Last weekend, as DJs Alesso and Diplo and countless celebs descended upon Montauk, the trendy Hamptons town unveiled its latest nightlife attraction: Montauk Project.
Located on Fort Pond Road, the 6,200 square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant-bar-lounge is the brainchild of nightlife vets Bryan Seekamp (a 14th generation East Hampton local who clocked stints at Escobar Aspen and Grey Lady in Manhattan) and Sam Berkson, who was the General Manager of Gold Bar in New York. Designed by Kristin Furman and West Chin of West Chin Architects & Interior Design with natural beach-y materials like blonde wood, wicker light fixtures and stone with palm trees and tropical plants, the vibe is member’s club sur la plage.
The catchy name, however, is not based on the popular conspiracy theory that alleges a series of United States government projects involving psychological warfare techniques, LSD therapy and time travel were conducted at Camp Hero (the Montauk Air Force Station). “The Montauk Project” conspiracy theory was even the basis for the hit Netflix TV series Stranger Things (“Montauk” was actually the working title). “‘Project” implies that we are not a static entity but an evolving and innovative venture,” explains Berkson. “We are constantly working on new ideas, and experiences including local artists, musicians, and dishes creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.” That said, you can surely expect the young stars from Stranger Things to drop by when they are in Montauk. The scene opening weekend was pure PYTs, who waited eagerly outside the velvet ropes to get in.
The chef, Jesse Freijo, worked for Daniel Boulud and his menu includes a deliciously fresh fluke crudo with avocado, pickled chilies, green onion and ponzu as well as a bone in veal chop with fingerling potatoes and lemon caper pan sauce. Another must-munch: the whipped ricotta, artfully smeared on a plate with rosemary, honey, pomegranate and served with a loaf of steaming bread straight from the oven. – PETER DAVIS
Montauk Project will be open 7 days a week from 5pm to 2am.
