Historical properties, new businesses, and more on the North Fork
Einstein Square Open in Southold
After a complete update and renovation, the Rothman’s Department Store and the new adjoining Einstein Square is now open to the community. Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Southold mainstay and 80th anniversary of the summer Albert Einstein had spent in Southold, when he befriended Mr. Rothman, referring to the time as his “happiest summer ever,” co-owners Jonathan Tibett and Glenn Heidtmann, Jr., and Douglas Elliman Real Estate celebrated with an unveiling, dedication, and reception on August 2.
“It was important to honor and preserve the 100-year history of this space,” said Jonathan Tibett. “We’ve accomplished our mission of creating a central place for connecting as a community.”
“The intention was to foster a setting that serves as an inviting respite from the world, right in the center of town,” added Heidtmann, a fourth-generation contractor who revitalized the street-level storefront and surrounding green-space while preserving and refurbishing the residential spaces upstairs.
Douglas Elliman licensed real estate salesperson Scott Bennett and licensed associate real estate broker Susan Romano hold the listings for the new commercial and residential rentals in the square. The commercial spaces are ideal for upscale retail, farm-to-table, takeout, and other retail.
The George Webb House is in Contract
A notable historic home in the Village of Greenport is now in contract. Built circa 1875, ship painter and dealer in paints and oils George Webb’s home at 163 Central Avenue is now in contract. Listed for $915,000 by Douglas Elliman licensed associate real estate broker Jill Dunbar, the two-and-a-half story home has an eastern wing and one story porch with turned columns on pedestals extends across the frontage of both wings. A stunning example of Italianate architecture, the home has retained many of its prime features throughout the years. There is a double parlor, second staircase to the master bedroom, pocket doors, and many other period details. In the private backyard is a two-story antique barn.
Bloom Collective North Fork
A love for growing blossomed into a vibrant and fragrant business for Southold residents Jane Greenko, Vanessa Rebentisch, and Meg Strecker. Their new business, Bloom Collective North Fork, grows a variety of flowers including wild sunflowers and calendula, as well as edibles like mint, thyme, basil, and chives on two acres at Charnews Farm. Hand-picked florals are turned into beautiful bouquets to be sold at local markets. Their various blooms can be found at popups, including at White Flower Farmhouse in Southold. They also hope to join the Greenport Farmers Market soon.
Salt and Sea Bistro Opens in Jamesport
A tucked away North Fork restaurant has found a new owner in South Jamesport. The former Bay Breeze Inn is now Salt and Sea Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant serving up Italian and Mediterranean-influenced fare. Helmed by executive chef Allison Fasano, the restaurant is now open every day except Tuesdays. The menu features chilled clams and oysters, watermelon and crab gazpacho, and swordfish kebabs, among other land-based starters. Guests can expect a surf and turf burger and New England lobster roll, as well as homemade pastas like the linguine and crab. Formerly a chophouse, owners David and Donna Perrin leased the dining room space with Long Island restaurateur Don Chiavetta.
New Culinary Team at Claudio’s Waterfront Restaurant
Seasoned Hospitality, which manages the Claudio’s restaurants, has announced a new celebrity chef, Franklin Becker, as the culinary director and new executive chef Kevin Garcia will direct the property’s three kitchens – Claudio’s main restaurant, Claudio’s Waterfront and Crabby Jerry’s. Becker, who has worked in notable kitchens including Capitale, Brasserie, EMM Group (Abe & Arthur’s, Lexington Brass and Catch) as well as collaborations with Starr Restaurant Group, Grand Hospitality and La Central at The Hotel Americano, aims to bring a more contemporary, local, and market-driven approach to the kitchens. “I’ve spent my entire career in New York, and the North Fork has always been a great source for produce. Now, being able to visit nearby farmers and fishermen to select the freshest product is exciting. Products make the dish, skill defines it,” says Becker.
Garcia has worked with Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Prime in Las Vegas and Drew Nieporent at Lucca in the Boca Raton Resort and Club, and has served as Chef di Cucina of famed Del Posto prior to leading the kitchens of ‘Cesca’, Accademia Di Vino and Giovanni Ranna at Chelsea Market. His fine-dining background combined with Becker’s unique take on ingredients and flavors will help shape Claudio’s into a diverse culinary hotspot.
