Executive Chef Todd Jacobs has created one of the best new Hamptons restaurants of 2013, living up to its name FRESH in many ways.  Fresh offers an innovative menu sure to please any vegans, vegetarians, or gluten free dieters with plenty to satisfy carnivores and gastronomical gluttons.  Jacobs invites you to enjoy the great flavor and energy packed into the menu.

I have been sitting on Santa’s lap for decades now whispering my desires in his ear.  Sometimes my wishes are noble like helping a friend’s talented daughter get a scholarship to art school and other times completely frivolous (you haven’t lived until you’ve gotten a faux mink car ice scraper.)  For  those of us in the Hamptons we have many reasons to count our blessings.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to light up the Hamptons holiday season.

What’s Your Hamptons Summer Bucket List?  Here’s some not to miss moments.

EVENTS:

Harvest East End – Saturday August 25th 6p to 9p
Here is the food version of speed dating. No need to commit because you have so many delicious options of local food and wine from top chefs and vintners. Benefitting the Group For The East End, Peconic Land Trust, and East End Hospice this epicurean festival is a true delight. Be sure to check out …

Listen up fans of Sunset Beach.  Attention s’il vous plait.  Gilt City has a special offer right now for a three course dinner at Sunset Beach on Shelter Island hosted by Lee Schrager, the impresario behind the Food Network South Beach and the New York City Food and Wine Festivals.

On Sunday August 19th you’ll get not only the gorgeous sunset views with their very female flattering hues but Mark Zeitouni, the Executive Chef from Miami’s The Standard Spa to walk you …

Hamptons women with beautiful skin have a secret weapon.  Veronica Taylor.  With Skin By Veronica, she approaches skin as your largest organ and guides clients not just in the topical treatment but from the inside out.  Her motto is, “Being healthy is beautiful.”  Veronica describes her approach as East meets West with the best from both worlds to create glowing, healthy skin.  As a paramedical aesthetician and an educator in the industry, she also has done the research to know what works …

A new spa has opened its blue and white doors in Sag Harbor.  The Rejuvenation Spa has the affordable price of $79 for an hour massage (Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, shiatsu, pre-natal, sport, jet-lag, Tui-Na, and aromatherapy.)  Book me early and often and for sure tell me what Tui-Na is!
Owner Therese Lindstrom and husband Bill Kamaras wanted a boutique spa that focused on healing to serve the local community with very affordable pricing, about half of the price of a massage at …

Jetsetters in the Hamptons are used to the best of the best and demand the same for their four legged friends.  For the pampered Hamptons hound, the Hamptons Canine Concierge has arrived.  This includes everything from 24/7 house calls for routine or emergency care to  massage therapy, furcials (facials), pawdicures (pedicures) yoga, swimming lessons, play dates, personal stylists, gifts, acupuncture, private jet services, drivers and more.  The dog days of summer just went luxe.

If you are looking for one of the top Hamptons spas, Naturopathica is your destination.  They have some of the most highly trained therapists who not only give the best Hamptons massages, they know how to work with injuries, stress and fatigue and you leave feeling at least a few inches taller.  They are starting a new program to give back to the community and give you a great discount.
On Friday, June 22, 2012, Naturopathica Healing Arts Center and Spa celebrates local …

It wasn’t just Delilah who knew the power of good hair.  Your best Hamptons hairdresser ally is Francesca Mercer Padilla.  The worldly “Frankie” as she is affectionately known has traveled from London to Manhattan to Palm Beach and Bogota and has now fixed on the Hamptons.  She has been trusted with the tresses of Hillary Clinton and high level diplomats at the US and British Embassies in Columbia.  Clearly she can keep a secret which is amazing because there is a theory …

Hidden away off Town Lane in Amagansett is your Hamptons horseback riding heaven.  If you’ve been dying to take a riding lesson or have your child atop an adorable pony, Stony Hill Stables is your answer.  Open to the public, the five decade old Hamptons horse farm opens its stall doors to anyone interested in learning horsemanship.  Says Founding Board Member of the new Stony Hill Stables Foundation Maureen Bluedorn, “It’s a labor of love to stay in business.  It’s like farming …

If you think Hamptons men are commitment phobic – they’ve got nothing on Hamptons restaurants.  Each year new eateries emerge in time for Memorial Day madness.  Yet after the seasonal rush many quietly shut their doors and abandon their facebook pages.  Here are some summer romances we hope will last.
Welcome the lineup of new Hamptons restaurants for summer of 2012.  See if you can follow the in and out.  Cheers!

The Hamptons Players Club is riding in style into East Hampton to no doubt be one of the Hamptons hottest new restaurants. The polo/equestrian themed restaurant and lounge takes over at 103 Montauk Highway where Beachhouse used to reside. Think bareback beauties meet polo empresarios with the Hamptons unique mix of locals and jetsetters.
Owner and Operator Frank Cilione gave us a personal tour to describe his vision for this three tiered dining experience. Cilione says of the allure, “The …

It’s back!  One of the top Hamptons Happy Hours is game on starting this Friday April 20th at 5pm, Wolffer Vineyard Wine Stand’s Sunset Fridays.  They kick off with a kick *** band – namely drummer Richie Siegler of Escola de Samba BOOM fame who brings his quartet Jazz Meets Samba to serenade the crowd.
Wolffer Sunset Fridays are held out on the lawn with a view of the vines – what could be better than hot jazz, cold wine, and old and …

So what is the perfect gift for the the guy or gal who seems to have it all?  An experience they won’t forget.  The Let’s Go Flying Program, www.letsgoflying.com, has set up nationwide opportunities for introductory flight lessons to get the experience of being your own pilot (with of course a seasoned instructor by your side.)  This gives whole new meaning to wingman. 
Here at the East Hampton Airport Sound Aircraft Services offers the opportunity for $185 and gives you an hour of personal air time.
Our reporter Jennifer Seidun …

When the tryptophan haze wears off, you’ve successfully buried Aunt Rosemary’s fruit cake in the back yard, and you’re ready to put on your expandable waist pants and venture out into the world, the Hamptons have plenty to offer this weekend.  Get in the holiday spirit, shop for charitable causes, and get ready to dance off the pumpkin pie.

HipHampton-istas know that our favorite four letter word is SALE.  Only more enticing when preceded by SPA.  There are a few specials this week at Top Hamptons Spas.

As the weather begins to turn, jet setters start fueling up for their next destination.  We’ll be letting you in on some of our favorite travel spots and great deals here at HipHamptons.  Our pick for fall is the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach which is only two blocks from the ocean and a walk to Worth Avenue’s famous five star shopping.  Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels 2010 ranked them #1 in South Florida and #3 in …

photo credit Jerritt Clark
Stilettos can be an effective weapon, either the small thin knife to slay an attacker, or the super sexy high heels which can slay Prince Charming.  The love/hate relationship women have with their high heels is the subject of Dr. Emily Splichal’s business.  “Dr. Legs” as she is known kicked up her heels in the Hamptons with her successful #1 fitness dvd’s Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery.  Dr. Splichal hosted the very first Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Hamptons Fitness & …

Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Introduce Hamptons Fitness/Wellness Fundraiser
 

East Hamptons fitness & wellness soiree to benefit Soles4Souls, hosted by PIX 11 Dr. Steve Salvatore
Saturday August 13 2p- 6p

Dr. Emily Splichal creator of the #1 posture and balance workouts “Catwalk Confidence” and “Stiletto Recovery” has partnered with Dasha Wellness to launch a luxury East Hamptons fitness & wellness soiree to benefit Soles4Souls on August 13, 2011.   The event will be hosted by PIX 11 Dr. Salvatore.

By Heather Buchanan
While some elements of Bridgehampton Polo were familiar such as the lightning fast polo ponies which can turn on a dime, fearless players, and the beautiful Two Trees farm setting, others were new.  For the sophisticated spectator the Blue Star Jets VIP Tent and newly christened Circa Championship Field feltmore civilized with  a breath of fresh air (despite the sweltering heat.)
 
 

Peter Brant has taken the reins this year for the 15th anniversary season of Bridgehampton Polo and a new team, …

Bastille Day arrived early on Shelter Island at La Maison Blanche with great panache: cold Gosset Champagne, hot Petanque players, a dash of French bistro fare and a pinch of ooh la la.
Raising money for the Shelter Island Lions Club, the Petanque Tournament was hosted by partners Alistair MacLean and John Sieni of La Maison Blanche, the new chic boutique hotel and restaurant (see our article).  Sponsored by Lillet, Gosset Champagne, and Ricard, the celebratory afternoon may have looked all fun and …

By Heather Buchanan
If anyone has information leading to the retrieval of the missing lobster mascot for Banzai Burger “Kobe the Lobster” it might be worth a $1000 Banzai Burger tab.  It’s one thing to steal home base or even your buddy’s girlfriend but dude, don’t steal the lobster! 
Banzai Burger on the Nappeague stretch in Amagansett has been winning raves for its food which range from fine fare and yes the ultimate burger from Argentinian Chef Alan Hughes and Sushi Chef Isao Yoshimura.  And …

In its fourth year ArtHamptons has become a major fixture of the international fine arts scene.  With 60 galleries from 10 countries exhibiting post war and contemporary art, ArtHamptons offers the connaisseur and novice alike a vast array of interesting works to view and purchase.
Gallery owners and artists are on hand to discuss the works so seek them out.  Also check out the special events such as film screenings, book signings, and special receptions. 

Saturday July 2  9:30p
Sag Harbor Yacht Club Fireworks
Havens Beach, Marine Park, Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
www.sagharboryc.com
Saturday July 2nd 9:30p
Devon Yacht Club Fireworks
Fresh Pond Beach, Amagansett
Monday July 4th – 9p
Stars Over Montauk  Fireworks
Umbrella Beach, Montauk
www.montaukchamber.com

WellNEST welcomes Floracopia Founder, David Crow, master herbalist and one of the world’s foremost experts and leading speakers in the field of botanical medicine and grassroots healthcare, as he joins Richard Ash, MD and Maureen Dodd, for a day of events at WellNEST Studio.

 
Photos courtesy of wellNEST Studio
A new healing center, the wellNEST Studio arrives in Sag Harbor, opening new paths for those looking for inner peace, physical balance and optimal health on a soul-ullar level.  Offering everything from yoga to meditation to alchemical arts and medicinal oil and healing, the new bright white studio at 51 Division Street complements the 125 Main Street boutique.

High-end Hamptonites do pampering like nobody’s business so here is the chance to bring the entire spa to you, either to your home or yacht.  Reach out to grab your Sugar Daddy’s black AmEx because you have serious work to do.  Manhattan salon & spa guru Paul Labrecque (recognized by Vanity Fair as one of country’s top 3 stylists) is going mobile – bringing his beauty VIP team to the Hamptons directly to you. 

The Hamptons International Film Festival gets into the summer share action – sharing free classic films at the Sole East Resort in Montauk.  On Sundays cinephiles can gather under the stars to watch the films starting at 7pm with BBQ and cocktails for purchase.  These special Hamptons outdoor film screenings start at sunset.  The series kicks off this Sunday June 5 with To Catch A Thief starring Grace Kelly and Carey Grant.  Keep the family jewels close.

 
By Heather Buchanan
photo credit hotel images Rick Lew
As a fellow Scott, Hotelier Alistair MacLean could have had me at Cheers, especially with the astoundingly good Bloody Mary that even Eric Ripert said was the best he ever had.  But truly, the new Shelter Island boutique hotel and restaurant La Maison Blanche adds a fresh flare to the Hamptons social scene without the velvet rope mentality. 

When you see the sixteen packets of sugar that represent how many grams of sugar are in your favorite bottled drink it’s easy to freak out.  I mean it’s not a milkshake for goodness sake —  it’s a bottled iced tea.  Renata Petecka is here at a seminar to explain to us just how important it is to read labels.  Renata takes a holistic approach to her health coaching business.  While weight loss (hello bikini season) is a major goal, she incorporates …

By Heather Buchanan
There’s a saying in the Hamptons that you don’t lose your girlfriend, you just lose your turn.  What is true socially is also true on the Hamptons culinary scene.  With a limited number of Hamptons restaurant spaces there’s the inevitable swap and shop. Famed suburban seventies key parties are replaced by key money parties where leases can run as much as a half million for rights to the space.

The Hamptons have a long tradition of being a gathering place for artists and writers.  Other than the eponymous softball game each summer, bringing together these talents, especially in public for an in depth discussion has become rare.  Thanks to c/o The Maidstone Hotel for producing the Art & Dine series where every other Tuesday night the public gathers in a salon setting to share food, wine, and the discussion of the arts with a live in-depth interview of an artist or …

Healing is the operative word these days.  Hateful rhetoric is out and positive thoughts are in.  Tune in to the Hamptons Healing Chanel (Good idea right?  We’re going to start it.)  Here are a few places to get your healthy HipHamptons groove on this month, and with some insider discounts.

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)

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.” 

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 …

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 …

 
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 …

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?
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 …

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, …

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.

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 …

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 …

For Hamptons farmstands, the season’s bounty is in peak season and the local produce is not only picture perfect, it’s delicious.  Enjoying a local farm stand August tomato is better than sex.  Seriously – just add salt.  And using them for the famous Ladies Village Improvement Society East End Tomato Tart is simply one of life’s tastiest pleasure (go by the LVIS thrift store in East Hampton to get their cook book.)  But gourmands or those with vastly underused Viking Stoves alike …

With two of the most famous yoga poses named after our canine companions, Downward Dog and the lesser known one I practice often, Passed Out Puppy, it is no wonder that we’d like to include our pets in our yoga practice.  Kari Hardendorf will be offering Hamptons Dog Yoga or Doga at Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor on Sunday July12 and Sunday August 9 from 4 – 5pm.