As the weather improves on the East End, so does the news in the land of food and beverage. The latest glad tidings come from restaurateur Alex Rossi in the form of Lion’s Nook, a welcome new casual eatery on Main Street in East Hampton.
You might recognize Rossi’s name as the man who kept Springs Tavern alive and well, the tucked away, convivial eatery known for being the preferred gin joint of Jackson Pollock and other artists and writers of his generation. That he’s putting his touch on the space that once held O’Malley’s in the ’80s and ’90s, Rowdy Hall for a nice spell and, briefly if far less successfully over the last couple of years, Village Bistro.
But it’s a space that deserves the once-thriving bustle it held in the Parrish Mews, snuggled up next to the Regal UA East Hampton movie theater. Enter Rossi and business partner in the venture Gary Fuhrman, a local investor and philanthropist with a Wharton School degree.
“Over the past four years, we’ve been incredibly well received by the Springs community and beyond. Gary and I felt like it was the right time to introduce something new to the Village,” said Rossi in a statement to the press. “We aim to serve freshly prepared meals that appeal to a wide audience, offered at approachable prices and complemented by thoughtful service. Just as we did with Springs Tavern, we’re excited to honor the history of this location.”
Executive chef Fabian Rodas will head up the menu of classic pub faves with a locally sourced skew and, best yet, the plan right now it to be open year-round (hooray!).
The name is a nod to Lion Gardiner, one of the earliest English settlers who came to East Hampton and found it fetching.
“Our hope,” continued Rossi, “is that guests will feel right at home in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Lion’s Nook.”
The official opening day has not been set, but look for doors to swing wide in early summer, serving daily from 4 p.m.
