist hot spot”. Welcome to Solé East and all it has to offer. I have to say that when I walked through the hotel (by the way an incredible sanctuary) to get to the Backyard Restaurant, life downshifted a couple of gears. How nice!

So on Sunday evening, Heather and I and our respective brews dined “family style”. I have to say that I have eaten here before and loved it, but never with the kids—a totally different experience. Dave and Cindy Ceva, Sole’s down to earth owners, have three small kids of their own. And, as a result, this amazing sanctuary was created with kids in mind. There’s an indoor playroom, a sandbox, a huge enclosed yard for lots of safe running around, a volleyball net and shuffleboard. When we arrived the kids took off. On either side of the fenced pool (safety in mind) just beyond the restaurant there are rows of these incredibly large lounge beds (not lounge chairs but lounge beds!). The kids threw their shoes off and began a night of play. We sat down in the outdoor lounge area—my favorite dining spot. But, if you don’t fancy the location of the tables (whether in or out), the staff is happy to move one wherever you would like on the property. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Have you ever heard of Drop and Dine? Novel idea! Dave and Cindy have it down to a science. On weekends, Solé offers on-site eat and play babysitting while you dine. A relaxing dinner when out with your kids? Yup, it is true! At $20 per kid who can beat that! Important to know, reservations are required.

Among the many things that I love about Solé is that there is NO KIDS MENU! You can order off the regular menu or ask for what you would like and the chef will oblige (grilled chicken, pasta, etc). Quite honestly, that is the way it should be—real food for real little people. Not all that fried funk!

A final thought. Having an infant can definitely cramp your dining style when along for the ride. My tactic is that I bring Hunter bathed and in pajamas with a bottle ready to go. And, I keep my stroller handy. So, once the clock hit 6:30 I knew it was time. I went into the hotel’s lounge (that is very zen mind you) to give him his bottle and stroll him to bed. Now, where can you get quiet like that at a restaurant?

Atmosphere
Totally easy going and relaxed with a sophisticated yet uncomplicated atmosphere. Feels like home to me!

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
Everything is worth a shot. All food is wholesome, fresh and delicious. Local and seasonal ingredients are used whenever possible. Conscious cuisine! Just what I love!!!

Cool Kids Add-Ons
Where to begin!
•    Indoor playroom
•    Sandbox
•    Shuffle Board
•    Volleyball
•    Plenty of closed-in yard to run around in
•    On site babysitters for Drop and Dine

Other Amazing Stuff
•    Drop and Dine Service (weekends)
On-site eat and play babysitting while you dine
$20 per kid
Reservation required

•    Sunday Brunch with the Ice Jazzies  (live music)
11am-3pm
Unlimited Mimosas and Solé Mary’s included with brunch
$30 per person

•    Sunday Movie Night for older kids
8:30pm
Barbeque

•    Tom’s Shoes pop-up store (www.TOMSshoes.com)
For every pair you purchase Tom’s will give a pair of shoes to a child in need

Solé East
90 Second House Road
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.2105

Second House Tavern has been one of our favorite spots since opening last year. The owners, Jon (also father of two really awesome young boys) and Abbey, are gracious and accommodating as is the staff—very important when with children. We go on the early side (5-6pm) and typically eat in the Grill Room or backyard (great space for kids to run around) for more casual dining. Perfect timing for the $30 three-course prix fixe from 5-6:30pm 7 days a week. When with my Nana (who is 90 and loves “fine” dining) we enjoy the Tavern Dining Room for a more sophisticated yet down to earth menu. Kids welcome too!

A few words on typical kids’ menu choices—I have grown tired of burgers, chicken fingers and pasta. How about grilled chicken, broiled fish, some kind of vegetable! That is how I feed Jack at home thus I prefer to feed him that way when out (though I do cave at times). On our last family visit to the Tavern, I asked Jon if I could order grilled chicken and a vegetable for Jack. No problem! We were served the most delicious chicken and asparagus. Jon, Abbey and staff are flexible. Ask and you shall receive!

Atmosphere
Everything about the Tavern is casual and down to earth. It is clean, comfortable and on the cozy side (for a fairly big restaurant).

Menu Favorites (GR—Grill Room; TDR—Tavern Dining Room)
•    Fire Roasted Tomato Soup (GR)
•    “Grill Room” Chopped Salad (GR)
•    Margherita Pizza (great entrée for the kids) (GR/TDR)
•    Lobster Sliders (GR)
•    Lump Crab (TDR)
•    Vegetarian Cassoulet (GR/TDR)
•    Gunpowder Chicken (GR/TDR)
•    Montauk Black Bass (TDR)

Cool Kid Add-Ons
•    Huge outdoor sandbox in front parking lot area
•    Great back lawn with outdoor dining
•    Wiki Stix (colorful wax sticks) to keep your kids busy for quite some time
•    Spacious dining area for kids to walk around if necessary
•    High chairs

~Stefanie Sacks Dec

Photo credit: NEWSDAY,THOMAS A. FERRARA, June 25, 2008

Jack and Gianna gave this week’s pick a quadruple thumbs up!!!! The Hideaway, located at Diamond Cove Marina, is a very special eatery. This colorful café serves fresh southern Mexican cuisine prepared fresh daily with lots and lots of LOVE! Just the way I like it.

Frieda Reichert, a warm and loving woman, who with her husband Skip, created The Hideaway almost four years ago, greeted us with open arms. The first words out of her mouth (outside of hello and welcome) were, “We offer many gluten-free options and we are food allergy sensitive.” A restaurant after my own heart (I am gluten-free)! And a great thing to know for those with dietary restrictions. The reason the majority of Mexican cuisine is gluten-free is that the primary grain used is corn—a gluten-free grain. This eatery is also a vegetarian’s heaven. And as far as the kids are concerned, there are tons of choices from tacos to rice and beans as well as some typical favorites—chicken fingers and quesadillas. In addition to the Mexican fare there are steamed seafood offerings as well as BBQ. My dad, who is a rib fanatic, said that Skip’s ribs were the best he has ever had.

Jack and Gianna had a blast (and so did Heather and I). The kids played outside around our super huge picnic table with umbrella (there are many to choose from as well as indoor seating). There was plenty of room to move around and play, which meant less whining (yeah)!

A few good things to know: You must order and pick up your food at the very cool bar (with three flat screen TV’s). There is no table service; and the hours of operation are as follows:

•    Lunch and dinner 7 days through Labor Day

•    After Labor until end of September, dinner only Monday through Friday; closed Wednesdays; weekends lunch and dinner.

•    Call for hours after September.

And, by next year, The Hideaway is going GREEN!!! They are changing all of their cleaning products over, using recycled paper products and so on. Conscious cuisine!!! Can’t forget to mention that their kitchen is one of the cleanest restaurant kitchens I have ever seen (and I have seen many).

Atmosphere
Casual and rustic café

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
•    Chips and guacamole
•    Cactus salad
•    Shrimp tamale
•    Sopas
•    Enchiladas verde

Cool Kid Add-Ons
•    Lots of room to play
•    If kids get bored, can walk them down to docks to see boats
•    High chairs

The Hideaway
At Diamond Cove Marina
364 Westlake Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.6592

In the aftermath of 9/11, Lewis and Tracey Gardell, residents of downtown Manhattan, made the move to Montauk with their three boys in tow. Making the move from NYC to Montauk can surely be culture shock for many but knowing that, Lewis and Tracey committed themselves to making sure that their new kids on the block (and the local youth they befriended) had something more than this amazing one-horse town could offer. Soon after their arrival, the Gardell home became the local hang out for the teenagers and their friends. Tracey, a talented culinarian, cooked her way through cultures while the kids enjoyed and commented on her cuisine. What an amazing way for kids to learn about the world around them!

The Gardell home quickly became a place where 12 local kids, including the Gardell boys, began to identify themselves with different cultures and cuisine. It was then that Tracey and Lewis agreed to buy 782 Main Street and embark on what they called a community project helping to give these kids and the many to follow a sense of being part of something, a sense of responsibility and a real sense of self. The kids literally handmade what is now 668 The Gigshack, laying tile, painting, creating menus, etc. And to this day, they continue to work together to create menus, run the shop and give it the personality that it carries. All with the continued love and support of Lewis and Tracey.

Now in their fourth season, The Gigshack, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner has become a Montauk mainstay. The unique global surf cuisine, all prepared to order by 19-year old head chef, Gray Gardell is fresh and delicious. Portions are huge so come with an appetite. They truly cover the cultures with tapas, sushi (Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm), bohemian BBQ, 35 kinds of well-researched beer (no hard-stuff offered), homemade baked goods and LavAzza coffee.

The kids menu is simple with real chicken fingers and quesadillas. FYI, you can ask for fresh fruit or vegetables instead of French fries. They were happy to oblige. Plus there is plenty on the main menu that the kids would love.

Can’t forget the live music every night from 6-8pm and during the day on weekends. By the way, on Mondays there is this great boy band, Rite of Way.
Atmosphere
Surfer shack sidewalk café with a cool local vibe. Totally kid-friendly! Indoor and outdoor seating.

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
•    Chips and guacamole
•    Provolone salad
•    Fish tacos
•    Lobster tacos
•    Soft shell crab BLT
•    Fresh baked goods (also going to be offering wheat-free items)

Cool Kids Add-Ons
•    Safety First high chairs with trays (like no other!)

Other
•    DOGGIE friendly (sidewalk seating allows for dogs to be on leashes next to table; ask for water and biscuits and you will be served!)
•    Wi-Fi services

Six-Six-Eight The Gigshack
782 Main Street
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.2727

A playground for kids it is! Indoors is spacious as well as the outdoors. We sat outside under the “dining tent” with the whole gang so Jack, Gianna and Nina could run around (Hunter’s not running anywhere yet!). Not sure where else in Montauk you can find space like this—Rick can accommodate big groups without any worry. Even last minute! And if there’s a weekend wait, there is live music to entertain.

Serving lunch and dinner, there are several varieties of fried and un-fried fish and shellfish; pulled pork, chicken and ribs for those who love BBQ; as well as burgers and salads. Also, there is a veggie burger for those plant lovers; the lobster roll sandwich is a favorite among pilots and the king crab legs are always a must. There’s a raw bar and the Crabby Bake is hot stuff offering steak, lobster or crab legs with steamers, clams, mussels and potato for only $39.95. And, can’t forget to tell you that the steamers were the BEST I have EVER eaten (and I am a steamer lover!). Kids menu offers a variety—we had fish nuggets that were local and fresh!

On our way into Rick’s the kids spotted the Hershey’s ice cream shop. If you have never had Hershey’s ice cream, you MUST try (my indulgent side). Although Jack didn’t get his fair share (Hunter needed a nap, desperately!), we will surely be back.

We came in to a hello and left with a big hug from Rick. He brings you in like your one of his own!!!

Atmosphere
Totally casual with a carnival kinda feel. A fun and safe place for the kids.

Cool Kids Add-Ons
•    High chairs
•    Spacious indoors
•    Large outdoor space
•    Hershey’s ice cream shop (only one in town)
•    Smores by the fire at night
•    Live music Saturday and Sunday early evening to share with the kids  (6pm)

Other Amazing Stuff
•    Live Music
Fridays 7:30pm Caroline Doctorow
Saturdays and Sundays 6pm Larry Cooley

•    Smores by the Fire
Every night with Breana (Rick’s daughter), resident Vice President of Marshmallow Tasting

I adore the kids menu—Joni has it down cause she has kids! But also check out the “adult” menu for other kid-friendly options (like the Grateful Veg— vegetable and tofu or chicken stir fry with rice). My son Jack and I love to share it. By the way, portions are BIG!

But wait! That’s not all Joni’s has to offer. There’s coffee, tea, fresh baked goods and snack foods. Sit down and dig in at the big indoor community picnic table, hang out at one of the outdoor tables or pack it up and go to the beach. Whatever your choice, you can be sure that the food will touch your tummy!

Atmosphere
Down to earth and relaxed, Joni’s is typically packed with locals and out-of-towners. Kids are welcome and you often see Joni’s kids hanging out. Doggies also welcome (but not indoors, of course). In fact, there is an entire cork board devoted to pics of friends doggies.

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
Breakfast
•    Breakfast wraps
•    Creamy Organic Oatmeal
•    Homemade Organic Granola

Lunch
•    The Zen Rabbit
•    The Grateful Veg!
•    Thai Me Up!
•    Smokin’ Jack!
•    Curry Up!

Smoothies
•    Berry Bliss
•    Peach Lover
•    Aloha

Kids
•    Bearito
•    Frisbee

Cool Kids Add-Ons
Just an overall awesome atmosphere for kids. Food is delicious and nutritious so you can rest assure that your kids are being fed well (that is if you can get them to eat—one of a parent’s great challenges!).Joni’s
34 South Etna Avenue at Edison Street, #9
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.FOOD (3663)

Joni’s, owned by a cool “cuisine conscious” Montauk mom is another local hot spot. Vegans to carnivores dig in to the many yummies that Joni’s has to offer—everything from smoothies and fresh juices to breakfast and lunch. There is much to choose from for those with special dietary needs too—not easy to find when out and about.

I adore the kids menu—Joni has it down cause she has kids! But also check out the “adult” menu for other kid-friendly options (like the Grateful Veg— vegetable and tofu or chicken stir fry with rice). My son Jack and I love to share it. By the way, portions are BIG!

But wait! That’s not all Joni’s has to offer. There’s coffee, tea, fresh baked goods and snack foods. Sit down and dig in at the big indoor community picnic table, hang out at one of the outdoor tables or pack it up and go to the beach. Whatever your choice, you can be sure that the food will touch your tummy!

Atmosphere
Down to earth and relaxed, Joni’s is typically packed with locals and out-of-towners. Kids are welcome and you often see Joni’s kids hanging out. Doggies also welcome (but not indoors, of course). In fact, there is an entire cork board devoted to pics of friends doggies.

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
Breakfast
•    Breakfast wraps
•    Creamy Organic Oatmeal
•    Homemade Organic Granola

Lunch
•    The Zen Rabbit
•    The Grateful Veg!
•    Thai Me Up!
•    Smokin’ Jack!
•    Curry Up!

Smoothies
•    Berry Bliss
•    Peach Lover
•    Aloha

Kids
•    Bearito
•    Frisbee

Cool Kids Add-Ons
Just an overall awesome atmosphere for kids. Food is delicious and nutritious so you can rest assure that your kids are being fed well (that is if you can get them to eat—one of a parent’s great challenges!).

Joni’s
34 South Etna Avenue at Edison Street, #9
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.FOOD (3663)

~Stef

So I imagine you get that I am a HUGE fan!!! If I could, I would move in for it feels like home to me. And the food is my culture—healthy and wholesome. Not only is there a café with lots to choose from, but you can also buy everything from cucumbers to cookies to cleaning products and rest assured that everything is of the highest quality (no funny stuff in anything).

Let’s talk breakfast and lunchtime only cafe—a wide range of inventive vegetarian cuisine on regular menu and daily special board. The only non-vegetarian option is the yellow fin tuna salad that is to DIE FOR. Typically made fresh daily, you can get it on a salad platter, sandwiched or wrapped—definitely a Montauk favorite. And, I can’t forget the smoothies and vegan desserts (many of which are wheat-free)!

Just want to add that you can sit in or out. The back garden is great for kids on the loose, in strollers and dogs on leashes. No high-chairs, so make sure you come prepared with the kids.

Atmosphere
Want to feel at home, go to The Good! The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make breakfasting, lunching or snacking relaxing and delightful!

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
Breakfast
•    Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
•    Homemade Granola (with yogurt)
•    Organic Oatmeal

Lunch
•    The Cheryl Split
•    The Naturally Good Salad
•    Veggie Walkabout
•    Tuna Walkabout
•    The Bruce
•    Tofu Dogs (not the junkie fake hot dogs…this is REAL tofu)

Smoothies
•    Strawberry Guava
•    Rice Dream Shake

Naturally Good Foods and Cafe
38 South Etna Avenue
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.9030