The Place to be in East Hampton

In East Hampton, New York, known as a “playground of the rich,” Chef Luis R. DeLoera and his Filipino-American wife Virginia Mance Go have become demi-celebrities after bringing back to its old glorious best a 37-year-old, high-end Italian restaurant that is now drawing back old clientele, and attracting newcomers.

“Wherever he (DeLoera) goes, there are people in town who recognize him as the chef at Michael’s,” the Manila-born Go proudly shares. “We officially took over only last April, but the word got out fast because of happy customers, some of them wealthy Filipino families.”

The couple bought Michael’s Maidstone Bar & Restaurant, at 28 Maidstone Park Road, from an entrepreneur who got too preoccupied with his growing construction business.

“Michael’s was on top for many years in the past,” says DeLoera, who studied and trained in culinary arts at Napoli, Italy, and worked for years as chef in upscale restaurants in Italy and the United States. “But it was not given priority and its image eventually suffered.”

When DeLoera, who is of Italian and Mexican descent, and Go decided to venture into business, they found Michael’s up for sale on the Internet.  Located near the beach frequented by residents and tourists alike, the couple fell in love with its stylish yet  cozy ambiance, with wooden fixtures and furniture  rendering a laid-back  atmosphere. The place has a seating capacity of 76.

“People are saying Michael’s is unpretentious and warm,” says Go, who has a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and is a branch manager for Capital One Bank in Queens, New York. “A big part of it is because of our friendly and experienced staff.”

Today, Michael’s is back as one of East Hampton’s busiest restaurants – thanks to the buzz and to food critics who attributed its rebirth to DeLoera’s passion and hard work for overturning the place’s image in such a short period of time.

Susan Galardi, a critic for the Dan’s Papers, the largest weekly magazine circulated in the Hamptons, called the food at Michael’s “very delicious,” and the prices “very un-Hampton.”

Feast on appetizers like Seared Chili Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna, Thai Steamed Mussels, Beefsteak Tomatoes and Buffalo Di Mozzarela, Calamari Ala Romana, Broiled Maryland Style Lump Crab Meat Cake, Buffalo Jumbo Chicken Wings, and even the bacon and cheese-filled Spring Salad, which we thought was for two or three people because of its large size.

The entrees, in mouth-watering presentations, include Michael’s Burger (grilled certified Angus beef), and Pistachio Crusted New Zealand Rack of Lamb. Among the big sellers are the Roasted Long Island Duck, crispy and yummy, and not oily or salty like most other roasted ducks; the Fruta Del Mare, fish and shellfish simmered in saffron-tomato broth; the tender and juicy Grilled Angus Strip Steak, and the Harbor Bank Potato Crusted Salmon. The duck alone made our one-and-a-half-hour drive from Manhattan to the Hamptons well worth  it.

What is good about Michael’s is that any item can be cooked to a customer’s liking.

“I always believe it should be about what the customer likes and not what the chef likes,” DeLoera says. “And if you don’t see it in the menu, ask for it and I will prepare it for you. My approach is not to say no, as long as I have the ingredients.”

Michael’s is also offering Family Time Menu on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., a three-course meal of appetizer and entrees served family style, and dessert.

Speaking of dessert, don’t leave without indulging in Michael’s key lime pie, pecan pie, New York cheesecake or the sinful chocolate fudge brownie.

And for wine lovers, Michael’s offers a wide array of after-dinner drinks at its bar. “People also come to our bar to relax, alone or with a group,” shares Go. “They even make new friends here.”

“Hospitality, ambiance and obviously good food are what we serve here,” DeLoera says proudly. “Our goal is to make Michael’s the place to be in East Hampton.”