The Insider's Guide: What's Hot for the Hamptons in 2010
June 1, 2010
The summer season has arrived which means New Yorkers are switching gears and slowing their pace in anticipation of enjoying sunny days by the beach. Not sure where to stay, where to eat or what events to attend? Not to worry—here is your insider’s guide to everything you need to know about the Hamptons and more. From the best restaurant to grab a bite en route to the East End (or on your way home!) and the hottest hotel for your weekend jaunt, to the best of the exclusive fashion scene and the premier Hamptons social event—start planning for a summer to remember.
On Your Way to the Hamptons... Or on Your Way Back
CHEF GREGORY BAUMEL’S THE STONE TURTLE RESTAURANT
o Offering guests an unparalleled culinary experience, Executive Chef Gregory Baumel shares his imaginative take on Eclectic cuisine – everyday food with a twist – crafted with the season’s freshest ingredients, many of which are organic and locally sourced.
o A playful sense of whimsy and fun has returned to fine dining, as guests step inside The Stone Turtle Restaurant, they are greeted by a brightly colored décor, met with exposed brick and wood embodies the eatery’s casual elegance and charm.
o Stone Turtle’s Small Plates are ideal for those seeking a quick bite on the road and include Screaming Oysters (Freshly Shucked East Coast Oysters lightly poached in a sauce of Sake, Oyster Sauce, Chilis and Cilantro served with Crostini). Thirsty? Try the Hare of the Turtle (Bacardi® Superior Rum, club soda, mint leaves, jalapeno, lime, sugar, topped with Cotton Candy garnish), or the Stone Turtle Beer Sampler, which includes four 5oz. draft beers from the eatery’s twelve-beer selection. For those with a sweet tooth be sure to indulge with a selection or two from the Chocolate and Nothing But Chocolate Dessert Menu— the decadent, all-chocolate menu offers playful signature sweet treats such as The Dirty Ashtray and Chocolate Jalapeno “Chipwich Sandwich.”
o If you can’t make the stop, Executive Chef Gregory Baumel also makes “House Calls” upon request, personally crafting and creating a special menu based upon his client’s tastes and wishes.
4160 Austin Blvd.
Island Park, NY 11558
T: 516-431-6570
www.thestoneturtlerestaurant.comWHERE TO STAY:
MONTAUK: PANORAMIC VIEW RESORT; RESIDENCES
o RESORT:
• A renowned Hamptons destination for over fifty years, this magnificent property encompasses 10+ oceanfront acres on 1,000-feet of sandy white beach. Every guestroom, suite and beach cottage overlooks a spectacular seascape. Resort amenities include: a pool complete with private lounges and cabanas affording spectacular ocean views, exclusive, quiet beach with personal attendants, fitness center, business center, concierge, porter and daily maid services, plush king-sized beds, fully-equipped kitchenette, television, phone, heat and air conditioning. All rental units – efficiency studios as well as one-and-two-bedroom units – feature picturesque windows that highlight the stunning view, as well as a private terrace or balcony.
o RESIDENCES:
• A true East End getaway for bustling New Yorkers, the Panoramic View Residences offer luxury living at its best— your full-service doorman building on the ocean. The perfect second home and seaside escape, the property’s year-round staff ensures that every need is met, from a fully-stocked refrigerator to the delivery of mail or dry cleaning. The Panoramic View promises residents the ultimate rest and relaxation experience. Amenities include poolside cabanas, fitness center, concierge service, porters, beach and pool attendants, on-site housekeeping, on-call massage therapists and fitness trainers. The Panoramic View Residences offer heavenly oceanfront living with none of the hassles associated with oceanfront home ownership. Boasting breathtaking ocean views, the Panoramic Residences range in size and price to suit your specific needs; featured are one-to-five bedroom units, from 1,200-square-feet to 4,500-square-feet, available from under $2 million to $6 million.
272 Old Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
T: 631-668-3000
www.panoramicview.comAMAGANSETT: SEA CREST ON THE OCEAN RESORT; RESIDENCES
o RESORT:
• Sea Crest on the Ocean offers exclusive seaside units, spanning 8.3 acres, nestled between Montauk and Amagansett. With 74 units – comprised of studios, one, two and three-bedroom fully equipped units – Sea Crest on the Ocean is the perfect site for a luxurious resort escape. Having recently completed an extensive renovation, guests are invited to indulge in the many luxurious Sea Crest Amenities—an outdoor heated swimming pool, private tennis courts, children’s play area, daily housekeeping service, picnic and barbecue areas. Enjoy the private beach with chairs, umbrella and towel services.
o RESIDENCES:
• For those who want to call Sea Crest home, units are also available for ownership—ideal for all ages, from young families who are looking to spend affordable yet memorable summers with their kids to retired couples looking to enjoy quiet time on the ocean. Distinctive Management eliminates the worries and stress of owning a second home. As a complete property management company, all home maintenance is taken care of. Monthly billing and expenses are a snap with the One Bill System. A residence at Sea Crest can even be acquired fully decorated and furnished—perfect for those busy buyers who aren’t looking commit to a big home decorating project.
2166 Montauk Highway
Amagansett, NY 11930
T: 631-267-3159
www.seacrestontheocean.comSOUTHAMPTON: SOUTHAMPTON INN A local landmark and idyllic East End escape for bustling city-dwellers, the casual-chic, Tudor-style Southampton Inn is home to ninety recently-renovated guestrooms, each individually decorated to reflect the effortlessly stylish allure of the Hamptons.
o The perfect Hamptons home-away-from-home for any traveler, Southampton Inn is steps away from designer boutiques, quaint and fine dining, art galleries, parks and museums, and just over a mile from renowned Coopers Beach. In addition to its ninety guestrooms, the Southampton Inn’s 5.5-acre campus includes a conference center, OSO Restaurant and 71 Hill Street— the premier office complex in Southampton Village.
o Amenities include: outdoor heated fifty-foot pool and adjacent al fresco dining; all-weather tennis court; Gilchrist & Soames toiletries; complimentary shuttle service to Coopers Beach throughout the season; and library with fireplace, just to name a few. In addition, for a true getaway, a collection of exciting excursions can be arranged through the Southampton Inn Concierge Service.
91 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T: 631-283-6500
www.southamptoninn.comWHERE TO DINE…
OSO AT SOUTHAMPTON INN
o Classic Hamptons hospitality meets the modern palate at OSO At Southampton Inn— throughout the Hamptons summer season, OSO delights foodies with a creative take on Modern American fare served poolside, al fresco in the courtyard or inside in the intimately decorated dining room.
o In addition, Southampton Inn guests are awoken by a refreshing breakfast, featuring local farm fresh ingredients, freshly squeezed juices, and baked goods, prepared on-premise in the Inn’s new state-of-the-art kitchen. During summer afternoons, iced tea or lemonade are complimentary in the library; throughout the fall, winter and spring month, guests are treated to coffee, tea, juice and pastries in the library.
91 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T: 631-283-1166
www.southamptoninn.comT-BAR AT SAVANNA’S
o T-Bar at Savanna’s is well-known for its celeb scene, frequented by a long list of VIP patrons including Star Jones, Howard Stern, Beth Ostrosky Stern, FOX’s Rosanna Scotto, and Real Housewives of New York City’s Ramona and Mario Singer.
o The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list, wide selection of Cognac, Bourbon, and Single Malt Scotch. Signature dishes include the Yellowfin Tuna Tartar (Soy, Ginger and Sesame Seeds), Crispy Long Island Duck (with Sweet Potatoes and Apricot Glaze) and the Spaghetti “Chitarra” (Veal Meatballs, Marzano Sauce, and Basil).
o A favorite of the Hamptons’ society circuit, T-Bar at Savanna’s is led by famed restaurateur Tony Fortuna, of T-Bar NYC, and Arthur Backal. Offering guests innovative Contemporary American cuisine in a warm and inviting ambiance, the romantic outdoor terrace and rose garden make it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings.
268 Elm Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T: 631- 283-0202
www.savannassouthampton.comWHAT TO WEAR…
BIBA – Open now through Labor Day
o This sexy boutique has been a favorite of celebrity shoppers including Christie Brinkley, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Felicity Huffman, Kim Porter and Beth Ostrosky Stern.
o Owner Barbara Blatt handpicks all of Biba’s hot lines. Biba has returned to its chic Southampton location this summer, showcasing the best of her exclusively-selected designs.
o Attention East End fashionistas! Barbara has designed and launched her own collection of chic summer-ready dresses, tops and tunics, featuring stylish designer-inspired prints and silhouettes. The Biba Collection will be sure to make a splash this season amongst the Hamptons’ stylistas. In addition to the its namesake collection, Biba’s pick for this summer’s must-have item is the dress, featuring collections from Unaluna, Gypsy 05, Minnie Rose Cashmeres, as well as this season’s hottest shoes, sandals and designer denim.
o This summer Biba promises to provide a one-stop shopping experience, with clothing and accessories from fashion’s ‘best kept secrets’ that will keep you looking summertime chic, from head-to-toe. In addition, Biba has also opened a second location in Palm Beach, which is open year round.
40 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T:631-259-2762
AMRITA SINGH JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES Since its launch in January 2003, Amrita Singh Jewelry & Accessories have garnered the admiration and devotion of fashion industry-insiders, Hollywood starlets – such as Anne Hathaway, Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez – and the everyday woman.
o Amrita Singh’s Designer Jewelry fuses Old World aesthetics with New World fashion, resulting in exceptional and distinctive wearable works of art. The Contemporary Collection has recently added other accessories, such as Handbags, Sandals and Hair accessories, and is available online and at several top American retailers, such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Intermix, Holt Renfrew, as well as various other boutiques and stores throughout the country. The Fine Jewelry Collection is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.
o This summer, Amrita Singh Jewelry & Accessories is set to take part in the hotly-anticipated charity shopping event, Super Saturday 13, benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Nova’s Ark Project.
www.amritasingh.comWHO TO KNOW…
CELEBRITY EVENT PLANNER, RANEE BARTOLACCI-MEIR OF INSIGNIA PRODUCTIONS
o Spanning the Hamptons to New York City to Los Angeles, the go-to Celebrity Event Planner for the most exciting, exclusive fêtes is Owner of Insignia Productions, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir. From the theme, food, décor, music and venue, Ranee adds a personalized, distinctively stylish touch.
o With her Insignia Productions team, Ranee manages each event from beginning-to-end— attending each meeting, ensuring that the chosen theme is carried throughout all aspects of the event and each component is meticulously planned, absolute focus is placed on even the smallest of details. Ranee’s uniquely hands-on approach allows her insight into each client’s personality, resulting in events that are is carefully-crafted according to the client’s wishes, tastes and style.
o A luxury full-service event-planning firm, Insignia Productions specializes in intricate and inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of all event types and sizes. Recently, Insignia Productions organized and produced a pre-Oscar’s lunch with legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to celebrate his eight-time Academy Award-nominated film, Inglourious Basterds. Ranee’s past events have ranged from the traditional – a classic New York City wedding, held at the Plaza Hotel with entertainment by Kool & the Gang – to the trendsetting – including an Asian-fusion wedding at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (featured in Bridal Guide Magazine), a fragrance launch-themed thirteen-year-old birthday, and chilly ice-themed soirée, complete with ice bar and décor.
www.insigniaproductions.comT: 917-703-8829
2010 HAMPTONS EVENTS…
MERCEDES-BENZ POLO CHALLENGE 2010 AT BLUE STAR JETS FIELD – July 24, 2010 – August 28, 2010
o Once again, the Bridgehampton Polo Club (www.bhpolo.com) will host the coveted Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field. This summer’s matches promise to be some of the most exciting in the sport of polo. The sport’s greatest athletes will compete for one of polo’s most treasured prizes. Returning as well will be some of the East End’s most high-profile and influential audience of VIPs, celebrities and media. This year’s sponsors include Swagg (Qualcomm), Ralph Lauren, Vita Coco, Crumbs Cupcakes and Bakery, Financial Times, Susan Foster Jewelry, Borghese Cosmetics, Hamptons Magazine and Pop Chips.
o Headed by event organizers, Strategic Group, the season commenced Saturday, July 24th and will continue for six consecutive Saturdays, ending August 28th. Matches will take place from 4PM to 6PM.
o The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests each Saturday afternoon during the tournament.
849 Hayground Road
Bridgehampton, NY 11976
Oso Restaurant at Southampton Inn - The Hamptons hotspot serves up a fresh twist on local fare
The Stone Turtle Restaurant opened its doors with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, returning a playful sense of whimsy and fun to fine dining. The perfect halfway point from New York City to The Hamptons—The Stone Turtle is set to be the must-stop eatery for New Yorkers and Hamptonites during their weekend road trips.
Now with the recently-opened Bhojan Vegetarian Restaurant, restaurateur Shiva K. Natarajan has done it again. Having opened a number of the most innovative and highly-reviewed Indian restaurants along the East Coast—including Dhaba, Chola and Tadka in New York City—he is now offering diners a refreshing take on Indian dining with the new vegetarian eatery.
With a rich history spanning three decades, Water’s Edge Restaurant has held its own as a historic New York landmark since its establishment in 1981. Recently, the iconic eatery has been re-awakened, redesigned and re-conceptualized under the leadership and ownership of the Singh Hospitality Group, introducing a truly unique and transformed Delano Steakhouse at Water’s Edge dining experience.
In 1981 a disheveled crew of surfers, scoundrels and a lone cook turned a hidden corner of an East Hampton parking lot into a meeting place for artists, anglers, bonackers, bankers, weekenders and wayfarers that would one day become The Blue Parrot. The East Hampton eatery that was once described by Forbes Magazine as “the East End Elaine’s” makes a much-anticipated return this summer. Having closed shop in 2006, The Blue Parrot returns to a town eager for its go-to “quirky, laid-back Tex-Mex bar and restaurant.” As the town’s favorite dive bar, meeting place and local joint, The Blue Parrot brings together local residents and summertime visitors, offering a refreshing, casual and pretense-free alternative to New York and East End dining and nightlife. Seating for The Blue Parrot’s bar and restaurant offers guests a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where they have the choice to drink and dine alongside the bar, within the restaurant or atop the outdoor garden patio. Reservations are unnecessary at the Blue Parrot, as seating is based upon a strict first come, first served policy. In any attire, walk into this quirky hole-in-the-wall locale and you are sure to spot just about anyone, as everyone is welcome.