ESSX Pops Up in East Hampton for Memorial Day Weekend

When the calendar flips to late May, most of us start day‑dreaming about barbecues, beach walks, and that inevitable question: “Where’s the best place to eat this weekend?” This year, the answer may just be a modest storefront on Main Street, where a new pop‑up called ESSX is set to make its debut.

ESSX—pronounced “ess‑ex”—is the brainchild of two friends, culinary‑school grad Maya Patel and former wine‑list manager Leo Grayson. They’ve been cooking together in various kitchens across New York for the past seven years, and the idea of a temporary, low‑key spot finally clicked after a long night of brainstorming over espresso. “We wanted something that feels intimate, that lets us experiment without the pressure of a permanent lease,” Maya says, smiling as she sketches a menu on a napkin.

The timing is deliberate. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the Hamptons’ summer season, and the streets are already buzzing with visitors scouting for fresh flavors. By opening for just a few days, ESSX can ride that wave, offering locals and tourists a quick, memorable bite without the commitment of a long‑term restaurant.

Inside, the space feels more like a friend’s living room than a formal dining room. A reclaimed wood table occupies the centre, surrounded by mismatched chairs, while soft amber lights hang from exposed beams. A small bar stocked with a curated selection of natural wines and craft cocktails adds a touch of sophistication—just enough to make you feel you’re part of something a little special.

The menu mirrors the duo’s adventurous palate: think seasonal small plates that fuse global influences with East Hampton’s farm‑fresh bounty. Expect a beet‑root carpaccio topped with citrus‑yuzu vinaigrette, a smoked eel toast with pickled radish, and a daring oat‑crusted chicken wing drizzled in maple‑chipotle glaze. Each dish is designed for sharing, encouraging conversation and a little bit of culinary exploration.

One of the standout items is a “DIY tasting board,” where guests can pick three components—from house‑cured charcuterie to locally sourced cheese, to an unexpected sweet—then watch the chefs assemble a personalized plate right before them. It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it epitomises the pop‑up’s ethos: food as an experience, not just a meal.

Because it’s a pop‑up, the team is also playing with pricing. Dishes hover in the $12‑$18 range, making it accessible for a brunch crowd while still delivering the quality you’d expect from a Michelin‑starred kitchen. “We’re not trying to break the bank,” Leo explains, “but we also don’t want to cheapen the effort that goes into each plate.”

Reservations are accepted through a simple online form, but there’s plenty of room for walk‑ins—especially on Saturday night when the patio (yes, they squeezed a tiny patio out back) fills with the scent of fresh herbs and the low hum of a live acoustic set. The duo has even booked a local folk trio to play a few songs, adding a musical backdrop that feels both intimate and lively.

If you’re wondering about the future, Maya hints that ESSX could pop up again in other towns, or perhaps return to East Hampton for a longer stint next summer. “We’re testing the waters,” she admits, “but for now, we’re just focused on making this weekend unforgettable.”

So, whether you’re a Hamptons regular, a weekend visitor, or simply someone who enjoys discovering new flavors, ESSX offers a brief but bright culinary interlude. Grab a seat, share a board, and let the conversation flow as freely as the wine.