Lemon Lemon Loaf, a Lemon Pound Cake from “Baked” And a reminiscence about Sara Lee

        There’s something amazingly satisfying about a simple pound cake.  Especially when it’s perfectly made, as were these by Andrew.  The ‘crumb’ of the cake gives it a richness and depth of flavor that’s unlike any other cake.  Infused with lemon flavor and enriched with sour cream, this cake then is glazed with a lemon-y icing.  It’s a delight that we never grow tired of.  And it always brings back memories for me of my Advertising years because, at one time, I worked on the Sara Lee Bakery account and at one time, Sara Lee made a pretty mean pound cake.  That, unfortunately, was before the Butter Police and the accountants got in the way and Sara Lee’s cakes no longer cut it.  You only had to ask Sara Lee herself.  Yes, there was a real Sara Lee.

A visit to The Beacon and a recipe for Crispy Portobello Mushrooms with Shallot Beurre Blanc Sauce

View from The Beacon.  Photo by Beth and Peter Whiteley

        There’s no shortage of great places to eat on the East End.  Although you would never think so on a Summer weekend when you can’t get a table anywhere without advance reservations.  There is, surprisingly, a dearth of restaurants right on the water--especially considering we’re surrounded by it.   And sad to say, several of those have traded in good food and decent service to trade on their view.  So you are even more limited if you want to eat well. 

Of all the restaurants out here, with waterviews or without, our hands-down favorite is The Beacon at 8 West Water St. in Sag Harbor.  I’d give you the phone number but it’s not much use.  The Beacon doesn’t take reservations.  It doesn’t have to.  The line forms downstairs before the place opens at 6. The last time I was there, the place was jammed by seven.  Those of us who were early birds had snagged the open air tables on the deck overlooking the Marina.