My Perfect Day: Quogue

Quogue and East Quogue. Both villages are so tiny I decided to combine them for “My Perfect Day — Quogue.”

I would start my day with an iced coffee from Beth’s Café in the downtown area of Quogue. This quaint and adorable cafe may be one of the only options in town, but it sure is a good one. And the iced coffee comes with a paper straw, which always gets brownie points with me (#strawlesssummer). Beth’s Café is open for breakfast and lunch.

After coffee, it’s off to the Quogue Library, which offers an outdoor sculpture exhibit by artist Niki Lederer through the month of June. Lederer explores a love/hate relationship with consumer culture. She makes sculpture from repurposed plastic that she harvests from curbside recycling.

For brunch, it’s a stop at Hamptons Farms in East Quogue. This is a favorite new spot in the area. The brunch menu and cocktails are equally delicious. Try the super refreshing “A Taste of Summer” cocktail, which includes Crop cucumber vodka, watermelon, basil, and lime juice. In the warmer months, the restaurant offers an inviting setting to sit outdoors with friends over a quality meal and a tasty beverage.

Later in the afternoon, it’s off to explore the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. I could spend hours exploring this 300-acre preserve. Upon entering, you will find the resident animals, which include a barred owl, red fox, and bald eagle that have been injured and require human care to survive. The views along the trails are beautiful. During a stroll through the property’s trails, I discovered even more diverse wildlife, including a few turtles and a hawk. On the grounds there is also a butterfly garden. Say no more, this is my new favorite place to wander.

For dinner, it’s the Stone Creek Inn. It’s one of my favorite restaurants on the East End, not just East Quogue.

Owners Elaine Digiacomo and chef Christian Mir met while working at New York’s landmark Tavern on the Green. In 1996, they opened the Stone Creek Inn in what was once the Ambassador Inn, built in 1910.

I love a good prix fixe, and Stone Creek Inn participates in many of the Restaurant Weeks that come to town. I advise you to take advantage of the cuisine du marche (cooked with local produce) menu when that time of the year rolls around. It’s the best deal in town.

It also offers a two-course $30 prix fixe all evening Monday to Wednesday and Thursday to Sunday for 5:30 reservations. It is also available from Uber Eats, but it’s always best to experience in person.

Jessica@indyeastend.com
@hamptondaze