Cool lunch in hot East Hampton
Cuban pulled-pork-and-ham panino at Nichols East Hampton Credit: Newsday / Joan Reminick
The thermometer may be near 100 elsewhere, but on the patio of Nichol’s in East Hampton, it’s temperate and breezy. There, under an umbrella, I have a lovely summer lunch.
Lobster sliders—four to an order—are made with cool lobster salad moistened with just the right amount of mayo, a bit of celery added for crunch.
Panini are made with respect on flat bread that grills up beautifully. I don’t expect to be impressed with the tomato, pesto and mozzarella panino ordered by a pal, but the ripe red tomatoes, fragrant basil and fresh mozzarella prove me wrong. A Cuban pulled-pork-and-ham panino with pickles and mustard scores another hit. And a crab burger (actually a more-than-respectable crab cake) has virtually no filler. Lime and cilantro impart extra kick.
No wonder the place always looks packed.
Nichol’s of East Hampton is at 100 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, 631-342-3939.
My Cuban pork panino
