June Restaurant of the Month | Red Maple

Self-described as “serving a seasonally inspired New American menu in a minimalist rustic atmosphere, Red Maple at The Chequit delivers a fresh culinary experience that reflects the bounties of the Eastern Long Island region.”

Sounds pretty good, right?

The Hamptons proper are obviously all the rage come summertime, but the middle child of the hamlets is for sure Shelter Island. While you may need to take a ferry to arrive, the island doesn’t skimp on charm, a hint of exclusivity, and obviously, delicious food. Our June pick was Red Maple.

Under the direction of executive chef, Gayle Scarberry, the eatery boasts a seasonal menu (our fave) available for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Located in The Chequit, a similarly rustic, yet luxurious hotel that makes you feel like you’re sleeping away at a posh summer camp, Red Maple is the perfect place for hotel guests and beyond to try some authentic Hamptons flavors. So, what’s on the menu?

The pretzel bites and tuna tartare bites are the way to tease your palate at the commencement of your meal. One casual, one more fancy, they are both big on flavor, extremely fresh, and offer a hint of the deliciousness to come.

We also recommend the calamari; served with jalenpeno, shaved red onion, and a to-die-for cajun aioli, it’s the perfect summer snack. A little kick from the peppery flavors will jumpstart your tastebuds in all the right ways.

For your entree, the Montauk fluke is exceptional. Locally sourced, this white fish is everything a summer meal should be; light, healthy, fresh, with a lot of zest. Paired with local market vegetables, meaning whatever is the the freshest and tastiest, the fluke is seasoned with chablis, lemon, and fresh basil and cooked in parchment for that rustic edge. Similarly, the skirt steak is also a delicious option. Prepared at just the right temperature, the dish comes with asparagus roasted potatoes and – our favorite seasoning – original chimichurri, that is, let us say, out of this world.

What’s even more convenient is that Red Maple also offers its delicious cuisine To Go. If you’re more into a casual, grab your grub and hang by the beach mood, the restaurant serves picnic-ready wraps and more to enjoy wherever you’re jetting off to. It’s like a win-win.

{Photo via The Chequit}