The Beach: July 2006 Archives

July 2006

Friday, July 28, 2006

Meet: Photographer Nikki Lee at Parrish
Rummage: With the stars at Super Saturday
Party: With Ciara at Save The Music
Fancify: The next BBQ with an ice swan
Know: The ins and outs of Seersucker
Position: A misting fan by the pool
Buy: The best grill brush
Pour: Mint and ginger lemonade
Cruise: Bike routes of the Hamptons
Preview: What you might wear next summer
Stomp: Divots at Halftime

See more in Ready. Set. Weekend.

WeatherDesk Update: Good News/Bad News

It looks like only those who observe Summer Friday rules to the letter will avoid a bit of rain en route today, however come tomorrow morning the East End should be back to its sunny self. Sunday is the bad news, obvs, but with three days to go, let's not get worked up about it just yet.
· Weekend Weather: Bridgehampton [Weather]
· Friday Hour-by-Hour: Bridgehampton [Weather]

See more in Intel: WeatherDesk

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

When Beach Daydreaming Strikes: NY Times Edition

We aren't the only ones with eyes on the weekend escape. It seems Florence Fabricant, the Times' Off The Menu editor, has reviewed the new Gin Lane and thinks it's in Southampton. While there is a very lovely road called Gin Lane in Southampton, and a restaurant called Gin Lane in Water Mill, neither one is the clubby Meatpacking newcomer to which FloFab refers. The error has been corrected, but not before revealing FloFab's beach daydreaming.
· Dining and Wine [NY Times]
· Off the Menu [NY Times]

See more in Beach Daydreaming

Below The Fold: Life Beyond Christie and Peter

While The Post has yet to receive the memo, there were indeed other goings on in the Hamptons over the past week. None of these involved infidelity, but they did involve hot-button local issues like traffic, lighthouse preservation and zoning. Here, a short list of what you may have missed while watching Samantha Cole and Peter Cook on Entertainment Tonight. Bone up, and by this weekend you’ll deftly change the subject from the lowbrow/dispicable to the highbrow/brilliant, as you do so very well.

1) The new traffic plan for County Road 39 was successfully passed at a town meeting on Monday evening. This is big news for weekend warriors who enjoy the Sunday-night stayover but dread the early Monday traffic. The cones will eliminate most left-hand turns between 5:30 and 9:30 a.m. Commuters rejoice, while small business owners (especially those that depend on morning business, like bagel shops and delis) nervously await the consequences. [Newsday]

2) Senators Clinton and Schumer have secured $12 million in funding for a shoreline protection plan to preserve the 200-year-old Montauk Point lighthouse. The lighthouse has been threatened by erosion and ecological change, and has been funded by privately-raised money from the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum since the 1970s. The Army Corps of Engineers will be charged with implementing a plan that will save the lighthouse and strengthen the surrounding area. [The Independent]

3) Retired Nicks player Allan Houston is fighting the zoning laws in Sag Harbor, where he wants to add another story to his waterfront home. The reason for the addition? His lawyers claim that Houston's 6'6" build is uncomfortable in the current setup. Apparently, being tall is a crime in Sag Harbor. [Resident]

See more in About Town: The Word

World’s Priciest Homes: Hamptons Ties for 6th

The latest issue of Forbes brings us some serious shelterporn: A list of the most expensive homes in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder of our very own Bridgehampton for making the list. Three Ponds, the $75 million 60-acre estate with its own golf course, tied for sixth place with The Portabello Estate in Corona del Mar, California. But they’re both a long way from the top: Number one on the list goes for twice as much.

1. $139 million Updown Court, Windlesham, England
2. $135 million Starwood Estate, Aspen, Colorado
3. $125 million Maison de L'Amitie, Palm Beach, Florida
4. $100 million Waterfront Estate, Istanbul, Turkey
5. $92 million Toprak Mansion, London, England
6. $75 million Three Ponds, Bridgehampton, New York
6. (tie) $75 million The Portabello Estate, Corona del Mar, California
8. $70 million Pierre Penthouse, New York, New York
9. $65 million Oceanfront Estate in Malibu, California
9. $65 million Locksley Hall, Belvedere, California
9. (tie) $65 million Gold Coast Mansion, San Francisco

Keep reading for a peek at the $139 million, 103-room Updown Court, complete with heated marble driveway and gold-leafed library floor. Our question: What does it cost for the season?

Continue reading "World’s Priciest Homes: Hamptons Ties for 6th"

See more in Real Estate: For Sale

Friday, July 21, 2006

Beach Scenes: Almond

This is the Bridgehampton bistro, Almond. The owner and front of house mainstay is Eric Lemonides, while the kitchen is run by Jason Weiner. At roughly five-years old, reliability and comfort are the focus. If there is a drawback to the bistro it is that they lack outside seating; however, they do take-out on most nights, which can certainly come in handy mid-season.

Further reading is at Fodors and Newsday.

--
Almond
1970 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton
631-537-8885
--

See more in Restaurants: Beach Scene, Town: Bridgehampton

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Ready. Set. Weekend.

Meet: At Yappy Hour
Protect: With Ray of Hope
Sip: Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc
Collapse: In a portable hammock
Concoct: Micheladas by the pool
Build: The perfect sand castle
Show: You're a cheese wiz with LaTur
Dip: Summer on a chip
Swim: With the Penguin
Ride: The carousel at the LVIS fair
Mingle: With the horse set

See more in Ready. Set. Weekend.

Ask The Beach: Name That Party

A pressing question comes across the BeachWire this afternoon. A very observant reader submits the following:

Last Saturday night, around 6, they were setting up for what looked like a very chic A-list big bucks beach party on Fowler beach – complete with a cast of very good looking young male waiters. No run-of-the-mill summer beach clam bake. Unforch, I could not stick around to see who was hosting the party/who was showing up. But, when I was getting into my car, I overheard two of the very pretty-boy waiters talking. One asked the other if it was a "gay party" (I assume he thought it was a “gay” party b/c of all of the very young good looking waiters). The other responded, “No. You have never worked one of these before? They are great, and a bunch of celebrities always show up.” I was wondering if you heard anything about this party.

We love a challenging question here at The Beach, as long as it relates to socializing. So, who was throwing the mystery bash? None other than Linda Wells, Editor-In-Chief of Allure magazine, who drew a very fashionable crowd to the beach at sunset. Notable stylemakers in attendance included Kate Spade, Dylan Lauren, Nicole Miller, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan. While it was not a "gay party" as the waiters suspected, there was at least one Queer Eye in attendance- Kyan Douglas (the grooming expert) showed up, apparently in need of some manscaping. WireImage has all the snaps of the evening, including one of the "very good looking young male waiters."

Have a question for The Beach? Don't be shy.

See more in About Town: Party Scene

New Yorker Suggests Napkins, Super Soakers for the Host

The print edition of this week’s New Yorker sheds some light on the mysterious custom of hostess gifting. We’re fond of the big ticket, strategic items that virtually guarantee a guest bedroom for the duration of the summer, but we can also get behind the smaller tokens of gratitude suggested in the story, such as specialty foods, cocktail napkins, and even a Super Soaker water gun (if your host has kids and doesn’t value a pair of dry pants). She also suggests that luxury towels make a great gift, and does a feature/benefit analysis on a few of them, one of which rings in at over $800.

That may sound like a lot to spend, but consider this: according to the clerk who helped me, the larger towel can accommodate an entire family. In other words, it may be expensive as something meant to separate you from the sand, but it's cheap as a piece of real estate.

Who could possibly disagree with that? The author goes on to reveal what seems to be an unhealthy fetish for cocktail napkins:

Everyone in their right mind appreciates getting cocktail napkins. They fall into the "you cannot have too many" category, because people in party situations are notorious spillers.

Our suggestion: if you do forgo the firepit in favor of some cocktail napkins, at least spring for those of the linen variety. Paper napkins are so very north-of-the-highway.
· "You Shouldn't Have" [New Yorker, print edition only]

See more in Materialist: Strategic Gifting

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

BREAKING WeatherDesk Update: Rain Dares To Enter Sacred Weekend Forecast

It's been quite a while since those evil T-storm icons had the nerve to show up in a WeatherDesk update. Meteorological odds-makers are showing a 30% chance of rain on both days of the weekend, threatening the Ladies Village Improvement Society's Annual Fair as well as the first polo game of the season. Keep it locked in to the WeatherDesk, where we'll be trying to figure out the difference between Scattered T-storms and Isolated T-storms (without missing a beat on the anti-rain dance, naturally).
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]

See more in Intel: WeatherDesk

Link Hampton: Scuttlebutt Edition

· Binn throws biggest! party! ever! on Forbes yacht [NY Daily News]
· Christie's soon-to-be-ex is a cheating cad [NY Post]
· ...And so is his 19-year-old mistress [NY Post]
· Anna heads to the Mediterranean; neighbors rejoice [NY Post]

See more in Intel: Link Hampton

The Beach 5-Spot: Where To Stay

Regret not springing for a share this summer? Other than renting for August, here are a few options. Be warned: a 3-day hotel weekend can cost as much as a quarter-share, but at least the bathroom will be clean.

1) The Capri 1655 County Road 39A, Southampton (631) 287-0908 $300 and up
Pink Elephant is on site, so either join the party or don’t expect to get much sleep
2) The Enclave Inn 2266 Main Street, Bridgehampton (631) 537-0197 $229 and up
With locations in Southampton, Bridgehampton and Wainscott, these are good standby’s for any weekend
3) 1770 House 143 Main Street, East Hampton (631) 324-1770 $495 and up
The trifecta: Historic inn, great food, perfect location
4) The Maidstone Arms 207 Main Street, East Hampton (631) 324-5006 $175 and up
Classic East Hampton B&B, open year-round
5) Red Door Guest House 293 Main Street, Amagansett (631) 267-6694 Call for rates
Converted historic home near the Jitney stop makes it very convenient to hide out in Amagansett

See more in Intel: At Your Service

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

CR39 Update: "No Left Turn" Plan Threatens Businesses

While commuters will be happy to shave an hour off the drive from Southampton to Amagansett, local businesses are not so excited about the prospect of changing traffic flow along County Road 39. It turns out that eliminating left-hand turns makes it especially difficult to reach many spots on the north side of the road. Indeed, the Times found quite a few business owners along 39, who were rather disgruntled by the experimental phase of said plan:

“It was terrible,” said Marybelcy Peña, the manager of Goldberg’s Famous Bagels. “Usually we have a line out the door, but we were dead from 6 in the morning until 9:30.” She said the tiny shop lost more than $2,000 in business that week.

Robert and Doreen Grigo, who own the South Fork Deli and an adjacent cabinet-making workshop, said members of the “trade parade” — plumbers, electricians and other contractors helping fuel the region’s continuing building boom — stop at the deli for breakfast and take lunch to go. Business dropped by 70 percent that week, they said. “If they extend this, it’s really going to cut our throats,” Mr. Grigo said.

As we mentioned, there is a town hall meeting on Monday to discuss The Left Turn Situation. It should be a very interesting meeting, indeed. Reports from the floor, as always, are welcomed.
· Fighting Gridlock on the L.I. South Fork [NY Times]
· Traffic Relief in Sight for CR39 [The Beach]

See more in Intel: Transportation

Traffic Relief In Sight for CR39

Suffolk County is one step closer to enacting a new traffic pattern on County Road 39, which will hopefully put the brakes on traffic headaches on this notorious stretch of highway. After successfully testing the new traffic pattern back in July, there are two remaining obstacles: The town of Southampton needs to pony up $100k for police protection, and Suffolk County needs to fill in the rest of the financing for logistics.

A tipster wrote to tell us that major progress has been made: The town of Southampton has come through with the funding, so the ball is the county’s court:

They are waiting on the county to commit the funds for workers, cones, and trucks to keep it going. We’re guesstimating that the plan would start Tuesday or Wednesday of next week but obviously couldn’t guarantee. There is a public hearing on the "no left turns" and other laws regarding this plan at Southampton Town Hall Monday at 1pm.

If everything goes according to plan, the new traffic pattern will be implemented immediately and last through mid-September. Drivers, be warned: the new plan seriously limits where you can make a left-hand turn. After the jump, we provide the cheatsheet for your driving pleasure.

Continue reading "Traffic Relief In Sight for CR39"

See more in Intel: Transportation

Hamptons Newbies: Save A Seat on the Jitney

At this time, allow us to introduce two new faces to the Hamptons scene. Show them how it's done, won't you?

· Please extend a very warm welcome to the mother of all muggles, JK Rowling, who will be spending July and August enjoying the South Fork with her family. Intelligencer had it in March that she was willing to drop up to a half-mil for her rental; and now the Wash Times confirms that she'll be spending $55K a week. Either way, in pounds sterling that's not much more than a case of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. [Washington Times]

· In Hamptons baby news, everyone's favorite non-French restauranteur, Ed "Jean-Luc" Kleefeld, and his wife welcomed a baby girl to the scene. We know what you're thinking: What does a francophile name his daughter? Amélie, or perhaps Collette? No and no. The petite Kleefeld will be known as Eden Rose. We're waiting for the birth announcement to officially proclaim "C'est une fille!" [Hamptons]

· As we celebrate the newcomers, let us not forget to send a heartfelt "bon voyage" to P. Diddy, who has eschewed the Hamptons for St. Tropez this summer. We know you'll be back, Didds. [TMZ]

See more in About Town: Who's Who

WeatherDesk Weekend Preview: The Heat Goes On

City temps are expected to be in the low 90s for the weekend, which is yet another reason it's cooler in the Hamptons. Temps look great for the weekend, now here's hoping "Partly Cloudy" turns into "Mostly Sunny" by the time Summer Friday rolls around. Stay tuned.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]

See more in Intel: WeatherDesk

Monday, July 17, 2006

Hamptons Blackbook: Big Bucks Edition

Yes, that Hamptons Blackbook just keeps on giving. This time we share a list of the young and financially elite: Hamptons singles with Big Bucks to spend, as indicated by the moneybag icon underneath the glamorshot.

BONUS: Moneybaggers (and the Gold Diggers who love them) won't want to miss A Free Estate Planning Workshop in Southampton: "Don’t leave half of your estate to the government!" Click on through for the details.

Continue reading "Hamptons Blackbook: Big Bucks Edition"

See more in About Town: Who's Who

Friday, July 14, 2006

Beach Scenes: Trata Esatiatorio

[Kalina]

Shown here in its pre-weekend state of calm, Trata Estiatorio, the Water Mill outpost of the Upper East Side original. Though you will pay for it, the incredibly fresh grilled fishes do not disappoint. Give the showy Euros at the bar a wink as you pass, if you're so inclined.

--
Trata Estiatorio
1020 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
631-726-6200
--

See more in Restaurants: Beach Scene

Friday Drive Report: The Ugly Side of Summer

Staring at a tailpipe as you read this? You're not the only one who waited until the official Summer Friday Alert to skip town, and it shows, especially between Exits 19 and 23 where things are "completely jammed" due to some police activity in the left lane. Silver Lining Alert: the accident is on the Westbound side, so Eastbound should clear up quickly. If you're stuck, we hope there's a nice playlist keeping the sanity in check. For those who haven't left yet, please consider the 5:51 train.

See more in Intel: Traffic

Friday Drive Report: Volume is Building

I-495(Long Island Expressway) at Exit 40 (Jericho Tpke.). [* indicates Eastbound]

You know the drill by now. Gas 'er up and go, already.

See more in Intel: Transportation

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Ready. Set. Weekend.

Explore: The new Water Mill Center
Become: The ultimate Grillmaster
Freeze: An ice spoon. Trust us.
Share: A beach towel
Lei: At the Whaling Museum's annual luau
Read: The End of the Hamptons
Scope: The cutting-edge art
Chill: With a no-cook dinner
Solve: The corn/butter conundrum
Secure: Your bags from Jitney-mates
Bring: Extra bug spray (for Uma, natch)

See more in Ready. Set. Weekend.

DateHampton Hosts Pink Party: Implosion Imminent

You'll remember our friends at DateHampton, yes? The matchmakers are hosting a Pink Party at The Lakeside in Montauk this weekend. Will it join the ranks of the White Party and Fernanda Wanamaker in Hamptons party lore? We have only two words: Coyote Ugly.

The Lakeside club is thinking pink with a Pink Party on Friday July 14th, 2006 with pink drinks, DJ Biggie spinning tunes and everyone is asked to wear something pink. The Pink Party is sponsored by DateHampton and the details are as follows:
Friday July 14th
Pink Drinks, DJ Biggies spins music until 4 a.m. and pink attire is expected.

Saturday July 15th
Coyote Ugly theme party with a bar dancing contest featuring music with DJ Woogstylz & The Demographic.

· DateHampton [Official Site]
· Datehampton Launches, World Readies to Implode [The Beach]

See more in About Town: Party Scene

Evolution of The Beach: From Potatoes to Wi-Fi

The Hamptons weren’t always synonymous with fancypants soirees and glittering luxury cars. As any Philistine knows, the first residents of those hallowed shores were farmers (who, appallingly, did not find oceanfront real estate particularly appealing). True East, a new book from farm-loving Wendy Chamberlain, chronicles the lives of those early farmers and their modern-day descendents in both words and pictures. Read up, and impress your friends at cocktail hour with deep knowledge of the Hamptons’ agricultural roots.

If that’s too much history for you, listen up: Long Island is getting Wi-Fi. Both Nassau and Suffolk counties have formally requested proposals from internet companies to equip the entire island with wireless access, beaches and parks included. As any Treo owner knows, the whole "work from anywhere" concept quickly morphs into an electronic leash. Just be glad they haven't invented a sand-proof laptop. Yet.
· The Lives of East End Farmers, Captured in a Book [NY Times]
· Book Signing [East End Bookstore]
· Fishing for an isle Net [Daily News]

See more in About Town, Materialist: Beach Reading

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Link Hampton

· Christie Brinkley splits with Husband #4. Who gets the house? [People]
· Ciara will headline VH1’s Save the Music on July 28 in East Hampton [Rap News]
· Confirmed: Nick & Toni’s partner to open BBQ joint, name TBD [NY Post]
· Is WilmScar the new HartJo? [Wizbang]
· Scope Art heads east for second annual show [Newsday]
· High crimes and misdemeanors: fighting, spitting and urinating [Dan's]

See more in Intel: Link Hampton

Restaurant Report Card: A’s for Clam Bar, Laundry Not So Much

Back from a long weekend of restaurant hopping, midway to the next, eaters weigh in on service and food out East. Above, the interior of Laundry, as observed by the omnipresent Kalina.

1) Gotham Gal reports back on two venues: one an old favorite, the other an old favorite in a new location. Clam Bar, the old faithful off 27 in Montauk gets the usual raves (but no mention of the Kim Cattrall sighting in The Beach photo pool, right)

My favorite place in the Hamptons. What you see is what you get. Outside and simple seafood. Hands down better than Lunch a bit closer to Amagansett down the street. I'm happy with steamers and corn. All good. They literally go out and dredge up the steamers that morning and they are served happily to you that afternoon or evening.

Laundry, on the other hand, failed to impress:

As a whole, the food was actually OK. Here is the part that is annoying, it is outrageously expensive. I could go to some of the very best restaurants in NYC for the same price. Appetizers (including salads) run from $12-16. Entrees run from $32-44. I understand that all the money out here is made in three months so they need to charge high prices but wow. If you are going to charge those type of prices, run a better prepped kitchen instead of preparing everything in the morning and shoving it into the refrigerator until it is ordered. Is that too much to expect at $14 for a small salad? Maybe in the Hamptons it is.

Scandalous. Her full review is here.

A detailed take on another Laundry visit including serious decibelage in the dining room, and a Dock House followup after the jump.

Continue reading "Restaurant Report Card: A’s for Clam Bar, Laundry Not So Much"

See more in Restaurants: Dish

Hamptons Blackbook: Wall Streeters Edition

They know the difference between LIFO and FIFO, and can find their way out of a circular reference like nobody's business. Here they are, the wheeling, dealing Wall Streeters from the pages of Hamptons Magazine. Ladies, take note: One of them might be the future Michael Milkin.

· Hamptons Magazine [Official Site]

See more in About Town: Who's Who

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Reality Check: Will Fire Island Smolder on ABC?

You remember the casting call. Now the Fire Island reality show we needed like a hole in the head begins airing July 31 on ABC. Reality television pioneers Jonathan Murray and Joey Carson give Fire Island their Real World treatment, capturing the antics of a house full of “young professionals” who head to the beach for wild and crazy summer weekends. A preview:

Fire Island sizzles at One Ocean View, the summer share beach house where eleven attractive, single, career-driven New Yorkers flee Manhattan each Friday to escape the soaring city temperatures for a different kind of heat.

Trouble is, Fire Island isn’t exactly Cancun, and we’re not so sure that leisurely clam bakes and Frisbee-throwing will fog up the lens enough to spike ratings. But with a little editing wizardry, maybe the sleepy island will rage with debauchery on screen. Or (fingers crossed), maybe not.
· One Ocean View [Official Site]
· No Alarms on This Fire Island [NY Daily News]

See more in About Town

WeatherDesk Weekend Preview: Start Packing

Five-day week got you down? Never fear. The weekend forecast is quite promising. It may take us a while to get there, but by all indications it will be worth it.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]

See more in Intel: WeatherDesk

Monday, July 10, 2006

BREAKING: Hamptons Hotel Room Available

A plea for help just in to the BeachWire Inbox:

I have to travel last minute for work to Miami and London so cant use my Hamptons hotel for this weekend .... and cant get a refund so any help would be much appreciated!!!
SOUTHAMPTON HOTEL ROOM AVAILABLE FOR THIS WEEKEND
check in: Friday, July 14th, check out: Sunday, July 16th
1 room / 2 double beds @ The Capri
1655 County Road 39 k Southampton, NY 11968
www.hrhresorts.com
TOTAL COST FOR 2 NIGHTS INCLUDING TAX IS: $934.00

Interested? If the $450 per night charge and proximity to a flashy nightclub catches your fancy, we'll put you in touch.

See more in Intel: At Your Service

Storefronting: Eliza's House of Brows, S Factor Strip Classes

In this edition of Storefronting, we meet with two new services coming to the East End. Together, they may mark the end of dignity for Hamptons.

1) Southampton: The ancient Money of Southampton cannot be pleased about this one. New York City Eyebrow Queen Eliza Petrescu has opened Eliza's Eyes House of Brows at 34 Hill Street. If $70 for a brow shaping wasn't enough, now you can get your eye muscles frozen with Botox to create "a beautiful shape to frame your eyes." Via her website, Eliza notes: " "The eyebrows are the only feature of your face that you can dramatically change without surgery." You just threw up in your mouth a little, yes? [Eliza's Eyes]

2) Bridgehampton: Strip Specialist The S Factor is offering striptease-inspired workouts in their brand new Bridgehampton studio. These classes are especially a no-brainer for those who frequent Cain and/or Pink Elephant, where stripper-inspired clothing is the price of admission. Among the studio's offerings is the S Factor Lap dance Workshop, which "teaches students various S Factor Lap dance techniques. Class begins with the S Factor Workout, followed by reviews of lap dancing techniques including front, back, and side chair mounts ranging from beginning to more advanced." Two words: Chair mounts. [S Factor]

See more in Intel: At Your Service

Beach Discount Roundup: You Too Can Afford the Hamptons

Lobster, furniture, and yes, even August rentals are available at prices that make Water Taxi Beach look high-end.

1) Three lobsters for less than the cost of parking at Coopers? Forget the hot dogs and head to Lobster Madness at 27 Lobster in Amagansett, where $9.95 buys a pound and a quarter of the good stuff. Onion rings are not to be missed, either. [NY Times]

2) Those in need of furniture with a pedigree know it’s wise to snoop around The Clearinghouse in Southampton. The inventory changes frequently and prices are substantially discounted from retail. Who knows, Lion Gardiner himself may have dined at that very table. [NY Times]

3) Real estate “bargains” are a rarity at this point in the summer, but those just now answering the siren call of the beach may be in luck. There are a few listings available on the water, some with pools and even some south of the highway. Sotheby’s and Corcoran are the best bet, with August rentals available in the $20,000 to $200,000 range. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone it was such a great deal. [WSJ, subscription required]

See more in Intel: At Your Service

Hamptons Blackbook: Heartbreakers Edition

As noted last week, Hamptons Magazine has compiled a little black book of the who’s who in East End singles. Here, we showcase a few of the “Heartbreakers.” Consider it a public service announcement.

· Hamptons Magazine [Official Site]

See more in About Town: Who's Who

Friday, July 7, 2006

Beach Scenes: Savanna's

Southampton institution Savanna's, where Howard Gittis and Van Coyle are owner and chef, respectively. Further reading is here.

--
Savanna's
268 Elm Street
(631) 283-0202
--

See more in Restaurants: Beach Scene

Friday Drive Report: All is not Lost

It ain't free sailing, but it's not a parking lot either. Above, the LIE at 48 and at the Cross Island Parkway. Not bad, considering we're into Summer Friday Alert status.

See more in Intel: Traffic

Friday Drive Report: It Has Begun

11:00 AM: "The merge from 2 lanes to 1 on 27 entering Southampton is already backed up ~ 3/4 mile."

Handsfree, Schmandsfree. Fire up the Treo and let us know how it's looking out there.

See more in Intel: Traffic

Link Hampton

· Ex-skier starts Montauk surfing camp [NYDN]
· Aggressive new Southern tick spreading Lyme Disease on LI [Newsday]
· High gas prices sink boating [Newsday]
· More on CR39 Expiriment [The Independent]
· On Shelter Island, cars and beach permits [Shelter Island Reporter]

See more in Intel: Link Hampton

Datehampton Launches, World Readies to Implode

The online assault of the East End continues this weekend with the launch of Datehampton. A dating website geared to weekenders who fancy themselves locals, it is the brainchild of David Lion Rattiner (son of Dan's Papers owner Dan Rattiner) and local surfer and gallery owner Leif Neubauer. Per their homepage, it is an:

Exclusive online community for singles seeking to date some one [sic] in the hamptons [sic]. It is a fun and safe way to meet new people so that you can enjoy the amazing beaches, restaurants and nightlife that the Hamptons has to offer.

The website is a service to you and is free for you to use.

So, if you are looking for a weekend date and you don't scare easily then this site has what you crave. Best not to miss their launch party/mixer this Saturday night at the Stephen Talkhouse, especially if the ratio at your sharehouse is skewed.
·Datehampton

See more in About Town: Party Scene

Thursday, July 6, 2006

Ready. Set. Weekend.

Fete: Devi Kroell opening in East Hampton
Grill: With seasoned skewers
See: Grey Gardens at Guild Hall
Paddle: Across Sagg Pond for a cause
Snoop: At an Open House
Spray: Citrus-scented sunscreen
Beach: Coopers, with rented umbrellas
Pretend: You're there now
Sip: Homemade lemonade
Sing: Friday night karaoke
Drive: Carefully, please
Crave: Citarella's lobster salad
Know: The local wines

See more in Ready. Set. Weekend.

More Traffic Troubles: Red Pavement at Pink Elephant?

That Daily News photographer wasn't the only one getting roughed up at Pink Elephant over the weekend. A tipster reports that the town of Southampton asked the club to hire an extra security guard to handle traffic outside, and one of them was hit by a car while performing his traffic cop duties. No word on how serious the injury was, but one witness did report seeing an ambulance outside the Capri Hotel. Be careful out there. Clubland can be a dangerous place.

If you've got more info, we're listening.

See more in About Town: Party Scene

Link Hampton

· Katie Couric is excited about her "sturdy" house in the Hamptons [Forbes]
· Does your house have an agent? Maybe it should. [Newsday]
· Star Jones does not drive a Honda. Yet. [TMZ]
· Town officials troll Craigslist to crack down on illegal shares [East Hampton Star]
· Free speech granted in Southampton's Fourth of July parade [Southampton Press]
· Senator Clinton has big plans for Long Island development [Daily News]

See more in Intel: Link Hampton

Hamptons Blackbook: Are You On The List?

Missed The Bachelor auditions? Never fear. Our friends at Hamptons Magazine have compiled a list of the hottest singles to hit the South Fork this summer. In addition to the pictures and vital stats, the feature also includes some insider tips on where to meet other singles out East. A few of the highlights:

"The dressing room at Intermix in Southampton. Where else do people go?" - Philip Han

"At friends' dinner parties. I always find intimate settings the most conducive to meeting new people" - Oscar Blandi

"The best-kept secret is Aqua East in Montauk. Great scene, great food. - Nilson Cruz

In exclusive Hamptons style, the list is not available on their website, but we have our paws on a copy and will be releasing a honey drip of these single minglers. First up is a list of "Hosts with the Most," as indicated by the domed silver platter icon under the glamorous headshots. Included are fix-it girl Barbara K, club owner Charles Ferri, hotelier Michael Wudyka and event planner Jed Weinstein.

After the jump, find out what the other icons mean.

Stay tuned. Next time we'll reveal the "Heartbreakers." Is the suspense killing you yet?

Continue reading "Hamptons Blackbook: Are You On The List?"

See more in About Town: Who's Who

Adventures in Real Estate: The $20M Guesthouse

It's interesting what passes for a "guesthouse" these days. In this case, it's a 7,500 square foot six bedroom, nine bath Southampton abode owned by Herbert Allen, investment banker and mogul-summit creator. The outbuilding just sold for $20 million, not an unusual price point, but quite an outlier for a guesthouse. Then again, it's not your average garage conversion:

The guesthouse, located across the street from a main house that's almost twice as large, was built in 2000 and features two libraries, ocean views, an attached observation tower and a pool and pool house.

Sounds positively charming, but where will the guests stay?
· Gimme Shelter: Living In Allentown [NY Post]

See more in Real Estate

Wednesday, July 5, 2006

WeatherDesk Update: Here Comes the Sun

Rainy Wednesdays are okay in our book, as long as they are followed by sunny weekends. Looks like we're in for another one.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather.com]

See more in Intel: WeatherDesk

Open Memo to Hamptons Drivers: Take It Easy

Gotham Gal is summering on the South Fork, and has a little something say about traffic. Preach it, sister:

The traffic is out of control too. I stick with the back roads when possible. The driving out here makes for good conversation. I am not the only one who is amazed with the crazy drivers, the impolite drivers, the insanity. We're supposed to chill out here. It's summer. It's the beach. Follow the speed limit, remember the rules of the road and take it easy.

Wise words. Just don't take our back roads, please.
· Driving in General [Gotham Gal]

See more in Intel: Traffic

Weekend That Was: Sun, Shy Celebs, and More Sun

Back to reality. Excuse any typos, the fingers are still a bit wrinkled from floating in the pool.

· The weather was perfect all weekend. All. Four. Days. Please continue the anti-rain ceremonies – they seem to be working.

· The ocean is still cold, but the waves were high and "totally worth the loss of feeling in my feet" according to one tipster.

· A photographer was roughed up for trying to take a picture of Jessica Simpson inside Pink Elephant on Saturday, but not our go-to guy Rob Rich, who caught her on the way in.

· In a random survey of taxi drivers, it was discovered that the all-around worst passengers to pick up are those coming in and out of Tavern. They’re a rowdy bunch, and bad tippers to boot. The best passengers? “They’re all bad” said one driver. Touché.

· From a sky-gazing tipster: "Sunset Beach was amazing Sunday night - the sunset was a spectacular neon pink." Speaking of neon-pink, another informant noticed the uber-tacky interior of Mike Tyson's boat, docked in Sag Harbor on Sunday. Hopefully it was just a reflection of the sunset. Neon pink lighting is so Coney Island.

· Lizzie G isn't too concerned about the anonymous note published in this space a week ago – a tipster spotted her at Rowdy Hall in East Hampton on Sunday, glowingly preggers.

More weekend intel? Spill it.

See more in About Town

SoHamp Locals Thwart Nick and Toni's BBQ

The Southampton Press has it that the Southampton Planning Board may be getting in the way of Nick and Toni's plans to open a barbeque joint in the space that was Allison by the Beach. Though the group has cornered the Hamptons market on tacos at La Fondita, burgers at Rowdy Hall and hero sandwiches at Villa Italian Deli all with striking ease, it would seem they may have a bit of trouble getting into the barbecue game. Locals and board members are concerned about traffic and parking and for now have refused to give the restaurateurs the necessary permits to build and open their restaurant.

The site of what would be called Town Line Barbecue , on Montauk Highway and Town Line Road in Sagaponack, has been decaying since Alison left it after the ’05 summer season. It does seem a rather ironic moment to begin focusing on traffic and parking issues on the East End. Also, doesn't anyone on the Planning Board appreciate a good brisket sandwich?
· Uphill Battle For Barbecue [Southampton Press]

See more in Restaurants: Buzz

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