Hey East Enders,

A source tells me that Tavern, turned Stereo On The Shore, turned La Playa, is turning STK next summer.

Word is that STK will be taking over the space as a steak house.  The Southampton location will join its NY and LA counterparts with Miami and Vegas locations in the works.  While I like the prospect of a new restaurant choice, cutting the three nightlife options down to two is disheartening.  However:

STK upstairs + Tenjune downstairs = STK on Tukahoe + Pink Elephant down the street  

It does seem like a wining formula.

David Sarner & Bobby Montwaid, owners of Pink Elephant, teamed up with Eugene Remm and Mark Birbaum this summer to run La Playa.  Whether the four are still partners in this venture is unclear, but it would seem likely.

If you’re wondering why the venue seems to have a case of schizophrenia, you can blame that on Southampton.  Just barely tolerant of the nightlife venues, they keep a stranglehold on liquor licenses and the venue they’re attached to.  You can’t just apply for a liquor license; you need to purchase a venue that already has one.  Instead of a new spot, things get recycled into…steak houses.

We’ll keep you posted.

-Gossip Girl

If you hear anything, send tips my way at gossipgirl@theeastend.net