A Sliver Of Almond On Fire Island

Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides of popular Bridgehampton restaurant Almond just announced that they will now operate and curate the Blue Whale Restaurant and Canteen at Fire Island Pines.  So what does the duo have in store for The Pines?

Recently acquired by FIP Ventures, Fire Island Pines is an internationally famous gay community that includes the famed Pavilion nightclub complex, Hotel Ciel, the two dining establishments, a grocery store, gym, and clothing store, as well as several other retail spaces and residential properties. Basically everything you would need if living on a (not-so-deserted) island. Lemonides and Weiner, known for their successful Almond restaurants both in the Hamptons and Manhattan, were brought in to the newly owned venture to refresh the concept at both dining establishments.

In true Hamptons form, the team has created a casual beach-like environment for the Blue Whale, with cuisine highlighting the local fare of seafood and other local bounty. Executive chef Jason Weiner (pictured right) and chef de cuisine Andrew Engle (of legendary Laundry Restaurant) have revamped the menu to include dishes like Steamed Black Mussels, English Pea & Leek Soup with grilled day boat scallop, Striped Bass, and Semolina Linguine with tiny clams.

Formerly Bay Bar, the Canteen is the newly expanded and upgraded restaurant right next to the Pines' Pavilion. A more casual option, the Canteen offers an array of grab-n-go options for breakfast, lunch and late night, much as the name would suggest.

Judging by the delicious showing we got from Almond at last weekend's Great Chefs Dinner, we can expect great things from their new Fire Island venture.

Blue Whale serves lunch and dinner seven days a week: 11a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight Friday – Sunday; and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Phone: (631) 597-6500.