August 2006

Ready. Set. Final. Weekend.

Share: The cabana with snoopy
Chill: Without diluting
Lighten: The picnic's load
Stock: The ultimate travel toiletry kit
Catch:: The US Open, poolside
Mingle: With the original Hamptonites
Grill: Peaches at their peak
Find: The sunny side of traffic
Pray: For one last sunset
Save: The grill from impending doom
Deny: That summer is ending

The End is Near: New Yorker Feels Our Pain

· The New Yorker [Official Site]

WeatherDesk Update: Enough With the Rain, Already

Alright, alright. We get it. It's all a big joke to you, isn't it, Mr. Weather? If it's not too much trouble, could we push this whole rain thing back a few days? Haven't we suffered enough?

Big Year for Plovers: Good News for Fireworks?

This year's plover population has been very successful in the reproduction department. According to the East Hampton Star, "a record 54 breeding pairs produced 94 fledged hatchlings, also a town record." Those crazy plovers are doing such a good job breeding that the town is worried people will start to abuse their native habitat again. The biggest plover-offender is driving on the beach, which scares the babies and panics the adults. We remind those who may be tempted that the quid pro quo certainly applies: respect the plovers now, and next year's fireworks just may go on as scheduled.
· Plover Fledges Set a Record [East Hampton Star]

WeatherDesk Update: Sat, Sun Downgraded to Horror Show

In a shocking, highly unacceptable twist, it seems the weather has turned on us, friends. (After all that we've been through, yes.) While Monday has gotten an upgrade, if you want to call it that, it seems that Saturday and Sunday have been downgraded to horror show. 'Wind'? Do the folks at Weather not know from tee times?
· Bridgehampton: 10-day forecast [Weather]

Style Shocker: Jared Leto Wears All Black to Polo

Quelle Horreur! Jared Leto apparently didn't get the memo from the Blackbook Fashion Insiders. With only one week left for white pants, Jared had the guts to whip out not only a black jacket, but one made of leather. Oh, and a purple scarf. That sound you hear? It's all the 5:00 gin and tonics dropping at once.
· Celebrity News [Hello Magazine]

East Hampton: Now 9% Cooler than Southampton

Shoppers shiver on the sidewalk in Southampton. Picture via Hamptons Online's Live View webcam.

In the utopia that is the Hamptons, no one looks over 40 and, if you ask the Long Island Power Authority, even the sidewalks are air conditioned. So what's the trouble in paradise? Retailers are hogging power that should be conserved, especially during the hottest days of summer. By leaving doors open and blasting AC onto the sidewalk, retailers hope to lure shoppers inside and relieve them of both heat and extra spending-money. In a recent check-up, 65% of stores in East Hampton and 56% of stores in Southampton had their doors open. Everyone likes to stay cool while strolling down Main St., but for conservation's sake just grab an ice cream cone and urge stores to "Be Cool - Keep It Closed.''
· LIPA: Shops in Hamptons Waste Electricity [1010 WINS]

British Invasion: A Writer, a Beatle and a Dutchess

It must be more than favorable exchange rates luring many a high-profile Brit to the Hamptons this summer. First there was JK Rowling, renting for quite a dear sum in East Hampton and splashing about in the ocean with a boogie board. Next, we got word that Paul McCartney was stateside for a two-week jaunt in the "upmarket Hamptons". Now, to complete the British invasion, Fergie and her two daughters have been spotted in Southampton as the guests of financier J. Todd Morley. The British tabloids are all agog over whether the relationship is purely professional, as Fergie's reps insist. It all seems very innocent indeed, but of course we welcome any sightings that may indicate the contrary.
· Fergie and her $5 Million Man [Evening Standard]
· Harry Potter and the Enchanted Boogie Board: JK Rowling Takes on the Atlantic [The Beach]
· Hamptons Newbies: Save a Seat on the Jitney [The Beach]

Farm Stand 101: How to Pick A Winner

While it may be hard to choose a bad tomato in the last days of summer, it can be dumbfounding if you don't know what to look for. You can always stop and ask the Tomato Lady in Sag Harbor, but it may help to know the basics before hitting the Amagansett Farmer's Market. Here, Manhattan-based personal chef and founder of The Dish's Dishes, Jill Donenfeld gives The Beach a few tips on how to choose the freshest of the fresh from a Hamptons farm stand. Nothing but the best for you, darlings.

Tomatoes: To choose a tomato, find a heavy one with a rich color. Regardless of the variety (Brandywine, green zebra, red plum) its color should be intense and deep. The tomato should smell earthy, sometimes very green. This year, the yellow Brandywines have been particularly good. They are about grapefruit-size and mostly yellow with bits of red spotted about the ends.

Corn: When looking for corn, look for stands that keep their stock cool— Heat can quickly convert the sugars in corn to starch, making it taste bland. The husk should feel a little moist and should be bright green. Pull back the husks to reveal the kernels. The tighter the husk hangs onto the cob, the better. Make sure the kernels haven’t been eaten away by animals and puncture one to see if it releases a cloudy liquid—it should.

Just ahead: Jill shares how to pick proper peaches and melons.

Continue reading "Farm Stand 101: How to Pick A Winner"




WeatherDesk Update: Take Vacation Day on Thursday

In a worst-case scenario, the Labor Day Weekend outlook appears to be approximately 1000% better than the wash-out that was this past weekend. But, with one teeny-tiny weekend of summer left, now is not the time to get complacent. Those with the option will want to immediately notify the proper HR officials of their intent to take Thursday as a vacation day. The upside of this for all, other than the promise of glorious sun on Saturday and Sunday, is that the distribution of return traffic will be spread out more evenly on Monday.
· Bridgehampton: 10-day forecast [Weather]

Beach Scenes: JLX Bistro

Best during its calmer lunch hours, this is JLX Bistro, Ed Kleefield's Sag Harbor shingle. Bistro and brunch staples are generally the smart approach, though seafood and raw bar can be satisfying as well. Those in search of Hell's Kitchen contestant/JLX executive chef Keith Greene should call ahead before going. Word is that Kleefield has him working on a make-over of his Jean Luc in Manhattan.

Further reading at the East Hampton Star and the official site.

--
JLX Bistro
16 Main Street, Sag Harbor
631-725-9100
--

[Photo by Kalina]

Friday Drive: Just You, the Road and the Fog

LIE at Exit 50 [* indicates Eastbound]
Call the doorman and have them bring the car around- who knows how long this will last. Oh, and do exercise caution as it's still quite foggy on the road. We hear the beach, however, has a special arrangement that doesn't allow for clouds until after Labor Day.

Ready. Set. Weekend.

Worship: The bounties of summer
Bet: On waterproof cards
Rethink: Buying that yacht
Feast: On Giada's orzo salad
Strategize: For Labor Day
Bonfire: Without the vanities
Banish: End of summer blues
Support: Parrish at the picnic
Lounge: Comfortably on cooler nights
Nibble: Nick & Toni's at Jaws
Remember: To wear pants

In Shocking Development, Lance Bass Finds Stereo House "Seedy"

According to Page Six, accommodations in the Hamptons aren’t good enough for Lance Bass, pictured at right with his boyfriend at Bridgehampton Polo. The newly-outed boy band alum was in town and staying at the Stereo house, but thought the place seemed "seedy," so he and his boyfriend shacked up with weather man John Bolaris instead. We’re not asking any questions, but we are wondering if he has the scoop on Sunday’s forecast.
· Page Six: Grumpy Guests [NY Post]

Hamptons Blackbook: And Then, God Created Fashion

By now you've seen them all, either in the bathroom line at Main Beach or on the lawn at Madame Tong's. You've met the Heartbreakers, the High Rollers, and the Wall Streeters, and now it is our pleasure to introduce the Fashion Insiders. Let us join together in thanks, for without them everyone would be wearing Lilly Pulitzer. On their behalf, we kindly issue a reminder: Only two weeks left for the white pants.

· Hamptons Magazine [Official Site]

Beaching with Ted Allen: Picnic Makeovers

As summer prepares to exit stage left, it would be a shame to let it go without one last gourmet picnic. After a whole summer spent enduring foie gras-centered hamburgers, why not change it up before it's too late? Thankfully, food and wine expert Ted Allen, wearing his Mondavi hat, obvs, swung by The Beach with two creative menus and wine pairing ideas to Fab-over this weekend’s al fresco dining.

A sultry summer night is perfect for a chilled light red and some great salads. My favorite picnic menu is pinot noir with asparagus vinaigrette, cold rosemary chicken, and an orzo salad with herbs. Or, for a light white with a hint of sweetness, I like Riesling with arugula salad with strawberries and olive oil, cold and spicy roasted chicken, and lemon cookies for dessert.

Indeed, there’s nothing like a few bottles of wine (and, sure, lemon cookies) to help us forget that only two weekends remain. For a moment, anyway.
· Discover Wine [discover-wine.com]

In the Beach Bag: Mobile S'mores Kit

While s'mores over the grill are quaint enough, they are also highly predictable. Score points, and possibly the superlative title of House Gourmand, by keeping a mobile s'mores kit at the ready. Assemble the holy trinity of graham crackers, marshmallows, and so-bad-it's-good American chocolate in a Ziploc, and stash it in the beach bag. Sure, the chocolate will melt, but did you know a wrapped bar will solidify after a few minutes in the ocean? Perfect to re-melt over marshmallows in the sun.

Care to share your favorite beach snack? We'll eat it up.

Polo Has a Cheerleader, and His Name is John

John Cole, flanked by players from Endeavor and Equuleus, greets young fans after the match.

He may not have any pom poms, but John Cole is as close to a cheerleader as polo will ever see. Every Saturday in August John paces the sidelines as the enthusiastic announcer for Bridgehampton Polo. As The Sun observes, with fans under the Mercedes Benz tent more interested in checking out the neighbor's handbag than the action on the field, Cole certainly has his work cut out for him. And he's not afraid to poke fun at the VIPs in hopes of getting their heads in the game.

One weekend, during a particularly competitive moment, he let loose on the revelers: "I was like ‘Are you guys actually here?' It was sudden-death overtime, there's no way you couldn't want to watch it!"

Nice try, John, but they were too busy licking cupcake crumbs off each other. For the real action, head over to the non-VIP side of the field, where you can tailgate and enjoy the match at its purest. If the urge strikes, swing by Scoop du Jour for those cupcakes first.
· As Fans of Polo Check Out One Another, John Cole Checks out the Chukkers [NY Sun]

Jitney vs. Lux Liner: Moments in Advertising Greatness

A fancy photo makes its way to the BeachWire Inbox this morning, along with this:

I was so looking forward to a quiet Jitney ride out to Southampton, when 6 yappy girls invaded my personal space with their huge coffees and annoying conversations. I looked out the window and saw this ad (on 40th St and 3rd) and made a mental note not to take the Jitney on the way back.

Advertising dollars well spent, we gather.

WeatherDesk Update: Believe It When You See It

Patience, beach goers. Don't break out the indoor Twister just yet. It's only Tuesday, and East End weather has whims even the most seasoned meteorologists cannot decode. If all else fails? Put the top up and deny, deny, deny.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]

Weekend That Was: Polo, Pelé and the Piano Man

Lorraine Bracco's post-polo party

It's palpable. That end-of-summer feeling is starting to infuse every moment of beach time, every serve of the tennis match and each lick of Saint Ambroeus gelato. With a full social calendar, everyone was out trying to wring some pleasure from the few remaining weeks of summer. Here, a few highlights.

Nacho Figueras, polo model/player, worked the crowd at Two Trees for the fifth weekend of polo play, obliging many a swooning gal with a photo op.

Billy Joel and his wife, Katie Lee, were dining outside at Madame Tong’s with 12 friends on Saturday. Ed “Jean Luc” Kleefield personally brought them the check, and they finished just before it started to drizzle.

Next to Billy’s table sat Jason and Haley Binn. Next to them was another table with Lance Bass and friends. After dinner, everyone headed to Cain for the Hamptons Magazine party honoring Katie Lee Joel, this week’s cover girl.

The house-made wine flowed at Lorraine Bracco’s post-polo party, at her home on Butter Lane in Bridgehampton. Bracco’s Pinot Grigio and Primitivo were excellent, especially paired with the olive pizza, grilled shrimp and kobe beef hot dogs.

Fact: There are only four deck chairs by Bracco’s pool.

Pelé, the most famous soccer player outside David Beckham, cheerfully held court at Nello Summertimes on Saturday night.

Did we miss someone? Do tell.

Beach Scenes: Nello Summertimes

An off shoot of the Upper East Side restaurant of the same name, Nello is straight Euro, for better or for worse. Solid, if not astronomically priced, Roman staples dominate the menu, the power set the tables outside. Go, but don't say The Beach didn't warn you.

Further reading at Newsday, and Hampton Dining Guide.
--
Nello Summertimes
136 Main Street, Southampton
631-287-5500
--

Link Hampton

· Princess Beatrice hangs out with criminal ex at Nello Summertimes [Daily Mail]
· Color overload at Bridgehampton show house [NY Times]
· Seeking lobster on Long Island [Newsday]
· Brokers: begin drooling over commissions. Banker bonuses up 25%. [CNN]
· The Times discovers the Cannonball, finds it civilized [NY Times]
· WaPo swoons over Designing the Hamptons [Washington Post]
· Christie Brinkley, Eva Mendes spotted separately at Nick & Toni's [NY Post]

Friday Drive Report: Headlights, Please

LIE at Exit 50. [* indicates Eastbound]

We've got the fog to deal with, but little traffic. Given the forecast, we'd imagine it's wise to cash in a sick day.

And, of course, we'll need every little detail.

Ready. Set. Weekend.

Ponder: The wonders of MySpace
Save: On a sweet summer bag
Appreciate: Saturday is a beach day
Play: No matter the weather
Drool: Open House hopping
Outfit: With new Euro togs
Stockpile: Sunscreen at great prices
Avoid: Blemishes, itchiness, and West Nile
Lounge: On a graphic towel
Substitute: Sake for rum = Sakejito
Personalize: Fortunes on popsicle sticks before freezing

BREAKING: Wintour Vacations in Un-chic Environs

Anna Wintour, Vogue Editor in Chief, is struggling with some very unglamorous issues in her vacation town of Mastic on Long Island. Specifically, Wintour is disgusted by the horribly polluted Forge River, and is angry that nothing is being done about the situation.

"I think the problem really is that since this is not a chic community like the Hamptons, the local governments are not really doing everything they could to take care of it," she said.

Wait a minute. Wintour? "Not a chic community?" We're glad you were sitting down for that.

UPDATE: Wintour is expected to appear at a fundraiser this evening on Mill Pond in Moriches, to benefit Save the Forge River. Will she unleash her wrath on the local politicians in attendance? Pony up $75 and you can be there to find out. Oh, and make sure you give us the scoop.
· Fashion mogul turned activist [Newsday]

Materialist: All Eyes on Labor Day: Gift Accordingly

Bringing a nice bottle of wine as a thank-you for the weekend host is all well and good, but we needn’t remind you there are only three weekends left in the summer. That means it’s time to ratchet up the efforts in hopes of winning the most desirable of invites: Labor Day. This time around, why not include a fine wine-opening device as an add-on to the old standby? Nothing but the best of course— the Screwpull Trigger was recently rated by Cooks Illustrated as “the ultimate opener.” It’s sure to win points with the hosts, since there can never be too much wine, or too many corkscrews, in the house.
· Screwpull Trigger [Williams Sonoma]

Jaws Attacks Guild Hall, Nick & Toni's to Cater

Sure, you've seen it before. But next Thursday brings the chance to screen Jaws in the same room as Steven Spielberg. Everyone’s favorite low-lying Hamptons resident will be in attendance for the film at Guild Hall, which is set to raise money for the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. The $100 screening won't get you any popcorn, but it will get you a seat for the Q&A with the director following the film. To get even closer to Mr. Spielberg, you'll have to spring for the $500 pre-screening reception, to be catered by Nick & Toni's. It's like Netflix, but for the black Amex set.
· Jaws 30th Anniversary Screening at Guild Hall [Official Site]

Charity Roundup: Cue the Phat Pharm Phireworks

1) With bold-faced names like Katie Couric expected to attend, The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons' Chow Chow Bow Wow Benefit on Saturday is sure to be a howling scene. The cocktail and dinner party will raise money to help cats and dogs on the East End. The price of admission varies from $350 to $10,000 and gets you catering by Robbins Wolfe, as well as yet another chance to soak up the real estate at the private home on First Neck Lane in Southampton. [Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons]

2) In keeping with grand tradition, this weekend brings us the annual Artists and Writers softball game, which has been played for the past 57 years in East Hampton. Ten bucks buys the chance to catch a foul ball from Alec Baldwin, or a pop-up from Ken Auletta. While neither an artist nor technically a writer, rumor has it that Rudy Giuliani will umpire. [Hamptons Online]

3)Things may get interesting at the Simmons house on Saturday afternoon, where they'll be celebrating daughter Aoki Lee's fourth birthday with a carnival fundraiser for the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center. That's because both Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook are Honorary Chairs of the event. Will they be cordial, or will they throw bbq ribs at each other while screaming four letter words? Even if there's no drama, the $200 cost of adult admission ($50 for the kids) should prove satisfying enough: there will be pony rides, games, clowns, a barbeque and treats from Dylan's Candy Bar. [Dan's]

Hamptons Looking Forward to Labor Day? Blasphemy!

This week's Hamptons Magazine highlights 21 reasons to visit the Hamptons, including:

Being drunk at 2 P.M. is called barbecuing, and it’s acceptable.
Have you ever smelled a privet?
You may see Christy Turlington in a bikini.
Truly fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood.
Yoga on the beach.
You don’t need a day planner, Palm Pilot, or even a watch; just do what you want, when you want to do it.

We're not so sure about the privet-smelling, but otherwise it sounds about right. In a shocking twist, they also included 20 reasons why they'll be looking forward to Labor Day. Curious? Heresy has its place— after the jump, naturally.

Continue reading "Hamptons Looking Forward to Labor Day? Blasphemy! "



Jaded Valets, Lux Toilets: Just Another Hamptons Bash

Ever wonder what kind of money goes into the dozens of charity parties every weekend? Newsday gets the gate codes and crashes the catering to audit the not-so-average Hamptons party. The breakdown:

Catering: $40,000-$50,000
Large Tent: Up to $15,000
Hardwood floor: $2 a square foot
China, glassware and silverware: $14,000 base cost
Bathroom trailers: Portable bathrooms, complete with mirrors, vanities, separate stalls with flushing toilets and an attendant can set you back $3,000
Decorations: From flowers to balloons: $10,000
Lighting: $3,000-$20,000
Goodie Bags: Those who do them include cosmetics, perfume, hair products, anti-aging cremes, candy, liquor. Donated items often include promotions for self-tanners, DVDs and even charter flights.
Entertainment: A base cost of an estimated $25,000, but big-name artists can demand six figures
Valet Parking: $15 to $20 per car

Speaking of valet, next time the keys get handed over to a kid who looks too young for a driver's license, don't worry that he'll take it for a spin down Millstone. According to the owner of TNT Valet Service:

"You get used to it. It's like, 'Oh, another Bentley. Oh, another Range Rover.' "

Comforting, but only slightly.
· In the Hamptons, soirees - big and small - are plotted and scripted to the finest details [Newsday]

WeatherDesk Weekend Preview: Begin Denial

While 20% and 40% don't sound so good, especially in combination with the words "scattred T-storms," take solace: We're still a few days out, with plenty of room for improvement. Besides, everyone knows it doesn't rain in the Hamptons. Although, this may prove a smart weekend to pack the bowling shoes.
· Bridgehampton Weekend Forecast [Weather]

Harry Potter and the Enchanted Boogie Board:
JK Rowling Takes on the Atlantic

Every eight-year-old’s favorite author, JK Rowling, has been having a magical time at her rental in Bridgehampton this summer. Recent photos show the quidditch queen trying out several new watersports, from boogie boarding to surfing. If you believe the Daily Mail, JK and crew are renting for £76,000 a week. But that's chump change for Rowling, who makes "£77 for every minute she spends splashing about in the waves."

The staggering figure, which the blonde Scot rakes in from royalties and endorsements, makes her the ninth highest earner in the entertainment industry according to business magazine Forbes.

We’re guessing she’s too distracted by her seven bedrooms, basketball and tennis courts, and 3 acre garden to be working on any new novels. But if Harry ends his run with a surfing duel against Voldemort, we’ll know how truly inspiring the Hamptons can be.
· Surf's up for JK Rowling [Daily Mail]
· Hamptons Newbies: Save a Seat on the Jitney [The Beach]

Coming Soon to a Jitney Near You: GPS?

From the BeachWire Inbox, a story to strike fear in the hearts of anyone who enjoys a relaxing bus ride out east. It’s like Speed, but without Keanu:

Our family's had a house on Shelter Island for 30+ years, so my mom knows the route well. Unfortunately, the bus driver didn't. He must be a transplant from the Manhattan-Hamptons route, because halfway along the LIE he realized that he didn't know how to get to Greenport. My mom had to sit next to him and direct him through the North Fork. (She proudly reported that the other passengers complimented her navigation.) Great — now one company has a monopoly on getting to the East End, and they have no idea what they're doing.

Care to share a scary story? We're listening

Beach Scenes: The Palm

When East Hampton fixture The Palm opened at the Hunting Inn in 1979, it was the sixth of all the Palms to open. Now, though it has many restaurant siblings around the world, it remains among an elite class among the East Hampton power set. Steaks are the thing here, of course, as is the sheer gluttony of feasting on red meat all bathing suit season long.

Further reading at East Hampton Star and at the Official site.

--
The Palm
94 Main Street, East Hampton
(631) 324-0411
--

[Photo by Kalina.]

North Ferry to Raise Fares, Add New Boat

Photo courtesy of .myke on flickr

The North Ferry, which connects Greenport on the North Fork to Shelter Island, is planning to add another boat to the rotation. Great news for those long ferry lines, bad news for the wallet as ticket prices are going up to help finance the new ship. Fare hikes totalling $680,000 will be needed to finance the addition of another $2 million boat to the fleet.

But that sunset? Totally worth it.

· East End ferry plans fare hike [Newsday]

WeatherDesk Update: 100% Chance of Perfection

Observant weather-watchers will note the zero percent chance of precipitation for the entire weekend. Blow up the raft, there's a solid 48 hours of pool-floating in your future.
· Bridgehampton Weekend [Weather]

Katie Couric: Evening News Anchor or Calendar Girl?

Freshman Hamptons resident Katie Couric is looking decidedly un-Rather-like on the cover of this month's Dan's Magazine Hampton Style. Clad in a little black dress and sparkling bolero, with her newsworthy smile framed by windswept hair, Katie looks less like your average evening news anchor and more like a model at a car show. The accompanying article has insight from her peers in the media, and Katie herself sharing her excitement about starting the CBS Evening News in September.

“I'm really excited, obviously, to get started, to stop talking about this and actually to start doing the job."

Looking like this, it's safe to say she's ready for primetime. And perhaps even late night.

· Katie Couric's Moment [Dan's Magazine Hampton Style]

Link Hampton

· Sag Harbor is the new East Hampton? [Newsday]
· Colorful mix at Nello Summertimes [NY Post]
· Hedge those privets: Man fined $17k for messy yard [Newsday]
· Hertz adds Mustang convertibles to NY fleet [Hertz]
· Beales of Grey Gardens opens wider this weekend [NY Times]

BREAKING: Accident Blocking 2 Lanes at Exit 44

Intel from the trenches:

The accident has been cleared, and traffic is picking up again. Still, maybe not a bad time to stop for Gatorade.

How's your drive?

Clintons in East Hampton? Been There, Done That

When Senator and President Clinton roll into East Hampton this weekend for a working vacation, don't expect anyone to be too excited about it. Most East Enders, already jaded from regularly spotting Howard Stern at the Amagansett Farmer's Market, aren't getting too worked up about this year's visit. It's a far cry from 1998, when the usually staid residents were all-in-a-tizzy over the then-First Family. Adding to the ambivalence, there are a number of other high-profile events this weekend that may overshadow Bill and Hill's visit: There's the Hamptons Wine and Food Festival, the new Warhol exhibit at Guild Hall, and don't forget about the Goodall party. Plus, the Clintons aren't the only power players in town - Giuliani and friends are also hosting a fundraiser Saturday in Sagaponack.
· Few will catch this wave [Newsday]

Friday Drive Report: Early Bird Gets the Traffic

Eastbound LIE at Glen Cove Rd.

Hours away from the official Summer Friday Alert, and things are getting scary out there.

Be strong. We're all in this together.

How are you coping?

Real Estate Envy: Building a Better Sand Castle

Though the East Hampton Sand Castle Contest has come and gone, it's never too early to cultivate those sand architecture skills for next year. Pick up a copy of Sandcastles Made Simple and learn all the trade secrets behind those amazing sand sculptures.

The author, known appropriately as Sandy Feet, shares lots of tips - from basic to advanced - that will have everyone on Sagg Main scoping out your creation. It's also a great hostess gift for a family, since there's a special section with kid-friendly challenges.

With a little practice, next year you'll be building a scale-model of Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall. But it's probably best to start off with Sleeping Beauty's Castle, a design style much more flushed out in this book.
· Sandcastles Made Simple [Amazon]

Ready. Set. Weekend.

Swizzle: Multiple margaritas
Mingle: With Jane Goodall and friends
Picnic: Wine, dine and recline
Connect: Even with no cell service
Bike: With Spot
Learn: Chukkers vs. chukkas
Combine: Cucumbers and dill
Assemble: Custom ice cream sandwiches
Luxify: Pasta with summer truffles
See: Andy Warhol at Guild Hall
Uncork: Sparkling rosé from Oregon

Hamptons M&A: Allan Schneider Sells Out for $40m

While it's generally a buzzkill to bring up talk of mergers and acquisitions on vacation (unless referring to hookups and shopping, respectively) the latest deal is worth mentioning over cocktails this weekend. Allan M. Schneider Associates, the legendary real estate firm that all but invented land lust on the South Fork, has been acquired by national real estate conglomerate NRT Inc. for $40 million. And, wouldn't you know, NRT already owns Corcoran Group. Rumors of the acquisition have been circulating for a while, but now the deal is official.

There's a whole lot of brand equity in the Allan Schneider name, so we're curious to see if the name will stick, or if the signature hunter green and gold decor and fetish for fox hunting pictures will disappear under the new leadership. Interestingly, NRT's acquisition of Schneider only serves to underscore the sentiment in the market: “it’s definitely a buyers market now.”
· Corcoran parent buys major Hamptons brokerage [The Real Deal]
· NRT buys Allan M. Schneider [Long Island Business News]

Single in the Hamptons: Speed Dating, Citarella Flirting

This week’s Resident focuses on the Hamptons dating scene. Or, more specifically, where to find men that will “have you dreaming of double karats and platinum settings come New Year.” With articles covering everything from where to meet a Yale grad to the scoop on a nude cleaning service, it’s tough to know where to begin, really. How about a taste of the interview with E! network anchor, Giuliana DePandi?

Resident: In NYC and in the Hamptons, what are the best ways to meet people who want you for more than your body?

Giuliana: Come on, it’s the Hamptons… they don’t want you for your body, they want you for your daddy’s money. Just kidding. One way to make a guy want you for more than just your body is to prove to him that you have a purpose in life other than getting into Ron Pearlman’s 4th of July Party or Diddy’s White Party. I’m talking about having goals and aspirations.

True, but then again one cannot expect to accomplish the aspirational goal of a Perelman invite without first spelling his name correctly. Only then will the golden trifecta of hot body, daddy's money and perfect spelling be achieved.
· Husband Hunting in the Hamptons [Resident]

Link Hampton

· Seeking highbrow, lowbrow in the Hamptons [Village Voice]
· Be your own bartender at Old Stove Pub [Gotham Gal]
· Bill and Hil’s “Big Hamptons $hare” [Newsday]
· The North Fork surrenders to foie gras, truffles [Newsday]
· North Fork potato chips: A brief history [Dan's Papers]
· Ron Perelman's ex wants "a break from the jeweled-trophy-wife look" [Washington Times]

Jane Goodall Promotes Monkey Business Out East

Primate-loving Jane Goodall makes her inaugural trip to the Hamptons this weekend for a fundraiser to benefit her institute. There won’t be any gorillas (we don’t think) but there will be plenty of heavyweights: The hosts are none other than Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz and his wife Sheri, along with Candice Bergen and hubbie Marshall Rose. The $2,500 ticket buys the chance to see Sarah McLaughlin perform, as well as freedom to scope out some serious real estate – the party is at a private home off Lily Pond Lane.
· Jane Goodall Institute [Official Site]

WeatherDesk Weekend Preview: Is It Friday Yet?

Beach goers will be pleased to see lots of sun in the forecast this weekend. Friday's weather is looking good, too, so cancel some meetings and make it happen.
· Bridgehampton 10-Day [Weather]

The Beach EXCLUSIVE: Rosé: It's What's For Breakfast

Proving he's never short on ideas for guzzling summer wines, Jesse Salazar, resident oenophile at Union Square Wines, gives The Beach his time-tested recipe for the perfect summer brunch. And you can bet your Southampton Town Permit it includes a healthy dose of this summer's It Drink, the once-again-popular rosé.

My favorite breakfast ritual involves a 1/2 bottle of Billecart-Salmon rosé champagne, toasted bialys with cream cheese, and salmon-roe from Russ & Daughters.

As Jesse is already spoken for (sorry ladies), you'll have to recreate it on your own at the house this weekend. It's perfect for kicking off a day of poolside lounging, so get to Kossar's, Russ & Daughters and Union Square Wines early on Friday, and stock up before even thinking about hitting the LIE.
· Bar Trends: Rosé Is Back, and Pinker Than Ever [The Beach]

Beyond the Divot Stomping: Tips for Polo VIPs

Photo courtesy of cassworld on flickr

The VIP tent on the grounds of the Mercedes-Benz Cup Challenge in Bridgehampton is a serious destination for anyone into the horse/fashion/society/celebrity/gawking scene. And, evidently, it’s not a place one should attempt to navigate without a few tips from the good folks at Hamptons Online. This week’s “out & about,” presents some helpful guidelines for maximizing that VIP access. Assuming, of course, you are one of the lucky invited few, or can sweet talk security. Here, some key Do’s from the list:

DO dress up – but think diaphanous goddess for gals and preppy with an updated bright twist for guys. Sophisticated sexy is good, cheap tart is bad.

DO eat the Crumbs cupcakes (vanilla coconut my personal favorite) worth every calorie. Maybe a gorgeous savior will lick the crumbs off your lip.

And most importantly, while it may be difficult (especially while having a "savior" lick crumbs off one's lips):

DO remember that with all the tragic and important events happening in the world that a few hours at Bridgehampton Polo on a midsummer afternoon is a privilege indeed.

If thinking about those "tragic and important events" puts a damper on your spirits, just head for the free liquor provided by Bacardi, Grey Goose and Amstel. You'll be back to carefree cupcake-crumb-licking in no time.
· Polo – Making the Most of Your Match [Hamptons Online]

Bar Trends: Rosé Is Back, and Pinker Than Ever

According to the NY Times, that cloyingly sweet rosé from the 80s is grown up and splashing all over the summer party scene. Thanks to improvements in the quality of rosé wines on the market, trendsetters are finding a new appreciation for the light, sweet wine that smells like a fistful of summer berries.

There's just one problem: It's pink. Which is fine for those of the kir royale and cosmo ilk, but what's a guy to do? Never fear. Jesse Salazar, wine director at Union Square Wines, suggests the following:

"Bring it to rooftop parties and backyard barbecues. I've been putting rosé in an empty Gatorade bottle and drinking it in the park."

Whether straight from the bottle (like the hipsters at Ben Watts' party in Ditch Plains), or under cover of energy drink, get your rosé on while the getting's good. Come October it will be passé, as cooler weather prompts the return to whiskey and bordeaux.
· The Summer Drink to Be Seen With [NYT]

Beach Scenes: World Pie

Opened in 1999, this is, of course, Bridgehampton staple World Pie. Though pizza is certainly the thing here, and one cannot go wrong with a large plain, non-pie offerings do not disappoint either. Outdoor seating, take out, a Bar bar, and the general low-impact approach are just the thing to cap a Sunday night.

Further reading at Hampton Dining and at Newsday.

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World Pie
2402 Main St, Bridgehampton
(631) 537-7999
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Friday Drive: Room for the Vroom, But Not for Long

LIE at exits 57 and 45 [* indicates Eastbound]
Relatively good news from the traffic desk, darlings. Once you get past the usual Midtown Tunnel nonsense, everything is looking better than we could ever expect at 3:45 on a Friday. Volume is definitely there, and will only worsen over the next two hours: smart money is on an immediate getaway.

WeatherDesk Final Check: All Systems Go

Today could be better, but let's not get too picky about it, mmkay? Sun and Some Sun are on the docket, which means come 1 PM it's all systems go.
· Weekend Weather: Bridgehampton [Weather]

Live in George Soros' Staff Quarters, Without Actually Working for George Soros

Sick of having to call the poolboy every time the filter gets clogged? Getting freaked out by the caretaker's habit of talking to himself? Owning a second home certainly has its rewards, but it comes with a fair share of headaches, too. For those less interested in maintaining a house and grounds, and more interested in ultimate relaxation, here's the chance to own a condominium (that's right) in Southampton where everything is taken care of. The Villas, which were built as staff quarters in 1914, have been redeveloped by Ben and Linda Lambert and into six condos, going for $2.1 to $4.3 million each.

"It's for people who don't want the maintenance of the house. Here everything will be taken care of, especially when they're away for long stretches, vacationing in Europe or St. Barts," Mrs. Lambert said.

Each condo has its own private garden with Viking grill, but you'll have to share the pool with the other residents. The property itself is prime Southampton real estate, right on Old Town Pond and walking distance to the beach off Gin Lane. Finally, a place where your biggest worry will be when to flip while tanning.

Ahead, take a peek at the interior. Hopefully they will pressure wash the shower before closing.

Continue reading "Live in George Soros' Staff Quarters, Without Actually Working for George Soros"



Friday Drive Report: Warm Up the EZPass

LIE at Wicks Rd. [* indicates Eastbound]

The early word is congestion from Exit 27 to 29, but otherwise the road is yours for the taking.

As always, do keep us apprised of your progress.

Plywood East: HC&G House Ready for its Closeup?

We're sure much progress has been made since this glorious plywood shot was taken back in April. See for yourself at the Hamptons Cottages & Gardens 2006 Idea House, opening tonight in Water Mill. The 6,200 square foot house has been divvied up among 25 designers, who each added their own personal touch to one of the rooms. Even utilitarian rooms couldn't escape the designer treatment: the mud room was outfitted by Hable Construction, and the laundry room by Hampton Design Kitchen & Bath. The house is open for your voyeuristic pleasure through September 3rd.

In the mood for some floorplan porn? Keep reading.

Continue reading "Plywood East: HC&G House Ready for its Closeup?"




Ready. Set. Weekend.

Follow: The Google Doctor’s advice
Kudos: For the lobster roll at Job’s Lane
Belong: To the hippest foursome
Drink: Frozen Kir Royale
Pop: Two Advil for second-home headaches
Play: While making ice cream
Chill: The old fashionied way
Build: On serious waterfront real estate
Transform: Your bottle into a lantern
Send: Steamy retro invites
Make: A personalized beach bag

Coolest Listing on the South Fork: Snow Not Included

On a day like today, even if you are comfortably floating about the pool with a popsicle, it is tempting to dream of slightly cooler climes. With this listing, our friends at Corcoran remind us that it does cool off eventually. Looks like this $795,000 property in Sagaponack has been on the market for quite some time, even though the description claims it “won’t last!” We are by no means looking forward to winter (our climate therapist is on speed dial) but it might be worth a drive-by, just to be sure the 2 acres of snow has indeed melted.
· 2 Acre Lot in Sagaponack [Corcoran]

WeatherDesk Update: Restock the Pop-Ice, Stat!

We know it’s a little too hot for complex graphics, but swizzle your ice cubes and stay with us here. It looks like we are about to hit a second day of all-time high temperatures before we cool off, relatively speaking, for the weekend. Yesterday, temps reached 93 degrees at the East Hampton Airport, and today it's another scorcher. What's the good news? No electricity wasted to heat the pool for the night swim– those water temps will definitely be swimmable. Last one in is a rotten egg.
· East Hampton - Current [Weather]

Trends in Party Food: Small Bites, Hold the Skewers

In a typical Hamptons summer, with a very high party-per-capita ratio, it's important to pay attention to the details: who sits where, who wears what and (of course) what appetizers get passed around on those silver platters. The East Hampton Star recently explored current trends in hors d'ouevres, and found that while people still don't eat bread, they are returning to the classics and adopting new trends as well.
With small plates and tasting-portions the norm in Manhattan restaurants, it’s no wonder that party platters in the Hamptons are adjusting accordingly. Many a beachside soiree is trending toward the tiny – miniaturized versions of the classics like micro lobster rolls and itsy bitsy burgers. But don't expect to find any chicken satay at the next gallery opening you crash: “We still do some skewered foods, but not much. Skewers are kind of passé,” claims Michael Brautigan of Brent Newsom caterers. Duly noted, Mr. Brautigan. Just don't nix the pigs-in-a-blanket, everybody loves an old favorite.
· Honey, I Shrunk the B.L.T.s! [East Hampton Star]