A Day in the Life of Opties & Dinghies
Since Father’s Day, Claudia Lin and Vincent Bertault have followed a dedicated routine at their restaurant, Opties & Dinghies, located on North Ferry Road. Each morning at 6:30 a.m., the couple opens the doors, preparing for a busy day. By 7 a.m., they’re ready to serve early risers, offering coffee, pastries, and breakfast crêpes for commuters heading to the ferry.
Throughout the day, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specializing in Asian cuisine, which has garnered praise, especially for their dumplings. Customers can also purchase frozen dumplings to take home, although delivery is limited. As Ms. Lin humorously explained, delivery is reserved for special cases, like a 97-year-old customer who doesn’t drive after 10 a.m.
By 10 p.m., the restaurant closes, and the cleaning begins. The couple ensures everything is spotless for the next day, before finally heading home around 11:30 p.m. Despite their long hours, they cherish their quiet time at the end of the day, enjoying a simple dinner and reflecting on both business and family.
A Restaurant Rooted in Family and Design
Opties & Dinghies is located where Bob’s Fish Market once stood, next to North Fork Seafood. Before entering the restaurant business, Ms. Lin and Mr. Bertault worked as architectural designers in New York. Their design expertise is evident in the light-filled, modern space. The restaurant’s decor includes white walls with green accents, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by the colorful gelato bar that offers 40 rotating flavors.
The menu is a delightful mix of dim sum favorites, including dumplings, sticky rice, bao, cold sesame noodles, and a variety of sweet and savory crêpes. There’s even quiche for those craving a different kind of treat. As the Southforker magazine highlighted, the restaurant offers “a giddy round-up” of delicious options that keep customers coming back for more.
From Sailing to the Restaurant Business
The name of the restaurant, Opties & Dinghies, is inspired by Mr. Bertault’s love of sailing. “Opties” refers to small sailboats used by children learning to sail, while “dinghies” are small rowboats that sometimes have sails. The couple discovered the East End years ago, keeping their boat in Greenport. They quickly fell in love with the area, eventually moving to Orient 20 years ago.
They opened the original Opties & Dinghies five years ago in a small space near the Orient Post Office. However, that chapter ended with a bitter landlord-tenant dispute that led to lawsuits and police reports. When their lease expired, they decided to close but were determined not to give up on their dream. They’ve since found a new home for their restaurant on Shelter Island, where they’ve embraced a similar village vibe.
Challenges of Shelter Island’s Seasonal Business
Running a restaurant on Shelter Island comes with unique challenges, especially during the off-season when the population drops. Ms. Lin noted that while tourists flock to the North Fork during fall and winter, many don’t make the trip to the Island, reducing their customer base. Despite this, the restaurant’s late hours have become an advantage, attracting diners for late meals.
Ms. Lin and Mr. Bertault remain optimistic, despite the hurdles. “We’re so happy at the way Shelter Island has welcomed us,” she said, grateful for the community’s support. Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and they look forward to continuing to serve their customers with the same passion that brought them to the Island in the first place.
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