June 2006
At the Beach: Back on the 5th
To celebrate Independence Day, multitask on your own terms by keeping a frosty drink in one hand and a glossy magazine in the other, all while keeping a watchful eye on the grill.
The Beach is on holiday until Wednesday, when we will return just in time to start daydreaming about next weekend. Happy Fourth of July!
Friday Drive Report: Bring in the Choppers
Now firmly in Summer Friday territory, the smooth sailing couldn’t last forever. Latest report from the road doesn’t sound good:
@ 1:45pm Exit 70 on LIE backed up about 1/4 mileGood luck, indeed.
@ 2:10pm The 27 merge from two-lanes to one is backed up about 1 - 1.5 miles.
Good luck. You'll need it.
On the road? We feel your pain.
Friday Drive Report: LIE Never Looked So Good
LIE at Exit 46 [* indicates Eastbound], road sign from the BeachWire Inbox]
We hate to jinx it, but traffic has lightened up quite a bit since this morning. Other than the usual slowdowns on the other side of the Midtown Tunnel, things are moving right along. With tomorrow shaping up to be a sunny 80 degrees, don't count on this much clear asphalt later in the day - make a run for it now or suffer the consequences.
What's On Tap: Fireworks of the Nightclub Variety
For those who wish to celebrate the birth of our nation by dancing on tables, we pass along this comprehensive list of happenings from the tireless party people at Hamptons Online. George Washington would be proud.
· DJ AM returns to the Tavern on Saturday, July 1st.If you decide to partake in the action, enjoy and (of course) cc: BeachWire Inbox on your findings. Just don't get caught on film.
· Boutique has got great DJ’s lined up all weekend long. And we are sure there will be plenty of beautiful socialites and celebrities stopping by also! We’ll be sure to stop by! You can stop by too and maybe you’ll get in!
· We’ll also be checking out the sexy Pink Elephant and we’ll definitely be “Able” to go back to CAIN!
· Finally ladies, “Who do you Love?” L.L Cool J will be in the Hamptons on July 3rd! We’ll try to be all over him...(oops did we say that out loud?)
· We just got word the Star Room will be rocking on Friday to the sounds of world famous House DJ Victor Calderon, followed up a Star Studded Saturday hosted by Life & Style Magazine.
· Sunday the Star Room will be hosted by birthday girl Michelle Rodriguez.
· Monday is Miami's Backdoor Bamby party.
· Out & About [Hamptons Online]
Friday Drive Report: Get Out. Now.
Buckle up folks, it seems things are getting dicey very early on this Summer Friday. Above, the view from Exit 23, in which you may note the presence of brake lights. The play-by-play from the BeachWire Inbox:
8:24 a.m. Traffic slowing around exit 23. Mayday
8:46 a.m. HOV is on the move.
9:04 a.m. Massive truck fire at 51.
UPDATE 9:40 a.m. 53 on, all clear
UPDATE 9:59 a.m. Hit 39 too early. It's a parking lot.
Right about now we're thinking: Any seats left on the chopper?
Ready. Set. Weekend.
Get: To the beach
Nibble: Refreshing avocado-mango salsa
Oooh, Aaaah: Your choice of fireworks
Visit: Pollock-Krasner House
Experiment: With bubbly and white sangria
Write: Your name with a sparkler
Flaunt: A white hot tan
Refresh: 4th facts for cocktail hour
Chew: A patriotic Tootsie Roll?
Sip: The Cuke
Put: Your patriotism were your mouth is
Link Hampton
· Traffic Expiriment to add a lane of traffic on route 39 [Newsday]
· The Beach may have traffic, but at least ABC isn't taping a reality show [NY Daily News]
· MO Summer Reading: Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse [Manhattan Offender]
· Burns' Southampton mansion to hit market for $48 mil [Real Estate]
WeatherDesk Update: SUN on Saturday
One day at a time, folks.
· Weekend Weather: Bridgehampton [Weather]
New Listings, PriceChopping at Your Fingertips
Friend of the family Natefind really knows the way to our hearts - they’ve added the East End to the already formidable city coverage, complete with special sections for new and reduced listings. New listings in East Hampton, you ask? PriceChopped in Bridge? Done and done. A daily email delivers the newest properties and the latest PriceChops from Montauk to Westhampton. With this type of intel on the Blackberry, we expect a sharp increase in poolside calls to brokers.
· Search Hamptons Listings [Natefind]
The Beach 5-Spot: Getting There
On a weekend such as this one coming up, one is all but assured that the L.I.E. is going to be a parking lot. So, perhaps you should consider alternate transportation.
1) Chopper: NY Helicopter offers shared rides starting at $650 and US Helicopter will give you the whole bird for $5500. In either case, you're downtown to pool float in 60 minutes, including the ride from chopper to your house at the Beach.
2) Seaplane: Cost aside, the issue with the G5 from Teterborough is that the ride to NJ will set you back an hour in rush hour. The solution, of course, is a seaplane from Shoreline. The $395 one-way trip gets your from Battery Park to East Hampton in 40 minutes. NB: Light packers only, as there is a 20 pound limit on luggage.
3) Bus: As they are busses, both the Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner are tres bougie, however either gets the job done for under $50. Reservations are a necessity between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Eater set will note, of course, that the Jitney offers 'wichcraft on some rides, but do call ahead to confirm that bit.
4) Train: The gauchtastic LIRR is the cheapest way to beat the traffic, but that doesn't mean you're going to like it. Unless it’s the Cannonball.
5) Car: If you must must be behind the wheel, you do have rental options: the low-, mid- and high-end.
WeatherDesk Update: Make it Stop
Though the piping plover threat has been mitigated, we face a greater obstacle on the road to fireworks perfection: The weather. Saturday looks ok, but we'll have to wait for better news about the rest of the long weekend.
· Weekend Weather: Bridgehampton [Weather]
Dan's Power Brokers Work Hard, Play Harder
Those trusty list-makers at Dan’s Magazine Hampton Style are at it again, this time rounding up the most powerful real estate brokers on the East End. It's an alphabetical listing, but the egalitarianism is subversed by Harald Grant, Andrea Ackerman, Gary DePersia and Lori Barbaria, four standouts who get their own profiles, complete with photo. The featured brokers are pictured doing what they do best (when they’re not inking multi-million dollar deals, of course): lounging in a hammock, chilling by the pool in a crisp button-down, and rocking on the front porch. The rest of the all-powerful, but hammock-less, list, after the jump.
Postcards from the Hedge #2
It's time for another installment of Postcards from the Hedge, our weekly look back at the weekend that was. Torrential rain can be somewhat maddening, apparently.
1) And finally, they nailed it: two spins and a full stop on "right round, baby right round." Elated and in-sync as always, their minds drifted to the Ice Capades auditions.
2) When he woke up the next morning behind Cyril's, all that was left of his princess was the empty, crushed pack of Menthols. But then, it hit him: his Kabalah bracelet, the fourth in as many months, was gone.
3) Moments later, Lisa snapped Cindy's neck, as Lisa promised she'd do if Cindy made good on her threat to wear white. And then, she ate her.
4) Further evidence of the profound placebo effect, Alex to this day has no idea that the small foil packet he ever-so-quietly traded a bouncer $60 for was confectioner's sugar, not angel dust, as advertised.
5) At first, the whole room was curious to see how long the "girl in white" could hold the statue pose. But, by the end of the night, it was just the one girl who cared, albeit because she was trying to decide whether those black shorts were from Scoop and/or if they were also available at the plus-size store in West Hampton.
Beach Throwback: Grubman Investigation Lives On?
It hadn’t occurred to us that the July 4th weekend would mark two special anniversaries, until this most interesting scan appeared in the Beach inbox earlier today. The right panel reads:
If nothing else, the timing of Mr. Smith’s inquiry is quite curious, what with it being almost five years later to the date of Lizzie’s infamous temper tantrum. This may just be a case of legal residue surfacing, but, then, maybe it is not. Can there be another chapter about to unfold in this classic Hamptons tale? Surely we will soon find out.
Dear Mr. [redacted],Please call me as soon as possible as I need to speak with you regarding the July 6, 2001 accident at the Conscience Point Inn on the Hamptons. It is very important. Please call. Thank you.
Ken Smith
Restaurant Report Card: Low Marks for Laundry & Others
In just four short days the Hamptons warm-up season will be over and The Beach will be in full swing. Curious to know how some of the East End's more well known eating establishments fared during the Memorial Day to July 4th ramp up? Not too well, according to some Beach friends and reviewers.
1) The Laundry: "The new and not-so-improved Laundry lacks every ounce of charm of not only the old Laundry, but also the now defunct Farmhouse. It's been transformed into a modern white space fashioned of black-and-white accents, mirrored walls, potted orchids & the occasional orchid print (all of which seemed out of place at the beach never mind a farmhouse). The black marble bar with a wood-burning oven is great for casual dinners or eating alone, seats up to 15-20...It was definitely buzzing Sunday night with lots of see-and-be-scenesters, of the older NY money crowd, 50-70 year olds. Lots of divorcees slyly prowling over their extra-thick sirloin steak, which was juicy, but slightly overcooked...I started with the BBQ baby back ribs, sufficiently smothered in a smoky yet subtly sweet sludge of BBQ sauce, tasty but not fall-off-the-bone tender (which is apparently intentional according to Stuart, they braise the ribs first). The roasted organic beets were simply dressed with fresh shaved fennel, pistachios and a rather remarkable black walnut vinaigrette (they should bottle it). The chowder was heavy on a tomato-based broth and light on seafood. I found but one lone clam in my bowl." [via Restaurant Girl]
2) Citta Nuova: "The caponata which we started with is actually decent. A bit on the mushy side but flavorful. For dinner we all had something different. The lasagna is just not as rich or tasty as it could be. The pasta with sweet sausage, broccoli rabe and a dash of chili is bland. The sausage isn't cooked enough, the rabe should be cut into pieces and it is too oily. The tuna was rare, as asked, served with a eggy custard. The linguine with clams was overloaded with garlic, no surprises there but again very oily and not that interesting. The grill Cornish game hen was charred and really salty served with a oily Israeli couscous and grilled sweet Italian sausage. It didn't really compliment each other and the sausage could have been charred more where the hen could have had less. As a whole, just a big bummer. The best thing to do there is have a glass of wine and sit at the bar or the tables on the street." [Gotham Gal]
Ahead, a reader files a report on The Dockhouse of Sag Harbor.
Continue reading "Restaurant Report Card: Low Marks for Laundry & Others "
Cucumber and Gin: NY Times Picks a Winner
The New York Times declared its cocktail contest winner last week, and the "Best Summer Cocktail" crown went to the sweetly named Cuke, a lime, mint, cucumber and gin combo that makes a fitting "postbeach" cocktail. The recipe is a bit buried online but we’ve dug it up for your mixing pleasure. At first read, it sounds cool and light and eminently sippable - excellent qualities we look forward to trying out, say, this weekend.
Impatient mixologists should be warned, however, that the recipe requires 45 minutes from start to sip. Set expectations accordingly, and pop the top on a cold one while the Cuke steeps and chills.
· Recipe – The Cuke [NY Times]
· A Contest Where Victory Goes to the Coolest [NY Times]
· Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Blenders [The Beach]
Miss the NY Times contest but think you have a winning sipper? Do tell.
Friday Drive Report: Accident in HOV at 36, Elapsed LIE time 01:51
4:06 PM: "Accident in HOV lane at exit 36 has traffic backed up for miles (at least from exit 25 on). Clears up immediately after that."
4:12 PM UPDATE: "Oh wait now we're slowing down again. My lane has stopped completely. All other lanes whizzing by. Figures. Exit 41-ish."
5:35 PM UPDATE: "Excellent new Exxon Mobil station at exit 70. Clean, big, lots of pumps, parking, snacks. And best of all CLEAN new bathrooms. "
5:57 PM UPDATE: "So it's 6pm. I'm finally on montauk highway. There is NO traffic heading east. Traffic heading west is at a standstill for miles. Looks like Sunday not Friday night."
Friday Drive Report: Congestion at the Cross Island
Left: I-495 at Cross Island Parkway; Right: at Shelter Rock Road
Starting to get a little dicey, as you can see. The good news is that the traffic is still somewhat light on 27. Time to get in the car or wait until after dinner.
WeatherDesk Update: Sunday Looks Salvageable
Current conditions on the ground in Southampton are 76° and partly sunny, although reports are consistent that it won't last into the afternoon, when storms are expected. Do note the forecast for Sunday, which has been improving over the last 48 hours. There may be reason to take the drive after all.
· Weekend Weather: Bridgehampton [Weather]
Ready. Set. Weekend.
Sail: With solid footing
Peep: Designing The Hamptons
Expose: The world’s hottest bikinis
Serve: Guacamole in a shatterproof bowl
B.Y.O.B.S.: Bring Your Own Blue Skies
Swirl: The NY Times declares a winner
Wager: On an indoor shuffleboard tourney
Shoot: Stylishly under par
Grill: Wherever the urge strikes
Explore: Rainy days were made for this
Rent: Wet Hot American Summer
Postcards from the Hedge #1
And with this, we inaugurate our newest feature at The Beach, a specially-captioned look at our favorite party photos from the weekend past. (Those familiar with the venerable Gawker feature Blue States Lose will feel especially at home here.) Have a photo that you'd like us to include? Consider it done.
1) Seth, oblivious to the disapproving stares from his just-Bar Mitzvahed brother, couldn’t stop his mind from racing, dreaming of a new life filled with parades, congo-ing with Gloria Estephan and post-parade parties at Star Room. And there was also fear.
2) No one bought Justin's poor attempt to create a diversion, but the camel toe would have to be fixed and a best friend is as good a person as any for the job.
3) Having ditched her sharehouse mates, who had gotten stoned and refused to stop making fun of her last name, Harol befriended the nicer, if somewhat less cool, girls from the sharehouse next door.
4) Lea would first remember this moment the next morning, when she woke up face down on an inflatable island in the middle of an unfamiliar pool. Years later, it was the pouty face, eternally burned in Lea's mind's eye, that her analyst would have the most trouble dissecting.
5) It was raining, so a few of the share house residents headed inside for one last cocktail.
Piping Plover Update: Marine Blvd closed, Fireworks safe
It was almost a year ago that those pesky, endangered, fragile, nesting Piping Plovers put the kybash on the East Hampton's Independence Day Fireworks. You ma recall that the government-protected Plover nests happen to be on Main Beach within 100 feet of the fireworks staging area. Last summer the little plover babies wouldn't hatch so the fireworks were put off until August, disappointing many a bottle-rocket enthusiast.
While the birds are again nesting on Main Beach, as the Star had it in May, a new inspection by Village officials has the Plovers hatched and off the beach in time for this year's fireworks extravaganza, slated for July 1st. In the meantime, however, the plovers continue to wreak havoc, this time forcing a closure of Marine Boulevard access to Nepeague.
· Plover Nest Causes Beach Access Detour [East Hampton Star]
Storefronting: East Hampton Edition
Taking a cue from our elders, we present Storefronting, a massively exciting look at the world of...stores!. In East Hampton, Calypso is now Tahari, J. Crew has morphed into Gucci, Bookhampton into a BCBG. It's anarchy. Men, you may want to look away.
1) Small Labels: In what was Calypso at Newtown and Main is to be a bigger and better Elie Tahari store, per the signs now posted. For the time being, however, Tahari is still open for business just across Main Street. Your source for obscenely expensive peasant skirts, Calypso, has closed their location on the corner of Newtown and Main and condensed from three shops to a measly two (home and clothing). Purveyor of all things cute Anastasia Holland has upgraded from her digs last summer, a tucked away nook of the Amagansett Green, to a more prominent space just upstairs from Babette's on Newtown Lane. At press time, it remains unclear whether or not the lease included unlimited BBQ tofu from downstairs. Bonus UES Transportage:In the same shopping center UES boho-chic mecca Roberta Freymann is giving mainstay Calpyso a run for it's money. Is there enough room in town for so many caftans or is a rumble on Newtown Lane inevitable? Developing, surely.
2) Big Labels: In a twist of Hamptons irony, replacing the cashmere sweaters and rope belts at J.Crew is a Gucci store replete with a $15,000 bicyle and lots of slinky euro-classy dresses. And speaking of J. Crew at the Beach, they are now just down the street, next to Henry Lear on Newtown Lane. Related: Coming soon just next to Starbucks on Main, in the former Bookhampton space, is a brand new BCBG by Max Azaria, as per the sign posted above the door.
Do you have Storefronting action to report? Fancy yourself a good tipper? Show us how it's done.
Link Hampton
· Do side-bends or sit-ups, but please don’t lose that gut? [NY Observer]
· It’s hard to believe, but some people actually dislike the beach [NY Times]
· Paging Dr. PriceChopper: Ultra-luxe houses aren’t selling [NY Magazine]
· Respect the A/C - remember the blackout? [NY Times Select]
· Global Warming threatens beaches; earns our undivided attention [NY Times]
· Time Warner adds Hamptons TV to on-demand offerings [Peripherals]
· Caroline Kennedy’s Marriage on the rocks? [Washington Times]
WeatherDesk Update: 60% No-Rain Chance
We couldn't have said this much better than one of our potty-mouthed weather consultants: "You guys should update your readers on the weather. They should know they’re fucked."
· 10-Day Forecast: Bridgehampton [Weather]
WeatherDesk Update: Weekend Perfection Has Arrived
In a stroke of meteorological genius, both days of the weekend have been upgraded to sunny. Weather.com is conservative in its high-70's prediction, while other sources are going as high as 84 for Sunday. Remember the extra SPF while floating in the gunite pool. Tan is good; lobsterification is bad.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]
Friday Drive Report: LIE Clear. For Now.
Things change fast at 80 mph. The accident has been cleared, and traffic is now moving well. Get out while the gettin's good.
On the road with intel to share? Fire up the 'berry, please.
The Beach 5-Spot: Delivery Services
Our majestic resources guide continues, here with Hamptons Delivery services. Want to request a 5-spot? We're listsening.
1. Groceries/Produce: Fresh Direct. Maximize your time at the beach, minimize your time at King Kullen.
2. Supermarket: Waldbaums. No minimum delivery charge, perfect for smaller orders.
3. Personal (Grocery) Shopping: Josephine's Shopping Service, 631-736-6181 . You want it, Josephine gets it.
4. Alcohol: Peconic Specialty Beverage, 74 County Road 39, Southampton, NY, 11968 631-283-0602. Need beer for the 4th of July kegger? Look no further.
5. Alcohol: Sherry-Lehmann 679 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021 212-838-7500. The boozer gold standard's "Blue Ribbon" delivery is free for 3 cases or more.
· 5-Spot: Beaches [The Beach]
BREAKING Friday Drive Report: Reserve LIRR Immediately
Major accident at the merge on Exit 24 at Kissena Boulevard. Police are clearing the accident as we type, but this could have major implications for this otherwise glorious Friday. Stay tuned.
Translation: 4BR, 4BA, EIK, w/d, fplc
When brokers get giddy, everyone wins. Case in point, William Stoecker, a Corcoran broker who mistook the listing description for a creative writing excercise:
I led the way through the luxury gourmet kitchen and set my sunglasses down on the cool blue pearl granite countertop. The light bouncing from the glass mosaic tile gave the room an ultra chic and dreamy feeling. Past the Thermador, Dacor and Bosch appliances to one of the four bedrooms beyond. Later, hmmmm, so many bathrooms to choose from but I must have a steam and I must be surrounded by all the wonderful natural materials that Mother Earth has offered up to this temple of exquisite taste - will it be slate, will it be stone, and what about marble? No need to chose, it's all here. Mademoiselle Kohler, may I introduce Mr. Toto. Make yourself at home, my dear, in the tranquility room and we'll meet outside for lunch around one-ish.Continue reading "Translation: 4BR, 4BA, EIK, w/d, fplc"
Ready. Set. Weekend.
Gift: Like Father, like Son
Freeze: OJ + Champagne = Mimosicles
Read: Latest opus from Plum Sykes
Apply: SPF for your lips
Listen: To WEHM
Brush: More secret sauce, fewer burned fingers
Plan: It's never too soon for a resy
Catch: Fireflies in a jar
Sip: A local rosé
Picnic: Without spilling the wine
Tour: Chuck Close’s organic garden
Send: The July 4th invitations now
Regulate: No skinny dipping before 6pm
BREAKING: Starch Incident at Sweetwaters
Sweetwater's, the "French Style Dry Cleaner", met with an unfortunate incident yesterday. It seems someone was rather serious about his or her instructions to go 'lite on the starch'. Save for a handful of three-button, barrel cuff Paul Smith shirts, that were in the wrong place at the wrong time, there were no injuries sustained at the scene.
There Goes the Neighhorhood: 'Mink Coat' Edition
Forgive us for taking a couple of days to process this one. We just kept getting caught up at "ruining our town."
As the East Hampton Star has it, a group of locals is growing increasingly irritated with "second castle homeowners" and their penchant for building huge homes on small lots. A random sampling of what said locals are saying:
“It’s the equivalent of a mink coat. These are show-off houses. Somebody said about Montauk, people used to come here to hide. Now they come here to show off.”And,
"It’s people who have more money than sense, and they’re coming out here and ruining our town"Oh yes, he did. And,
“The quality of life that we all love is being compromised by aggressive builders who see dollar signs in our community.”The battle lines are being drawn, friends, so either say something histrionic or lay a massive foundation ASAP, before the zoning board can change the rules. Somewhere, Allan Schneider is giggling.
· Outcry Over ‘Virus’ of Big Houses [East Hampton Star]
WeatherDesk Update: Dry Father's Day
Praise be the weather gods, it looks like a rain-free Father's Day weekend is upon us. Keep up the collective finger-crossing; it seems we've got a good thing going.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]
Battle of the Glossies: VOX Declares Distribution War
An alert reader sends this gem to the BeachWire Inbox, a study on glossy differentiation and the power of point-of-purchase display. As you can see, Vox has thrown down the gauntlet with a branded display crate, rendering, at least at first glance, Hamptons it's ugly friend-of-a-friend. It must be only a matter of time before Binn ditches the plastic wrap and splurges on some pebbled leather.
Beach Media Roundup: Overheard at the Beach, Code, Indy Pic Paper
At this time, we welcome three new on-line offerings to the dance floor. Buy them a drink, won't you?
1) From the tireless eavesdroppers who brought us Overheard in New York comes Overheard at the Beach, where readers can send out-of-context tidbits from annoying Jitney seatmates, the line at Scoop du jour, or the bathroom of Nick & Toni's. Particularly ambitious listeners will want to explore OATB employment opportunities. Turn down the iPod and get to eavesdropping! [Overheard at the Beach]
2) Code.tv launched yesterday, further enabling our already debilitating Hamptons daydreaming. The new broadband television station was created by former MTV executives Joseph Varet and Morgan Hertzan, and promises upscale lifestyle programming for New York and the Hamptons, with other locales to follow. At launch they've got a videos on Trata East, The Meeting Room and a virtual surfing lesson at Main Beach Surf + Sport. [Code.tv]
3) Even old Hamptons media is getting the new media makeover. At Jerry D's The Independent, the new Pic Paper feature allows online readers to have the look and feel of the print edition, without newsprint rubbing off on summer whites. [The Independent]
Star Island Shark Tourney: Gossipy Fishermen Attack
Come this Saturday, Long Island's shark fishing contingent will be focused on the Star Island Shark Tournament, the Island's World Cup of shark fishing. With a first place payout of $500,000, it will be Montauk's main event. And what would an East End competition be without gossip, name calling, and cheating? Indeed, catty fisherman are already yapping about the suspiciously successful favorite, Joe Gaviola, whose victories in three of the last four years look suspect to some locals. Of the conspiracy theories that have formed, outlined by the Intelligencer, our favorite is the "tie-off" theory: hook them through the gills beforehand and leave them swimming on a leash for 'Gav to then fetch come game day.
Absurd, maybe; but no more egregious then floating spare Coronas in the pool filter.
· Just When You Thought It Was Safe [NY Magazine]
BONUS SHARKAGE: Catching big sharks off Long Island is nothing new. The current issue of Hampton Sports magazine celebrates the 30th anniversary of Jaws, a book whose history is rooted in Long Island fishing lore - it was originally inspired by a Montauk fisherman who hooked a 4,500-pounder using empty beer kegs and piano wire.
WeatherDesk Update: It's About Effen Time
A zero percent chance of rain is something we haven't seen in a while and welcome very sincerely, especially considering the raincloud that's been following us around all week. All of a sudden that Summer Friday Alert becomes a bit more urgent.
Sunset Beach: The Untouchable Resy?
Shocking resy news just in to the BeachWire Inbox:
"I just called Sunset Beach and asked for a reservation for the Sunday night, July 2. Not only did they hang up on me without responding but I've called them back twice and now they won't answer."Just a friendly reminder that in the world of Hamptons resies there is no such thing as too soon. (And re Sunset Beach, there does appear to be another way.)
Friday Drive Report: Headaches at Midtown Tunnel, Clear After
LIE at Cross Island Parkway. [* indicates eastbound.]
We are getting reports of construction blocking the right lane from the Midtown Tunnel to Greenpoint Avenue, but after that it's nothing but smooth highway. The sun is shining and the LIE itself is in great shape (so far, at least). Why not take an extra long lunch break that starts, say, right about now, and lasts until Monday morning?
Ready. Set. Weekend.
Splurge: On the best of beach towels
Rent: A MINI Cooper convertible
Beach: Take your pick
Grill: With wood chips, just like Martha
Nap: At will, with a pocket hammock
Flip: Go for a stroll in these comfy ‘flops
Read: Dressed to Grill
Re-escape: To Shelter Island
Cheat: On something that's worth it
Meet: Food authors in town for book signings
Rubberneck: Bachelor casting on Saturday
Gamble: On blackjack while floating
Correspond: Send sunny thank-you's to the host
The Beach 5-Spot: Beaches
Here now, the first of several The Beach 5-Spots, our roundups of places and services you'll need on the East End, such as beaches and lobster rolls. Thoughts on a 5-Spot? We're listening.
1. Coopers, Southampton: The shore thing in South [Map]
2. Main, East Hampton: Lots of action, but kadima-playing families might block your sun [Map]
3. Flying Point, Water Mill: Scene with a side of sand [Map]
4. Crescent Beach, Shelter Island: Perfect sunsets just a ferry ride away [Map]
5. Sagg Main, Sagaponack: No velvet rope, but a nice place to start your party [Map]
Remember, town beaches require parking permits. In many cases you're better off befriending a local or biking.
The Kalina taken on 5/20/06
WeatherDesk Update: Divine Intervention
Things are looking up. Seems the old sacrificing interns trick has worked again - Saturday has been upgraded to partly cloudy, with only a 20% chance of rain. Pack a bag and pick a beach - it's on.
· 10 Day Local Weather Forecast: Bridgehampton [Weather]
Behind the Hedgerows: Anna Anisimova Edition
Anna Anisimova, the billionaire Russian aluminum heiress, was quite the lady about the East End this past week. She opened up her home to the Post this weekend, revealing to all her idea of the ultimate summer rental. The house, in Water Mill, sounds well appointed and lovely, and, as such, Anna fell in love with the place immediately. She's not keeping it to herself either:
"Every bedroom is full, and now we have extra guests, so we had to set up cots in the basement," she says. "There are at least 40 or 50 people here. It's an open house."But no matter how happening her basement, Anna is no homebody. She took her borrowed, 40+ carat bracelet to Pink Elephant on Saturday night and had a grand time with the flashbulb. In a graphic striped dress, Anna showed up with two bodyguards, was photographed mid-make-out, and struck a few poses even Lindsay Lohan would envy. But then again, you can't expect to become an actress, Anna's dream, unless you start perfecting paparazzi poses at an early age. Judging from the contact sheet, she had many chances to get it right. Do have a look: don't know about you, but we're spending the afternoon at Kinko's making our very own Anisimova Flip Book.
· Anna and the Bling [NY Post]
· The New York Scene [Rob Rich]
Image courtesy of Gordon M. Grant.
Strategic Gifting: Win Friends, Alienate Mosquitos
The Mosquito Mega-Catch from Hammacher Schlemmer is the perfect contraption for eliminating those embarrassing calamine lotion spots forever. It's also the perfect gift for ingratiating oneself with the host, greasing the way for many mosquito-free weekends to come. The Mega-Catch zaps pesky bugs over an entire acre using a highly scientific combination of flashing LEDs and scents that mimic human breath. For $200, it's an amazing deal- especially considering the savings on citronella candles. Device not for tree huggers, obvs.
· Mosquito Mega-Catch [OhGizmo]
WeatherDesk Update: Massive Tragedy Strikes Bridgehampton
It's Wednesday of a dragging 5-day week, and our pristine weekend weather decides to get flakey on us. Just in time for the Wednesday hump comes this unacceptable 30% chance of rain for Saturday. We'll believe it when we see it (and maybe not even then), but meanwhile we advise sacrificing the interns to the weather gods. Anything for a sunny Saturday.
· 10-Day Local Forcast: Bridgehampton [Weather]
Tucker Carlson: Jitney Should Protect Itself
Last week on The Situation with Tucker Carlson, Tuck and his guests got to talking about Homeland Security and its 40% cut on funds to NY. Carlson pointed out that while the cut was unjust, NY could also do better in allocating the funds it did receive. Such as, say, the nearly $47K that The Jitney was given. Observe:
REP. PETER KING (R), NEW YORK:[T]he great bulk of the money does go to New York City. As far as the other money in the state, I’m not aware of any of it that’s been wasted. And I really mean that.For the record, Congressman King (R-Babylon, NY) agreed with Tucker. Then they both boarded an AirHamptons flight and confirmed their reservation at Della Femina.Jim McMahon is the state counterterrorism director. He does a great job, and there’s been great coordination between the governor and the mayor. And a lot of the money passes through Albany and goes directly to the city.
CARLSON: Really? Because last year $46,908 was given — appropriated by the House to Hampton Jitney. That’s a car service that runs from the city to the Hamptons for rich people. That’s homeland security money that went to basically a limo service. I think that’s wasted. Don’t you?
· The Situation with Tucker Carlson - Transcript [MSNBC]
Attention Kmart Shoppers: Nothing To Be Ashamed Of
In honor of the start of the summer season, Hamptons Magazine included a Where to Shop feature in their Memorial Day issue, complete with bold-faced locals' faves. (A feature that, yes, took us two weekends to find.) Lest you think Hamptonites are different, they're not! They're just like us!
The feature isn't online, so we've scanned what you crave. Above, Liz Cohen; ahead, two more "Shop Talkers" are waiting to disclose their vices (including books and ice cream!).
Continue reading "Attention Kmart Shoppers: Nothing To Be Ashamed Of"
WeatherDesk Weekend Preview: Cue "Hallelujah!" Music
Our weather-obsessed eyes are always focused firmly on the weekend forecast, and this weekend is a sight for sore eyes--by comparison to what we just went through, at least. It's still early in the game, but this preview has us brainstorming poolisde cocktails.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]
"The Bachelor" Searches in the Hamptons
Until the PropertyShark maps cover all of Long Island, husband-hungry weekenders can salivate over The Bachelor, which will be casting in Southampton this weekend. This season, the prize is the genuine blueblood and cosmetics heir, Prince Lorenzo Borghese. Sharpen the manicures, ladies - wouldn't want to miss the chance to "vie for the love of a true PRINCE!"
The Who, What, and Where (if you must) after the jump.
Continue reading ""The Bachelor" Searches in the Hamptons "
PropertyShark's "Meat Market" Creeps Eastward
The industrious boys of PropertyShark don't take long weekends - they've been cobbling together a version of their "Single Men" Manhattan map for Nassau County.
PropertyShark.com has just produced a feature that allows New York's famously enterprising single women to search Long Island's Nassau County for the regions where the most available single men live.As they expand eastward with their data-intensive bachelor coverage, can Suffolk be too far behind?
· No Escaping The Mating Game [Guardian]
· Nassau County Maps [PropertyShark]
Welcome Back, Intrepid Beach Goers
With alarm clocks ringing across town, and a collective pressing of the snooze button, we set our sights on that far away promised-land known as "Friday." Let's reflect on a little Kalina to help us get there.
WeatherDesk Update: 100% Chance of Indoor Cocktails
Bad news first: Saturday's PoP (possibility of precipitation, for the un-obsessed) has been upped to a daring 100%. Of course, this translates to a 50% chance that a Nick & Toni's reservation will cancel. As for good news, the sun has made an appearance in Sunday's weather icon, and PoP is down to 20%. We'll see you on the beach.
· Sag Harbor 10-Day [Weather]
Friday Drive Report: 'Get in the Car'
At 3:35pm, the following email from a Beach tipster: "Tell those die-hards to get in the car. Left the office at 2:10 and I'm arriving in Westhampton Beach right now."
BeachWire: Couric In, Friendly's Out
Taking after our colleagues at Eater, a compendium of reader emails, staff intel, and other detrius that otherwise didn't find a home at The Beach this week. Keep your ear to the ground this weekend and drop us a line, please, and we'll keep the Wire humming.
· Katie Couric has snagged a $6.3 million house in East Hampton. This is a picture of that house. [The Real Estate via WSJ]
· From a press dispatch: "Chef-owners Frank Tramontano and Mary Spellman and young restaurateur Sean Kehlenbeck announce the June 2nd opening of Q, a Mediterranean-American grill located in the main house of the historic Inn at Quogue (47 Quogue St., Quogue, Long Island; 631-288-3463)." [BeachWire Inbox]
· A reader sends the final (?) word on the Cain soundsystem shitstorm: "I never write in but after reading what Mr. Kasuba said about the Cain soundsystem he apparently was not in attendance or has a very short memory of Saturday. Actually, the decor is much nicer than the old Jet East although the tables placed in the middle of the dance floor (no doubt to make extra money) take away any real chance of dancing. The staff was very friendly and solicitous (other than the door people, I was harassed trying to get back in after having a cigarette b/c the door guy couldn't see the miniscule red dot that he had put on my hand, he's saying "what is that? a pimple?" over and over, real funny, jackass, I don't have the red sharpie in my hand, you do.)....anyway, to get to the point, the sound system definitely kicked out at least 3 times and not for a couple of seconds but for at least a minute each time. It doesn't seem like much but it definitely kills the vibe....anyway, this is the bullshit that we buy into out east. And, I have no interests in any club." [BeachWire Inbox]
· Finally, this shocker: "The new hampton bays friendly's is a nightmare. Be true to the Hamptons and avoid it." [BeachWire Inbox]
Friday Drive Report: Nothing But Open Road
Clockwise from top left, LIE @: Exit #50, Glen Cove, Shelter Rock, Exit #48. [* indicates eastbound]
We don't want to tempt fate, but it looks like a smooth ride all the way out - no small statement considering the status of the Weekend Countdown Clock. Reports indicate things get "a little hairy" at the midtown tunnel, but clear up after that.
Friday Drive Report: Looking on the Bright Side
With the weather man reporting a 90% chance of rain tomorrow, the silver lining may be a drop in traffic this afternoon. Will the diehards find a wide open road in the LIE? Or will it still be Range Rover breaklights all the way to Exit 70? As we transition into SUMMER FRIDAY ALERT mode, we'll find out soon enough.
Headed out east? You know we want the stop-and-go details.
BREAKING: Shoe Inn Truck Left Unattended
The East Hampton webcam is showing a shoe lover's dream: A fully-loaded Shoe Inn truck left unattended on Main. Who needs to wait until the super sale in August? If you run out now, you can probably get the five-finger discount on a nice pair of espadrilles.
· East Hampton Street Cam [Hamptons]
WeatherDesk Report: 10% Chance of Sun
90% seems like a sure thing, but we remind you that Eastward weather can be quite fickle--cloudy mornings often brighten into sunkissed afternoons, and we are definitely hoping for the best. In the inconceivable event of rain, may we direct your attention to the links on the right-hand side, providing wholesome all-weather activities, such as movie-going and resy-making. Or, for the more adventurous, indoor Twister.
· Sag Harbor 10-Day [Weather]
Nick & Toni's Dog Safe
In time for the weekend rush, EaHamp institution Nick & Toni's has gotten their 200-pound stone dog statue back. A group of sinister pranksters -- who were slick enough to make off with the dog, but stupid enough to do it on the way out of the restaurant, having paid with credit card -- had taken the iconic statue last Saturday evening, as Plum TV's Morning, Noon, and Night Show initially reported.
In a shocking twist, the dog showed up at the lesser known Manhattan branch of the restaurant on Wednesday, the pranksters apparently having already made the trip back into town and feeling the heat from police, who were smart enough to have, you know, gotten their addresses from Amex. Dropped off in a garbage bag, the dog was physically unharmed but, surely, emotionally scarred.
Like us, you are no doubt left with two questions. First, is the Blue Parrot next? Second, how did these kids get a resy in the first place?
· Purloined Pooch Rescue [NY Post]
· Nick & Toni's [Official Site]
Shelterporn: Classic Warhol Beach Style