Founder Nathaniel Christian

Forget oysters, hot second grade teachers, or a hint of black lace showing through a sheer dress, the ultimate male aphrodisiac is a Ferrari.  A man’s erogenous zone can be found in his right foot.  Put together a cavalry of classics, contemporaries, and custom designs, and you have the four wheel version of a Miss America Pageant.  The second annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally roared into Georgica Restaurant and Lounge in Wainscott Saturday to be the eye candy for specially invited VIPs at a guest reception following their tour of the hallowed Hamptons lanes.

Luxury lifestyle expert and event founder Nathaniel Christian declared this year even more successful than last.  “There’s no more room in the parking lot,” he said of the over 100 capacity car crowd.  He has five Ferrari’s of his own and is anxiously awaiting a new black 458.  He explains with a winning grin, ”It’s like purses for women, or shoes.  One pair of Jimmy Choos just isn’t enough.”  His passion is clear.  In his new building project he gave up the tennis court to accomodate a 16 car garage, room to house his stable of the ultimte horsepower.

La Cucina Italiana editor Michael Wilson

La Cucina Italiana editor Michael Wilson who knows a thing or two about all great things Italian stood next to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer.  “I just want to hear it,” he explained, that 12 cylander purr being the siren song.  His personal taste steers towards the early versions of Ferraris.  “There are two Daytona Spyders here in great shape.”

With all the hot cars, hot women, and just plain old heat of the summer day, Charles Ferri of Star Vodka epitomized cool with his ice cold Star Vodka on the rocks with a slight infusion of fresh watermellon.

Charles Ferri Star Vodka

Georgica’s star chef Robert Hesse also used his horse power to hoist the grand bottle of Perrier-Jouet (the French female aphrodisiac) to pour glasses for an appreciative audience.

Chef Robert Hesse

With the beautiful bodies (men, women, and cars) DJ groove, fine libations and nibblies, there was a collective, satisfied sigh at the end of the afternoon.  Does anyone have a cigarette?

Dennis Sneden & Nathaniel Christian

By HipHamptons GayGirl

The stars did indeed shine at the Fight Back New York event last Saturday at the drop dead gorgeous hilltop home of Mitch Draizin & Philippe Brugere. (Seriously- you had to see this place.  I’m going to ask them if they will adopt me.)

The view was amazing, the weather was picture perfect, the short speeches were inspiring, and the celebrities were personable and approachable.  This was my kind of party.

 Julianne Moore, Cynthia Nixon, and Terrence McNally were among the many high profile supporters of Fight Back New York, the political action committee formed to remove from office New York State Senators who have voted against marriage equality.

 Want to find out more about Fight Back New York?  Check out this funny video from  Jesse Tyler Ferguson of Emmy favorite Modern Family.

The next fundraising event for Fight Back New York will be on Monday September 13 in New York City with such noted guests as Rosie O’Donnell, Anne Meara & Jerry Stiller, Alan Cumming, and Cynthia Nixon.  For tix and more info www.fightbackpac.com/sept13.

By HipHamptons GayGirl

For those of you complaining about the lack of gay events in the Hamptons – this one’s for you.

Fight Back New York is having an event Saturday August 28^th.  Gay or straight, everyone’s welcome.   Here’s the scoop

Join Julianne Moore, Cynthia Nixon, and Terrence McNally on Saturday, August 28 to support Fight Back New York, the political action committee formed to remove from office New York State Senators who have voted against marriage equality.  There’s a reception from 6-8pm followed by a dinner for top level donors. 

Saturday, August 28

6 – 8pm Reception

8pm VIP Dinner for “District Fighter” Donors

The event will be held at the home of Mitch Draizin & Philippe Brugere in Sag Harbor.  (I’ve seen pictures, it’s a fabulous home and the perfect setting for a magical evening.)

RSVP and contribute online at www.fightbackpac.com/hamptons

Want to find out more about Fight Back New York?  Check out this funny video from Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

You suddenly felt smarter when you entered the tent at the East Hampton Library for the literary star studded 6^th Annual Authors Night on Saturday night.  Being in the presence of a plethora of talented writers makes you suddenly want to start texting with complete words and grammatically correct sentences, even consider using adverbs again.

The event to raise money for the East Hampton Library which houses within its walls, 113 years of reading history, reminded everyone of the power of words and of voice and of diversity of life experiences.  Like a five star hotel Sunday brunch there were simply too many delicious literary dishes to choose from: decorating, travel, cooking, psychology, architecture, biographies, novels, and even dental health.

Founding Chairman Alec Baldwin, Honorary Co-Chairs Ken Auletta, Candace Bushnell, Robert Caro, Jay McInerney, Richard Reeves and Authors Committee Chair Barbara Goldsmith gathered a virtual who’s who of contemporary writers.

Dava Sobel

To have the chance to get books personally autographed by the authors and have a moment to chat face to face is a rarified experience with a range of enthusiastic first time authors to literary giants, often seated next to one another depending on alphabetical proximity of their last name.

Dava Sobel, best selling author of Longitude and Galileo’s Daughter was signing copies of her new book The Planets and I asked her about this strange planet alignment which was supposedly causing havoc in everyone’s lives this summer.  While planets are subject to the “gravitational attraction of unseen companions,” she said there was no need to worry.  I was vastly reassured.

Dani Shapiro

It takes great courage to be an author, especially when you are revealing your own life.  Two of my favorite, most powerful writers were there with new memoirs.  In the story of her adoption and journey when her birth parents came looking for her, A.M. Homes creates an incredibly moving self portrait in The Mistress’s Daughter.

Dani Shapiro shares her search for meaning and peace in her memoir Devotion, a beautiful reminder of the importance of asking the big questions – moving us beyond “How can I get a reservation at Nick and Toni’s?” to “Do I believe in god?” (perhaps the two questions are related.)

Danny Peary and Tom Clavin

But next to God of course there is baseball.  Tom Clavin and Danny Peary signed copies of their new book Roger Maris – Baseball’s Reluctant Hero and proved that great biographers and great detectives have a lot in common, unearthing the truth to create a compelling portrait.

In the end the most important take away is that books R important, really, really important.

Held at c/o The Maidstone in East Hampton on Sunday August 15th from 3:30pm to 5pm is a chance to meet author Gary Reiswig and Dr. Peter Davies PhD, an expert in research to learn more about what is new in Alzheimer’s disease research.

Author of The Thousand Mile Stare, Gary Reiswig tells the story of his ancestral roots in a small German Town to Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s discovery of the disease, to the Reiswig’s triumphs and tragedies on their Oklahoma farm, to a modern day congresstional hearing room.  The book offers insight into the devastating world of Alzheimer’s and hope for the development of a cure.

There will be a chance for a discussion as well as a wine and cheese reception.

You must RSVP to Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, ED/CEO Alzheimer’s Association Long Island 631-820-8068 www.alz.org/longisland

www.alzheimer

Jay McInerney, Candace Bushnell

If you are looking for the one Hamptons summer event which will have the most luminaries under one tent, put on your grass friendly wedges and head to the 6th Annual Authors Night at the East Hamtpon Library Saturday August 14.

Before we spoke to each other in letters, U R HOT, we actually used complete sentences, beautiful turns of phrases, apt metaphors, and poetic license.  Some of the most talented wordsmiths (think Mr. and Mrs. Smith with lethal phrases) will gather to sign their books, chat with readers, and raise funds for a great institution, the East Hampton Library, which by the way is one of the prime resources for information on the history of this beautiful hamlet.

The evening’s Founding Chairman Alec Baldwin, Honorary Co-Chairs Ken Auletta, Candace Bushnell, Robert Caro, Jay McInerney, Richard Reeves, and Authors Committee Chair Barbara Goldsmith will be joined by more than 150 distinguished authors.  It is a unique opportunity to rub literary elbows with celebrated writers.

The evening begins at 5pm with the Author’s Reception under the tent on Library grounds and at 8pm guests will be hosted at specially themed dinners in honor of one of the guest authors at private homes.

Tickets are $100 for the author’s reception only and begin at $225 for the reception and private dinner.  Reserve now.  www.authorsnight.org, 631-324-0222 x7.

The Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field hits its full stride with intense competition on the field with the top goal players and their steeds braving the heat while the coltish long legged gals got to cool off in diaphanous dresses under the VIP tent with cool Patron tequila cocktails.

Stratis Morfogen and Beatriz

We caught up with restaurant owner Stratis Morfogen who was there with Chef Philippe Chow of Philippe.  Stratis was toting adorable daughter Beatriz who said her favorite part of the experience was the horses.  Ah how quickly the Daddy can I have a pony phase starts.  Luckily Philippe in East Hampton is a summer hot spot and Morfogen’s restaurant empire is expanding by the day (we hear through Grub Street Ciano in the fall with Chef Shea Gallante.)

Mercedes-Benz gull wing SLS AMG

What happens when girls grow up is the passion for horsepower of another sort.  Although they marvel at the strength and sleekness of those polo ponies, the Mercedes SLS AMG caught their refined eye.  “They’re the price of a small Bentley but everyone has one of those,” a car-ista told us.  “These are much more unique.”  At under $200,000 it’s the car version of the alligator Kelly bag.

Diana Jeong, Samantha Slomowitz, Swagg VIP Lounge

The VIP SWAGG Lounge was chillin’ with their great DJ and we checked out what the buzz was about.  The SWAGG mobile app works on iPhones and Smart Phones and can eliminate the need to carry credit cards.  Horreur, wouldn’t one be naked without one’s platinum card?  You can do your shopping to send gift cards via the app at your favorite vendors like Tiffanys or Apple and include your own personalized video greeting.  “Hey Holly Go Lightly, go buy yourself a Tiffany key chain, engraved, on me.  Get something for cat too.”  The launch is set for November 15^th and there will also be special percentages off for Swagg users.

Baroness Sheri de Borghrave, HH's Heather Buchanan

For those of us who can’t afford a fine steed or sleek car, we can still go after a polo player the old fashioned way… winning the lottery.  Literally if you’re in the VIP tent you can stop in at the Polo Ralph Lauren boutique which is a sponsor of the Black Watch Polo team and enter for a chance to win a polo lesson with Nacho Figueras.  Being an equestrian, I figure I have a leg up on that process.  And no that wasn’t me stuffing the ballot box, really.

Eric Ripert, Toni Ross, Cary Lowell, Richard Gere photo by Philippe Cheng

“Jeff would have loved this,” said Toni Ross of the perfect combination of delectable food, spirited wines and spirits, and great friends coming together to honor her late husband Jeff Salaway and the funds established in his honor at the Great Chefs Dinner 2010.  For the guests it was personal to remember such a beloved member of the community, celebrating Jeff’s Kitchen and Hayground School’s Organic Garden to benefit the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton on Sunday.

Jason Weiner of Almond

Amazing chefs topped each other with their tasting selections. Jason Weiner of Bridgehampton’s The Almond with his Taylor Bay Scallop Ceviche with Gazpacho Gelee added flare to his tasty tid bit, “Knock it back and throw the shell on the table.”  Clearly they know how to have fun at the Almond and remember that they have Karaoke on Saturday night.

Chef Kevin Penner of the new The Grill on Pantigo in East Hampton introduced a Spanish Mackerel Tartare with Cilantro & Lime which was divine.  He reports they’re getting their groove on there with an eclectic menu sure to please diverse palates.

Christian Mir, Bernard Bouissou of Stone Creek Inn

For anyone who gets squeamish at octopus, you would have a whole new appreciation for the sea creature with Christian Mir of Stone Creek Inn’s Grilled Octopus with New Potatoes, Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes and Taggiasca Olive Tapenade.  Truly one of the most romantic restaurants on the South Fork, The Stone Creek Inn in East Quogue is totally worth a trip past the Shinnecock canal for a fine dining experience.

And if you were wondering why sophisticated Hamptonites were wandering around licking their fingers, you had only to trace them back to Tom Colicchio of Colicchio & Sons and Top Chef TV’s Pork Carnitas Shawarma Style with Spit Roasted Pork Belly, Warm Tortilla & Spicy Eggplant Caponata.

Pure Vodka lavender lemonade infusion

Creative cocktails complemented the selections including Pure Vodka’s Lavender Infused Lemonade cooler.  Who knew that gardening and happy hour could come together in such a perfect concoction.  Greenport’s fabulous Vine Wine and Café 1SR created the adult version of a Sundae Bar with sparkling wine which could be mixed with Wild Strawberry, Blackberry or confetti looking Elderflower.  There were also local favorite wines from Bedell Cellars, Channing Daughters, and Wolffer Estate Vineyards.  Many a manly man was also thrilled to have Greenport Harbor Brewing Company Beer to sample.

Vine Wine and Cafe 1SR Champagne Bar

Toni Ross as event chair brought in many luminaries including Co-Chairs Jon Snow & Nanette Lepore (love, love, love her designs).  Filmmaker Barry Sonnnenfeld directed the crowd to keep an eye on the amazing silent art auction which had guests in competitive mode.

The energy was collegial with Le Bernadin’s Eric Ripert stopping to chat with the other chefs about their dishes, world renowned food writer Florence Fabricant perusing the art and Carrie Lowell, Richard Gere and Jon Bon Jovi joining friends to head into the dinner.

There are certain magic moments and Sunday under the big top in Bridgehampton proved that while it is a jet set destination, the Hamptons are also a close knit local community which cares.

Great Chefs, photo by Philippe Cheng

Ladies, divas, iron women and wall flowers, here is your chance to experience a whole new work out experience which promises to bring out your inner goddess.

Sheila Kelley is in the Hamptons with her S-Factor class, a popular pole dancing workout which puts the Fun back in Fitness.  The class combines ballet, yoga, and pole dancing to nurture a woman’s natural S shape and promote health, confidence, and empowerment. 

We have a feeling men will be pulling out their platinum cards to treat their gals for this class!  But sorry guys, this is a safe space for women only.  You’ll have to picture it your minds.

Sheila Kelley S Factor is a fitness experience revered by countless celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Teri Hatcher, Heather Graham, Lisa Rinna, Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Vivica Fox.

They key to the experience is feeling and looking great and empowering women to take control of their bodies and minds.  Who knows, the portable pole may just give the home yoga studio a run for its money.  Our gal around town reporter Tracey Toomey will be the gal around the pole this weekend and report back on the experience.

You can take these classes August 13 – 15 at the HGC Southampton Gym.  Sign up now and get ready to shimmy this weekend.

All fitness levels are welcome.

HGC Southampton Gym, 395 South County Road 39A at the Omni

For schedule and to register 212-989-8030 and check online http://www.sfactor.com/pole_dancing_studios/locations_events_chelsea.asp

Great Chefs' Dinner 2010

 

Friday August 6

Jill Lynn & Co Art Opening

6p to 9p

Aside from the beautiful custom made jewels from designer Jill Lynn you can check out the artwork of Grant Haffner and Dana Bell.

Jill Lynn & Co., 66 Jobs Lane, Southampton.

Phao Thai Kitchen – Chill Lounge

This great thai restaurant turns up the heat – body heat that is with music all weekend. 

Project Vibe is Friday from 10 pm – 1am with a $10 cover

Saturday is DJ Cana from 10:30pm – 2am

Sunday is Reggae at 5:30 with DJ Doogie spinning Reggae from 8pm – 12am.

Phao Thai Kitchen, 29 Main Street, Sag Harbor 631-725-0101

Saturday August 7

The Big Show – Silas Marder Gallery

5 pm – 9 pm

This is a not to miss art event where 54 artists from all over the world present their work all on 8” by 10” canvases.  Creativity abounds not to mention there’s affordable original art to buy and it’s a very fun social crowd.

Silas Marder Gallery, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton, www.silasmarder.com

RDV East Presents Polo After Dark

10p

Cool club, cool people, cold Star Vodka, cheers!  Hosted by Charles Ferri, Devorah Rose and the Star Vodka Polo Team.  Complimentary Star Vodka Cocktails 10p to 11p.

RDV East 125 Tuckahoe Lane, Southampton – reservations 212-255-1933, info@RDVlounge.com

Sunday August 8

2010 Great Chefs Dinner

Benefit for the Hayground School’s Jeff’s Kitchen and the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund

5 – 7 pm cocktails, 7 – 9 pm dinner

A much beloved local figure is honored and funds raised in his name at this chic culinary event.  World famous chefs like Eric Ripert, Tom Colicchio, Marc Meyer and Laurent Tourondel are among the wizards who will be created delectable delights.  There will also be special libations, live music including Diane Birch, and a silent and live auctions including an incredible art auction.  Toni Ross the wife of the late Jeff Salaway puts it best, “Jeff believed that the growing preparation, and sharing of food is a primal human experience and the foundation of family and community.”  Come out to support this great event.

Cocktail Tickets $150, Cocktail and Dinner Tickets start at $750 with VIP options as well, children $35 tix, www.greatchefsdinner.com, 631-537-7068.

Hayground School, 151 Mitchells Lane, Bridgehampton

The unsinkable Nancy Atlas usually leaves a trail of smoke and charred pink boa feathers in her wake but she was so smokin’ hot with her band at Surf Lodge on Wednesday that Montauk’s finest were almost called to bring power hoses to cool it down.  Her special guest fiddle player Randy added a she-devil goes to Georgia energy to the evening.

As if that wasn’t enough the wizard of drum sticks Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sat in to spice it up to five-kick-ass-music-alarm status.  The setting on the deck outside with the red-hued sun over Fort Pond was seriously to die for or in this case to live for.

For those who may have missed the night (and we did rub it in to every person who decided to work late instead of party) you can catch Nancy Atlas at the Surf Lodge in Montauk every Wednesday from 6p – 8p and there are cold beer specials to keep you chillin’.

Hot news off the Nancy Atlas Project front is the release of her band’s new CD on Thursday August 8 at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett.  The $20 at the door gets you a live performance and your own copy of the new CD.  She’s playing 9p – 10:30p so gussie up on the early side for Talkhouse shenanigans.  She’ll also be there on Friday August 6 starting at 9:30.  If ever you’re going to double dip – do it with Nancy Atlas.

G. Marylne Sexton, Naeem & Ranjana Khan, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Chele Upton Chiavacci, Deborah & Allen Grubman

The crème de la crème of Hamptons society resplendently gathered to raise funds to fight a disease which has touched so many lives.  Deborah and Allen Grubman graciously invited guests to their home on Saturday to host with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan the kick off for the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala which will be held in New York City on October 26^th.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the Gala as a tribute to her mother Rita Hayworth who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for many years before her death in 1987 and thanked everyone for their support.  To date the Galas have raised more than $53 million for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Looking across the veranda, the fashion was to die for, yet the event was there to remind us it is one to live for. For many of the guests, it’s personal.

Chele Upton Chiavacci, Deborah Grubman

Co-Chair of the Gala Chele Upton Chiavacci recounted, “I met Princess Yasmin four years ago in Palm Springs and responded to her personal story.  My own family has been touched by Alzheimer’s, my grandmother and uncle, and I’m committed to research and funding for better therapies and a cure. This is a phenomenal crowd which has gathered here tonight in support.”

Naeem & Ranjana Khan

Being honored at the Gala this year for their dedicated work for the cause are fashion icons Naeem and Ranjana Khan whose designs not only grace Princesses and Queens but add a regal air to anyone who wears them, she with her stunning jewelry, and he with his impeccably cut and hand embroidered dresses, gowns and separates.

Ranjana smiles as she recounts that Naeem and Princess Yasmin are like brother and sister, having met 9 years ago and become good friends. In his remarks, Naeem Khan pledged to make sure the fashion industry creates awareness about Alzheimer’s and lends its support to fundraising.

The en-plein-air room was filled with notable guests including G. Marlyne Sexton who will be honored with the Philanthropy Award, Fern Mallis, Somers Farkas, Anne Hearst & Jay McInerney, Felicia Taylor, Nancy Corzine, and Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen.

Alexandra Lebenthal

We caught up with a radiant Alexandra Lebenthal who gave a sneak preview of her book “The Recessionistas” which will be out on August 9^th.  “It shows life inside New York society and the Wall Street finance world through four women… with a moral,” Alexandra says, excited for its debut, “I wrote the characters a year ago and they’ve been waiting to come to life.”

They will do just that at her readings at BookHampton Southampton or East Hampton Library Author’s Night on August 14.

It was indeed an evening of sharing stories — the laughs and the emotional challenges.  For anyone who has lived with a loved one with a protracted illness, they know the importance of raising money not only for research and a cure but for more effective therapies as Chele mentioned. Also to shed light on how to help caregivers.

Mary Ann Malack-Ragona the Executive Director/CEO of Alzheimer’s Association Long Island pointed out resources available to families and caregivers dealing with the disease, www.Alz.org/longisland.  Also 1-800-272-3900 offers 24 hour assistance and care consultation.  The organization can create a care plan and offer counseling support.  She compassionately comments, “No family should go through this alone.”

The theme of this year’s Rita Hayworth Gala held in New York City on October 26 will be Experience The Mystery – vibrant colors, seductive sounds and exotic tastes all speaking to the allure of Eastern Culture.  It will be a spectacular evening of dinner, dancing, and a renewed hope toward a future free of Alzheimer’s disease. Cheers to that. For tickets and gala information 212-843-1712, email alz@hgnyc.com.  For general information www.alz.org.

SATURDAY JULY 31

Clothesline Art Sale

9 am to 4 pm

A vast array of artists display and sell their art work at Guild Hall.  Discover the next Pollock in the making.

Guild Hall 158 Main Street, East Hampton, www.guildhall.org 631-324-0806.

LongHouse Reserve Book Signing and Music In the Gardens

5:30 p

This Saturday, July 31^st, LongHouse Reserve will host THREE exciting events in its 16-acre East Hampton sculpture garden – the worldwide release of Jack Lenor Larsen’s LongHouse by Molly Chappellet, a preview of this year’s second art exhibition, Magdalene Odundo: Ceramic Forms, and this year’s second outdoor concert  by the Music Festival of the Hampton’s, The Festival String Trio.

5:30 Exhibition Preview and Gardens Open

6:00 Concert and Book Signing

Tickets are $20, members $10 For more information  www.longhouse.org 631-329-3568, LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hands Creek Road East Hampton.

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Annual East End Benefit

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

At the Home of Michael and Andrea Gordon in Bridgehampton, founder of Bumble and Bumble.  The proceeds from this event will help support PPHP medical services, education, and advocacy programs in the East End.  Tickets $250, $75 for 35 and under, and special $1500 ticket for VIP preview and tour of the home at 4:30.  www.pphp.org 631-240-1134

Outdoor Film Screening – Metropolis

7:30 pm

Silas Marder Gallery and the Hamptons International Film Festival team up to present the premiere of Fritz Lang’s 1927 masterpiece now with 25 minutes of lost footage METROPOLIS.  The reception is at 7:30 and the film starts at 9:00.  The screening is outside on the Haywall and part of a whole summer screening series.  Be sure to check them out.

Silas Marder Gallery, behind Marder’s Nursery 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton 631-702-2306 www.silasmarder.com

This past Saturday, party-goers and art lovers alike converged in Shinnecock Bay for an enchanting Vernissage at the private Southampton home of Peter Felfe. For the third summer in a row, New York artist Annika Connor and her production company, Active Ideas Productions, has collaborated with Mr. Felfe to put together an annual summer art show that doubles as a lavish party celebrating both emerging artists and the summer season.

Each year the theme of the show has been different but the presence of talented artist and an eclectic, international crowd are constants. Guests who spanned the globe and the jet set crowd from Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, Sweden, Russia, etc were all in attendance.

This year’s theme: Midnight Moon, delves into the nature of radiance and lunar transience, the evening was be an investigation of abstraction and legend through various media. The exhibition featured some works by artists to be seen in the upcoming Point Suite Art book including Marta Abbott, Annika Connor, Teodor Dumitrescu, Huber.Huber, Nicholas Papadakis, and other invited artists. Piano music by Marina Boldyreva and jazz singing by Catherine Cox completed this talented
display of art interacting in a Summer’s Vernissage.

The evening started out quite literally being lit by the moonlight due to a local power shortage, though eventually the lights came on and the artwork was illuminated for all to enjoy. Curated by Jill Smith, the work hung beautifully on the walls and a sculptural installation piece even illuminated the garden, adding to the magical atmosphere. 

Champagne flowed, piano music danced through the air and the everyone left with smiles on their faces. We were left already looking forward to next year’s show.

Bethenny Frankel

And they’re off.  Jetsetters and their entourage donned their Saturday afternoon and it’s bloody hot out best and headed to Blue Star Jets Field at Two Trees Farm to enjoy the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge opener between Great Oaks and La Alegria.  The series runs every Saturday from 4 -6 through August 28th and proceeds from the gate go to support the very worthy South Fork Breast Health Coalition.

Bertaud Belieu Rose Model

Crowds marvelled at the beauty of the spectators, the skill of the polo players, and the size of Bethanny Frankel’s waist after giving birth.  She look gorgeous decked out with the accessory of the day – a fashionable sun bonnet (unlike the poor girl who didn’t get the memo that neon orange five inch heels are not polo-appropriate.)  Bethanny’s  gal-not-so-much-pals from the Real Housewives were there too: Jill and Bobby Zarin, Countess Luanne de Lesseps, Ramona Singer and Kelly Killoren Bensimon doing her show for Plum TV, the local network which seems to have gone strangely British this summer.  Don’t they know New Jersey is “in” this season like Real Housewives of NJ Caroline and Dina Manzo who popped in.

Model Amber Rose, Kourtney Kardashian and boyfriend Scott Disick enjoyed as well as NBA All-Star and Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh.  They all headed to the VIP or should we say VVIP (how many wrist bands does one need?) SWAGG Lounge.  You gotta love a sponsor whose motto is “Deal With It.”  For those who weren’t double banded, they are launching a mobile application that lets consumers purchase, exchange, and redeem gift cards from their phone.  Lord, won’t you give me a SWAGG app to get that Mercedes-Benz.

Alysia Dargie, Diane Dobosz

And if you were in the mood for spending you could also sign up for Blue Star Jets Share-A-Jet program and get $500 off your first flight.  Sounds like the greatest high end dating idea we’ve heard in a while.

Tracey Toomey enjoys Patron cocktail

Patron is always a welcome guest at any party and their mixed cold cocktails like the Patron Pomegranate were a must to cool off in the sea of shall we say glowing bodies.  A very popular girl was the model walking with the enticingly large and cold bottle of Bertaud Belieu Rose (although a male patron said it made him feel suddenly inadquate.)

While the VIP tent activities seems to be more predominant each year, it’s still a great and exciting match to watch and spectators can also enjoy setting up their own tailgate on the other side of the field.  Since fake is the new real, it’s nice to appreciate the authenticity of a sport which has so much history, skill, and honor.

Julian Medina's Crab Tacquitos

On Saturday the most successful ever Chefs and Champagne® New York to benefit the James Beard Foundation defied the heat and with the cold champagne flowing, the tent at Wolffer Estate Vineyards in Sagaponack was the chic place to be.

Taste buds were watering with delectable dishes from 37 fine chefs from Amagansett to Anguilla, most based in the New York area, happy to srut their culinary stuff.

Champagne La Caravelle, Lanson, and Nicolas Feuillatte pleased the crowd as well as fine wines from Wolffer Estate Vineyard and ice cold Belgian beers Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois. Esteemed winemaker Roman Roth commented, “It’s a good day to be a grape,” and predicted that 2010 could be a record season for the vines.

Like children, it’s hard to publicly choose one over another, but one of our favorite dishes was Wesley Genovart’s of Degustation in NYC Octopus Terrine with Trempo Salad and Pimientos de Padron Vinaigrette.

The Crab Taquiots with Habanero, Mango, and Thai Basil were mucho delicious from Julian Medina of Yerba Buena Perry in NYC.

We saw honoree Martha Stewart stop by to savor Nicolas Cantrel of Bistrot Bagatelle in NYC’s Tuna Tartare (no pressure or anything.)

Heather Carlucci-Rodiguez of Print in NYC wowed with her Watermellon and Whipped Flan Parfait.

Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez dessert

This year’s honoree Martha Stewart is a personal hero of mine.  I grew up just down the way from Martha in Connecticut, and she was my first exposure to cooking which went beyond heating a frozen mini crab quiche to go with the martinis.  I bought her book on entertaining and it changed my life right down to the white ruffled shirt I bought to imitate her cover photo. I still refer to that book often not only for the recipes but as a reminder how beautiful a plate, table, and life can be.

Martha Stewart receiving Wolffer's Rose

Martha commented that before her role model Julia Child, there was James Beard who made America the focal point for good cuisine.  She congratulated the chefs and noted how important the James Beard Foundation is to nourish and take care of culinary art in America. Keep an eye out for her new TV show Martha Bakes.

Andrea Wolffer and Christina Murillo

Andrea Wolffer also gave a heartfelt tribute to her father Christian who was dedicated to his winery, believing wine to be a fine complement to great food in a unique and inspiring setting.  She presented a culinary scholarship in his name to Christina Murillo.

As usual the silent auction for dining near and far had more people hovering than East Hampton’s airport on a Friday night.  The cookware, fine dining, and culinary adventures were in high demand.  We kept close tabs on Yosemite’s Chef’s Holidays at the Ahwahnee but our VISA limit couldn’t keep up with the bidding.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

A healthy fantasy life of course helps and especially when checking out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the modern day gull wing which at $183,000 is apparently in that 200k sweet spot for luxury car buyers.  No problem – stillettos in the trunk and flats to put the pedal to the metal.  The day was after all about the best of the best.

Chefs & Champagne at Wolffer Vineyard

FRIDAY JULY 23

Fridays At Five – Author Series

5pm

Bridgehampton Library hosts this event each Friday in their grassy back yard with wine and other refreshments.  Authors of various books (books, actual hard cover books, think pre-Kindle) are there in person to give you their first hand accounts of their stories.  This week’s author is Frances Osborne talking about her biography of her enigmatic great grandmother Idina Sackville a proper British woman breaking the boundaries in the jazz age.  Admission is $15.

Bridgehampton Library, 2478 Main Street, Bridgehampton, www.hamptonlibrary.org.

SATURDAY JULY 24

Opening Day 2010 Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field

4 – 6pm

The players are in tip top shape, sleek and ready to play to win – and that’s just inside the VIP tent.  The exciting game is more than a backdrop to the social festivities with the fines polo players and ponies in the world.  The $20 at the gate goes to benefit the South Fork Breast Health Coalition and you can go early to get your best tail gate spot.  In the VIP tent, and maybe again a VVIP tent invited guests will preview all the luxury goodies the sponsors have to offer.

Blue Star Jets Field at Two Trees Farm, 849 Hayground Road, Bridgehampton

Soldier Ride

A fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project which joins civilians and veterans to cycle, walk, or run to raise money for this organization which is dedicated to supporting and rehabilitating injured veterans.

Bikers can register at Oceanview Farm in Amagansett (551 Montauk Hwy) between 7:30 – 9am before embarking on assorted routes.  Note that traffic will be impacted in East Hampton Village and then on Route 114 towards Sag Harbor when the cyclists head there between 10:30 and 11am.  The riders will regroup at Haven’s Beach then head to the Long Wharf for a tribute to Lance Corporal Jordan C. Harter at 11:30 am.  Riders will head over the bridge to Long Beach and then back up Rte. 114 to East Hampton.  Note you can also run or walk the route or just come out to cheer them on.  www.soldierridethehamptons.com

Rock The Farm

6pm

This benefits the Wounded Warrior Project and brings out not only a super fun young crowd but honors our service men and women who have given so much.  This year the new location will expand the party with an all American BBQ open bar and hours of music by live bands The Giving Tree, Ilo Ferreira and a special guest (last year it was Dan Akryod).  It’s the best $100 ($150 at the door) you’ll spend for a night out and a very important cause.

,

Oceanview Farm 551 Montauk Hwy Amagansett.

www.rockthehamptons.com.  Be sure to book tix in advance.

James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne® New York

5:30 to 8pm

This year honoring Martha Stewart, the Foundation’s annual fundraiser at Wolffer Estate Vineyard is the taste bud extravaganza of the summer.  With delectable offerings from 30 fine chefs as well as Wolffer wines, beers from Stella Artois and of course a selection of fine Champagnes, it is an epicurean delight.  You also have to bid on the amazing silent auction for fine dining, wines and spirits, and culinary travel packages.  The winner of the James Beard 2010 Christian Wolffer Scholarship for food and wine studies will also be announced.  This is truly one of the most lovely, sophisticated events of the season (and yes great goody bag.)  Inside tip – join the James Beard Foundation and get a discounted ticket $195 compared to the regular $250.  There are also VIP options available.

www.jamesbeard.org/chefsandchampagne  (212) 627-2308.

Wolffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack NY 11962.

Art For Life

6pm

The 11^th Annual Garden Party Benefit at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate will feature a live and silent auction of unique art and luxury items, with cocktails, and dinner.  Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and the Board of Directors of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation invite guests to join them for a NIGHT OF WONDER.  Attire is summer white with a splash of color, and the crowd is a great mix of leaders in the media, music, art, and philanthropic world.  This year is honoring Richie Akiva, Allison & Chip Brady, Deepak Chopra, and Kassem “Swizz Beats” Dean.  The funds go to celebrate and encourage the creative energy of New York City youth.  For Tix $1,500 ARTFORLIFE@HAVENLLC.COM OR 212-810-4490.

SUNDAY JULY 25

Full Moon Kayak

6pm

KamaDeva Yoga and Main Beach Surf team up for this kayak across Georgica Pond to the beach for a bonfire and libations.  Magical.  See the full story http://hiphamptons.com/?p=1266

If ever there was a supernatural sense of time and space it is the experience of the annual gala at the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, this year entitled Excentrica with donations supporting its mission to exemplify living with art in all forms.

Alexandra Munroe’s description of the LongHouse Award honoree Laurie Anderson, “She shares a shimmering knowledge here and now of the universe,” perfectly described not only the performance artist but the whole evening.

The theme of Black and White carried over from the décor to the dresses to the hats, even to the dog with his signature black and white spots.

Patron of the arts Jan Cowles, introduced by Richard Oldenburg for the LongHouse Art Leadership Award, was also honored for not only her deep commitment to furthering the arts but her notable style and imagination.  What began as a meeting on an ocean liner 50 years ago with LongHouse founder Jack Larsen turned into a life long support of the arts.

Laurie Anderson entertained the audience techno-raconteur style with The Boat I had as a Child, stories covering everything from tiny boys learning to kiss without affection to tasteless Jesus jokes to Buddhist canoe trips with incest survivors telling life stories into wooden spoons.

A good story and a great event are both masters of the detail, and the transformation of the sculpture gardens into a super cool outdoor chill lounge was magical – made you wish you could hang out here every weekend.  The hot evening was cooled down by special drinks from Stoli Vodka, Frangelico Hazlenut Liquer, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, and Bennett Family Wines while fresh oysters, Peking duck wraps, and an Asian BBQ pleased the palate.

With the silent and live auctions including a Tanzanian royalty throne donated by Edward Albee and Willem de Kooning signed lithograph from Lisa de Kooning and Roy Lichtenstein lithograph courtesy of Dorothy Lichtenstein which fetched $20,000, it looks like this will be the most successful event yet for LongHouse.

New this year was the addition of the $50 Dancing After Dark ticket which brought out a chic young Hamptons set to dance to the vibes under the “Buckminister Fuller Dome” which glowed in multi hued lights. 

Brooklyn-based band Navegante played their own techno fusion sound and rocked out of the gates with Personal Jesus (Rebel Ship remix), luring the diaphanous nymphs onto the checkered dance floor.  Carlos Santana says of this band, “Navegante is the artists that will carry the torch into the future.” Pure Dark’s chocolate covered blueberries added a new “feed me a grape” but better dimension to dessert tray and was the perfect top off to the seductive evening.

But ultimately Executive Director Matko Tomicic said it best, “You should be here on every other quiet day, not just July 17^th.”

The gardens are open to the public, www.longhouse.org.

LongHouse Reserve Sound Meditation

By Tracey Toomey

 Sure, it’s a famed vacation destination and the beaches are ranked the best in the world.  But when traffic is so bad it takes you 45 minutes to drive two miles, it can be challenging to find peace in the Hamptons. And when the person in front of you at Citarella grabbed the last head of romaine (and you were craving a Caesar salad!), it’s damn near impossible to stay centered!  Thankfully, the ladies here at Hip Hamptons have a few tricks up our sleeves for staying calm even in the most hectic summer months.  Sorry, Xanax not included.  

-Sound Meditation at Long House Reserve: Every Saturday morning at 8a.m. check out the Long House Reserve in East Hampton for a sound meditation – the perfect way to start your Hamptons weekend. (http://www.longhouse.org/soundmed.ihtml)

- Mashomack Preserve: This 2100 acre Shelter Island nature reserve has hiking paths which you can take for ten steps or ten miles.  You’ll walk through forest, meadow, beach, and see a romantic gazebo.  Do bring water and also tick spray.  http://www.shelter-island.org/mashomack.html

Yoga Shanti Yoga, Meditation, Sailing Adventures:  Check out the schedule at Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor for different sailing adventures which include yoga, massage, meditation, swimming, and sailing on Sunday July 18, Saturday July 31, Saturday August 7^th.  Sounds like a winning combination.  Advance registration is required, www.yogashanti.com.

Bridge Garden Trust

Lavender:

Lavender is a known calming agent.  But sorry the lavender Palmolive isn’t going to do the trick.  You need the real plant or the real essential oil which you can find at Provisions in Sag Harbor or at Second Nature in Southampton or East Hampton.  Naturopathica Spa in East Hampton www.naturopathica.com has a heavenly lavender body oil and face mist.  If you have the chance you can also go to the Bridge Garden Trust in Bridgehampton http://www.peconiclandtrust.org/bridge_gardens.html where there is a whole garden devoted to lavender.  Or pick up a plant and add it to your garden, deck, sunroof and just rub a bit in your hand.  Heaven.

 -Advice from Rodney Yee, famous yoga instructor: “As locals, we look forward to September in May, but at the same time there’s so much beauty in the craziness.  We say we want peace and quiet but as human beings we are also attracted to a buzz. Let yourself be excited. Fall into it all, and if you can’t, just keep on realizing that your peace is internal instead of external.  Gandhi says nonviolence is nothing in the context of nonviolence, but nonviolence is to be appreciated in the environment of violence.  Similarly, our peace is challenged by the Hamptons in summer. It’s a time when you find out how anchored you are in the center.  And in fact, that’s what we want.  We want to be challenged so we can find that peace and stay centered even in a very difficult situation.” 

Om… shanti shanti shanti…   Good luck! 

EXcentricA comes to the LongHouse Reserve for their annual gala which is truly a midsummer’s night dream.  This Saturday July 17 they will turn their 16 acre East Hampton sculpture garden into a magic forest to honor artist Laurie Anderson and arts patron Jan Cowles.  Click here for the special video invite by Laurie Anderson.

It’s a major who’s who event of artists and patrons of the arts with the Honorary Chairs including: Edward Albee, Dianne B, Dale Chihuly, Lisa de Kooning, Eric Fischl, RoseLee Goldberg, April Gornik, Angela Mariana Freyre, Michael Katz, Jack Larsen, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Fern Mallis, Maria Pessino, Lou Reed, Bobby Taylor, Edwina von Gal, Robert Wilson, Fern Tessler.

Guests will be treated to inovative food from around the world and specialty cocktails from Stoli Vodka, Frangelico Hazlenut Liquer, Hendrick’s Gin, and Milagro Tequila.  Laurie Anderson will do a special performance and guests will all get the chance to commemorate the evening with a one-of-a-kind digital portrait souvenir.  There’s also a chance to bid on great silent auction items.

For the first time LongHouse Reserve will be offering a Dancing After Dark Ticket for $50 which will be available to young patrons (21 – 35) for $50 to enjoy cocktails and the contagious sounds of Brooklyn – based bilingual band Navegante.  If you haven’t been before this is your opportunity to see what the buzz is all about.  Insider tip:  Purchase your tickets in advance so you won’t have to wait on line for this rain or shine event.

Dress code is black and white.  Tickets start at $1,000 with a credit towards the silent auction.

6:00 kick off  7:30 awards presentation  9:45 Dancing After Dark

LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton www.longhouse.org, 631-329-3568

Indrani, Bobby & Jill Zarin, Ed Bruehl

Real Housewives photos courtesy of R. Cole for Rob Rich

Ever wonder where the Real Housewives of New York go house hunting?  We spotted Jill and Bobby Zarin and Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen at the Panoramic View Resort and Residences checking out the newly renovated luxury units on the beach in Montauk.

Distinctive Management LLC and PRIME Real Estate teamed up to host this Exclusive Preview Fete of the Salt Sea units where the dress code was white, the drinks were pink – the NUVO L’Esprit de Paris sparkling liqueur, and the sky was well… not exactly azure blue…more dishwater grey.

Simon Van Kempen, Alex McCord

Says Distinctive Ventures President Adam Manson, “We have good luck in the rain.  We’ve sold almost all our units in the snow or the rain.  It’s actually very romantic.”  Indeed we saw a few newly engaged couples checking it out.  Beware as the picturesque Panoramic resort has a fecund 50 year track record of inspiring offspring.

Spread out on its ten oceanfront acres, the Panoramic View has one to five bedroom units available from under $2 million to $6 million.  Perfect for a vacation home or as we found out, a super luxurious beach cabana for those whose mansions are not seaside and need an oceanfront escape.

Yael Goldbert, Eric Hartman, Jolie Warbet

Jill and Bobby Zarin with Jill’s guest Indrani of Double Exposure checked out the five bedroom trophy unit.  Given the fact that Jill is the master of the feminine wiles, we were looking to see if Bobby was reaching for his checkbook.

Matthew Bachrad, Meredith Schlosser

We took the tour and would have been happy just to move into one of the bathrooms with a hot plate, mini fridge, and curling iron.

PRIME New York real estate agents Meredith Schlosser and Matthew Bachrad pointed out that with local building rules it is rare to have such front and center, brand new, oceanfront property.  They noted the interest of people who are downsizing or who enjoy the low maintenance and full concierge service with pool and beach side attendants.  Also as an investment, units can be rented. 

Given the distance at the party of the Real Housewives, however, you probably won’t see them in side by side units borrowing sugar.

Anyone who thought that a little downpour would stop the sold out party at the Empire State Pride Agenda’s 18^th Annual Hamptons Tea Dance has never watched Singing In The Rain twenty two times. 

When the humidity is rising and the barometer’s getting low, according to all sources, the Hamptons Tea Dance is the place to go.  It’s Raining Men was the literal theme.  Guys and gals got soaked, on and off the dance floor, and let’s just say that it was steamy!

DJ Lady Bunny

Co-chairs Juan Granados, Joel Isaacs, Mitchell W. Karsch, Alfredo Paredes, Will Trinkle and M.J. Vineburgh along with committee members Sugie Hong Bruttomesso, Kim Kakerbeck, Alexandra Loria, Alix Smith and Matt Ullian could all be proud that this event continues to be the can’t miss fundraiser of the summer, raising not only funds but awareness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender New Yorkers’ rights.

We all know that the humidity can cause big hair issues but with DJ Lady Bunny that would be a big – big hair issue.  She of course still looked regal and played the pied disco piper to keep the groove grooving and the positive vibe was permeating the tent.

One note to the parking announcer – at an event with over a thousand gay men and women you have to be a bit more specific than “a black Range Rover is blocking the exit.”

Miss New York Claire Buffie

Miss New York 2010 Claire Buffie was there in her tiara to support the event, continuing her advocacy of human rights where she believes the issues of gay rights make up the civil rights movement of our generation.  As Miss New York 2010 Claire aims to break the stigma of marginalized youth, eliminating discriminatory vocabulary and changing the climate in New York schools with her “Straight for Equality: Let’s Talk” platform.  We say right on to her focus on pride, dignity, respect, and compassionate hearts.

But HipHamptons also has to say god bless Mother Nature for those hot, rain soaked bodies.

Team Star Vodka

Photos by Lianne Alcon Charles Ferri with Maurico Devrient, Melissa Hornung

Body shots take on new meaning when your new vodka company sponsors a co-ed polo team which isn’t afraid to go full out in this contact sport.

The fetching Charles Ferri launches his new Star Vodka on and off the polo field, picking his favorite “divot” stomping grounds, the Hamptons.  HipHamptons visited him as he cheered on his Star Vodka polo team at Southampton Polo.

Charles Ferri and HH Heather Buchanan

HH: How are you picking places to debut Star Vodka?

CF: This is a limited production product, and it’s meant to be in boutique luxury markets.  We’ll focus on the Hamptons first, and now we’re going into other affluent markets: Scarsdale, Larchmont, Westchester, Manhattan and Vail in December.  We’re also approaching other key places like Chicago.

HH: And you’re very personally involved?

CF: We’re very hands on with our venues.  With this new brand I develop every new account and am the face of the brand.  It’s a lot of work.  When I’m ready to get my tan I hope it’s still summer.  God it’s embarrassing how white I am – I don’t want to take my shirt off

Charles Ferri

HH: What if we said please?  … So how do you set your vodka apart?

CF: I don’t want this to be a mainstream commercial vodka.

HH: So you’re not going to be Popov?

CF: Security – escort her. (laughs) Star is a very smooth vodka.  I only had women taste it when I was developing it. I wanted women to feel comfortable drinking this on the rocks and drinking straight martinis so this is a ridiculously smooth, smooth vodka.

We’re in a world of mixology and it’s brilliant but I created the product for people who love the taste of vodka, the purist

HH: So it’s the get naked vodka and stay naked.

CF:  We actually do have the Star Voyeur which is a Star martini with a hint of cucumber.

HH: Tell us what this vodka is made from.

CF: It’s made from corn, Midwestern corn.  It’s an American product.  When I started the research everyone said you have to go to Europe, Russia, Poland, or France and you’ll have no chance with an American based product.  I said, well now I have to do it.  There’s no reason that we can’t have a world renowned vodka product from here.

HH: So if it’s made from corn is it glutton free?

CF: Yes, which is important to many people with diet issues.  We just did a cocktail menu for The Boathouse in East Hampton and noted that it’s glutton free on the menu.

HH: Where else can we find Star Vodka and hopefully you here?

CF: We’re in Georgica, RdV East, Sen and Phao in Sag Harbor, the American Hotel, Sag Harbor Liquor Store, and MacNamaras Liquors in Bridgehampton Commons.

Star Vodka Polo Team

HH: How’d you get involved in sponsoring a polo team?

CF: Our captain Yvonne Morbito – I met her out here and we were talking and she mentioned having a polo team.  The image of polo fits with what Star Vodka is about.  She said she was looking for someone to come and brand the team and the light bulb went on.  I was like… done.  It’s a learning experience for me of the sport and the more I see the more I love.  Now maybe we’ll sponsor polo teams in different parts of the country.

HH: It’s impressive – even for the female polo players this is a full contact sport.

CF:  That’s why I’m on the sidelines.

HH: Will we see you get on a polo pony?

CF: I’d probably fall off which wouldn’t be great if I have to be at a night club that night.  Growing up my sister rode a pony but I mucked the stalls.

HH: Clearly you weren’t the favorite.

CF: (smiling) I was a middle child.

HH: Where is the Star brand going?

CF: It’s morphed into more than I ever thought.  It started as a lounge and night club [The infamous Star Room] and then I had an opportunity to develop a vodka, and now it’s fashion.  I’m designing jackets for a label.  The whole concept of Star is to make people feel like they’re special and with the night clubs you create an image and you have a line out front and that makes you want to be in there even more.

HH: Will you let them in?

CF: It depends.  You want to keep the integrity of what you created.  I say no more than I say yes and I think that is how you build a luxury brand.  With Star Vodka I say no three times more than I say yes.

HH: We’ll take that 25% chance – and even come with our own Star Vodka Lip Gloss.

CF:  There’s an idea.

HH: So what’s next?

CF: California… I need a vacation.

Thursday July 8 – Sunday July 11

ArtHamptons

With 95 galleries from all over the world, the people watching is as much fun as perusing the incredibly diverse post-war and contemporary art work.  For the avid collector or art nubie there is a feast for the eyes and for the mind with various lectures, book signings, and chances to meet the artists as well as food and beverage and live music.

Thursday July 8 6pm – 9pm is the opening to benefit the LongHouse Reserve public programs.  The incredible gallery, arboretum, and sculpture gardens in East Hampton are one of our local artistic treasures.

$65 per person online or $75 per person at door which includes 3-Day General Admission Pass.

For General Admission it is $15 one day or $25 for a three day pass, hours are 11 – 7 Friday and Saturday and 11 – 6 on Sunday.

And for those looking to buy you will see price points from a few hundred dollars to multi millions so bring your checkbook or brinks truck.

ArtHamptons.com, Sayre Park, 156 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton

Saturday July 10

Empire State Pride Agenda Foundation Tea Dance 4p – 9p

The Ark Project, 60 Millstone Road, Watermill

Say it with me Boogie – Boogie Oogie Oogie.  This is the pinnacle event of the summer for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender crowd not to mention anyone who loves to dance to the grooves of DJ Lady Bunny.  It’s an all inclusive event where all booty shakers are welcome.  The event raises funds for the Empire State Pride Agenda which works tirelessly to enhance the lives of LGBT New Yorkers and it is FUNN with a who’s who of leaders in politics, business, art, fashion, philanthropy, and design.  Tickets are $100 in advance and $150 at the door if available.  This does sell out fast.

www.prideagenda.org or call 212-627-0305

Saturday July 10

Love Heals At Luna Farm 7:30p – 11:00p

270 Parsonage Lane, Sagaponack

Love Heals which benefits the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education is hosting its 11^th annual event at a beautiful private farm and is presented this year by SONY NEX cameras and co-hosted by Peter Davis and Mary Alice Stephenson.  The theme is “A Picture Perfect Summer” with silent auction (seriously one of the best in the Hamptons), cocktails, dancing, and BBQ courtesy of Deforest Gibbs of Charleston South Carolina.  Remember finger licking can be a shared sport – marriages have begun on this magical night where sophisticated singles come together.

LoveHeals.org/luna or call to purchase tix Harrison & Shriftman at 917-351-8653, $250 advance and $300 at door.

photo credit Patrick McMullan

Saturday July 10

 

Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Party 7pm – 12

If there is an event that mixes social register high society, celebs, and artists of all métiers, it is the much anticipated Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Party.  Many a midsummer night’s dream are fulfilled in the gorgeous (and air conditioned) tents at this benefit which funds a major Hamptons cultural institution.  For the elaborate dinner and dancing the tickets start at $1,000 but the real hot spot for the younger see and be seen set is the After Ten Party where tickets are $150 for drinks, dancing, and dessert.  This year the event honors Beth Rudin DeWoody and Ross Bleckner.

Parrishart.org, Parrish Art Museum 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton 631-283-2118

The Art of the Steal

Get up close and personal with filmmakers through the The Hamptons International Film Festival and Guild Hall Summer Docs Series.  You can’t live on a diet of social fluff alone so here is the chance to feed your intellect – as well as rub elbows with major cinematic players.

On Monday July 5^th at 8pm HIFF presents The Art Of The Steal at Guild Hall in East Hampton.  The audience will be treated to a Q&A following the screening with Alec Baldwin and the film’s director Don Argott.

You’ll also see filmmakers Sheena M. Joyce and Lenny Feinberg as well as HIFF Chairman Stuart Match Suna, Executive Director Karen Arikian and Director of Programming David Nugent.

The Art of the Steal chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more than 25 billion.

Guild Hall 158 Main Street East Hampton, NY, guildhall.org, box office 631-324-4050, tickets $20.

Ticket holders will also receive a special discount, 25% off the room rate at c/o The Maidstone for July 5th across the street if you want to have a luxurious night at this charming inn.

Looking for bright shiny objects in the sky?  Cascading tendrils which resemble Tina Turner’s hair?  Things that go boom in the night in a good way?

Here is the round up of Hamptons Fireworks for the Fourth Of July 2010

SATURDAY JULY 3rd

Sag Harbor Fireworks -9:30 pm in front of Breakwater Yacht Club on Bay Street

Viewing: Long Wharf, Marine Park, Havens Beach, B Smith Restaurant, Dockside Restaurant, any fine yacht you can charm your way onboard (bring lots of Veuve Clicquot)

Amagansett Fireworks – 9:30pm Devon Yacht Club

Viewing: Anywhere along Nappeague Bay, Barnes Landing Beach, sturdy kayak with head lights

Southampton North Sea – 9:30pm

Viewing: Wild Thyme Restaurant has a special fireworks supper – sample some of their delicious local hand crafted dishes and if sparks are flying it’s either your hot date or the fireworks finale.  Call for reservations 631-204-0007.

SUNDAY JULY 4TH

Montauk Fireworks – 9:00 Stars Over Montauk by Grucci

Vieiwng Points: Umbrella Beach, Kirk Park Beach, a surfboard built for two

SATURDAY JULY 10TH

Shelter Island Fireworks – 9:00 Crescent Beach

Viewing Points: Crescent Beach, Sunset Beach Restaurant, The Ferry if you have enough money to ride it all night long.

For East Hampton Fireworks – you have to wait for Labor Day

Kate and Doug McCarty

photos courtesy of Rossa Cole

Despite the local lack of rain, “There’s no draught of talent,” stated juror and king of exterior decorating John Danzer of the garden desginers competing in Planters On & Off The Ground III and Open Bowls at the LongHouse Reserve sculpture gardens last Saturday in East Hampton. 

Geoffrey Nimmer, Jack Delashmet

Creativity and diversity flowed and over flowed, assuring the audience would never think of a potted plant in the same way.  If you don’t happen to have that spread on Further Lane or your own constant gardener, these big ideas in small spaces with inspire you. 

Best In Show:

full moon bonfire

Kate McCarty – Organic Landscapes & Designs Amagansett NY

The firepit made its way from beach BBQ to garden ornament in what Danzer complimented as “Bold and balanced in scale in a floating container.”

Second in Show Winner

Second In Show:

wood construction inspired by Louise Nevelson

John Dransfield, Geoffrey Ross, Andrea Filippone, Dransfield & Ross with Tendenze Design

Danzer commented on the cool, subtle and relaxing quality and its well craftedness.

Third in Show:

Fay Henderson Landscape Design and Dave Kleinman Metalworks, Southampton, NY

The container within a container attracted Danzer and the beautifully scented Jasmine at eye level won him over.

Honorable Mentions:

On Growth and Form Berstein Design Associates of Sagaponack NY

Harvey Berstein

All Bogged Down Piazza Horticultural Group of Southampton NY

Tracy Jamar of NY and East Hampton

Patrick Weder Design of Brooklyn NY

Open Bowls Winners

Best In Show

Booty Triumvirate – Emma Katz, NY

Second In Show

Bauhaus Boreas Planter – Lunaform of Maine

Third In Show

Roman Urn with classical base – Kaleh Design Collection

Guests were also treated to a special performance of the Music Festival Of The Hamptons by the Aeolus Quintet.  You can also join in this magical garden music combination at LongHouse again on July 31st.

You can view all the container designs at LongHouse Reserve which is open Wednesday Through Saturday 2 – 5pm in July and August. www.longhouse.org.

Don’t miss their spectacular fundraiser EXcentricA on Saturday July 17 which this year includes a special dancing after dark young patron $50 ticket starting at 9:45p.

By Tracey Toomey

It’s not easy to get your boyfriend or husband on his knees – for cat/cow pose that is.  Take it from me – I’ve been practicing yoga for years, and my hubby has yet to step foot inside a yoga studio.  “I’m not flexible!” He protests.  “Yoga is for girls!” I turned to Rodney Yee, famous yoga teacher of Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor, for some ideas on how us ladies can get their men to practice yoga with them and not just so they can see all those cute girls wearing tight clothing in downward dog. 

Rodney Yee

Hip Hamptons: How can women get their boyfriends interested in yoga?
Rodney Yee: Give them a carrot.  Tell them if you do this for me, I’ll do that for you, and if not I won’t.  (Laughs) I’m kidding.  Basically one of the main reasons boyfriends are not into yoga is partly because of the stereotype of yoga that one has to be flexible to be good.  Partly it’s our fault that the people who are propagating yoga aren’t talking about it in a way that’s interesting to the stereotypical male in out country.  The truth is, yoga can help us all concentrate better.  It can help him with his golf game.  It can help him to concentrate at his board meeting better. 

HH: Why is it so hard for us to get our boyfriends and husbands into their first yoga class?

RY: People are threatened by not knowing what it is, and a man has more stereotypical hurdles to overcome.  Men are used to having a physical prowess – if they’re not good at something physically, then they avoid it.  They don’t want to do it in public.

HH: How can we get them to get over it and just give it a try?
RY: One way that I’ve gotten a lot of men involved in yoga is through tapes targeted for them – yoga for abs, stuff like that.  Some men go to class, because their lower back is messed up and they hear yoga is good for helping that.  Once they’re in, they’re really in – there’s this hook.  Sometimes men get even more hooked than women.  

HH: What should we say to our men when they tell us they won’t go because they’re “not flexible?”

RY: Well to be honest, flexibility has nothing to do with yoga. In some ways, the tighter you are and the more limitations you have, it’s easier for you to find your center.  Yoga is much more about balance – you will get flexibility from it and that’s the great thing. Yoga will help you from getting injured from sports.  It’s the perfect cross training. It quiets the mind.  A lot of people tell me they can’t meditate because their mind is all over the place, when that’s the very reason you should begin to practice meditation!  This ADD that we all suffer from – yoga is a great way to stabilize that.  Yoga class is the perfect place to address those difficulties, to address balancing your strength with your flexibility.  You get better alignment, better muscular capability, and you concentrate better.   It helps in everything that we do, so why not work on the foundation of those things with yoga and your whole life will be better?

To take class with Rodney or any of the other fabulous teachers at Yoga Shanti go to http://www.yogashanti.com/.  32 Bridge Street and 23 Washington Street. Sag Harbor.  631.725.6424

Saturday June 26 

It’s one of those weekends with too many fun Hamptons events.  With the warm weather, the full moon, and the full docket of activities HipHamptons picks out a few favorite Hamptons events for the weekend.

Open House at Uptown Pilates Sag Harbor 

9am – 1pm

Don’t let the reformer scare you.  If you haven’t tried pilates or are an afficiando looking for your Hamptons fix, you can take a tour of the newly opened studio above the Paradise Café on Main Street.  There will be pilates demos and refreshments and you can check out their clothing line and DVDS and props for sale.

Upton Pilates Sag Harbor 126 Main Street, Sag Harbor, 631-725-5994 www.uptownpilates.com

LongHouse Reserve ON & OFF the Ground III & Open Bowls Planters Exhibition and Musical Performance

5:30 pm

Be inspired by magical sculpture gardens, creative design genius, and wafting strains of classical music when you attend this summer highlight event.

The peaceful oasis of the magical LongHouse sculpture gardens is the stage for top garden designers who each create a unique container planting design to surprise and delight as well display decorative garden objects.

The containers will be judged by a designer of historically inspired and original garden furniture, exterior decorator John Danzer, Founder of Munder-Skiles.

They will also offer a concert in collaboration with the Music Festival Of the Hamptons the Aeolus Quintet held in the gardens.

5:30 Gardens Open and Exhibition Preview

6:30 Blue Ribbon Program with Juror John Danzer

Concert 

Fee $20, $10 for members.

LongHouse Reserve 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, 631-329-3568 www.longhouse.org

Jill Lynn & Company Cocktail Party

6 – 9pm

Jill Lynn & Co. celebrates its second birthday where the jewels and the wine sparkle.  Along with original jewelry in the gallery, see “Nature Through My Eyes,” paintings by Myra. J. Fox.   Along with Jill Lynn meet fellow jewelry designers Eric Wreede, Catherine Angiel, Omar E. Torres, Salmon Sky, and Garden of Silver.

Spin the Wheel of Fortune and Win discount gift certificates and mystery gifts.

Jill Lynn not only specializes in her own unique designs but can work with you to custom create or re-create something fabulous including engagement rings.  She is a true local gem.

Jill Lynn & Co, 66 Jobs Lane Southampton , 631-287-1001

American Heart Association’s 14^th Annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball

From 6 – 11pm on the grounds of the Hayground School In Bridgehampton

Held on the grounds of the Hayground School in Bridgehampton this upscale, elegant evening features fine wines and food, a VIP reception, cocktail hour, live and silent auction, dinner and dancing.

Here’s your chance to meet the real McDreamy heart surgeons and other honorees.

Contact Barbara Poliwoda 631-734-2804 barbara.poliwoda@heart.org, www.americanheart.org.

Hayground School, 151 Mitchells Lane Bridgehampton

FULL MOON

Sunset to Sunrise

Yes go out and howl!!!!

Just remember any naked pagan rituals require a permit in the towns of Southampton and East Hampton.

Check out the article here on the Full Moon Kayak on Georgica Pond

Sunday June 27

Sexy Summer Sounds With Turntables In Montauk at Navy Beach

3pm

Here’s your chance to put your toes in the sand and drink a cold rose´ and savor fresh seafood at this new restaurant with killer sunset water views.  Turntables in Montauk is from the people behind Turntables on the Hudson featuring Turntables’ own Nikodemus as well as Cato, Sabo, DRM of Bastard Jazz fame and Carol C of SiSe’ spinning world music, reggae and samba accompanied by live instrumental sounds with Nappy G on timbales, live guitar and more.

Navy Beach, 16 Navy Road, Montauk 631-668-6868 www.navybeach.com.

Truly one of the most memorable summer events is the Full Moon Kayak on Georgica Pond.  I guarantee you God is not at The Pink Elephant, He/She is hanging out here.  Lars Svanberg from Main Beach Surf & Sport in Wainscott teams up with Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga in East Hampton for the greatest combination since “you got chocolate in my peanut butter” or in this case “headstnd on my paddle board.” 

Wave to Steven Spielberg and Ron Perlman (or their security guards who are looking at you askance) as you paddle on the hallowed water of Georgica Pond across to the ocean beach where a beautiful bonfire will greet you and cold wine, cheese, and s’mores.  Those with great balance can try the paddle board, and those who really don’t want to work at all can bring someone along in a double kayak to do the work for them.

As the fire crackles and the sun sets, revelers gather together to do a proper howl at the moon.  It feels really good.  Say it with me – Awwwoooooooo.  

KamaDeva’s Jessica Bellofatto leads the group in a fireside yoga meditation which does truly make you feel connected to your spiritual self.  You can find it – really – it’s just underneath your total materialistic self.

You then paddle back to home base under the light of the moon.  Beware – couples have fallen in love on these evenings so don’t bring the guy or gal you’re trying to ditch.  Do bring a BFF, but make them get their own kayak so the friendship doesn’t dissolve over proper paddling issues.

Bring layers as it can get chilly and feel free to bring your own provisions as well.  And not to worry, unless you’re a wound up Type A competitive personality, this can be a casual and easy crossing.

2010 Full Moon Kayaks are scheduled for:

Saturday June 26 at 6pm

Sunday July 25

Tuesday August 24

Reservations are mandatory and the cost is $75 per person or $45 if you have your own kayak, paddle board or sea plane.

Luckily you don’t necessarily need to wait for the full moon.  Get more info at www.mainbeach.com or call 631-537-2716.

Hampton Sitters

While you may get in on a few closely guarded Hamptons secrets like the beach you can park at without a sticker until July 1 (Gibson Lane in Sagaponack) or the place you can find Manolo Blahniks at great prices (Collettes in Sag Harbor)  the one thing Hamptonites won’t share is the number of their favorite local Hamptons babysitter.

If you need a psychic surf instructor, vegan private chef, or deer-resistant garden expert, no problem.  A CPR certified babysitter with her own car for a Saturday night… not so much.

Luckily there is a local Hamptons babysitting service with lovely gals raised on the East End which just opened, Hampton Sitters.

Founded by Danielle and Briana Beck, the business is an evolution of their experience and passion for teaching and taking care of children.

Danielle attended college in Manhattan where she mentored underprivileged New York children and also lived abroad in Spain where she became fluent in Spanish.  She’s certified as a private trainer.

Briana is studying International Business at St. Joseph’s College and continues to tutor and mentor children of all ages, especially children with special needs.

Even though they are called sitters, sitting is hardly on their agenda.  They know all the best activities, fun spots, and events for kids in the Hamptons. 

They require their sitters be experienced and CPR certified with background checks and resumes with references.  They also have a range of talents in their staff to match the sitter with the family and can adapt to different medical, cultural, or dietary needs.

The service works as a club where you have a membership for either the summer season ($150) or the year ($200) and then can hire your Hamptons Sitter by the hour $23 or day.

Note this is a service for children.  Adults acting like children are on their own.

www.hamptonsitters.com.

Want the grape vine to be abuzz about your business?  On Wednesday June 23 the place to see and be seen for your Hamptons business is the Parrish Art Museum Business Council evening at Bedell Cellars from 6 – 8pm.  Hamptons movers and shakers are headed to Cutchogue on the North Fork to the scenic Bedell Cellars Vineyard for their fine wines (see why their Domaines cc Rose´ is a summer must have), hors d’oeuvres by Brent Newsom Caterer, Rolling in Dough Pizza, Raw Bar by Four Seasons Caterer and Dessert by Tate’s Bake Shop.  There’s a silent auction and Live Steel Drum Music by Next Level.

Bedell Cellars Vineyard

Check out the live music schedule while you’re at Bedell for summer wine tasting serenades.

Bring your business cards and if you become a Parrish Business Council Member you will receive Four free tickets.

Tickets are $40 Parrish members and $50 for non-members.

Purchase tickets online at parrishart.org, email membership@parrishart.org or call 631-283-2118 x 49

Bedell Cellars Vineyard 36225 Main Road, Cutchogue, www.bedellcellars.com

Long Island National Golf Club

By

Heather Buchanan

Gentlemen, are you looking for the last stop of civility in the Hamptons?  We’ve found it.  Southampton Inn is hosting the ultimate Hamptons golf guys getaway (yes golfing gals you will want in on this too), Steer, Scotch, Sticks, & Stogies.  The two day package gets you teed up with life’s great pleasures on Thursday June 24 and Friday June 25.  For all you men who feel forgotten in the Prosecco sipping, designer shoe shopping, tofu tasting Hamptons events, this one is for you.

Here’s your mission should you choose to accept:

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Southampton Inn’s outside courtyard followed by an indulgent five-course, steak-scotch pairing dinner.  The Inn’s OSO Restaurant Executive Chef Bryan Naylor has pulled out all the steak stops accented by wines from Macari Vineyard.

Southampton Inn

Fine hand-rolled cigars from Southampton’s Besims, The Dalmore’s finest and most mature Scotch, The 50, (only 242 bottles are available worldwide) and an overnight stay at the Southampton Inn are included.  Enjoy without having to drive… until the next day of course when your drive better be at least 300 yards to save your par.

The next morning you will be whisked to the famous Robert Trent Jones’ designed Long Island National Golf Club course for a full round of golf with driving range privileges and cart.  Jones describes the experience, “It is a traditional heartland golf course, buffered by sea breezes fresh off the North Fork, and playing across the open savannah landscape.”

The Dalmore "The 50"

The price for the package is $499 including all taxes and services, and if you only want to indulge in the fabulous food, wine, and scotch pairing dinner it is $155 plus tax and service. 

Richard Plutzer of The Dalmore, which knows a thing or two about history with its Single Highland Malt Whiskies since 1839, feels this event will start a new gentlemen’s tradition, “Steer, Scotch, Sticks & Stogies is an event that references tradition but doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

But ladies, we know there are some chicks with sticks out there who also appreciate a smooth, mature 50 year old – scotch that is.  Not to mention. . . we want to see you gals there to prove a cigar is just a cigar.

For more information please visit www.southamptoninn.com.

Southampton Inn photo courtesy of Erik Freeland.

HipHamptons Slutty Strawberry Tart

As any good Hamptons baker knows, there are two key components to cooking – the best ingredients, and booze.

In the HipHamptons Slutty Strawberry Tart you combine strawberries freshly picked from the field at their peak of ripeness and a tease (or a little bit more) of Framboise.  In baking we may forget that we still need the very best ingredients.  Butter is not butter is not butter.  Get the high grade European creamy butter for the crust.  And thanks to contributing editor Tracey Toomey’s mom, we also know that only the finest Madagascar Vanilla will do.

Pie Tart Crust

For anyone that has the time and skill to use a pastry cutter or even more challenging, two knives, to make curst, you have way too much time on your hands.  You need a Cuisinart to make a fast but delicious crust.

1 ¼  Cups Flour

dash of Salt

2 Tbs. Sugar

½  Cup Premium Unsalted Butter

3 Tbs. Ice Water

1 Tbs. Madagascar Vanilla

Put the flour, salt, and sugar in the Cuisinart.  Pulse to combine. 

Cut the cold butter into pieces and put in then pulse until the mixture is pea size.  I like to pulse to the beat of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs.”  Even though it’s fun don’t over pulse – it makes crust tough.

Add in ice water and vanilla and pulse until it forms into a bigger ball.

Form it into a large round patty and put it in the fridge covered in wax paper.

After a half hour roll it out and put it in a buttered tart pan with a high edge.  Prick it with a fork.  Be gentle – it’s a virgin.  Then put a buttered piece of tin foil – buttered side down over it and cover the edges.  Put in pie weights to hold it down or rice in a pinch (raw, not Chinese food leftover.)

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes then remove pie weights and tinfoil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly browned.  Take out and cool on a rack.

Custard

Let’s face it – this is always the best part.  It’s like Snack Pack Pudding but better.  This recipe has enough for a bit leftover you can eat it with your fingers for breakfast with your new tarty paramour.

6 Egg Yolks

¾ Cups Sugar

6 Tbs. Corn Starch

Pinch Salt

3 Cups Milk

1 Tbs. Madagascar Vanilla

2 Tbs. Framboise

When you separate eggs, why does no one tell you what to do with the leftover egg whites?  I say save it for the gal next door on the diet who only has egg white omelets and would never allow herself to eating this amazing dessert you are making.  Did you know thin people die younger… and alone?

Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl.

Take a thick pan and put in the sugar, corn starch and salt.  Slowly whisk in the milk over medium heat.  Stir it constantly (no you can’t text and stir) about 8 minutes until it boils.  Take it off the heat.

Take a little bit of it and whisk it into the eggs to bring them slowly up to temperature.  You really, really, don’t want poached eggs in your custard.

Then take the egg mixture and slowly whisk it into the milk pan.  Stir.  In another 5 minutes it will begin to boil then take it off the heat.  Refrigerate it with a buttered piece of saran wrap to prevent icky scum layer.

Strawberries

Take a quart of perfectly ripe fresh local strawberries from the farm stand and de-stem and slice them.  Add about ¼ cup of Confectioners Sugar and 2 tbs. of Framboise and a squeeze of lemon.  Let them sit and absorb and enjoy their own special happy hour.

Whipped Cream

As the tart is cooling, custard is jelling, and strawberries are getting slutty, put a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer.  It’s better for whipping the cream and you will be reminded of the bottle of Grey Goose Vodka there.  You will need this later when you drain the strawberries and use the juice for the special GGSSM – Grey Goose Slutty Strawberry Martini you will make.

2 Cups Whipping (Heavy) Cream

 ¼ Cup Sifted Confectioners Sugar

2 – 3 Tbs. Framboise

1 Tsp. Madagascar Vanilla

Beat the whipped cream until it is forming stiffies.  Then add in sugar, liqueur, and vanilla for a few more beats.

NOTE – Pay attention in the kitchen as sometimes a cook’s Female Balance Herbs tincture comes in a bottle which looks remarkably similar to the Madagascar Vanilla.  You may realize your mistake only after your female guests start belly dancing and your male guests want to watch Gossip Girl.

When you are ready to assemble put a layer of the custard on the tart shell then be sure to drain the strawberries well to put on top saving the liquid to add to your chilled Grey Goose to make yourself a Grey Goose Slutty Strawberry Martini.  Then spread the whipped cream on top of the pie and garnish with fresh mint.

Chill – you and the tart.

We take no responsibility for what happens after that.

Navy Beach

Looking for a private beach and a cold glass of rose´ to toast the setting sun with a lobster roll or plate full of fresh oysters in front of you? Look no farther. There’s a new kid on the Hamptons beach scene and she’s wearing a vintage bikini and serving up coastal and comfort food with couture cocktails. The new cool Hamptons hot spot is Navy Beach Restaurant in Montauk tucked off the beaten path where you can dip your toes in the sand and your taste buds in the latest fresh catch transformed by Chef Paul Labue.

Formerly the Sunset Saloon on Navy Road, Navy Beach is the dream of two young couples Frank Davis and Kristina Davis and Franklin Ferguson and Leyla Marchetto.  Frank brings his Cornell degree as well as Wall Street acumen to match Franklin’s restaurant management experience and taps into Kristina’s design sense working in fashion merchandising as well as Leyla’s branding and marketing experience in the hospitality industry.  Entice Chef Paul Labue from The Beacon and Nick & Toni’s and you have the perfect restaurant storm.

The two couples who met and bonded at a wedding in Harbor Island considered opening an eatery in New York City but given the ability to wave the magic beach wand the dream docked on Fort Pond Bay where you can arrive by car, boat, or even train to enjoy the view of Block Island Sound and Gardiner’s Island.

With 200 feet of private beach, wall to wall windows opening onto the rare western water vista, an antique wooden bar, and live music, you’ll want to come early and often. There’s also a special kids menu for those who like to build a sandcastle by their picnic table while they wait for their Haute Dog.

Due to the condiment non-discrimination act they can’t really say they’re anti-ketchup but the sentiment is that the local flavors are so fresh and full that you don’t want to drown them out. The Crab Cake is more crab than cake, and the Oysters fresh out of their beds. Even the famed Burger shines with the onion, bacon marmalade. The Calamari Salad has a bit of kick to it and the Truffle Mac and Cheese elevates comfort food to a new level.

Cocktails get in on the fresh ingredients as well such as the Marganegra with Patron Silver, Chambord, muddled blackberries, and lime juice.  Both wine lovers and beer aficionados will appreciate a wide international array.

Navy Beach’s décor features white washed wood with bright blue nautical accents (think vintage 1950’s yacht club) with retro bikinis and fashion photographs adorning the walls.

Ring the bell at sunset since on Sundays roses are ½ off after sunset, and if you’re feeling flush, try the Madoff Cocktail, it’s Market Price but as the menu notes, “It’s good…trust us.”

With an Argentinean/Brazilian bartender you know this is the place in the Hamptons to watch the World Cup from June 11 – July 11.  Certain 10am and 2:30pm matches will be shown accompanied by special cocktails from Leblon and St.-Germain.

Dan Bailey & Living Rhythm play live Saturdays in June from 6 – 8pm.

Dads note that you get a free Bloody Mary or Budweiser on Fathers Day Sunday June 20 with lunch or dinner.

They do recommend reservations which they take up to 7 days in advance.

Open Dinner 7 days 6pm to midnight.

Open Lunch Friday – Sunday noon to 3pm.

Bar Opens Monday – Friday from 4pm (special bar menu as well)

Navy Beach, 16 Navy Road, Montauk, 631-668-6868, www.navybeach.com

For every woman who says, “Oops, summer is here and I forgot to stop drinking Chardonnay and eating carbs and have to be in a bathing suit this weekend,” there is ice running through her veins, and it’s not just the mocha frappe.  What winter months, Spanx, and strategically placed fleece blankets have kept hidden is emerging in the world and frightening ourselves, our boyfriends, and small children. 

The dreaded muffin top.

While it is the best part of a freshly baked breakfast product, it is the worst part of the middle aged female anatomy.

Strangely this seems to creep up on us until we are found weeping on the floor of the harshly lit dressing room in a heap of discarded bikinis and need to gently be escorted out of the department store.

So before you hit the Hamptons beaches here are a few keys to what we call the HipHamptons Magic Muffin Top Cures.

PILATES CURE

Fans of Uptown Pilates in Manhattan and those who have never stepped foot inside a magic circle will both be pleased to know that Mika Street has opened Uptown Pilates in Sag Harbor on Main Street above the Paradise Café.  “I’m particularly excited to be in Sag Harbor with its personality and community feel,” she says.

Mika points out that Pilates is unique in the way it changes your body, working on body tone on a deep layer of muscle.  “You’re working your entire body all the time and you’re really lengthening it while you’re strengthening it so it changes the shape of muscle particularly in the waist which is the site of the muffin top.”  She has seen amazing changes in people’s bodies, “You feel taller after a session and find you’re sitting at a desk properly and then it changes the way your clothes fit and if you make it to 30 sessions you stick with it forever.”

“Our instructors who go through at least 600 hours of training are knowledgeable about the body and anatomy and know how to keep it challenging and interesting for all body types,” she explains, “We have modifications for beginners and still keep an advanced person challenged in a group class.”

Uptown Pilates Side Sit Up

The Muffin Top Special: The side sit-ups designed to lengthen the body and tone the side oblique muscles. 

You start with the foot of the hip you are resting on tucked behind the opposite leg to stabilize you, then place your hands either behind your head or on a bar with your arms extended over your head. You start sitting up and then stretch into the ‘barrel’ hollow area of reformer, lengthening your body the whole time and keeping your core engaged. You then lift up and bring your bend into your legs making sure not to collapse your body as you do that. Throughout the exercise you want to make sure that you keep your body straight like it is between two glass panes making sure not to let your hip or shoulders shift forward or back.

Seasonal sessions range from $35 for a group class to $105 for a private session with discount multi-class cards.  Also keep an eye out for her charity classes which she holds on the beach with a suggested donation of $25.  The studio also has organic clothes, props, and DVD’s for sale.

Uptown Pilates, 126 Main Street, Sag Harbor 631-725-5994, www.uptownpilates.com

PERSONAL TRAINER CURE

Chris Cosich

 
Personal trainer Chris Cosich who is the Training Director for the Hamptons Gym Corp. has a passion for his work and takes an approach which may seem counter-intuitive.  He advocates heavy weight training for his female clients telling them that their fear of bulking up is unfounded as women don’t produce enough testosterone to build large muscles.  A body builder, he assures them, “You’re not going to look like me.”  Okay but can we still touch your biceps… pretty please.

As opposed to focusing on a particular what we’ll call unfortunate body part like the muffin top, his system is set up for overall weight loss and tone.  “Heavy weights are the only way to activate fast twitch muscle fibers, the most metabolically active muscle fibers,” he explains, where your weight loss continues even after the work out.

Another key component of his method is protein, 5-6 times a day, “Digestion of protein elevates your metabolism and aids in building lean muscle, the furnace that keeps your body burning calories.”  He encourages women to keep food diaries (does the bread on the table count?  How about gum?) and supplement with protein shakes such as Optimum Nutrition.

Cosich cites The American College of Sports Medicine and The American Medical Association to support his approach but feels his clientele is the best proof his system works, “You can ask the more than 15 women I’ve trained in the last two years who have lost 4-10 dress sizes amongst them,” he says. (Maybe we muffin toppers can ask for their designer hand me downs.)

Private Training Rates are $100 hour off peak and $120 peak

Chris Cosich
NEW IMAGE FITNESS
www.newimagefitnessny.com

Cell: 917-579-5001

CLEANSE CURE

Anytime someone mentions a cleanse or a fast, we get nervous.  Isn’t the ten hours between the night cap Frangelico and morning latte enough?  Or do we have to live on a green algae sludge only Shrek would find intoxicating?

The two women who founded Blue Print Cleanse, Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss, have found a manageable and palatable way to experience a cleanse with their custom created juice products which offers varying levels of intensity depending on your dietary habits and history.

“It’s a user friendly system of cleansing set up to be practical for all nutritional lifestyles from the most austere of raw food acolytes to the burger-and-red-wine crowd looking to periodically offset the damages of their indulgences,” they explain.

A suggested muffin top cure cleanse is the 3 day Renovation Cleanse.

In a fast-by-numbers you drink juices 1 – 6 such as creamy cashew nut milk with vanilla and cinnamon, combination fruit juices like pineapple and mint, refreshing lemonades with agave nectar and nourishing green juices.  Hardly Shrek-like at all.

Blue Print Cleanse

The goal of the cleanse is to, “gently rid your body of impurities, regain an alkaline balance and normalize digestion and metabolism.  Too often, a cleanse stirs up detox symptoms that are far too intense for the ‘average’ person.  BPC is designed for people that would like to give their insides a rest while simultaneously going on about their daily lives.”  Good if you’re not keen on passing out in the morning meeting or missing Mr. Right due to a killer toxic headache.

Yet they also make clear that you don’t jump in and out of the deep end.  There is a preparation process and a post process to follow and it doesn’t include steak and martini dinners at The Palm.

You can also use the juices as part of your daily routine after the cleanse.  They also make great cocktail mixers but you didn’t hear it from us.

The BPC Juices are $75 for each day’s worth for pick up or $85 shipped to your doorstep.  You can find BPC products in the Hamptons at Ride The Zone 65 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, 688 Montauk Hwy, Watermill and Exhale in Bridgehampton, 2415 Montauk Hwy.

www.blueprintcleanse.com

SPA CURE

Okay for those who are reluctant to sweat or starve, there is a third alternative – spa.

The new A Studio Spa in East Hampton uses the French Women Don’t Get Fat So They Export It Here product line Guinot in their Anti-Cellulite Massage treatment.  We know they don’t have the problem overseas because there is no translation for Le Muffin Top.

Guinot Anti Cellulite

In their anti-cellulite sculpting the expert massage is given by your beauty therapist (can we put her on speed dial please) using a Guinot Anti-Cellulite Oil which targets fatty deposits and refines the silhouette.  The detoxifying Essential Oils have a natural energy and penetrate effectively to act deep down in the skin to break down cellulite.

The exclusive complex called Delipogenase activates the release of fat cells and slows down the storage of new fat cells.  Remember fat cells are like bad boyfriends – as soon as you acquire them they are reluctant to leave.

Their Double Minceur Ciblee is the double slimming targeted treatment gel.  We wonder if this small tube is enough or if we could order it in a tub size.

The Anti-Cellulite Massage is $70.  A Studio Spa, 10 Main Street, East Hampton – 631-324-6996 www.astudiospa.com.

NOTE As with all diet and exercise programs you should always consult with a physician before starting anything and ask your boyfriend for his VISA to pay for it all.

Panoramic View Resort & Residences

So if you didn’t have the 8 mil to bid on Bernie Madoff’s Montauk beach house or couldn’t wrangle a weekend invite from De Niro or Ralph Lauren then how can you get a Hamptons’ oceanfront room with a private beach and a kick ass view of those famous surfin’ waves?

Private Beach

What if we told you that you can – and as for as little as $245 a night?  No, really.  Well okay that price only lasts until June  24 but then it’s still the great rate of $475 in high season.

The aptly named Panoramic View Resort & Residences delivers on its promise.  Head east on Route 27 to the rolling hills of the Old Montauk Highway to reach this 50 year old landmark resort.  Open the car door, take in a deep breath of refreshing salt sea air, and say, “Mine…all mine.”

Every hotel room has a view of the ocean and for those who love to BYOB or BYOC (coffee) there’s a cold refrigerator and a small kitchen in each unit.  While you don’t have the convenience of an on site restaurant, I guarantee you there is nowhere else in the Hamptons you can sit on your oceanfront deck enjoying a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and Beluga Caviar while wearing your new La Perla purchase without spending more than $400.  And yes the decks are private.

Panoramic View Resort Room

Layered down the side of the scented Shadmoor covered cliffs of Montauk are clusters of ocean view studios, one/two bedroom rooms, and beachside cottages.  There is a heated pool with cabanas and a private beach with chairs, umbrellas and towel service as well as a well equipped gym.  Although with your private oceanfront beach, get off the frigging tread mill and walk in the waves.

Clearly Ian Schrager didn’t sleep here but in this case it’s not what’s on the inside that counts.  Whitewashed hotel rooms and retro bathrooms keep it very simple but they are not meant to be the star of the show.  That is the Atlantic Ocean.  Fog can sometimes drift in which can range from what one couple called “atmospheric” to what my date categorized as, “Wow you could murder someone in this.”  Luckily it usually burns off quickly.

Panoramic View Pool

There is a bit of a Hitchcock 39 Steps feel to the place (it’s famous for photo shoots) although it is actually 89 steps down to the beach from the top of the hill.  For those who don’t do steps for health or Manolo-Blahnik-wearing reasons, they are happy to give you a lift in a golf cart.

Panoramic View Residence

If you decide the 10 acre spot with its private 1,000 feet of pristine white sand is so magical that you want to live there – you are in luck (as long as your financial advisor was not former neighbor Madoff.)  In this Distinctive Ventures Property which acquired the resort in 2007 different buildings have been renovated into luxurious, first class condominiums – or technically condops – where your ocean view is literally forever.  The first development, “Hilltop,” was completed in ’09 and the beachside “Salt Sea” units are fresh off the presses with all custom detail and luxury appointments.  The units range from one through five bedrooms starting at under $2 million and about half have been sold so far.  The beauty is that they have on-site management which has a concierge service, porters, housekeeping, as well as the opportunity to rent your unit in 30 day or more increments.

Be forewarned.  The property is famous for producing future guests who were just the twinkle in their parents’ eyes when they first visited this romantic venue.  Proceed at your own risk.

Panoramic View Resort and Residences, 272 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk NY http://www.distinctiveventures.com/panoramic-view – resort 631-668-3000.

Fantasy or Reality?

by Tracey Toomey 

When you’re paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for your summer rental, you’re not going to commute back and forth with a Toyota Corolla you rented at Hertz.  According to a representative at Gotham Dream Cars, New York and Miami-based exotic car rental company, summer is peak season for luxury car rentals in New York City.  The most popular cars?  Ferraris and Lamborghinis, which can cost between $2500 and $5000 for a weekend.  But, in the grand scheme of things, that’s a steal when you consider that it costs a cool $450,000 to buy a Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster.  Maybe I’m missing something here, but I thought the point of having a 660 horsepower car was to drive fast, not to sit in traffic on the LIE.  Although, if you happen upon a traffic-less stretch on Montauk Highway, it’s a comfort to know you can go from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds.

And they offer door to door delivery.  I’ll have a Chicken Lo Mein and a Bentley please. 

LongHouse Reserve

Do you suffer from peony envy?  Haven’t stopped to smell the roses?  Or just want to impress your date with a secret garden?  In these busy times we may not be able to indulge our inner green thumb but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fruit of other gardener’s labors.  Think Lady Chatterly.  Here is a guide to the Hidden Best Hamptons Gardens.

LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve

In a word this place is simply “cool.”  The mission of LongHouse Reserve is to exemplify living with art in all forms.  While it is home to famed textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen,  you are invited to visit.  Through its arboretum, sculpture gardens, and educational programs LongHouse Reserve brings together art and nature, aesthetics and spirits in a truly magical ground.  You wouldn’t be surprised if pixies jumped out of the tamed forest. 

LongHouse Reserve

A 16 acre oasis for the senses, you enjoy the visual beauty of numerous plant species and the incredible sculptures from artists including Eric Fischl, Willem de Kooning and the beautiful blown glass of Dale Chihuly, the sounds of ancient gongs, rustling of the tall grasses or chorus of lily pond frogs, and scents of blooming roses.  The landscape and art change with the seasons to delight new and frequent visitors.

LongHouse Summer Gala

2010 Season opens May 1^st and runs to October 9^th.  Open days for members and the public are 2 – 5pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in July and August Wednesday through Saturday.  Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors.  Special tours can be arranged for groups of 20 or more.

Special garden Twilight Tours make the magic hour even more magical on certain Mondays from 6 – 8pm (July 5, Aug 2, 23, 30.)  Reserve early!

Sound Meditation Classes with Jim Owen are every Saturday at 8am from June 19 – Sept. 4.

On June 26 is the famous LHR Planters On & Off the Ground III Invitational where the most creative minds create container plantings to astound.  This year it will be judged by John Danzer.  There will also be a special Music Festival of the Hamptons Concert.

LongHouse Planters Competition

Their summer gala is an absolute not to miss Hamptons event  – “Excentrica” honoring Laurie Anderson and Jan Cowles on Saturday July 17.  Special surprises are in store and you know it’s something fantastic if it’s the LongHouse.

133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, 631-329-3568, www.longhouse.org.

Madoo Conservancy

 

 

The Madoo Conservancy

Artist, writer, and horticulturalist Robert Dash has lovingly cultivated this private garden, The Madoo Conservancy, over 40 years at his 2 acre home in Sagaponack which he opens up to the public on Friday and Saturday from noon to 4pm, May 15 – September 15.  Like a tasting menu there are Tudor, early Greek, and Oriental garden influences with antiques and found objects mixed in for a charming chiaroscuro effect.

Madoo Conservancy

Admission is $10 for a self-guided tour or you can arrange for a guided tour of ten or more with the added bonus of a casual lunch and or drinks with Robert Dash.  You haven’t lived unless you’ve been regaled by his entertaining stories over Bloody Mary’s.  While the garden is now registered in the National Register of Historic Places, it is Mr. Dash who is also a local treasure to be experienced.

618 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack, 631-537-8200, www.madoo.org.

Bridge Gardens TrustThe Bridge Gardens Trust botanical garden was donated to the Peconic Land Trust in 2008 by founders and gardeners Jim Kilpatric and Harry Neyens who created an oasis over 20 years with both an Inner and Outer Garden which will bring up all your Renaissance bodice busting past lifetimes.  The Inner Garden has a Spanish styled knot garden with beds of culinary, medicinal, and textile and dyeing herbs, an ivy maze, an Apple Tree Espalier, and a hidden Bamboo Room.

Bridge Gardens Trust

The Outer Garden is a scent-lovers dream with eight lavender beds, a thyme bed with 22 varieties, and a collection of 800 antique and modern roses which will leave you intoxicated – careful driving.

On Fridays live music will be performed t 6pm and you are welcome to bring a picnic.

This summer the gardens will also work in collaboration with C Fine Art to display sculptures by 9 internationally celebrated sculptors in “Uncommon Ground,” with an opening reception June 26.

On June 19 at 10am there is a lecture and workshop on The Herb Garden where you can create your own potted version for healing or eating (no whaky tabaccy.)

Bridge Gardens Trust

Gardens are open Wednesday and Thursday noon – 5, Friday, noon – dusk, Saturday 10 – 5, Sunday noon – 4.  Cost is for $10 adult or $20 for a family up to four.  Tours for 10 or more can be arranged.

36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, www.Peconiclandtrust.org/bridge_gardens, 631-537-7447.

Southampton Rose Society

Are you a rose-aholic?  Are you planting every spare space including your car sun-roof with roses?  Have you tattooed your favorite rose on your body?  Okay, so maybe you’re not that crazy, but for those of you who adore hybrid teas, floribundas, and bourbon (roses not mint julips) you have to know about the Southampton Rose Society.  They have workshops, lectures, and a special monthly publication the “Dune Rose.”  Membership is $25 for students, $50 for individuals, $90 for dual membership (you and your enabler), or $150 for patrons.

“Bring Home The Silver” Workshop at the garden of Lee and Elliott Packman June 12 10:30am.

Southampton Rose Society 34^th Annual Rose Show/Rose Art Competition on June 19

At Rogers Memorial Library 7:30am to 4pm.

Southampton Rose Society Cocktail Party Fund Raiser July 17 6:30 – 8:30pm

At a gorgeous Southampton Estate.

For more info contact Southampton-rose-society.org.

Here are other not to miss Hamptons Gardening Events:

Parrish Art Museum’s Landscape Pleasures Saturday June 12, Sunday June 13

This is a two day event with an engaging symposium on Saturday morning featuring renowned experts on design Dominique Browning, Barbara Damrosch, and April Gornik and an exclusive tour of some of the most coveted private gardens in Southampton on Sunday.  Break up the flora with a little cocktail fauna on Saturday evening.  Tickets for the symposium and tour are $125 for Parrish members and $175 non members – cocktail reception included with $300 ticket and above. www.parrishart.org, 631-283-2118 x42.

ARF 24^th Annual Garden Tour – Saturday June 19 to benefit the Animal Rescue Fund

These fantastic gardens are all bark and no bite.  The self guided tour takes you through spectacular gardens in Amagansett and Springs from 10 – 4p.  Garden Tour tickets are $75 and $175 for the Garden Tour and Cocktail Party with all tails a-wagging.  More info Kathy@arfhamptons.org, 631-537-0400 x214.

Bridge Gardens Trust

HB Home East Hampton

HB Home Accessories

HB Home East Hampton

HB Home Executive Mark Friedman points out their user friendly approach to design where Healing and Barsanti can accommodate different budgets as well as different styles, working with the client to realize his/her vision.  How refreshing in an age of a cookie cutter approach of some designers creating mini-me interiors everywhere they go.

 The Retail Design Studio is filled with luxe upholstered pieces, vintage Directional to Billy Baldwin Classics to exclusive HB-designed that can be bought right off the floor, or ordered in custom fabrics from their edited D&D fabric library.  There are also plenty of unique items at an affordable price point for your personal “must have it now” collection.  Seeing is believeing.

And yes, if you come in you can sit on the couches.  You just may not want to leave.

HB Home Design 83 Main Street, East Hampton, 631-608-4321.  www.hbhomedesign.com.

Hamptons Memorial Day Weekend

Something bold and beautiful is in the air, and it’s not just the scent of Melody Parfume roses blooming early this year.  Amateur grillers go boldly forth with lighter fluid and undercooked chicken.  Ex husbands and wives join forces to travel to the Hamptons together so they can take advantage of the HOV lane.  Whole teams from Price Waterhouse debate the magic number for the price of lobster salad.  Farmers markets re-open with the anticipated return of mushroom man, pickle Pete, and home made honey hottie.  Halelujia!

Along with the opening of the Hamptons season where you do need a permit for hunting – man hunting that is (remember that he has to be over 21 to be a keeper) we also want to take the time to honor Memorial Day itself.  To all of our past and present members of the military we honor you and remember you.  You will not be forgotten.  It is not the newest night club but Main Street Sag Harbor which is the hippest place to be for Memorial Day with its annual parade which starts at 9am.

Here are a few HipHamptons picks for the best of the Hamptons for Memorial Day Weekend 2010:

Friday May 28

Wolffer Estate Vineyards

Fans of Twilight Thursdays now have to bump it back a day to Sunset Fridays (Funset Fridays works better for the alliteration but that’s fine.)  Wolffer Estate Vineyards is simply the most gorgeous vineyard in the Hamptons and they swing open their Italianate villa doors and set the sunset to music with live jazz.  There is no bar which can match the atmosphere of Mother Nature, fecund on the vine.

Wolffer Vineyards, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack 631-537-5106, www.wolffer.com

Saturday May 29

“Apres Beach Party at John’s Place” is the rockin’ theme when John Varvatos of East Hampton goes acoustic in its Newtown Lane Store from 3p – 6p.  Only fun, nice, cool people can come.  The a-caustic party is further down the road.

John Varvatos, 54 Newtown Lane, East Hampton 631-324-4440, www.johnvarvatos.com

Oso at Southampton Inn

Looking for a little poolside finger lickin’ and other body parts optional fun?  Southampton Inn is celebrating the Grand Opening of its newly renovated pool, lushly landscaped lawns, and outdoor dining area for their restaurant Oso from 4 – 6pm for their Poolside BBQ Bash.  Get the innovative take on barbecue fare with a local twist from Executive Chef Bryan Naylor and an “Oh, so… divine” cocktail selection.

Southampton Inn 91 Hill Street Southampton www.southamptoninn.com.

If you want double toil and trouble of the good kind join in the cool gal gig when art mavens Karen Boltax and Sara Nightingale host side by side gallery openings on Shelter Island.  Aside from a curatorial fine eye these galler-istas pull together an eclectic guest list of the most interesting people in the Hamptons.  The Boltax Gallery features works by Nuala Clarke and Sara Nightingale gallery features works by Maggie Simonelli.

21 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, boltaxgallery.com, saranightingale.com.

Sunday May 30

Much beloved night owl Il Cappuccino in Sag Harbor is coming out in the day time and inaugurating a weekend brunch.  Yes you can combine eggs benedict with their fabulous garlic knots.  And now they have added sidewalk café dining as well.  If you’re outside with the date from the night before be ready to let the world know, especially if you’re there in your party dress.

wounded warrior project

In honor of our veterans please come out to support the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Benefit which will be holding an event on Sunday at 4pm at Amagansett Square (right on Main Street.)  A very hot Montauk bred band Suddyn will be playing.  Catch them now because they are sure to sky rock-it.  You gotta love a band that will play the roof of a bake shop as a legitimate gig.

The unsinkable, “please can I be you in my next life” goddess Nancy Atlas follows from 5 – 7pm.  The Nancy Atlas Project is a project you hope you will never complete because you want it to go on and on and on… pretty please… with sugar and tequila shots on top. (also know they are at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett Saturday night at 11pm and Nick’s On The Beach in Montauk on Monday from 4 – 8p and Surf Lodge every Wednesday at 5:30pm (will someone please bring her a triple espresso and a hot masseur)

Suddyn.com, nancyatalas.com, wounderwarrior.org

Monday May 31Memorial Day Parade – Main Street, Sag Harbor 9am

This is so worth getting up for and remembering that there is a true Americana in the very best sense in this country.  It is fun for the whole family including our dog friends.  Veterans from WWII to the present are so deserving of our street side support and applause.  It is truly the BEST EVENT of the weekend.  They start at the stop light at the corner of Main Street and Jermain and continue down to the Long Wharf and Marine Park to the war veteran memorial.

Sag Harbor Memorial Day Parade

 

Corcoran Listing: Sandcastle Estate, Bridgehampton, Long Island

A Corcoran Bridgehampton property has rented for $500,000 for two weeks in July (or $35,000/day), the highest rental fee on record for the Hamptons. The record-breaking rental is an 11.5-acre estate known as Sandcastle which includes a 31,000 sq. ft., 9-bedroom, 11.5-bathroom main house, pool, guest house, tennis, squash and racquetball courts, bowling alley, skateboard half pipe, Movie Theater and more. (okay so I can afford it for about… ten minutes)  

Corcoran president and CEO, Pamela Liebman remarked, “The Hamptons market has really bounced back.  Our Hampton rental and sales businesses are way up with a 72% increase in rental activity in March alone.  It’s no surprise Sandcastle has secured a record-breaking rental fee. It is a remarkable property located in America’s premier resort community where demand, once again, is high and the properties unparalleled.”

According to the Corcoran brokers representing the property, Evan Kulman and business partner, Gene Stilwell, “We are excited to be part of the highest rental transaction in the Hamptons”.   The owner and builder of the property, Joe Farrell, is the CEO of Farrell Building Company, a Bridgehampton-based luxury home building firm. The property is also listed for sale at $49.5 million.  For more information please visit: www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=LI3&ListingID=32012&ohDat= 

Omphoy Ocean Resort Palm Beach

You had me at hello. That’s the reaction when you walk into the new oceanfront boutique Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach and are greeted not only by warm wafting breezes but by the effervescent Danielle who is there to wave Omphoy’s magic relaxation wand.

Have you been feeling stressed after a long cold winter? Would you describe your skin tone as powdered sugar pasty white? Has the only heat wave you’ve experienced been your hormones run amok? Before the madness starts here in the Hamptons you can take advantage of the specials at the Omphoy which is just fifteen minutes from West Palm Beach airport.

Many people are fans of South Beach but the panache is gone when your hotel room is literally shaking with the techno house music in the wee hours of the morning, You need to keep it sexy but relaxing, and the comfortable chic Leslie Schlesinger designed décor is modern cool compared to its overstuffed chintz hotel neighbors.

If you book an oceanfront room with a big comfortable bed and floor to ceiling windows inviting in the sea view all you think is, “I hope you have strong security men to pull me out because I’m never leaving.”

Omphoy Oceanfront Room

Sunday afternoon at the Omphoy beach is the place to be with brunch and fabulous bubbly from Moet Hennessy. You will be in heaven if your honorary middle name is “Veuve.” (skip the Clicquot because that means widow in French, and you want to find a husband first). A DJ spins the groove and you can reserve one of the gauze-curtain-wafting, grand-cushion-lounging cabanas.

For those with jelly filling instead of a strong core, this hotel is an exciting place because of the Exhale Mind Body Spa. Peruse the extensive core fusion class schedule, scope out the exercise room location, peer in at the women with all the fancy props and the fit instructor, and in keeping with “if you can’t tone it, tan it” philosophy, head back to the beach for more Veuving.

Just reading the 2008 James Beard Award winning chef Michelle Bernstein’s menu is a mouth watering treat. A beachside lunch favorite, the Chilled Shrimp “Vuelve a la Vida” with tomatoes, oranges, chilies, and avocado gives just the right of spice. A dinner menu favorite is the Watercress Bisque with goat cheese pearls and peppercorn biscotti, and even though her seafood specialties are famous, go for the melt-in-your-mouth Braised Short Ribs. But the piece de resistance is the chocolate donut dessert. Shh don’t tell your core.

Omphoy MB Beach Lunch

If you need to get a jump on your health and tan there are Omphoy specials: Friends Stay Free with arrival Sunday to Thursday in May and June where when you reserve one room at a standard rate you receive a second room at no charge (4 night max.) And from April to June there’s the “Tanning Primer” with continental breakfast for two plus a 5 minute mini massage and sunscreen application with rates starting at $299 a night. www.omphoy.com.

And also don’t forget the luxurious celebrity favorite in the heart of Palm Beach, The Brazilian Court, the sophisticated older sister of the Omphoy Hotel which offers a special Girls Night Out Package – Champagne and shopping at Tory Burch with rates from $219 when available with a signature Tory Burch gift and a $100 gift card to get you on your way at her Worth Avenue store, www.thebraziliancourt.com.

It’s on our mind all the time.  The thing we fantasize about day and night.  That three letter word which starts with S.  Spa.  We know that other than green tea or perhaps a dirty martini the best antidote to stress is to get to the nearest spa and do something nice for ourselves.  Luckily in these stressful economic times some of our favorite Hamptons spas are offering specials to reduce the cost and the guilt factor.

Naturopathica Spa

Naturopathica in East Hampton is offering two for one fun with “Friends and Lovers Days.”  Bring a friend or loved one for a massage on Fridays or Sundays in November and each of you will receive 30% off your treatment.  Both treatments have to be booked at the same time and mention this offer.  Note that it’s not available Thanksgiving weekend November 27 – 29.

And in the spirit of giving and receiving at the same time, when you bring along a nonperishable food item for the East Hampton Food Pantry when you visit the spa Monday through Thursday in November you will receive 20% off your next treatment.

In the favorite free stuff category, in Nivember you receive a full size Creme de la Creme with your purchase of $75 which you can also make online or over the phone.

www.naturopathica.com

Ananas Spa

Ananas Spa in Southampton has a cornucopia of November specials.  You can look younger for less, erasing years as well as dollars from your spa bottom line.

Micro-Dermabrasion was $150 and now is $120

Glycolic Peel was $90 and now $70

Or do both for $170

Yonka Le Grand Classique Facial and Mask of Your Choice was $175 and now $145

Sothy’s Hydroptimale Facial was $160 and now $115

You can add on special oxygen and eye treatments for as little as $15 or even reflexology (hello foot rub heaven)

The 75 minute Swedish Massage is now $135 and there are specials on waxing, pedicures and paraffin hand and feet treatments.

The Hair Spa is also offering discounts as well as the boutique with up to 40% off.

Note that these offers are good in November, Monday through Friday.

Or invest $500 in an Ananas Spa Owners Certificate which gets you $600 worth of luxurious services.

Also be sure also to check out their loyalty rewards program – the frequent spa goer benefits.

www.ananasspa.com

Gurneys Inn

Gurneys Inn in Montauk has special packages for oceanfront room stays of one or two nights which include accomodations, meal credits, spa services, and welcome gifts starting from $375 per person for one night for the Spa Retreat and for two nights $510 per person for the Girlfriends Get Away or $696 for the Escape Break for two nights depending on included spa services and fitness classes.  Special spa packages are available Sunday through Friday.

For a fall day break you can get a 20% discount on the Ultimate Herbal Wrap or for a one hour treatment they will waive the $30 spa use fee.  Roman bath, steam, sauna, locker room, and indoor pool are available for your use.  You can also buy a book of 10 spa passes which was $220 and now is $175.

www.gurneysinn.com

East Wind Spa

The Inn & Spa at East Wind in Wading River has a Mid-Week Retreat with your choice of:

Calming Facial (25 min) or Stress Buster Massage (25 min) Plus a 3 course Price Fix Dinner at Desmond’s with a glass of wine for $59.95 per guest plus tax and gratuity.  This offer is good Monday through Friday until November 30.  Also check out beauty products in the spa on sale up to 30% off while supplies last.  You can also relax in the spa’s sauna, steam, and locker rooms.

Their fall promotions also include Dermrenewal Clincial Peels with Facials, Warm Stone Pedicures, Custom Massages, and Cerfified Brazilian Keratin Treatments. 

www.eastwindlongisland.com

Hollywood Glamour was the theme, but martinis weren’t the only things served with a twist at B Smith’s Halloween party.  Clearly the joy of this holiday is to shed your own identity and become someone else for a night.  Home to royalty both real and imagined, the Hamptons stepped out in style, and tiara-ists took their crown wearing seriously.   We saw Audrey Hepburns and Charlie Chaplins, Betty Boop, Liza Minelli, Tippi Hedron from The Birds, and of course the Beales from Grey Gardens,Little and Big Edie, with trailer trash Barbie and Ken, Octomom, and witches galore.  Watch out for a new initiative on the next ballot to make Halloween not once a year but a once a month occasion.

“Where do we import most of our oil from?”  This is the opening question of the film, Dirty Oil an eye opening documentary which will make you think twice about driving your hummer to the store for milk.  The answer is the majority of our oil comes from Canada, specifically from a region in Alberta about the size of Florida.  Forget the land of rockies and mounties —  Alberta is a petrol state.

Writer/director Leslie Iwerks and producer Philip Alberstat with narrator Neve Campbell lead us on a dramatic ride of greed, corruption, and heroism through stories which elucidate the best and worst of the human condition.

The oil from Alberta comes from tar sands and the extraction emits three times more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional oil and uses four times as much water and heat per barrel of oil.  Incredible aerial photography shows this once beautiful land and forests and its vast Athabasca River contrasted with the lunar looking tar sand pits and filthy water being pumped into the aquifer and what they call the “highway to hell,” the stretch of road where oil company workers from Ft. McMurray face massive traffic into the job site which is first identified by its foul smell.

The canaries in this coal mine are the native aboriginal communities which first noticed deformities in the fish they consumed from the river then an increasing rate of rare cancers in their own population, a drastic change from a native culture which not only didn’t have cancer, they didn’t even have a name for it in their language.  The doctor who flew in to treat them, when he raised the question of these elevated numbers, found himself the target of prosecution for causing unnecessary alarm.

As the filmmakers follow the pipeline into this country, it is our own great lakes which find themselves the dumping ground with BP looking to dump more of its byproduct from its Indiana processing plant into the lake.

With billions of dollars on the line for the oil companies, governments, and high paid jobs for workers, environmental concerns and those who express them come under attack.  Add in the fact that Canada is a politically safer bet as a source of oil than other foreign countries, and dissent becomes even more difficult.  Appearances by authors, scientists, environmentalists, politicians and other experts present a compelling and disturbing story of our addiction to oil and its destructive by-product to people, plants, animals, and ultimately our very planet.

Yet not only oil or government officials are culpable.  As one environmentalist states, “We have destruction by popular demand.”  What each and every person consumes in terms of energy has a direct impact.

The film, however, also points to possible solutions such as wind energy, and people’s willingness to get involved.  “Saving civilization is not a spectator sport,” eloquently states one activist.  And education can be the first step.  Films such as “Dirty Oil” for many of us can be that motivating influence.

As an added bonus the producing company Babelgum which is an integrated web and mobile video content platform available to a global audience will follow up the film online with updates and forums as well as promoting the film for theatrical release (www.babelgum.com)  Leslie Iwerks says it is a goal to even have it screened at the White House.  The short which inspired this film, “Downstream” was shortlisted for the 2008 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.

Babelgum will be a company to watch with its dedication not only to environmental issues, the film was inspired by the passion of founder Silvio Scaglia, but to the arts, nurturing independent film, music, and art talent and producing original content as well as showing independent and mainstream titles.

We all were the real winners at the Hamptons International Film Festival, the film goers who had the chance not only to see moving, provocative, educational, and entertaining films but to interact with actors, writers, directors, producers, and industry executives.  It’s not every day that you can discuss rabbits and the Berlin Wall with Alec Baldwin.

“The Misfortunates” and Director Felix Van Groeningen won three Golden Starfish Awards for best narrative feature, screenplay and cinematography, at the 17^th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival in East Hampton.  This film is also the official selection by Belgium for the Academy Awards.

The Audience Award at this year’s festival went to Jean-Marc Valee’s Young Victoria which will be in theaters in a limited release as of December 18^th.

Awards were handed out Sunday night during a ceremony at Guild Hall in East Hampton.  Rachel Dratch was on hand to present the awards along with Alec Baldwin and Barry Sonnenfeld.

“It is has been a fabulous year, with an extraordinary amount of talent at the festival”, says Executive Director Karen Arikian. “We have welcomed a lot of new faces and seen many of our friends from the past as well. Our non-profit festival continues to grow in a year that is financially challenging but thanks to our board, our sponsors and a very hard-working team, it all seems to have come together in a wonderful way.”

This year the festival was honored to present a newly created annual award in memory of Wouter Barendrecht, Founder and Co-Chairman of Fortissimo Films. The award was presented by Fortissimo’s Winnie Lau to John Maringouin for Big River Man.

According to Karen Arikian, ” We are very touched, and proud, to present the inaugural Wouter Barendrecht Pioneering Vision Award as his legacy means so much to us, and the film community at large.”

“I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s filmmakers on their films as they are what really makes the festival special”, said Director of Programming David Nugent. “It is always fascinating to see what films are chosen for awards from both the audience and jury. I think that they both made great choices this year”.

Congratulations to the winners.  The full list is below.

Best Narrative Feature, Zicherman Award for Best Screenplay, and Kodak Award for Best Cinematography- The Misfortunates, Felix Van Groeningen

Outstanding Achievement by an Actor- Paprika Steen for Applause

Best Documentary Feature- Long Distance Love, Elin Jonsson & Magnus Gertten
Special Jury Award- Mugabe and the White African, Andrew Thompson & Lucy Bailey

Best Film of Conflict & Resolution- Rabbit a la Berlin, Bartek Konopka
Special Jury Award- How to Fold a Flag, Michael Tucker & Petra Epperlein
Conflict & Resolution Development Award- The Harvest, Robin Romano

Best Short Film- Dust Kid, Yumi Jung

Audience Awards
Best Narrative- Young Victoria, Jean-Marc Vallee
Best Documentary- Waking Sleeping Beauty, Don Hahn
Best Short- This is Her, Katie Wolf

Kanbar Indie Award- Adventures in Women’s Lingerie, 4th Floor, Antonio Campos

Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize- Agora, Alejandro Amenabar

RoC(c) Gold Standard in Filmmaking for a Feature Female Director- Cheryl Hines for Serious Moonlight

Student Awards
Akash, Ash Bhalla
Blackwater, Konstantinos Frangopoulos
Christopher Dispossessed, Matthew Watts
Sinkhole, Eric Scherbarth
tran si tions, Mark Lee

Outstanding Achievement in Acting- Sharon Stone

The Wouter Barendrecht Pioneering Vision Award- Big River Man, John Maringouin

The Jurors

Narrative
Terrie Sultan, Director of Parrish Art Museum
Barry Sonnenfeld, Director
Thelma Adams (Critic, US Weekly)

Dococumentary
Eugene Hernandez (Editor in Chief, Indiewire)
Annie Sundberg (Filmmaker, THE TRIALS OF DARRYL HUNT)
Nancy Buirski (Founder, Full Frame Film Festival)

Conflict and Resolution
Alec Baldwin
Josh Gladstone (Artistic Director, Guild Hall)
Megumi Sasaki (filmmaker, HERB AND DOROTHY)

All too often independent filmmakers live on a steady diet of “No” so when someone says “Yes” and especially if it’s putting money where your mouth is, it is a real treat.  At the Hamptons International Film Festival funding sources for filmmakers came from surprising directions and provided much needed light at the end of a dark financial tunnel.

The Love Game

Bloomingdales made a creative and bold marketing move by commissioning five up and coming filmmakers to make short films which it showcases not only on its website www.bloomingdales.com/bflix but in special screening rooms in stores as part of its Lights, Camera, Fashion campaign.  Working with Young Indies Films’ Rose Ganguzza and Deborah Schonfeld to identify new, innovative voices in film, Bloomingdales funded five short films which screened at the festival: My Adventures in Ladies Undergarments, 4^th Floor directed by Antonio Campos; The Love Game directed by Andrew Hunt; Recession Special directed by Emily Abt; Tall Enough directed by Barry Jenkins; and Tea For Three directed by Amy Redford.

In a panel following the filmmakers expressed gratitude for not only the funding but the creative freedom.  “It was incredibly brilliant of Bloomingdales to give us a blank canvas,” stated New Zealander Andrew Hunt.  While the filmmakers had access to Bloomingdales for their wardrobe needs, Antonio Campos chose to use the store itself for his utterly charming film about a young boy’s relationship with an Agent Provocateur mannequin.

After funding, the flip side of the gold coin in independent filmmaking is distribution and with their nationwide campaign both in stores and on their website, Bloomingdales has exposed these films to millions of viewers who also vote on their favorite.  For the store, its brand in turn gets exposure to a young audience in what panel moderator John Sloss calls, “A more ambient way to advertise,” and becomes a supporter of the creative arts.

A ten year supporter of the Hamptons International Film Festival is The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation which seeks out film projects which explore science and technology themes in fresh, innovative ways and depict scientists and engineers in realistic and compelling fashion.  Through Program Director Doron Weber they grant not only an annual $25,000 cash prize, this year to Agora by Director Alejandro Amenabar, but sponsor the Hamptons Screenplay Lab which invites writers to bring their scripts to be mentored by industry professionals. 

The festival also presented a screenplay reading of two of its scripts: Charm School For Primates by Karen Odyniec and The Transformation by Kirk Davis and Sam Sloves, directed by Jay Anania and cast by Amy Devra Gossels.  Doron Weber also presented a production award of $37,500 to two films in progress.  One is Face Value by Jose Rivera and Gretchen Somerfield with director Amy Redford and Rachel Weisz set to play Hedy Lamarr when she was developing what we now know as wireless technology.  The other is Zeroes and Ones from writer/director Avi Zev Weider with Anne Hubbell and Amy Hobby producing.  “In creating an intelligent machine out of discarded computer parts, a young woman uncovers her grandmother’s long-buried secret of survival from Auschwitz, and finds a release from her own obsessive behavior.”  For any writer considering a story which deals with science and technology this is an incredible source of support.

Cheryl Hines

Receiving the RoC Gold Standard in Filmmaking Award for A Female Feature Director this year was Cheryl Hines for directing Serious Moonlight.  The award is given by RoC skincare line along with $5,000 for the director’s upcoming film projects so she can continue to enlighten audiences with her work.  The script was written by Adrienne Shelly and produced by her husband Andy Ostroy who has started a foundation in her name after her tragic death to support women actors, writers, and directors who are pursuing their filmmaking dreams as did Adrienne.  Cheryl Hines commented at the ceremony where she received the RoC Award how great it was to get women behind the camera, “It’s so exciting to see the ladies rise up.”  The Adrienne Shelley Foundation works in conjunction with different film schools and film entities to provide grants, scholarships, awards, and master classes to aid in the advancement of women filmmakers.

And of course, all the Golden Starfish Awards from the festival itself come with either prize money or goods and services which support all areas of filmmaking, making it one of the most coveted festivals for filmmakers.

The Good Soldier

In an age of cutbacks on investigative journalism and media filled with political pundits, it is often difficult to get at the “truth.”  A first person account holds more credibility than ever.  If you want to see the “truth” of war, the films in the Conflict and Resolution Section curated by Cara Cusumano, serve as a history lesson, current affairs eye opener, and moral compass with incredibly compelling, disturbing, and ultimately effective filmmaking.

An astounding film, “The Good Soldier” directed by Lexy Lovell and Michael Uys should be mandatory viewing for every President and member of Congress who is willing to make the decision to send men and women into war.  In a culture where many veterans do not speak back home of what they witnessed and participated in battle, this film portrays five combat veterans from different wars ranging from WWII to Vietnam to the Gulf War to Iraq who emotionally lay it on the line.  The sheer humanity of such inhumane situations is astounding and riveting and heartbreaking.  The courage it takes for these soldiers to speak of their darkest moments and moral dilemmas with such brutal honesty is to be commended and brings up questions of our government supporting those they would send to die who did not die but came home.  “Life is more difficult than death,” one comments.

“War puts you at odds with what is right and wrong,” one veteran explains.  Their training as soldiers is to become killers without remorse, but as one asks, “How do you turn that off?  One day you’re killing then the next you’re sitting at a bar in New York City.”  In wars where the enemy looks just like the innocent civilian, “collateral damage” leaves its mark on the psyche of the soldiers which haunts them for the rest of their lives.  As one veteran who is a founder of Veterans for Peace states, “War is not the way to settle a disagreement.”

How to Fold a Flag

Another film, “How To Fold A Flag,” from filmmakers Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker also chronicles veterans, these freshly back from the Iraq War, providing a captivating first hand look at who is on our front line, and who, after putting their lives on the line, face many challenges when returning home.  As one returning vet says, “I don’t know what normal is.”  They fight not only poverty but PTSD and lasting injuries to their mental health and outlook to the future.  Each veteran faces a different path: one runs for congress, one fights the demons literally in cage fighting, his fallen squad members’ names emblazoned on his shirt, another tries to get out of living in squalor, caring for his dying mother.  The young men who left for the war are not the same men who returned, as this film opens our eyes to the reality of what we ask of our service men and women, and what our country gives or does not give back to them.

My Neighbor, My Killer

It was not a war since there was no fighting back as the tribunal leader notes in “My Neighbor, My Killer,” a ten year journey for filmmaker Anne Aghion.  After the genocide of Hutus trying to wipe out the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994, local courts starting in 2001 were formed, the Gacaca, where neighbors who massacred neighbors come together for judgment, mothers talking directly to the men who hunted down and killed their children with machetes.  The horrors are etched deeply into the eyes and souls of these women who talk of, “the sad womb that gives life.”  Yet we see them come to not only seek justice but a road to forgiveness and the future.

As a creative counterpoint, Rabbit A La Berlin from director Bartek Knonpka is a completely original look at a country divided.  A fascinating footnote to history of the Berlin Wall is the community of wild rabbits who were caught between the walls when they were built, trapped and yet able to thrive with no natural predators.  Since each shot from the gun of a guard had to be recorded, there was no hunting them, and with all the green grass and no enemies they became apathetic.  Yet as the story parallels the increasing dangers to people, their holes were closed, the grass poisoned, and the shooting began.  Think Watership Down against the East German Police.  This is a fascinating and unique look at what it means to have your freedom taken away.

You will need a strong stomach to watch “City of Life and Death,” a tour de force dramatic look at the brutality of the Japanese soldiers against the Chinese citizens of Nanjing from director Lu Chuan who also wrote the screenplay.  This narrative shows us a soldier of conscience who navigates through the harshest of realities of war for a civilian population.  Powerful portraits of bravery and sacrifice prove the indominatable human spirit which survives no matter what is done to the body in this unforgettable and riveting film.

City of Life and Death

Perrotta

Thursday Oct. 8 at 10pm:

PERROTTA is a fashionable pop rock trio that combines songwriting aptitude with a grand and sweeping soundscape. The band features Sarah Perrotta: Rhodes piano, Moog synthesizer, and voice; Johnnie Wang: guitar and voice; and Will Olsen: drums. With their romantic melodies and driving rhythms, Perrotta’s sound evokes an array of influences such as The Cure, Sigur Ros, Jeff Buckley, and Portishead. Perrotta has scheduled a January 2010 release date for their album “Tonight”.

Nancy Atlas

Friday Oct. 9 at 10pm:

When you wake up in the morning with a pink feather from a boa you wore and a strange strained muscle from so much booty shaking you know you’ve been at a NANCY ATLAS concert the night before.  Her eneregy is contagious with her bit of Southern Comfort served on American Rocks.  The golden girl brings her talented band of merry musicians to bring down the house.  A loyal entourrage always shows up so go early and bring your kick ass attitude.

Saturday Oct. 10 at 10p

BOOGA SUGAR puts the P in Party, being reffered to as the “ultimate 70’s rock disco band,” and if you can’t get up and dance to their groove then you’ve got no soul.  It’s a high energy perfromance with your favorite songs in a fresh new manner.

Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main Street, Amagansett, www.stephentalkhouse.com.