The Beacon 8 West Water Street Sag Harbor, NY (631) 725-7088 www.beaconsagharbor.com

As the sun sets over Sag Harbor Cove on summer nights, The Beacon has a "spectacular" view according to the Zagat Survey 2006/2007. Watching the boats glide by from tables on The Beacon’s second story deck sets the stage for a perfect sunset experience. Joanne Starkey of the New York Times doesn’t call The Beacon “the best of summer dining” just because of its view: critics and diners agree that the inventive cuisine is as big a draw as the beautiful setting.

Sam McCleland, The Beacon’s much-praised executive chef, is known for fare that is both creative and artfully executed. The flavors are summery and often sensational. As Peter Gianotti of Newsday observed, "the new American fare is very good." Warm weather favorites include the steamed mussels Beacon Style with garlic, white wine, fresh lemon-thyme, cream and tomatoes and oven-roasted chicken with julienne carrots, braised shallots and smoked bacon-pecorino risotto. Some dishes have an Asian twist, like the sesame-crusted tuna with Napa cabbage-jicama slaw and Asian glaze. Additional popular dishes include the guava baby back ribs with grilled asparagus and potato hash and the sautéed local flounder with tomato, leeks, capers and Yukon mashed potatoes.

The expertise of owner David Loewenberg, widely regarded as one of the East End’s top restaurateurs who also co-owns red/bar brasserie in Southampton and Fresno restaurant in East Hampton, is evident in every aspect of The Beacon.