Sotto Sopra

I recently visited this new gem in Amagansett over the 4th of July weekend, and WOW was it good! I have been coming out to the Hampton's since I was small and my family and I always end up cooking at home since most of the restaurants out there are a bit particular for our taste. This place, was perfect though! Nice relaxing atmosphere, fabulous cocktails and amazingly fresh food. Since we were in a large group we got some pizza's to  start (chorizo, fungi and margarita). the crust is super thin and crispy with the perfect amount of cheese and healthy amount of toppings. Everyone had something different for dinner, so going on about that will be much, but everyone was happy and satisfied after a fabulous meal. For dessert- definitely try their 1000 layer cake- it was phenomenal!! All in all, I would go back there in a heartbeat. Try it, you wont be disappointed!

We had a great meal here. The bread is yummy, always a good sign. Crispy fried calamari, grilled figs with cheese, crostini and spiced walnuts came out first. Both excellent. Zuppa di pesce with chunks of salmon, hake, clams, shrimp, and half a lobster. The 12" pizza was gobbled up. Thin crusted, with sausage liberally sprinkled between slices of pepperoni.

The noise level is high, the bar up front was packed. Soft lighting against warm wood panels feels cozy.

I have been fortunate to call the "Hampton's" my home for over a decade. While I do not currently reside there full-time, I still frequently visit and go to all of my favorite spots! The Hampton's has been known for it's great beaches, homes, celebrities, and some really amazing food! One of my favorite restaurants is located in Amagansett, NY and is called "Sotto Sopra". Amagansett is the town right after East Hampton, if you aren't sure of it's location! Sotto Sopra is a Northern Italian restaurant with elements of new American cuisine, steakhouse options, a wood burning pizza oven, full bar, and outdoor dining! What's better than that? Under the direction of Rose Evangelista of the famed Evangelista family, Sotto Sopra is able to feature timeless, Italian, and authentic cuisine!

I visited this amazing spot over Memorial Day weekend and they were having a special: "half off bar menu items and drinks". Now, if you are on a budget, in the Hampton's, and want to grab a delicious and quick bite, this place is perfect for you! Since I basically live for food, I wanted to be adventurous and try a majority of the bar food. I probably gained that extra two pounds, but it was worth it!

Please note: if you come from 5-7 all of these items are HALF OFF! Please note: if you come from 5-7 all of these items are HALF OFF! The best part of this restaurant experience was the food made by executive Chef Josh Savi. I want to take this time to give him a big thank you for treating me so kindly, taking the time to meet with me and discuss his menu, and for giving me a summary of himself. You don't find hospitality like he gave nowadays, it was very much appreciated!

Josh is 30 years old and from Richmond, Virginia. His first restaurant experience was at age 16 in a typical ribs, burgers, and beer establishment, where he worked the prep kitchen and then moved onto the salad and appetizer station. From there, Josh did a brief stint cooking in a Japanese restaurant, while serving tables at "Brio Tuscan Grill". Josh spent 3 years at Brio Tuscan Grill and eventually took over as an assistant manager. Josh  returned back to the kitchen and the real start of his cooking career was at "Can Can Brasserie", a classic French kitchen with a fresh bakery. Josh was trained by executive chef Joseph Depaola and went from the salad station to assistant saucier in just six months! In 2007, Josh moved to Dublin, Ireland to pursue a BA (Honors) in Culinary Arts at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Josh completed an original thesis on sustainable agriculture on the environment. While studying, Josh was hired as a line cook at "Town Bar and Grill" and by his senior year, he had been promoted to Chef de Cuisine. During his four years, he stepped away in the summers and took positions in "Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud"; a 2-star Michelin French restaurant in Dublin, and "Chapter One"; a 1-star Michelin restaurant. In 2011, Josh was recruited by Joseph Smith, owner of Sotto Sopra and partnering owner of Bobby Vans. Josh was named to be executive chef and co-owner of the Northern Italian concept in Amagansett, NY.

If any of you are ever in the Hampton's, head over to Sotto Sopra! You will be in great hands, company, have a friendly atmosphere, and leave feeling full and happy! Just ask for Rose Evangelista, Josh Savi, and Robert Giglio. These three people are wonderful and will make you have a great time at the restaurant!

***For the full post with pictures of the food, please visit thesparklingspoon.com***