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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. 

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 …

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 …

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 …