----A Weekend to 'Just Be' and B continued---
Dear Postcards from New York Reader,
The sun greeted us the next morning, glistening in pastels through the trees outside our window. We went down for breakfast in the formal dining room at about ten, and it was here that we got the real flavor of Quintessentials as Sylvia served up a gourmet feast with a side of camaraderie and conversation.
The impressive menu had something for everyone, including Frittata Mediterraneo, a baked omelet with olives, veggies and feta cheese, the best corned beef hash I’ve ever had, fried plantains, fresh fruit, and baskets of warm rolls, muffins and biscuits. Sylvia was not only an amazing cook, but also a lively hostess with a knack for finding common threads between people from all walks of life.
Formerly a finance executive for American Express, she enjoyed a successful career traveling the world before leaving Wall Street to open the bed and breakfast 13 years ago. We were there with a couple from Ireland who had settled in a nearby town with their two young boys, and newlyweds from New Jersey celebrating their honeymoon. By the time the plates were cleaned and cleared, we were all still deep in conversation, trading suggestions on which wineries to visit.
After breakfast, everyone went their own way –some to the spa for a treatment (Sylvia is also a licensed aesthetician) and others to meander about. Guests were invited to make themselves at home in the common areas - curling up with a book from the library, playing a tune on the piano in the lounge, or watching a movie while snacking on refreshments replenished throughout the day.
Instead of running out to do the wine tour right away, we chose to spend the afternoon just lazing around and soaking up the quiet of the area. We strolled the gardens, snapped some great photos using the rustic old barn and gazebo as backdrops. After a tête-à-tête on the wraparound porch, we roamed around the block, admiring the neighboring historic homes, and then took a short drive to the water. (The inn is just 10 minutes away from the Long Island Sound to the north and Gardiners Bay to the south.)
Except for a couple of seagulls, it was just us. We perched on a big rock carved out of a nearby cliff, huddled together, and watched as the waves generously washed up treasure chests of sea stones every few seconds. It was idyllic. And to this day, it’s still one of our favorite memories.
The sun greeted us the next morning, glistening in pastels through the trees outside our window. We went down for breakfast in the formal dining room at about ten, and it was here that we got the real flavor of Quintessentials as Sylvia served up a gourmet feast with a side of camaraderie and conversation.
The impressive menu had something for everyone, including Frittata Mediterraneo, a baked omelet with olives, veggies and feta cheese, the best corned beef hash I’ve ever had, fried plantains, fresh fruit, and baskets of warm rolls, muffins and biscuits. Sylvia was not only an amazing cook, but also a lively hostess with a knack for finding common threads between people from all walks of life.
Formerly a finance executive for American Express, she enjoyed a successful career traveling the world before leaving Wall Street to open the bed and breakfast 13 years ago. We were there with a couple from Ireland who had settled in a nearby town with their two young boys, and newlyweds from New Jersey celebrating their honeymoon. By the time the plates were cleaned and cleared, we were all still deep in conversation, trading suggestions on which wineries to visit.
After breakfast, everyone went their own way –some to the spa for a treatment (Sylvia is also a licensed aesthetician) and others to meander about. Guests were invited to make themselves at home in the common areas - curling up with a book from the library, playing a tune on the piano in the lounge, or watching a movie while snacking on refreshments replenished throughout the day.
Instead of running out to do the wine tour right away, we chose to spend the afternoon just lazing around and soaking up the quiet of the area. We strolled the gardens, snapped some great photos using the rustic old barn and gazebo as backdrops. After a tête-à-tête on the wraparound porch, we roamed around the block, admiring the neighboring historic homes, and then took a short drive to the water. (The inn is just 10 minutes away from the Long Island Sound to the north and Gardiners Bay to the south.)
Except for a couple of seagulls, it was just us. We perched on a big rock carved out of a nearby cliff, huddled together, and watched as the waves generously washed up treasure chests of sea stones every few seconds. It was idyllic. And to this day, it’s still one of our favorite memories.
Address to Remember: Quintessentials B & B, 8985 Main Road, Box 574, East Marion, NY 11939, 631-477-9400 or 800-444-9112, http://www.quintessentialsinc.com/
Directions: From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central Station & 42nd St. Walk two blocks east to corner of 44th St. and 3rd Ave to take Hampton Jitney to Greenport or East Marion 800-936-0440 or 631-283-4600 call inn to arrange car or taxi pickup. Or, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Greenport via Ronkonkoma. 718-217-5477.
Photo by Jaime Wilson
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