Recipes and Stories Celebrating Hamptons Living, Coastal Cooking, and Summer Entertaining

For generations, the Hamptons have embodied the essence of summer: pristine beaches, farm-fresh food, coastal gatherings, and traditions passed down from one generation to the next. Where Summer Begins takes readers beyond the celebrity headlines and luxury estates to discover the authentic heart of Long Island's East End through its food, history, and enduring sense of community. At the center of this story is the legendary Lobster Roll restaurant, known simply as LUNCH, a beloved Hamptons institution since 1965 that has welcomed generations of locals, vacationers, and notable visitors while becoming one of the most recognizable dining destinations on the East Coast. The restaurant's iconic lobster roll, landmark roadside sign, and featured role in Showtime's acclaimed series The Affair introduced millions of viewers to this enduring symbol of the Hamptons.

More than a restaurant cookbook, Where Summer Begins is a celebration of Hamptons living and effortless coastal entertaining. Organized around the rhythms of the season, it features recipes for everything from leisurely beach house breakfasts and sunset cocktails to seafood feasts, garden-fresh sides, elegant dinners, and indulgent desserts. Classics like the famous Lobster Roll share space with Lazy Day Ricotta Pancakes with Triple Berry Compote, Summer Gazpacho, Penne with Lemon Ricotta and Fresh Baby Spinach, Grilled Tangerine Chicken with Apricot Grand Marnier Glaze, Cocoa-Espresso Rubbed Filet Mignon with East End Horseradish Cream, Beach Bar Blondies, and Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes, capturing the relaxed sophistication that has made the Hamptons a sought-after culinary destination.

Interwoven with personal reflections, local history, and the rich cultural heritage of Long Island's celebrated shoreline, this beautifully curated collection reveals why the East End continues to enchant visitors year after year. Perfect for fans of coastal cookbooks, seafood recipes, summer entertaining, beach house living, and Hamptons travel, Where Summer Begins is both a cookbook and a love letter to a timeless way of life. Through memorable meals, gatherings, and traditions, it captures the spirit of a place where families return every year, because here, summer doesn't simply arrive, it begins.