East Hampton: celeb for a night
Bonnie Munshin speaks with customers during dinner Saturday night in East Hampton. Munshin is sympathetic to star-seekers. "I understand why people are compelled to approach Billy Joel and say, 'I remember when I first heard this song of yours for the first time,' " she says, "but sometimes I have to step in and remind them, 'He's here to have dinner, just like you.' " (July 9, 2011) Credit: Gordon M. Grant
Now this was a fun story to report: spending a Saturday night at celebrity haunt Nick & Toni’s to profile the general manager, Bonnie Munshin, shepherd of the boldface diners.
My biggest challenge was staying out of the way of guests, managers, hostesses, waiters, sommeliers and busboys. I spent most of the evening trying to flatten myself against a wall behind the table closest to the door. At one point one of the diners turned around and said, “Are you a reporter?” I puffed up a little and said, “Yes, I’m from Newsday.” Whereupon he asked, “have you got a piece of paper I can write on?”
Anyway, Nick & Toni’s is one of those restaurants that could rest on its laurels but doesn’t — you’d be hard-pressed to find better food or service in the Hamptons. And Bonnie’s a star.
Nick & Toni’s is at 136 N. Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-3550.
