Unlike Easter, or Halloween, Independence Day is a holiday whose appeal has yet to lose its luster. Part of this is doubtless due to the holiday’s perennial summer date, part to the history behind it, and the rest lies with the ageless appeal of the day’s activities. Parades, BBQ’s, and greased-watermelon contests will never go out of style, but my (and most people’s) favorite tradition has a little more sizzle.
I think if you detach the suspenders, this wouldn’t be so bad, but the suspenders are the focal point of the suit. Judging from its color -”birkin green,” the designers are going for a classy equestrian undertone, but I think waves and whinnies are of the oil/water category, though the model is doing her damnedest to prove me wrong. Am I?
[Image via Shopbop]
Oh how those twenties roared. Don’t get me wrong, I love me my technology as much as the next girl, but seeing get-ups like this really makes me yearn for a time period I’ll never know. Feathered headresses, sequins, and seersucker make for a pretty heartening combination, and judging by their expressions, this couple agrees.
After last weekend’s benefit and nightclub-blitz, I was more than ready for something slightly different. I grabbed a friend who maintains her profile under the radar (ie: you can’t find her in a PMC search) and we rented a Ford Focus from Action Car Rental. If you want to remain anon in the Hamptons, grab a Focus.
Getting lost in Patchogue had its rewards when we stopped to ask directions at Carvel. My friend and I got “Carvelanches” which are the DQ equivalent of a Blizzard – we highly recommend. Creeping into Southampton around 9pm, we saw something that peaked our interest. A carnival with rides, games, cotton candy and locals. HIT the breaks!!!
More story and photos below: More »
This one comes from a tipster, and while it looks a bit heavy for a beach read, it does take place in Aruba. Thanks buddy.
In his debut novel, An Island Away, Daniel Putkowski takes us far from the sparkling beaches and glamorous hotels of his small caribbean isle, to a waning refinery boomtown of barroom brothels, flexible morality, and one tourist trap known as Charlie’s Bar.
Go HERE for more photos of this event by Zev Starr-Tambor.
When our Quogue connection Annunziata Sahid told us about a certain roaring twenties gala being one of the parties of the season, we were intrigued. Quogue is where the real preppies are, she told us, and real preppies know how to party like no one’s watching. Hmm…we thought; a pretension-free evening might be just what we needed, especially when it’d be benefiting such an incredible organization.
The East End Hospice provides need-blind care for the terminally ill and support for their families. Additionally, every summer the hospice hosts a week-long camp, Camp Good Grief, for children who’ve lost a loved one. So we left the Diamonds and Denim benefit and the Nature Conservatory’s Beaches and Bay’s Gala to everyone else to cover….we were headed west to Quogue.
More story and photos by Zev Starr-Tambor below: More »
Quogue’s reining renaissance man on liberal arts colleges, teaching writing vs. writing, and why he loves south shore winters.
Roger Rosenblatt has been the essayist for TIME and the New York Times, and a correspondent for PBS‘ NewsHour. He was the New Republic’s and US World Report and News‘ senior editor. He’s written 12 nationally acclaimed, often best-selling books. He’s amassed a Peabody, an Emmy, and two Polks. And he does not use email. I ask how such a feat is possible in our age of round-the-clock virtual connection. “A combination of inborn stupidity and laziness,” he tells me.
The people he cares about communicating with, and the people who care about communicating with him (me), have to pick up the phone. So Rosenblatt, then, is somewhat of an old-schooler. A hyperobservant, savagely witty old-schooler, as evidenced by his newest novel, the new-school satire Beet. More »
Song: Sly
Aussies making wild, sax-heavy, G.Love-esque music. “Nuff said.

[On the quest for the perfect lobster rolls with Luigi Tadini]
Go HERE for more photos from our adventure with Luigi.
When we tried Sam Talbot’s much-lauded lobster roll, we were mighty impressed. Still, we couldn’t help but wonder how it stacked up against the south shore’s many celebrated crustacean stations, so when we were offered the chance to tag along with Plum TV and Luigi Tadini on their joint search for the perfect LR, we happily complied.


[Grosman's Roll (left) vs. Surf Lodge's Roll (right)]
Our destination: Gosman’s, which is also in Montauk, but faces the ocean instead of Fort Pond. To get to Gosmans, you go through this quaint, albeit slightly touristy pier, filled with fish shops, boat docks, and trinket booths. The restaurant itself has nothing on Surf Lodge with regards to atmosphere, and while the wait staff is lovely, the owner doesn’t seem to have realized it. But what of the lobster?
First, I don’t cook. Second, no one in my immediate family really caught the cooking bug (until now, that I’ve moved far away, as both my sister and younger brother seem to have picked it up), Third, EVERYONE thinks I know how to cook and have been doing so for my whole existence when I make this recipe (which has been twice). It’s.that.good.
You can make it without the chicken and substitute organic peanut butter. etc. and the leftovers (shown in this photo) are almost better than the original batch.

[Zev fueling up his rover in East Hampton]
A car is only as cool as its owner behind the wheel. And, this combo of car/driver is hands down the “coolest” one I’ve seen so far this summer. I met Zev Starr-Tambor on the Jitney. He was impressed with my blackberry skills and pointed completely unnecessary ramblings of directions to interns regarding our gofg photographers for that evening’s events….Zev’s a photographer….yadda yadda yadda….3 weeks later, Claire and I are dancing to a rendition of the Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be” under a white party tent miles away from home with people in paisley print suits, pastels and bowties….
Don’t you just adore going barefoot and bra-less in the summertime? Well that’s why I love summer: it’s the freedom! In fact, just last night my girls and I felt free to turn a random night into a party night!
After going classy with wine at Wolffer, we headed straight for one of the rowdiest places in the area: La Superica in Sag Harbor, where the nachos are served grande and the margaritas grand. La Superica also does super-strong “Perfect” margaritas, which can really put you under, if you’re ever so inclined… More »

[Claire and I after paddle boarding with instructor Zack Bliss and Luigi Tadini at Surf Lodge]
Summer has always been my favorite season. Not even the yuletide blessings that surround me each holiday season can compare with weekends like this. After our taping with Plum TV and the after party soirée with the entire crew at Wolffer Estates, Claire and I got to hang with the men behind Surf Lodge on Friday, shop around for the best lobster roll in Montauk with Luigi Tadini all day, and then later burn it off Hawaiian-style via paddle boarding on Fort Pond behind Surf Lodge.
Later that night I tried my hand at cooking (an adventure that happens once in a blue moon), and relaxed the night away with tomato beers and fresh air.
More story and photos from our weekend adventure:
Here is our weekly installment on Plum TV with Nick Gregory.
Rachelle and I are off to Surf Lodge for a paddleboarding session. Wish us luck and happy friday!
[Image via Mark in Marketing]
We first heard about the Group for the East End’s Summer Solstice party from our dashing Plum TV host Nick Gregory, and his description -laid-back and liquor-loosened weekenders frolicking midst the vines until sunrise, made us wish we had an extra $900 jangling around to cover ticket costs. We didn’t, but, judging from Patrick McMullan’s pictures of this year’s event, it was a success.
Claire and I are sitting with Sam Talbot, Jamie Mulholland, and Steve Kasuba. Here’s a picture of me working in between talks about shark fillets, deep sea fishing in Montauk, and brownies. Did I mention how much I love this place….
[Interview With Sam Talbot]
[Where In The World Is Jamie Mulholland?]
[All Surf Lodge Posts]
Steve Forbert’s been around since the late 70’s, and with 12 studio releases and ten stellar live albums, I’m not sure why he isn’t better known. He’s got Dylan’s knack for poignant ramblings, coupled with a more pleasant, if less distinct voice. His guitar skills are far beyond solid, and he’s a master at the catchy, sweeping chorus. If you dig Mark Knophler’s solo stuff, or Steven Stills’, I guarantee you’ll like this guy. Prove me right tonight at the Talkhouse; he goes on at 8.
[Image via Steve Forbert]
Song: Midsummer Night’s Toast
[Image via Sag Harbor Express]
Take some cues from Russell Simmons and Porschla Coleman (at Love Heals Benefit) and let go! It’s FINALLY Friday!
Tipster/rove lensman Jeffery snapped this little Fiat outside the Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton. We hope its owner was fueling up on PB&Bacon sammies!
In the Spring of 2004, veteran restauranteurs David Loewenberg and Michael Nolan opened up what soon became one of my favorite restaurants in the Hamptons, and now my favorite summer prix-fixe!
On a quiet street behind the East Hampton train station - the street for which the restaurant is named, there humbly rests Fresno. Sister restaurants include The Beacon in Sag Harbor and Red Bar Brasserie in Southampton. My first meal here of New American cuisine left me grinning from ear to ear. More »
You many recognize these two fabulous eccentrics as Nick Leighton and Lauren Ezersky, the chatty, freewheeling Plum TV hosts. I love how Nick’s track jacket is emblazoned with “Sinner,” while Laura rocks the all black and tight leather look, plus her own line of chunky silver jewelry, and an awesome Native American leather side pouch. Taken yesterday afternoon after filming “The Juice” at The Wolffer Estates.
I’m a total and complete uncouth girl when it comes to wine: make it sweet and white or effervescent. The wines at the Wolffer Estate are markedly not sweet, so when Rachelle and I joined the Plum team for some post-wrap bonding on Wolffer’s lawn, I wasn’t sure what to order. As the other girls waxed rhapsodic over the rose, I scanned the menu. I’d had the rosé before, and while I can tell it’s a good wine (I think), it is, again, not sweet.
And then my eyes alit on the Cuvée brut. Dared I sparkle so early? I did, I decided, and it was delectable, kind of lemony and nutty tasting and very dry. I liked it because I like anything that fizzes, but I’m pretty sure it would please much more discerning palates than mine. Have you all tried it? What is your favorite Wolffer wine?
[Image via Wolffer Estate]
We told you all about the Coach Legacy store that recently opened in East Hampton, and now, we have some exclusive photos from the inside from Justin Blake Shaffer.
[Coach Legacy Store To Open Today In East Hampton]
To see more, click below:
There’s quite a lot going on this weekend, but we’ve culled the best so you don’t have to:
Friday:
Saturday:
The Artful Dodger is not Hamptonsy; in fact, it wouldn’t look out of place in Cleveland, or Boston, or Chicago or… It’s an everyman’s watering hole, without pretension or gimmicks. Plus it has Buck Hunter, which pretty much means it can’t do wrong.
Add live music into the mix, and you’re looking at a quality start to the evening. The punk-rock band Haunted Hacienda goes on at 10, and while there are certainly better acts playing tonight, they probably aren’t free, or as close by. If you haven’t yet checked this place out, do so tonight. Whoever can beat me at BH will earn themselves a pitcher.
[Image via Arcade Games]
Molly Sims and Paris Hilton have partied here, holding court from various Pottery Barn thrones, but The Estate is not a nightclub, not a restaurant, not a hotel. What it is, really, is a smart house, a house-cum-concierge, fully equipped to handle desires both physical (round-the-clock chefs, fully stocked bar, olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, a spa), and agenda-related.
Staying at The Estate is like living with a personal genie, or at least that’s the idea. Owners Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum often allocate it to high rollers for whom the nightclub scene has lost its luster, the kind of people “any club would like to have in but they’re not wearing a sign that says ‘Hey did you know I’m the richest person in the room?‘.” If you’re VIP, know it, but your face/body don’t show it, or if you’re a club-shirking celebrity, The Estate just might be your bag, baby.
Taxes you pay on that $19 mil estate starting to drag you down? Wifey’s newfound obsession with Yigal Azrouel not helping? Why don’t you sell last year’s Jag, buy this one, and save the change for a rainy Ireland golf excursion? I know it’s a ‘99, but will anyone be able to tell, and should you care if they do?
[Image via Craigslist]
Jill’s new column just came out, and it’s a good ‘un. Here are a few of my favorite snippets:
dd
I love the widow’s walk on this Sag Harbor antique. The design is too rectangular to really be pretty, but it’s certainly interesting, and something of an anomaly in SH’s sea of weathered and clapboarded capes.

[Kelly WIll on V1 Jet on way to see Sam Talbot]
Dreams do come true…this week I hopped a V1 Jet seaplane to Montauk…with Sam Talbot. (You know, the Surf Lodge chef - who just happens to be very handsome in addition to his talents in the kitchen.) It’s not everyday I get a morning phone call offering me a flight from NYC to Montauk, a trip that with zero traffic takes 3 hours! I am blessed with good friends and they always think of me, so off I went to 23rd street and the East River to meet my pilot and board my 40 minute flight to the Hamptons. I arrived to see a perfectly safe and moderately-sized seaplane drifting in the water. The president of the company, Andrew Zarrow, met us at the dock and convinced me that though I have never flown in such a small aircraft, his pilots were professionals.
More story and photos below:
Two of this weekend’s buzziest events are the American Cancer Society’s Denim and Diamonds Gala, and the East End Hospice’s The Golden Age of Hollywood: The Roaring Twenties. Which warrants your attendance? I’ll let you decide.

[Photo by Rob Rich]
Is it wrong that I actually am envious of these two? Seriously though, how many grandparents have you seen with this kind of style. I mean, I know I’m from the middle of nowhere, where, after 75 you are pretty likely to see pops in faded overalls and grandma in crocheted sweaters with keds, but even in like, real places, this kind of put togetherness doesn’t happen for a couple in their golden years.
On top of it all…they were at a WINE TASTING event. “Youth is wasted on the old?”
Well maybe I shouldn’t call it the “best,” as it’s the only Long Island pizza I’ve had, but Vincenzo’s Pizza in downtown Sag Harbor doles out quality slices by any standards (though be prepared to spend between $3-4 per). While not the “bang for your buck” a little pizza shop should be, Vincenzo’s does serve hefty portions and isn’t afraid to push the pizza-greased envelope. The tomato-onion-bacon slice I had was flavorful and light, and leaving off the tomato sauce allowed me to actually taste the toppings. The crust was a delightfully thin, crunchy surprise, topped with sesame seeds. More »

[Photo by Rob Rich]
Today’s “Best $2k I ever spent” comes from Pink Elephant at the Capri location in Southampton. Looks like it’s bright lights and big futures for these two. Across the way at Dune, we were with our favorite Beatrice-ite Paul Sevigny and bad boy Stavros. Guess there’s more than enough dance floor to go around. Have a look at what we missed out on at Pink:
More photos from Rob Rich below: