May 2006
MemDay Pics: Tough Questions for Granzino
Just now closing in on two days until the weekend begins (per the official Beach clock at right), we'll soon be making the transition from recapping to readying. But first, here is David Graziano, the designer of Pink Elephant, sitting down with a Channel 12 reporter at the Southampton club last Saturday. No doubt this photo was taken as she peppered him with hard-hitting questions such as “why didn’t you use a more plush velvet on the ropes?" and "How did you decide where to position the bubble machine?”
Do keep the pics and tips flowing, folks.
Beach Scenes: Sebonack Golf Club
Pictured here is the Betting Hole (aka the spare hole, tie breaker hole) at the just opened Sebonack Golf Club, the priciest -- and, some say, most highly anticipated -- golf club in the country. The Peconic Bay course is designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak and is the first collaboration between the two.
A membership to the club can be yours for a whopping $650,000, not including other costs, such as post-round tuna melts and, say, your race. Other membership options are priced at $1.5 Mil (founding members only, such as Stanley Druckenmiller) and a bargain basement $500K, which gets you golf, but not complimentary course-side cottage accommodations. (For your reference, by-invitation memberships at The Atlantic or The Bridge, start at $575,000.) None of the memberships at Sebonack include $12,000 in annual dues, nor are caddies' tips included. Also, there are no consolation prizes given for your having been negged at Shinnecock and National, the two clubs located on either side of Sebonack.
· Hamptons' Newest Golf Club Has Priciest Membership at $650,000 [Bloomberg]
· Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak to Collaborate... [Nicklaus Design]
· Sebonack [official site]
Photo courtesy of Golf Architecture
Plywood East: Mumbo Gumbo
Several years back, the seafood joint Jeff & Eddie's washed into Sag Harbor, drawing the likes of Calvin Klein to nibble its tasty, if overpriced, oceanic treats. This winter, the tide retreated, leaving behind an empty venue that's soon to be filled by Mumbo Gumbo, a "raw bar and Cajun BBQ." The mastermind behind this odd fusion? None other than Ed "Jean Luc" Kleefield, of course.
Having missed the Memorial Day Weekend window (these pics were snapped on Memorial Day), the venue is targeting a mid-June opening. As previously noted, the chef is Noah Jacques, previously of Kleefield's JL East. Can Kleefield succeed where seasoned restauranteur Jeff Resnick could not? One dares not bet against the man, but the odds here are tempting.
After the jump, for the Sag Harbor obsessed, two more photos, including a telltale help-wanted sign and a photographic rundown on more menu items.
UPDATE: Shecky's runs an item today with Mumbo interiors.
Continue reading "Plywood East: Mumbo Gumbo"
Beach Marketing 102: S'mores Sell
A sugar-loving reader passed along this shot, a sliver of marketing genius from the candy aisle of King Kullen in Bridgehampton Commons. Perhaps this explains the similar-sized piles of marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey's now sitting on our kitchen counter.
Kasuba on Cain PA: 'worked flawlessly all weekend'
Steven Kasuba, pictured left, with Fonzworth Bentley and DJ Cassidy, strikes back against those who dare badmouth Cain, for which he is Director of Communications:
FYI...the sound system at CAIN Southampton Club is brand new and worked flawlessly all weekend in both the main room and in the VIP Lounge. DJ Cassidy (hardly an amateur) had such a good time in the booth, he spun until 5AM. Apparently your tipster has interests elsewhere...He was also kind enough to send along link below as proof of the massive, non-amateur fun had by all. What Steve seems to be saying, if our between-the-lines read is right, is that for maximum funage next week you should ask for him by name.
· Cain Summer Kickoff [Film Magic]
· MemDay Club Buzzkill: Huge Crowds, Blown Speakers [The Beach]
Photo courtesy of Film Magic
The Beach in India: Mandwa is the new Montauk
First, India took the jobs. Now, they’re taking the vacations.
Just like here in New York, the season of long-weekends has begun in India. Many Mumbai residents are ditching work and catching ferries bound for Mandwa, a resort island about an hour off the coast.
Cut to scene on crowded dock:
The group today is a typical one: picnickers, comprised of highly excitable teenagers in wannabe American sports brands; entire families — matriarchs, uncles, aunts, nephews nieces, snobby Malabar Hill types in ironed shorts and Polo Tees…Alter a few minor details, and we’re looking at the Jitney crowd at 39th and 3rd. Globalization is a remarkable thing.
· Mumbai’s Hamptons [DNA Mumbai]
MemDay Club Buzzkill: Huge Crowds, Blown Speakers
A photo-tipster sends us this shot, taken from inside Pink Elephant at the stroke of midnight on Saturday. But, those aren't revelers inside Pink Elephant -- that's the "line" to get in. The crowds elsewhere weren't much better (bonus Star Room photo after the jump), and we hear more than one venue had problems with its sound system. One of the "lucky" few who made it inside Cain on Saturday sent in this tragic tidbit:
The sound system at Cain sucked. Went out 3 or 4 times, complete silence. I overheard one of the workers saying they were using the old Jet system, and it was, um, old.Is the luxe salt air killing the speakers? Amateurs in the DJ booths? $600 bottles not adequately covering overhead? Whatever the case, let’s hope it is all sorted out in time for us all to be tortured anew next weekend. Continue reading "MemDay Club Buzzkill: Huge Crowds, Blown Speakers"
Vox Magazine: Actual Reading Material?
Another year, another batch of new Hamptons glossies. As far as differentiating strategies go, Vox is the early risk taker. Flipping through the inaugural issue of the magazine reveals major blocks of text, and even includes some articles that, like it or not, span multiple pages. Vox runs with the motto “style has a voice,” and in this case it also has substance (or at least more words per square inch than the other free glossy). All that text may seem a little heavy for beach reading, but with features like local history, drink recipes and picnic tips, it looks like Vox will serve you well before it hits the recycling pile. At the very least, it cannot serve you worse than did Social Life—pixilated images, Cheban cover story and more, perhaps most horrific Beach mag in Hamptons history. The next issue of Vox drops June 29th.
Just ahead, screen shot of an actual major block of text!
Continue reading "Vox Magazine: Actual Reading Material?"
WeatherDesk Weekend Preview: Short Shares ASAP
It's too early to say for sure, but next weekend looks a bit scary. Obviously, The Beach will continue tracking this looming storm front, but now is the time to short those Weekend #2 shares, if you're the buy-low-sell-high sort. Or to pray, if not.
· Sag Harbor 10-Day [Weather]
Weekend That Was:
EaHamp Permits, Pedis, Moet All Sold Out
Based even on this, our cursory early AM debrief, it's clear it didn't take long to get back into the swing of things. Do let us know if you have items to add. Good times, this Hamptons business.
· Wearing all white to Pink Elephant is a no-no, even after Memorial Day - You'll be mistaken for the help.
· After Friday's rain, and a passing shower on Saturday, the weather was absolutely perfect for the duration.
· Cab drivers still have to pay $700 for a Southampton permit - which is why you paid $60 to get home from Star Room.
· East Hampton beach permits are sold out.
· Boutique was rocking but could use a new sound system.
· The Hamptons launch party/dinner at CEO Jason Binn's was raging and required two days to clean up.
· It was impossible to get a pedicure this weekend - better get it in the city.
· Friday's traffic was the worst in recent memory, but Monday's was a breeze.
· One new club was so packed that they "ran out of Moet Nectar champagne", but the pricier Grande Dame was still flowing.
What did we miss? Spill the beans.
Goodbye Long Weekend, Hello Steamy Subway
Shake the sand out of your loafers: It’s Monday Tuesday. As the mercury climbs to a sticky 85 degrees today, take solace in the air conditioned comfort of your office, and remember we only have 3.5 days to go.
WeatherDesk Live Update: Rain
The forecast may or may not have been accurate (it was) and it may or may not be raining out here (it is), but the first rule of The Beach is that we don't speak of such things. Instead, some bright and sunny Kalina for you.
What rain, friends?
Fri Drive Report: On the road for an hour, 50 exits to go.
EXIT 22A: 'On the road for an hour, 50 exits to go.' 4 PM, Friday of Memorial Day weekend and we're already in a bad way.
Keep the updates coming, folks. We'll get through this together.
Friday Drive Report: '46 mph' at LIE Exit 45
Left: LIE Exit 45; Right: Southern State Exit 29
Two reports from the road:
1) LIE Exit 45: Haven't gotten er above 46 mph in five exits, but no parking lot yet.
2) Southern State Exit 29: uh oh starting to get hairy
Hamptons Mag Power List '06: Are You On It?
Hamptons Magazine's annual Power List is out (p. 226, for when you pick up a copy tomorrow). In their own words, in re the people on the list: "They're the movers and shakers, the life of the party, the grand pooh-bahs of business, the trendsetters from every industry--entertainment, real estate, fashion, finance, medicine. They're the people who make the Hamptons The Hamptons."
The fully list is just ahead, so cross your fingers, say a prayer or two and click on through. See if you see yourself along side such folks as Steven Gaines, Diddy, Ed Kleefield, and, of course, Billy Joel.
Continue reading "Hamptons Mag Power List '06: Are You On It?"
Link Hampton: Memorial Day Special Edition
· LAST CHANCE FOR RENTALS: "It's do or die" [NY Post]
· $1.3M in Southampton; tacky air conditioners may or may not be included [Overvalued]
· Sneaking into the Maidstone and other ways to score a Hamptons Husband [HWeb]
· Still Life in Alison at the Beach [H&G]
WeatherDesk Live Update: No Rain Yet
Just as we type this from one of our East End command centers (Southampton location) the the sun has come out. Also, you'll note that the Weekend Countdown (at right) indicates we're less than t-minus two hours until your very first summer Friday of the season begins. Perhaps you should start getting the papers on your desk into neat piles?
Weather conditions on the ground: Low 60s, Partly Sunny, 100% Humidity
Friday Drive Report: LIE Mostly Clear
Clockwise from top left, LIE @: Searing Road, Exit #40, Exit #43, Rte 110. [* indicates eastbound]
8:45 AM: Reports of incidents between exits 25 and 32, but you're free sailing otherwise.
How's the traffic by you? File a report.
BREAKING WEATHERDESK UPDATE:
Chance of Rain Slashed to 30%
A bit of good weather news before everyone heads to happy hour: The 50% chance of rain we were seeing earlier in the week has been reduced to 30%. In other optimistic weather news, the depressing raincloud icon has been replaced with a scattered T-storm icon. It may seem more menacing, but it means shorter spells of rain, if any. With less chance for rain, the question becomes: Can we break the 70-degree barrier before Monday?
Ready. Set. Weekend.
Relish: Three. Day. Weekend.
Remember: Why we have Monday off
Sip: Sneaky Margaritas
Skip: The Shelter Island EZ-Pass
Pack: Dare we say it? An umbrella
Party: Pink Elephant / Cain Catfight
Browse: The new Gucci in East Hampton
Consider: Bartender knows best
Grill: Your free salmon from FreshDirect
Play: Badminton with new birdies
Master: Strategic Gifting
"Read": The Bikini Book
Shop: If you can't beat the weather, at least look good in it
RESY Hampton: You're Not Completely Screwed
The Resy, in this case, being the time at which a group of four can secure a reservation for this Saturday night.
nick & toni’s -- 324 3550 -- no rings, ah, well, right now even the waiting list is closed
laundry -- 324 3199 -- three rings, fully booked
della femina -- 329 6666 -- one ring, nothing until 10
trata east -- 726 6200 -- three rings, 5:30 or 10
bobby van's -- 537 0590 -- two rings, hold, saturday correct?, 6 or 10:30
jean luc east -- 324 1100 -- one ring, just let me check, 6:45 or 9:30
leif hope's -- 324 5022 -- three rings, hold sir -- we're booked until 9
lori -- 283 7575 -- three rings, just one moment, 6:30, 8:30, 9:30
american hotel -- 725 3535 -- one ring, we start taking reservations tomorrow at 9 am
Fire Island: Alligator For Sale
A question arrives by email: "will the beach be covering strictly the hamptons or the assortment of beach-based communities in the NYC area like Fire Island?" While we'll leave the Jersey Shore for others, Fire Island is definitely on the radar here. As such, probably as good a time as any for the first report from our special Fire Island correspondent...
Writes our correspondent, "The Alligator is a bar on the Ocean Beach "strip"—basically a crummy dance hall for the Bay Shore boys and girls, and, as I witnessed last summer, one barefoot, dancing acid-head that was stranded on the island. And it can be yours for $1.2 mil. Firm! Oh, also, it has two alligators painted outside, one holds a beer, the other, sushi (though they don't actually serve food)."
FIRE ISLAND BONUS: Blogger Manhattan Offender posts the Fire Island ferry schedule.
FIRE ISLAND DOUBLEBONUS: You've probably heard about the Fire Island reality show Summer Share that ABC is currently casting for, but if not, details after the jump.
Continue reading "Fire Island: Alligator For Sale"
East End Restaurant Preview: Laundry, Lori, Leif & More!
If Nick & Toni's, Della Femina, MadamTong's and even Trata East are feeling a bit -- how shall we put this? -- stale, perhaps what you need is some new blood in your restaurant rotation. You'll be back to your old friends soon enough. In the meantime:
1) The Laundry: It isn't exactly new, but with 25 years on the east end its seniority gets The Laundry the one-slot on this list. Provided they've been upgraded from status: plywood by tomorrow, Tracy Bonbrest and Stuart Kreisler's American opens this weekend on Pantigo Road in what was most recently The Farmhouse. Chef Andrew Engle has packed up his pots and pans and not to worry-- the ribs, burgers and toffee cake have made the move as well. The silver lining to the restaurant, in essence, having lost their lease on Race Lane is that their new home is significantly larger. “We are one of a handful of restaurants on the East End of Long Island that could serve 400 or more dinners on a Saturday night while catering a large private party such as a wedding or bar mitzvah,” states co-owner, Stuart Kreisler. Exciting, perhaps; but let's hope our man has an off-season plan as well. 341 Pantigo Lane, East Hampton. 324-3199.
2) Lori Restaurant & Wine Bar: James on Main is now the eponymous restaurant owned by James on Main partner-still-standing Lori Escallier. The decor isn't all that different, indeed the center bar is intact, but the chef is now Michael Meehan of Peconic Bay Winery and wide-ranging East End fame. His menu will be new American, including a raw bar. 75 Main St., Southampton. 283-7575.
3) Inlet Seafood Restaurant: Out to The End we go, where longtime fishermen Bill Grimm, captain of 90-foot troller Perception, Kevin Maguire, captain of Evening Prayer and four others are slated to open (call ahead to be sure) across Lake Montauk from Gosman's. The plot of land, as the legend goes, is one that Billy Joel has been trying to buy for years (we knew this sounded like a track off of We Didn't Start the Fire). In addition to gobs of local fish, there's "Bonac clam pie, lobster pot pie, conch fritters, smoked bluefish, seviche of local fluke, and tilefish fillet baked fishermans style (that is, baked in foil with potatoes, onions, wine, garlic, and butter)." East Lake Dr. 668-3419.
Ahead, 27 Lobster Surf Shack, Leif Hope's and one from Jean Luc Kleefield.
Continue reading "East End Restaurant Preview: Laundry, Lori, Leif & More!"
Plywood East: SCOOP Annex down-to-the-wire
Aging Hamptonites aren't the only ones getting facelifts. (Oh, we kid.) East Hampton's SCOOP has also gone under the knife, adding a BEACH annex behind the mostly men's store. Even with the addition, revenue growth will be slow if the registers aren't ringing by tomorrow. Will the dust clear before opening weekend? Check back soon, and watch the retail drama unfold.
And while we have the attention of the fashion set, we've got something that's right up your alley. Starting next week, we'll recall the best and worst of the weekend in Main Street fashion. Won't you be a doll and send us cameraphone snaps of your favorites? Celebrites always welcome, of course, but not required.
Photo by Kalina, 5/20/06.
TONY Knows Where to Hide from the Paparazzi
Our East End Restaurant Round-up is due out later today. In the meantime, get a load of TONY.
This week’s Time Out chimes in on the action east of the Shinnecock Canal (or at least east of Westhampton). The usual suspects appear in the “Where to Be Seen” category for places like Bridgehampton to East Hampton (above), but things get interesting under “Where to Hide.”
The Beach’s first suggestion on where to hide would be anywhere but the East End, especially on a holiday weekend. However, assuming one is dead set on conducting an extramarital affair on the South Fork, these suggestions seem right on the money:
“Cheating spouses and other stealthy types should head to the new creative-American Leif Hope’s Restaurant, formerly the Laundry, and ask for table 24, behind the brick wall.”
At Rowdy Hall “the fiercely shy can sit near the fireplace in the back”
“The back room at Sant Ambroeus restaurant has frosted glass dividers and a separate entrance that’s so well concealed it took most patrons years to notice it.”So get out there, use an alias, and hope the paparazzi don’t subscribe to TONY and/or the East End proves to be quiet this weekend.
· Points East [TONY]
Beach Media Update: 'He's a Good Boy'
Besmiled former Hamptons editor Jason Oliver Nixon may have surrendered the top spot on the magazine's masthead, but he hasn't gone totally off the rails, right? Blogger The Quest For 'It' reports:
Not one second after I sent my mass email I received an Out of Office Reply from the email account of Jason Oliver Nixon of Niche Media LLC. This was not just any Out of Office Reply, it was one that had me rolling so hard I simply had to share it...as it reads:· Jason Oliver Nixon's Out of Office Reply [The Quest For 'It']**THIS E-MAIL ACCOUNT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE**
To reach Niche Media LIFESTYLE EDITOR JASON OLIVER NIXON, please e-mail him at his new address: XXX@nichemediallc.com. His phone number remains XXX-XXX-XXXX, and he still works out of the Niche Media offices: XXX Park Avenue South, XXX Floor, New York, New York, XXXXX.
Mr. Nixon is craving food, style, trend, design, shelter, grooming, and other fabulous ideas, so drop him an e-mail. Or better yet, offer to take him to lunch (he likes salads and wine), or send him shoes (he's a size 9), or sunglasses. And if his long-suffering mother Lois reads this, he is sorry that he hasn't returned your calls; please keep him in the will, he's a good boy.
· Beach Media: Meet Your New Editors [The Beach]
BONUS: A tipster emails with word on the previously mysterious Hampton Style masthead for summer '06: "The new EIC (as of March) is Kristina Stewart Ward, formerly Society Editor for Vanity Fair and Executive Editor for Harper's Bazaar. The new (much revamped) issue is out Memorial Day weekend."
Beach Scenes: Lobster Roll
Descriptors for the Lobster Roll (just "Lunch" to some) range from classic to quintessential to medicinal. Though their digs were updated last year, the original (1965) formula is intact. Of course, your people inside are Paul DeAngelis and co-owner Andrea Terry.
Further reading at Citysearch and the official site.
Photo by Kalina, 5/20/06.
Introducing The Beach
Welcome to The Beach, friends, where Hamptons finally meets blog. During these glorious summer months when your work week is devoted to little else but anticipating the weekends, The Beach is here to help. Expect East End coverage as far as the eye can see, including restaurant and club reports, real estate gossip, local news, obsessive weather and traffic coverage, and much more.
To get yourself acclimated, may we suggest you peruse the following tidbits, which we have in our archive eagerly awaiting your arrival:
· Brave clubland if you dare, but first familiarize yourself with this season's East End club offerings.
· Sure there's Schmidt's, Citarella, Villa, and, well, King Kullen, but there's also Fresh Direct's Hamptons Delivery Service.
· Want to see your picture in the glossies this summer? Perhaps meeting the new editors would help.
· And what of those two issues of greatest import: traffic and weather? Without excessive Friday drive reporting and WeatherDesk storm tracking we'd all be summering blind.
Of course, since we'll be three margaritas in before you're done reading this, we'll need your help. From LIE traffic reports via your 'Berry to cam-phoning us unfortunate fashion from Main Street in East Hampton, we're nowhere if you're not on board.
The Beach is published by the Curbed Network and produced by both Curbed and Eater. Logo and banner work is by the very talented Khoi Uong; photography is styled for the beach by none other than Noah Kalina; and may we introduce Noa Taffet, who, with some help from the LS and the BL, will be your editor for the duration.
We do hope you'll enjoy. And now, off to the East End we go, while the LIE is still clear.
Plywood East: Laundry Irons Out The Details
Ten-Hut, folks. Just because you're summering doesn't mean you are relieved of your plywood duties. Plus, Memorial Day weekend on the East End is nothing if not a plywood wonderland. Stores scampering to get ready for the rush, restaurants forced into 'mid-June' opening dates, clubs building massive annexes. You know the drill: see plywood, cam-phone plywood, send plywood. Please don't make Kalina do all the work.
Count on Kalina to go the extra mile and bring us these exclusive shots of The Laundry's new location. Clearly they're working overtime to remake the space that formerly held the Farmhouse, but that may or may not translate into Memorial Day readiness. (Further details in a Beach RESY Watch dropping this afternoon.)
More Kalina genius, including a peek at the globe light fixtures, after the jump.
Continue reading "Plywood East: Laundry Irons Out The Details"
Cain to Pink Elephant: You Can Keep the Strippers
It's not even Memorial Day yet, and The War of the Words between nightclub scenesters has begun! Cain co-owner Jayma Cardosa takes the opening shot in today's NY Post, going after anyone and everyone who isn't on the list.
"I'm not really into the Hawaiian Tropic crowd for Cain. Those girls can look a little bit like strippers. I'll never have guidos or big DJs that draw a crowd - that's Pink Elephant. Not to put anybody down."Pink Elephant's David Sarner isn't gonna let that one slide. He fires back with:
"It's like, your facility isn't good enough, so you do something at your house to grab people and bring them over. Loading everyone into cars - I think things lose their specialness."Only in the Hamptons, kids. Only in the Hamptons. Read the article for the full velvet-rope smackdown, as well as A-list name dropping. It's gonna be a hot summer!
· We're With The Brand [NY Post]
· Cain Takes over Jet East [The Beach]
· Pink in the New Cabana [The Beach]
Behind the Hedgerows: Getting to the Point
Behind the Hedgerows is The Beach's irregular roundup of East End real estate news. Because real estate is more than a a state of being—it's a state of bliss.
1) East Hampton: After several years on the hunt, Tommy Hilfiger has finally made his move. William Neuman reports that that he's closing on Robert Marc and William Roach's $18 million, five-bedroom house on Further Lane in East Hampton, a deal brokered by Allan Schneider broker Deirdre Jowers. One notable perk: an oceanside swimming pool, siting not permitted by current zoning law. [William Neuman/The Big Deal, 2nd item]
2) East Hampton: HC&G's Deeds and Don'ts column updates the story of North Harbor eatery East Hampton Point (right), repped by legendary Hamptons broker Judi Desiderio. It's on the market for $55 million, quite a rise from the $4 million überbuilder Ben Krupinski and friends paid for the place back in 1992. [Heather Buchanan and Selim Agar/Deeds and Don'ts; Town & Country Listing]
3) Water Mill: Hoping to crash Russian heiress Anna Anisimova's $600,000 summer rental in Water Mill? Not so fast. Reports the Post's Braden Keil, "Included in the 8,000-square-foot residence is a state-of-the-art security system that has received more beefing up by a security company hired by her safety-conscious Moscow-based father, Vasily Anisimova." [Braden Keil/NYPost, 2nd item]
4) Bridgehampton: From the East Hampton Star's always intriguing property deeds, two sizable sales in Bridgehampton: a spec house (we surmise) at 100 Quimby Lane (between Ocean Road and Sagg Pond) for $13 million, and 2.1 acres at 15 Surfside Drive for $12.5 million. [East Hampton Star]
LIRR UPDATE: Only REAR-FACING Seats Left
Our inside source at Long Island Railroad confirms that ONLY rear-facing seats remain on the Hamptons Reserve Service Cannonball train, scheduled to depart Penn Station at 3:58 pm on Friday. Unless the weather report deteriorates further, expect even these less-desirable seats to be booked by this afternoon. Make a seat request now, or risk standing all the way to Amagansett.
· Hamptons Reserve Service [LIRR]
BREAKING WEATHERDESK UPDATE:
Saturday Downgraded to Thunder Storms
This just in to The Beach WeatherDesk:
Just yesterday we expected a clear weekend, but the forecast has changed. Now, friday showers have turned into possible "rumbles of thunder" on Saturday.
It's not exactly ideal when Weather.com offers "tips for driving in the rain" on a long-weekend Friday. Will the LIE be a waterlogged road to nowhere? Will it rain on Cain's parade? For now, please cross your collective fingers and say a prayer for sun. We'll keep our eyes on the skies and let you know if anything changes.
· Sag Harbor: 10 Day Forecast [Weather.com]
Beach Scene: Blue Parrot
The Blue Parrot, where we have been known to sit outside with a margarita and a travel edition Scrabble board. Its proximity makes for an excellent alternative to both Scoop and Ralph Lauren, should your entourage be divided on the age-old question, afternoon drinking or afternoon shopping? Nachos are always gratis; kitchen churns out edible Tex-Mex staples before 10 PM.
Further reading at Citysearch, Hamptons Dining Guide and Gawker.
Photo by Kalina, 5/20/06.
Random Outrage List: Lights, Holes, Hos
Welcome to The Beach's rundown on scandals, controversies, and outrages plauging the East End. Bone up for Saturday cocktail hour, won't you? Meantime, got the scoop on a scandal? We'd like to hear about it; your anonymity is safe with us.
1) Montauk Traffic Light. No, the quaint ville de la mer does not have one now. Yes, it might get one soon. Certainly, it's time for a coronary. [Dan's Papers]
2) Southampton Tax Reassesments. See this long line of people (right) standing in the rain? They're waiting in line to appeal their property tax assessments. Not pictured: the Board of Assessment Review laughing them all out of the room 90 minutes later. [Southampton Press]
3) East Hampton Potholes. There's something downright charming about the fact East Hampton can't get enough asphalt to fill its potholes. That the problem is likely to linger for at least the next 12 months makes it that much more delightful. [East Hampton Star]
4) East Hampton Prostitutes. C'mon, this dude just wants to sleep. [Dan's Papers]
East End Clubland '06: Cain, Star Room & More
Truth be told, The Beach isn't on the east end for the clubs, but we understand that when you get the itch you well, have to scratch it. So, tie down the deck chairs, here's the clubland rundown on Day 1:
1) Cain Southampton: This, along with Boutique, is shaping up to be the heavy hitter this season. Taking over the North Sea Road space that was Jet East, Jamie Mullholland's beach outpost will be his own unique brand of African themed hell. But, if you're so inclined, maybe in the best way. Adam Alpert is another name that may help you past the rope, especially if you also use the words, "I'm going to buy a couple of bottles." 1181 North Sea Rd., Southampton. 631-283-0808..
2) Star Room: The Clusterfuck award goes to the Star Room, which was just sold to Vekrum Kaushik and Charles Ferri of Serena fame (a Kamali deal, by the by). They've given the place a facelift and brought in the gents from Stereo, Home, and Guest House to promote, which makes for one hell of a name dropping extravaganza at the door. (Although it’ll make for quite a music selection on the inside.) Do be sure you're on a list of some sort before heading to the Wainscott club made famous by a slew of low-level celebrity mishaps, including one in which Fabian Basabe screamed at a staffer, "Do you understand me, Negros? You [bleep]ing Negros!" Classy! 378 Montauk Hwy., at Eastgate Rd., Wainscott. 631-537-3332.
The Mike Heller's Boutique and Pink Elephant are just ahead.
Materialist: Strategic Ice Cream Makers
The goal of any hostess gift is to 1) show appreciation for the gracious hospitality of your unsuspecting friends, and 2) not look like a jackass upon arrival. Your host may be momentarily thrilled to receive the 1996 Dom Perignon, but choose a gift wisely enough (and behave yourself over the weekend) and you’ll score the ultimate payoff: the coveted “standing invitation.”
For the Ciao-Bella loving host, show up with this ice cream maker (which also conveniently makes frozen drinks) and chances are you’ll be welcome through Labor Day. Even when you’re not there to enjoy the creamy deliciousness of the frozen yogurt it produces, your host will think fondly upon your visit and call to invite you for the very next weekend.
Did we mention it makes frozen drinks?
· Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker [Amazon]
· Be Your Own Bartender: Sneaky Margaritas [The Beach]
Beach Media: Meet Your New Editors
Summer on the beach means at least this: the chance to page idly through the Southfork's giveaway magazines. This winter, the big two turned over their editors-in-chief for the first time in five years. Herewith, an introduction to the newcomers:
1) Hamptons: After helming the longtime market-leader since Jason Binn arrived to take control of the enterprise back in the 90's, Hamptons editor-in-chief Jason Oliver Nixon transitioned to the role of Style Editor this past February. Though the move was described as part of Nixon's longtime desire to be more involved in the design realm, something seemed a touch odd. As the Post's Keith Kelly reported, former Hampton Style staff writer Cindi Cook was christened the new editor-in-chief. Yet only a week before being named to the post, she'd been named managing editor of Binn's Washington, D.C. outpost Capitol File (she's still listed on the masthead). Then, earlier this month, WWD spies Nixon jobhunting at Martha Stewart's new Blueprint. Whatever. What we'll miss most: Jason's shining teeth greeting us each week from the editor's page, though Cindi's do show promise.
2) Hamptons Cottages & Gardens: When founding editor Newell Turner scored the style director position at House Beautiful in December, the house and home publication hired shelter mag veteran Barbara Dixon to oversee things. No juicy staffing drama here, but these glad tidings from her first HC&G editor's letter: "Whatever your credit limit, though, one thing's certain: To paraphrase Michael Shnayerson, the lovely light that first drew people to the Hamptons years ago will keep shining far into the future... As we are welcomed into your lives for yet another season, we invite you to join us in joyous times ahead."
3) Hampton Style: Like the print publication, the website of Dan's magazine spinoff Hampton Style lacks the production values of its compatriots. As such, we have no idea who's at the helm here as the season dawns. We do, however, have the vague urge to buy an ad.
Having perused the May issues of both Hamptons and HC&G, our early sense is to expect few radical changes in either publication. Hey, there's comfort in familiarity.
· Letter from the Editor: Spring Ahead! [Hamptons]
· Editor's Letter: Looking Ahead [HC&G]
· Advertising Mission [Hampton Style]
BONUS LINK HAMPTON, MEDIA GOSSIP EDITION
· Holy Masthead! Editor Shift Hits Hamptons Magazine [Keith Kelly/NYPost]
· Blue's Queue [WWD]
· Niche Media on Niche Media [Jossip]
· Gotham and Hamptons Give Us Some Holiday Gossip [Jossip]
Daytrip: New Kid on the Block (Island)
Most of us kiss the ground when we arrive in the Hamptons with our road rage barely in check. But for those seeking a change of scenery after a few days, there's always a day trip to Block Island.
This summer the trip to Block Island just got a lot shorter. Starting May 26, The Viking Superstar will begin running ferries that will deliver you to the shores of Block Island in under an hour. There's room for 150 people and a snack bar on board. Plus, those very considerate ship builders have come up with a "stable, anti-seasickness design," so don't be shy about boarding with a hangover. No word on when the same ferry will start Wall Street-to-Montauk service, but we can dream.
· Viking Fleet Reservations [Official Site]
Link Hampton
· Memorial Day weekend planner: Montauk surfer party at 27 [27restaurant.com]
· Estate of the Day: Lily Pond Lane's Normandie [Luxist]
· What's hot and not for Wall Street summer '06 [IBD via Hamptons Real Estate Blog]
· Hamptons bartenders suggest what to order at their bars [Hamptons]
· A 50-something sharehouse? Dude, no way! [Craigslist]
· Three condos in NYC, house in the Hamptons, but 'I'm not wealthy' [Baltimore Sun]
Beach Whispers: Jerry's Still Cranky
· In these quiet days before the Post restarts its daily Page o' Hamptons Goodness, we're left picking over Page Six for tidbits like this: "WE HEAR THAT there's no room at the Southampton Inn -- until Scarlett Johansson and other cast and crew from The Nanny Diaries check out." There goes one Memorial Day Weekend backup plan—and one cashier's check to Steve Haweeli. [Page Six]
· East End moms and MILFs offer Mother's Day gift ideas to Jason Binn's minions (hereafter, Binnions). Wait, Mother's Day already passed? Regift for Dad! [Hamptons]
· The dawn of a new summer begs the question, what's Jerry Della Femina pissed off about this year? Checking in with his column in his newspaper, we find his usual annual query, "Why do our friends and relatives destroy the summer for us?" [East End Independent]
Materialist: Heat Up The Night
As much as we're all pulling for an 80-degree Memorial Day weekend, we need to face the facts: Summer doesn't really bring on the heat until July.
But don't let the cool evening weather spoil your barbeque plans. Fire up your outdoor fireplace and stay comfortable outdoors, even on the coolest May evening. And don't think we overlooked the added benefit of unlimited marshmallow roasting. Just resist the urge to break into "Kumbaya" - you don't want to freak out the neighbors this early in the season.
· Outdoor Fire Pit [Smith & Hawken]
Beach WeatherDesk: Rain Friday, P/C for Duration
Report looks pretty stable, but we're too far out to be sure. Storms Friday aren't going to do anthing good for the drive, but hopefully things will clear by the time you're ready to fire up the grill.
As always, DEVELOPING...
· Bridgehampton: 10 Day Forecast [Weather.com]
Shelterporn: Springs Artist Compound
[Photograph by Bärbel Miebach, courtesy HC&G]
From Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, our favorite source for East End shelterporn, comes this dazzling interior of artist Joseph La Piana's compound in Springs. Click through for more pictures and the story of the Abstract Expressionist giants who've hung out herein.
· In Good Hands [HC&G]
Be Your Own Bartender: Sneaky Margaritas
In the sharehouse hierarchy, the title of Mixologist is right up there with Grill Master and Chief SPF Applier. Here's a simple twist on a classic recipe that is sure to get the party started - and keep it going until you run out of Corona.
Sneaky Margaritas
1. Combine equal parts tequila, Corona, and fresh squeezed lime juice.
2. Pour into ice cream maker and blend until slushy.
Know a recipe for Sneaky Martinis or another twist on a classic? Be a dear and share it with us.
Fresh Direct: The Mouth-Watering Details
We told you awhile back that Fresh Direct is reprising its delivery service to the Hamptons. With only one week left to plan Memorial Day barbeques, FD comes through in the clutch with detailed logistics for getting organic asparagus delivered to your door before you hit the beach.
The Deal:
· Service fee of $9.95
· $100 Minimum Order applies, so invite the neighbors and think big
· Tipping still not required
· More Details here.
We kindly remind you not to forget extra fresh mint for the mojitos.
UPDATE!
Because you are so worthy, Fresh Direct has an exclusive offer "for Hamptons Customers Only." Free salmon! Automatically added to your cart! Just enter HAMPTONS at checkout. And don't say we never gave you anything.
· Fresh Direct in the Hamptons [Fresh Direct]
· Confirmed: Fresh Direct Is Back [The Beach]
Pink is the New Cabana
Last summer The Pink Elephant referred to the pregnant lady who didn’t use sunscreen. This year it’s the eastern outpost of the club you perhaps know too well.
Chelsea's Pink Elephant is landing in Southampton at the Capri Hotel, complete with another set of trademark scent machines. Our money is on pumping out fake ocean smells, to better complement the fake beach. Promoters assure us that the tables are real, and “they will sell out.” Mmhmm.
For your pre-Memorial Day enjoyment, check out the teaser site featuring a pink elephant surfing to the theme of Hawaii 5-0. And don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen, or risk showing up a bit pink yourself.
· Pink Elephant at the Capri Hotel [Official Site]
· Eater Dish: Pink Elephant [Eater]
Materialist: Summer Reading, Foodie Edition
We know you aren’t an illiterate playboy. See, you’re reading this aren’t you? And what does an intellectual party person like yourself do on a rainy Saturday? Especially after you’ve tired of watching DVDs and your dealer is in St. Barth’s for the holiday?
You read a book! (Or you read a book and bake muffins!)
Feed your inner bookworm with the following literary happenings. And if these book signings get wild and/or crazy with paperback-novel style debauchery, please remember – what happens in the Hamptons stays in the Hamptons.
Gael Green will be signing copies of Insatiable at Almond in Bridgehampton. Wear a wide brim hat and listen to stories involving food and sex, and sex and food. Your $75 gets you cocktail hour, dinner, a signed copy of the book, and sex with Gael Green.
Almond, Bridgehampton, 6/11 7 pm
The Golden Pear is opening in Sag Harbor this summer, but you can skip the lines and make your own Chocolumps once you have the recipe from The Golden Pear Cafe Cookbook. Maybe this will inspire you to finally figure out how to turn on the oven. 
Several signings are scheduled for the season, but we’d suggest going on a rainy day at the Golden Pear in Easthampton, as possibilities for free samples will be highest.
Golden Pear Cafe, Easthampton, Saturday, 6/10 3-5pm
And finally, on the healthier cookbook signing agenda, Fred Pescatore, author of The South Beach Hamptons Diet Cookbook , will be on hand to sign your book and give tips on how to get even skinnier than you already are.
BookHampton, Easthampton, Saturday 6/10
Wednesday: Are We There Yet?
Days until Memorial Day Weekend: 9
Hours until Memorial Day Weekend: 216
Minutes until Memorial Day Weekend: 12,960
Seconds until Memorial Day Weekend: 777,600
Not that we're counting or anything.
Ditch Etiquette
Your board probably needs a tuneup from last year. While you give it a new coat of wax, it may also be useful to review the rules posted at Montauk surfspot Ditch Plains. (Remember, nobody likes a wavehog.)
Click on through for a larger view.
· Ditch Plains Sign [Eastern Long Island Surfriders]
The Laundry: Spinning at New Location
What, you thought only Manhattan landlords could be jerks?
The Laundry is moving. After 25 years at its Race Lane location in East Hampton, the restaurant is out; seems the former landlord didn’t offer a renewal. So owners Tracy Bonbrest and Stuart Kreisler looked elsewhere and found this picturesque spot (right) at the former Spring Close House.
With 215 seats, plus room outside for bar-mitzvah-sized throwdowns, The Laundry is definitely not shrinking with this move. The new place even has a wood-burning oven—always a stellar addition. Not sure yet if they're transferring the "No Reservations" policy to the farmhouse location. The Executive Chef insists on keeping the menu unchanged—even the sticky date cake is still there to tempt you, so go ahead and play a few extra sets before dinner.
N.B. The old Laundry is the new Leif Hope's Restaurant at the Old Steam Laundry, or just Leif Hope's Restaurant for short.
· The Laundry [Official Site, quite minimalist at this point]