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668...Back at the (Gig) Shack
by Debra Rose
This is the summer of 668. The buzz generated over the last few months has unequivocally centered on this lively yet modest haunt in downtown Montauk. Friday night is a splash of guests nimbly working their chopsticks for bites of fresh Sushi while sipping from cups and carafes of cool Sake. Most afternoons, crowds jockey for position at the dessert counter for creamy smoothies, scoops of Artisan Gelato, or for a thick slice of rich Red Velvet Cake coated in butter cream frosting and chopped pecans. Brunch is a flurry of pedestrians stopping in for fresh brewed espresso, lattes, Mimosas and buttery, fresh baked croissants. Live acoustic music, Wi Fi access and the Gardell Family that continues to host at 668 warmly welcomes guests all day and all week long. The Gig Shack is back.
This summer 668’s newly minted bar is stocked with international beer, New World Wines and Japanese Sake. Going strong for nearly five years, 668 continues to raise the bar each time it exceeds expectations, aiming to evolve and further impress with each passing season. An eclectic crowd of surfers, families, hipsters, locals and tourists from all over the world and all over Montauk fill its seats; The Gig Shack’s appeal is diverse as it is mesmerizing. A common thread of authenticity, quality and indulgence is woven throughout the cuisine, atmosphere to the minutest of details.
Planted squarely in the heart of Montauk, the scent of crunchy bacon, plump omelets and fluffy Brioche French Toast with real maple syrup waft through the open patio and down Main Street during brunch. The playfully cultivated menu spans the planet with South American, Asian, European, Caribbean and Polynesian influences; Global sophistication cloaked in delightful simplicity. Tapas dishes of fresh, chilled Ceviche is tangy and light, while the crispy coconut shrimp is flash fried and served sans typical deep-fried heaviness. Barbeque Pork Empanadas are warm pockets of tender meat, readily plunked into fiery Chipotle Sauce.
Easy snacks are Fat, Spicy Thai Mussels, Cuban Salad of black beans and fleshy avocado, or New England clam chowder with chunks of potato and clams. 668’s famous “Montacos,” fresh-catch fish tacos with homemade mango salsa, and petite “Lamburginis,” spiced lamb sliders on a sharp cheddar bun steal the limelight.
Competition is strong on The East End to craft the perfect version of particular dishes indigenous to Montauk. The Lobster Roll at the Gig Shack breathes life back into this classic; ample wedges of lobster meat infused with butter (rather than mayonnaise), piled into a toasted bun is yet another fresh spin 668 brings to the table. Carnivores rejoice with a cache of meat from the Bohemian Barbeque; Grilled Argentine Sausage with melted Provolone on a petite baguette, Sweet Hawaiian Spare Ribs joined by golden French Fries, while the juicy Bison Burger captivates attention.
The Gig Shack’s Devil’s Food Chocolate Cupcake with Caramel icing and sprinkled with Sea Salt satiates the sweet tooth, while Candied Ginger, Lavender Honey and Chocolate Basil Gelatos raise eyebrows and trigger intrigue. Decadent, homemade chocolate chunk cookies and biscotti pair well with a wide selection of lattes and teas and Frappaccios. Also back at the Shack this year is Live Music on most nights, as well as Sushi, Sashimi and Sake on Wednesday and Friday that boasts fresh fish from a carefully selected and creative sushi menu. The dining landscape in Montauk is changing while the craving for fresh, unique and fun cuisine is gathering momentum. 668 is a hub of fresh food, originality and passion for quality, wrapped in a stylish package without taking itself too seriously. This Montauk mainstay is just getting started.
668 The Gig Shack is located at:
782 Main Street, Montauk
631.668.2727
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