Bistro Été to Open in Robert’s Space on Montauk Highway

After the Water Mill restaurant Robert's dramatically closed last summer amidst tax liens, it looked like the lovely yellow house on Montauk Highway would remain vacant this season, but chef Arie Pavlou has grabbed the location for a pop up. The chef — who formerly helmed the kitchen at Bridgehampton Inn, and owned Coeur des Vignes, which later became North Fork Table and Inn — will open a French Mediterranean spot called Bistro Été just in time for the July 4th holiday. "This all happened in three days; it was mind blowing,'' says Pavlou. "I wish there were cameras around because it was like a reality show.''

Pavlou will grow some of his own herbs in a garden on property, and offer scallops with saffron curry sauce and fresh pomegranate, escargot, duck wings, seared foie gras, and striped bass with Champagne truffle sauce among other dishes. "The truffle lady was just here,'' he said. "I am from Cyprus so I will also have halloumi and grilled octopus.'' The restaurant will make its own bread, ice cream, and pastries.