Located in the beautiful Solé East Resort in Montauk, the Backyard Restaurant backs up its name without compromising its elegance thanks to the fusion of its simple design with its classic country club feel. This quintessential Hamptons sanctuary allows for relaxed dining as if you were in your very own “backyard” with tables placed amongst floral gardens situated on a lavish and sprawling lawn, all surrounding a pristine swimming pool; a roaring fire pit, tiki torches, and day beds enhance the ambiance.

Indoors, the dining space features white canvas director chairs paired with wood tables topped with white linens and rustic brown craft paper. Rotating art exhibits of local artists adorn the walls and warm things up a bit. Executive Chef Larry Kolar of Quilted Giraffe, Sign of the Dove, and Camino Sur fame, builds his house menus around fresh fish coming from the local Montauk waters, along with produce from local farms and herbs from the on site garden. Both Mediterranean and South American influences are expressed through dishes such as Long Island duck confit with celery root and micro watercress and their signature BBQ pork short ribs dressed with Backyard herbs paired with sides such as mashed potatoes, bok choy, escarole, French fries or rapini. Other entrees include: baked cannelloni with Calabro ricotta, basil and roast tomatoes; paparadelli with brisket ragu, parsley, Grana Padano Parmesan and extra virgin olive oil; and cavatelli with pulled pork, oven dried tomatoes, white beans and broccoli rabe. Their signature lavender cheesecake and homemade jelly doughnuts are unique and fabulous. In season, the restaurant offers live music and cocktails.

The mixology master’s cocktail menu is adorably named after the owners’ children, such as the Cloe, with Prosecco and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur; the Cooper, with Milagro silver and fresh watermelon juice; the Gabby, with white sangria with marinated fruit; the Trevor, with LIV vodka and fresh lemonade; and the Myles, with Cruzan silver, peach puree, nectarines, mint and lime.

Thursday nights bring in Reggae Night and Sundays offer Bosso Nova Brunch with live Brazilian sounds and a fresh brunch buffet. New for summer 2011 is a summer concert series, MTK Acoustic Sunsets at Sole East, an extension of the much-anticipated two-day music festival in the Hamptons featuring emerging artists. Each Saturday from July 4th weekend through Labor Day weekend, will feature a musician associated with the MTK festival. All concerts are free to attend.

The Backyard is located at Solé East, 90 Second House Road, Montauk, 631.668.2105; www.soleeast.com