SAG HARBOR, N.Y. — A new restaurant is set to open in the Sag Harbor spot on Bay Street that housed the Dockside Bar & Grill for years.
Michelin-awarded chef Melissa O'Donnell is partnering with leading culinary platform, Kittch, to open Sag Harbor Kitchen, “a coastal culinary haven offering a wide variety of fresh local seafood, lobster, steaks, vegetarian and vegan specialties and the best burgers in the Hamptons,” according to a release.
Sag Harbor Kitchen will have a limited menu starting Memorial Day weekend and will host its grand opening on June 15.
Through its partnership with Kittch, Sag Harbor Kitchen will offer a new level of personalized dining experiences, including events with other celebrity chefs, cooking classes, live kitchen broadcasts and more, the release said.
Although the East Hampton Star reported last year that the new incarnation of the location would be Bay Street Tavern, with Eric and Adam Miller, along with Adam Potter, running the business, the Millers later opted out of the plans, according to the Star.
Located in an “iconic location” that has shared its rich history with the American Legion for more than 25 years, “Sag Harbor Kitchen has reimagined the classic space, blending contemporary design with nostalgic charm to create a unique hospitality experience that celebrates the community's maritime roots,” the release said.
Chef O'Donnell has spent her career as a trailblazer in the New York restaurant scene and has been recognized for her work over the years with five Michelin Bib Gourmand awards at three different restaurants, the release said. Bib Gourmand is the Michelin designation for establishments that offer excellent food at affordable neighborhood prices.
In 2001, she opened her first restaurant, Stella, to “raving reviews” in the New York Times and other publications. Stella introduced the concept of community dining to the New York restaurant scene, the release said.
Her next restaurants, Salt and Salt Bar, expanded on the communal table tradition introduced by Chef O'Donnell. has been recognized as a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, the release said.
With Salt she won her first Michelin award. Her next two efforts, Thelma on Clinton and Li'l Gem, were also recognized by the Michelin Guide.
“Sag Harbor Kitchen's goal is to be both young and new and at the same time feel like it's always been there,” the announcement reads.
O'Donnell is dedicated to using fresh, local ingredients from the land and sea.
“I am excited to be a part of this exciting new endeavor in beautiful Sag Harbor. I have been coming to Sag for many years and this opportunity to make this my next chapter is a dream come true,” said O'Donnell. “My culinary inspiration at Sag Harbor Kitchen is the beautiful waterfronts from Lisbon to Sicily to Beirut, yet we have created a unique Sag Harbor kitchen. My team and I are committed to creating unforgettable dishes that celebrate local seafood and fresh, seasonal ingredients from the amazing farms around the Hamptons. We strive to surprise people with our menu with everything from great burgers and steamboats, to the freshest seafood on the Montauk boats. And, hopefully, our shared table and focus on community will make SHK a place that introduces new neighbors to each other and rekindles old friendships.”
In an exclusive partnership with Kittch, Sag Harbor Kitchen will offer special events with celebrity chefs from around the world, cooking classes and live streams from the kitchen, the release said.
In addition to the sea-to-table menu, SHK will offer an extensive wine list.
The restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as special events. Guests will have the option of enjoying drinks and a bar menu on the outside deck, with fireplace tables and lounge seating, enjoying the sunset in the dining room or experiencing the sights and smells of the kitchen itself, the release said.
SHK will also have a beachside cocktail and food menu, as well as pre-theatre dessert and drink menus. The restaurant also offers a private dining room for dinners and special events.
“Committed to supporting the local community, Sag Harbor Kitchen embraces its partnership with the American Legion, with plans to assist local veterans and their families through various initiatives and events,” the release said.
For more information, click here or follow SHK on Instagram @sagharbor.kitchen.
