South Edison, Montauk

Montauk is the place to eat this summer.  The good news for us is that we are 15 minutes away.  Change has been happening in Montauk over the past couple of years and this summer has hit a new all time high.  Cynthia Rowley actually opened a shop on the main street.  Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing but a changing thing. 

South Edison opened last summer so this is a returning meal.  I went a few times last summer.  The menu, although changes daily, is consistent with last year.  The main courses weren't wowing me this time but could have just been my mood.  We opted to split a few things and stay light. 

We split some oysters that were fantastic.  Not sure who they are sourcing their oysters from but great job. A few classic sauces on the side including a chopped scallion Asian sauce was a nice touch.

Salt and Vinegar fried Shishito Peppers with a creme sauce are good but almost too spicy.  I had the same response last time.  It wasn't just one that hit me but most of them.  It you like spice then this is the perfect dish to share for the table.

Beet salad with local ricotta and greens with a few orange slices and marcona almonst, some grape tomatoes and both golden and red beets mixed with a sherry citrus vinaigrette is a nice summer salad.  Tasty with a variety of flavors is really good.

Lamb ribs.  Wow, wow, wow.  I am going to attempt to make this at home.  A rub of peppercorns, cumin, jalapenos, cilantro, chili oil and chiles is the perfect combo of spice.  My guess is the lamb is rubbed down and roasted in the oven for hours at a low temperature.  The lamb falls right off the bone and is unbelievably flavorful. 

The other high note was the octopus tacos.  Innovative and excellent.  Braised baby octopus with mushrooms, pickled red onions, roasted tomatos with a chili salsa, creme and a light cheese almost like a ricotta salata but more flavorful.  Excellent.  Another one to try at home this summer. 

Spicy tuna BLT.  This was on the menu last summer too.  Chopped spicy tuna wrapped in a tortilla with smoked bacon, heirloom tomatos, sliced chilis and fresh creme.  I like this and thought it was very clever last summer.  The only issue is that the bacon had been cooked earlier in the day and it wasn't crispy as it needed to be.  It was missing that bite.

For dessert we tried two things.  S'mores cake which was a chocoalte cake with marshmallow filling.  Kind of dry. 

The other dessert was an ice cream sandwich.  Rich flat brownie with salted caramel ice cream on top.  This was the winner.

There is something very beachy about South Edison.  I like it more as the days get warmer.  Love that they gave me two ideas to make home this summer.  Between the octopus taco and the lamb ribs, I will be back.