MUSE Restaurant and Aquatic Lounge 760 Montauk Highway Water Mill Shopping Center, Suite 5A Water Mill, NY (631) 726-2606

MUSE Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge, a new dining establishment in Water Mill, New York opened in early May 2007, at the site of the former Paloma’s. The restaurant is the first such venture for chef-owner Matthew Guiffrida, formerly of the The Patio in Westhampton Beach, Collage in Huntington and Inn at Quogue in Quogue. The restaurant recently received a very good from Joanne Starkey of The New York Times and Peter Gianotti of Newsday raves, “It’s one of the best new restaurants in the Hamptons.” Completely revamped and outfitted with a top-of-the-line kitchen, the restaurant features unique design elements, yet to been seen in a Hamptons eatery.

Candlelight illuminates the cozy entryway, which is adorned with antique Argentine windows. A focal point in the lounge and bar area is a 100-gallon salt-water fish tank that serves as the bar top. Behind the bar, a water wall and candle-lit chandelier adds to the ambiance. The interior walls are painted in warm gold and dark metallic hues. The dining room is a small intimate space with seating for 38 guests. A Casablanca-inspired 82-inch canvas ceiling fan provides a touch of whimsy, while halved oak barrels are used for cellaring wines.

Bar menu items range from $10 to $14 and include: seafood “clam chowder cake”; crispy Cajun crusted calamari; and the MUSE burger. Light bites range from $7 to $12 and include: “Frizzy” salad accompanied by a Bartlett pear jardinière, candied pistachios, smoked salmon bacon and Gorgonzola cheese; “B.L.T.” salad; and the MUSE house salad that is served in an herbed tomato bowl. Small bites range from $10 to $18 and include: “Tuna Palooza” (tuna cooked four different ways); Not-ya-mama’s meatballs; and Curried honey and soy seared scallop lollypops. Entrées range from $20 to $34 and include: Horseradish and Gorgonzola crusted New York strip; Asian chile and tamari seared Escolar; and Wasabi pea crusted Long Island Duck au poivre.