Almond 1970 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, NY (631) 537-8885 www.almondrestaurant.com

In the spring of 2001, co-owners Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides opened Almond Restaurant in Bridgehampton offering reasonable prices, bold bistro fare, friendly service and an attractive dining room reminiscent of a Parisian bistro. Warm golden walls, pressed tin ceiling, votive candlelight, hardwood floors, antique mirrors and a long copper planter box dividing the bar from the dining room creates a soothing atmosphere.

Chef Jason Weiner’s menu is comprised of many French bistro favorites. Traditional Escargot with a divine sauce of garlic and Pernod and; Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with roasted beets in a horseradish crème fraiche; Steak Frites with roasted shallots; Montauk Flounder with preserved lemon, garlic chips and bread crumbs and; and the slow-cooked fall off the bone Braised Shank of Lamb with roasted onions and fingerling potatoes.

Friendliness is a hallmark of Almond, co-owner Eric Lemonides greets every diner at the door. In the spirit of liberté, egalité and fraternité, Almond seems to attract just about everyone – families, couples, celebrities, locals and everyone in between. It is chic and stylish, but utterly without attitude. Newsday food critic Joan Reminick sums up Almond in three simple words, "French, friendly, fun."