A lobster roll, some fried clams, a beer... and a ring?!

(I'm not sure why my blog is cutting off all my photos, but I'm working that.)

That's right ladies and germs. I was proposed to at The Clam Shack on Montauk, L.I. yesterday over a lobster roll, a clam roll and a coupla beers while "Goin' to the Chapel" was on the stereo. As my brother said, "Does it get any better than that?".

I think not.





About The Clam Shack

I highly recommend the lobster roll and the steamers. The lobster roll is something of an art in that it is almost always over-thought. It should be, in my opinion, extremely simple and fresh and therefore unbeatable in terms of taste. This lobster roll has mayo, celery for a little crunch and maybe some seasoning I didn't taste because I was too busy enjoying what I should be: lobster. It was on a sweet roll and came with a wedge of lemon and some cole slaw. My idea of heaven.



We ate there twice and the first time my fiance (giggle, giggle) had the steamers which the waitress informed us had just been taken out the water on Shelter Island that day. They were delicious. The next day he had the clam roll - also on a sweet roll and served with lemon and tartar sauce - which was just as scrumptous in a fried kinda way.

We had come from Montauk Point - a state park which is (guess where?) on the point of Montauk right on the ocean. It's a nice drive and a lovely view. There's not much there besides a gift shop, a lighthouse and greasy diner-type restaurant. But if you need more than the ocean to get you out there, I don't know what to tell you.





We saw a particularly strange vehicle in the parking lot while we were there and had to document it:








As my fiance said, "That's dedication."

We stayed in Southampton, L.I. at The Box Farm Inn which was quite nice. Here are some photos of the place. A woman named Connie introduced to the house and the set-up when we first arrived Friday night.







We stayed in the Library Room just off the main entry and it was lovely. The one downside is that the inn is right on Rte. 27 which is the main thoroughfare so there is traffic noise most of the day and some of the night. There are still crickets and birds however and the grounds are beautiful. Your room fee includes a home-cooked breakfast the next day by Alice, the chef, who made some of the best corn muffins I've ever had as well as eggs, bacon, pancakes and toast.







There is also an open bar to all guests (danger! danger!) and a pool that is heated to 85 F and open 24 hours a day with complimentary beach towels.





All in all, it was a lovely weekend complete with rest and good food and romantic dinners. We ate the first night at Trata's, a Greek seafood place with a club-like atmosphere that caters to the rich and soulless. The food was good, but even with excellent service it was not worth the price and if you're like me and do not leave NYC to see and be seen, then this is not the place for you.

Also, at The American Hotel in Sag Harbor the scene is busy and glam in an urban getaway kind of way. I'm sure most of the Hamptons are like that and like I said, not my thing. If I want fancy, sceney food I'll stay in Manhattan and while I like a nice, dark hotel bar and restaurant as much as the next 75 year-old man, this was not that. I don't recommend it even though the food is quite good.

Both my fiance and I preferred Montauk for it's more laid back atmosphere and natural beauty. Next time, you can find us on the ocean or at The Clam Shack munching on some lobster.