Summer 2005 in the Hamptons. After the longest, coldest winter, this should be our summer to sizzle. The hottest events:
Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge at the Bridgehampton Polo Club, Six weeks beginning July 16th. Be there or catch it on WVVH-TV Hamptons Television, or worldwide on the web at wvvh.tv.
Hampton Classic Horse Show, Opening day: August 29th, Grand Prix: Sunday, September 5th. The ultimate equestrian and social event in the Hamptons. (631) 537-3177.
Planned Parenthood, May 28th, Hosted by Edwina von Gal and Isaac Mizrahi, at Edwina’s new home on Accabonac Harbor, auction of portraits to be painted by Eric Fischl, David Salle and other big art names. (631) 361-7526, ext 235.
American Heart Association, June 11th, Villa Maria in Water Mill, auction of wines with a knockout selection of celebrity autographed labels, (631) 734-2804.
Hampton Designer Showhouse, June 25th opening gala, show runs through August 15th, presented by House & Garden for the benefit of Southampton Hospital, featuring rooms by New York’s most celebrated designers, (631) 745-0004.
Parrish Art Museum, July 9th, Midsummer Gala with dinner, dancing and festivities in the historic arboretum at the museum, (631) 283-2118
East Hampton Historical Society, July 16th, Recreating a wedding feast that took place on the same date in 1714 on the grounds of the Mulford Farm, with an updated version of the historic menu and entertainment, (631) 324-6850.
Long House, July 23rd, Alluring, sensual, sybaritic experiences with exotic tribal themes and African music, set in their extraordinary sculpture gardens, (631) 329-3568
Robert Wilson Watermill Center, July 30th, Celebrity drenched, international media coverage, as glamorous as it gets, Brazilian theme this year, underwritten as usual by Louis Vuitton, (212) 253-7484.
Southampton Hospital Gala, August 6th, Safari Summer theme ought to inspire some creative outfits, Kelly Ripa is Mistress of Ceremonies, followed by a late night dance for the younger set, (516) 222-0550, ext 128.
Guild Hall, Summer Gala, August 12th, Celebrating their very hot Robert Rauchenberg, Cindy Sherman exhibitions, (631) 324-0806.
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Almond, the crowd-pleaser in Bridgehampton owned by Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner is expanding east and south with a new restaurant and lounge called Almondito. East, that is, to the former Capri space in Wainscott, and south to Mexico for a new menu spin. Design star Jaime Drake, who has done interiors for Madonna and Michael Bloomberg, created a young, vibrant palate for the interior.
Tropical seems to be topical. Estia, in Amagansett, renamed Estia Cantina under new ownership, now has Mexican food at night. No matter where you go in the Hamptons during summer 2005 you’ll never be far from a burrito.
The old standby 75 Main in Southampton has morphed into the very with-it James on Main. Proprietors James Mullane and Lori Excallier, and chef Brian Cheewing were all formerly at George Martin. Steak, seafood and American favorites are on the menu, dancing and late night fun in the lounge.
Even with all the chic menus no one we know is getting porky. It looks like a serious summer for staying fit, and the brand new Minardi Training facility on Route 114 is where the beautiful and slim young things are heading.
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Wine and Noses
Develop your nose and taste buds, become genuinely knowledgeable, and rev up your wine snob credentials as well. “Wine camp” is the new Summer 2005 activity on the North Fork. Spend a few days in the vineyard pruning vines, in the cellar blending batches of wine, in the testing room refining your palate, and stay in the one of the participating B&Bs. Summer camp was never this sophisticated. (631) 495-9744.
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You may be master of the universe Monday through Friday in New York, but you still need help arranging weekends in the Hamptons. And not just any help. These three rising stars will make Summer 2005 your season to shine.
Susie Lish, chef, house manager, and assistant to Donna Karen for sixteen years has left the nest and set up as an entrepreneur. Donna is still a client, but so are people like Dr. Patricia Wexler. Lish, who works both in the Hamptons and New York, is a one-woman talent pool, a deep one too. Besides catering, she creates the ambience and décor, functions as a personal concierge, and organizes family birthdays and baby showers so you get the credit.
She put together Barbra Streisand’s birthday party on a boat (with fireworks), and she recently did a Middle Eastern themed dinner for Faith Popcorn. She is used to working hard, having catered the haute couture design room for Donna and her team over endless Fashion Weeks. No high fat, low status fashionista pizza deliveries for Donna.
As a result of the Donna years, Lish leans toward luxe but healthy foods, the way we should all be eating this summer. And she understands the endless Hamptons quest to be original, colorful and a bit spiritual with entertainments like Brazilian music and drumming circles around your campfire on the beach. Susie@susielish.com, or (631) 329-2255.
Veronica Taylor, just like Lish, has her own high profile following but is available to take care of all of us. An aesthetician working under the guidance of VIP dermatologist, Dr. Kenneth Mark, she helps you shed a couple of years in a couple of hours. Specialties include collagen facials, custom blended chemical peels, skin rejuvenation using diamond, laser and LED technology. If you want less mega-tech care, she’ll shape your eyebrows and chat about the big Southampton parties. Offices in East Hampton and Southampton. (631) 324-4161.
Christopher Tracy brings a stunningly youthful spirit to the traditional art of making wine. Under his direction, Channing Daughters, in Bridgehampton, has become, arguably, the most astonishing and innovative winery in the state. A selection of white wines made from traditional Italian grapes grown in the Bridgehampton vineyards is unique to the area and probably the country. The tastes are spectacular, expressive of the grape and soil and winemaker’s skills. Quantities are very limited and demand keeps building, so when you are served one of these wines, be grateful. Tracy also conducts occasional wine classes where he shares his considerable knowledge. (631) 537-7224.
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Four Legged Love
Dropping serious money in the Hamptons has never been a problem. Sometimes buying happiness works; sometimes it doesn’t. But one surefire way to find love and happiness without depleting the resources is to adopt a dog or cat from ARF. The Animal Rescue Fund, under the watch of Executive Director Sara Davison and President Bill Rayner, has just expanded its facility in Wainscott, a welcoming way station with medical and recreational facilities for the strays on their way to becoming the most fashionable accessories in the Hamptons. Take home a pet, or send a contribution to help. arfhamptons.org, or (631) 537-0400.
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Summer 2005 Indulgences
A quick, nonscientific poll shows our friends getting back to the small (and not so small) pleasures. Most mentioned: an evening walk on the beach (at least where serious winter erosion has not taken the sand from under our feet). Most captivating: rediscovering love in the romantic green shade of your garden (and justifying those expensive landscaper bills at the same time). Most luxe: a new cashmere sweater to warm your shoulders and sooth your spirits on our chilly evenings. Most fun: get organized to throw one big party and attend a lot of others. Most logical: shop locally where you can buy anything from the best fresh corn to the biggest glittery diamond.
