For decades, The Hampton Maid in Hampton Bays has been known for it’s famous breakfast service, which on weekends can bring about waits that are always well worth it.
The hotel and restaurant, overlooking Shinnecock Bay, recently added dinner with the introduction of R.AIRE, a new restaurant concept and the brainchild of Chef Alex Bujoreanu.
Chef Bujoreanu’s career spans 20 years and began while he was studying at the School of Hospitality and Tourism in Lleida, Spain. The chef went on to run several fine restaurants in Spain, Sweden, Italy, and New York. Now with R.AIRE, Bujoreanu offers two unique dining experiences for patrons.
“We created R.AIRE to bring a totally unique dining experience to the Hamptons,” stated Chef Bujoreanu on the Hampton Maid website.
The a la carte menu, which is new this season, features authentic Spanish tapas and paella. Each dish is meant to be shared, while enjoyed with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails or a glass from the curated wine selection.
Starting at the modern farmhouse style bar, a unique signature cocktail menu offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails, local wines, and beer.
Shareable menu highlights include tapas like patatas bravas or the grilled chorizo. The paella section of the menu, which is also meant to be shared, offers a variations on the dish with everything from the De Marisco with calamari, mussels, shrimp, and clams, to the Rustic, made with chorizo, pork, and chicken. There’s also Huerta paella with seasonal vegetables or a mixture with the Land & Sea that includes Wagyu filet mignon and lobster. You’ll also find raw bar items like oysters, shrimp, clams, and ceviche, as well as a salad menu and a selection of entrees.
The second dining option includes a six-course chef tasting menu, which combines global cuisine with local ingredients. The tasting menu is $120 per person and is served Saturday and Sunday with advanced reservations for seatings at 6:30 or 8:30 PM.
