Modern Mexican Eatery To Open In Springs

Rita Cantina, a new Springs eatery that will highlight modern Mexican dishes, as well as offer an extensive tequila-focused bar program, will open the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend.

“We are thrilled to be opening Rita Cantina,” noted Chef and Owner Eric Miller. “We look forward to sharing our interpretation of modern Mexican cuisine with the Springs community, celebrating the fresh ingredients and local purveyors we’ve worked closely with over the years.”

Chef Miller, who was responsible for East Hampton’s beloved Bay Kitchen Bar, has more than three decades of fine dining experience. The Slow Food, dock-to-dish, and farm-to-table movements champion has created a menu that will shine a spotlight on local ingredients that “swim, graze, and grow” in Gardiner’s Bay or the surrounding area. Rita Cantina will source from Satur Farms, Multi Aquaculture System, and Gosman’s Dock, and independent local fishers who Chef Eric has worked with for more than a decade.

There will be a variety of ceviches, quesadillas, slow-cooked birria, smaller plates – such as Tuna Ceviche Tostada with avocado and charred pineapple agua chili, the Local Littleneck Clams with local clams & chorizo, serrano & Tecate, and Seafood Ceviche with fluke, scallop, squid, shrimp, habanero & pomegranate, large plates – like Crescent Farms Duck Carnitas with butter lettuce wraps filled with guacamole and salsa and Local Market Catch Whole Fish roasted on cedar with citrus, and meat and fish-based tacos – such as Niman Ranch Short Ribs Birria braised in adobo sauce and consommé, and Local Harvest Fluke served battered with pickled cabbage slaw and crema.

The Watermelon Daiquiri. (Photo: Eric Striffler)

Rita Cantina Partner Adam Miller curated an innovative bar program that will boast spirit-forward cocktails that celebrate tequilas, agaves, and mezcals. Options will include bottled (meant to stay fresh and taken to-go), signature, frozen, and margarita and mojitos. Sips featured include the Oaxaca Old Fashioned with tequila, mezcal, agave, and orange bitters; the Mezcal Negroni with mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth; and the Tequila Forever Margarita with tequila, Rockey’s Agave, pepper blend, and acid, while the signature cocktail list will boast a Watermelon Daiquiri with rum, watermelon, lime, the Mezcal Mule with mezcal, ginger, lime, and bubbles, and the Horchata Colada with rum blend, horchata, pineapple, and lime – and more.

“Rita Cantina will be a place for everyone, where guests can enjoy a taco or two, or a full spread of high-end dishes and killer cocktails,” Miller added.

Partner Marc Miller will handle operations.

Rita Cantina is located at 28 Maidstone Park Road, East Hampton. For more information, visit ritacantinahamptons.com.