Maison Close Montauk Opens After Pre-Memorial Day Fire

MONTAUK, NY — A new Montauk restaurant destroyed by fire just hours before its planned Memorial Day opening is set to rise from the proverbial ashes.

Maison Close Montauk is open for reservations beginning this weekend, representatives for the eatery said.

"Open Saturdays and Sundays, Maison Close Montauk will transport the iconic vibe dining experience that originated in SoHo to Montauk with an al fresco flair. The distinctive outdoor dining concept features dock and dine slips for boaters and a luxurious lounge area for guests to soak up the sun and enjoy sunset vibes on the water," a release said.

Helmed by Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux, the waterfront bistro offers a menu of "sophisticated yet accessible dishes with a festival-style dining experience," the release added.

Seating will be all outdoors, complete with seated tables, beds and lounges, as well as a full bar.

"We are looking forward to opening and finally sharing the Maison Close experience with our customers soon," Cole Bernard, partner at Maison Close, said. "It’s been a team effort to get closer to the finish line with a lot of long hours and hard work to rebuild. We want to make sure that we thank the Montauk community, our neighbors, and all the local, county and state authorities for helping us bring this incredible experience out east."

The fire broke out just before the start of the Hamptons season.

A press representative for the new Maison Close Montauk sent a message on Friday morning, May 26: "We are sorry to announce that last night a fire claimed Maison Close Montauk. The team is thankful that no one was hurt and for the assistance and bravery of the Montauk Fire Department. They are cooperating with authorities as they investigate the matter."

The East Hampton Town fire marshal's office confirmed the blaze at the location, which once was the site of Rick's Crabby Cowboy.

Maison Close Montauk will be open for outdoor brunch service this Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 435 East Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954.

The full menu can be found here.

·