Hamptons Hot Spot Robert's Unexpetedly Closes Due to Tax Issues

Hamptons diners who had reservations for dinner at tony Water Mill restaurant Robert's were in for a shock on Friday night when they received phone calls late in the afternoon saying that unfortunately the place would be closed that evening. The Coastal Italian spot located in a charming old house, has been popular since it opened in 1999, with Matt Lauer and Christie Brinkley among the regular clientele. "We got a call at 4:30 on Friday night cancelling our table.'' sighed one Sagaponack resident. "Where were going to get another reservation on a weekend in the Hamptons?''

According to insiders, the state is alleging that the establishment wasn't reporting all its cash income, because such a large percentage of customers in the high-end area actually pay in plastic. "This has been an ongoing disagreement with the New York State Tax Authority,'' explained a representative for the restaurant. "We expect to reopen on Thursday.''