| (Ed. Note 8/11/08. We were way off on this one; he went to Hawaii.) He had to show up here sometime. Too much money not to ... |
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Everyone loves a picnic. We'll take any opportunity to enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars with food and friends. It's why we love July 4th fireworks. And why Monday Night Drumming at Sagg Main has exploded.
Picnic opportunities abound here. These weekly events all run through August:
Films on the Haywall
The Silas Marder Gallery at Marder's hosts a Friday night classic film series, projected onto a large wall of hay. Bring your beach blanket ... |
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Leaving Sagg Main at 6:30pm tonight, waves of crowds were rolling in for Monday night drumming. The lot was already full and cars were parked up the road. We watched a pickup crash a car's bumper and saw a type of road aggression associated with a seasonal species of large black SUV.
Last August... |
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| Several weeks ago, a mailbox, newly ordered from the crap-for-my-McMansion Frontgate catalog, appeared outside of a lovely home just down the street. We are puzzled. While a mailbox may not seem unusual, in Bridgehampton, it is. There is no U.S. Postal Service mail delivery in either Bridgehampton or Sagaponack. In order to receive mail, residents must make the daily voyage to the local Post Office to pick it up from a P.O. Box. Boxes for are free for those without delivery. ... |
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It's not even August, and already, planning for la rentrée has begun. We're not headed back for another month, yet fall plans are taking hold. Last winter was the quietest one here in recent history. Local shopkeepers were hurting. Everyone just packed up their Farrell 'turnkey' homes and went back to Manhattan. We are beginning to think that it might be another quiet winter.
Good timing for the owners of Almond and Almoncello to open a NYC outpost. Only a few Hamptons restaurants have dared to take the west-bound route to the city—Bobby Van's and Nick & Toni's come to mind. Along with new partner Jeffrey Chodorow, front-of-the-house master Eric Lemonides and chef Jason Wiener, plan an October opening for the yet-to-be-named Frenchish restaurant in the enormous Rocco's spot on East 22nd. Will it be Almond22, or another nut—maybe Chestnut or Walnut?  |
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| Last night we attended a fundraiser benefiting the pediatric blood and marrow transplantation research of Dr. Mitchell Cairo at Columbia University Medical Center. The event was held at the home of a friend of a friend on Mecox Road in Water Mill. Had we driven down the street to Halsey Lane, another cancer event was in progress, a benefit for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. And a mile up the street at an Ocean Road home, was the
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Monday morning the Peconic Land Trust and the Town of East Hampton finalized the lengthy purchase of the Amagansett Farmers Market. Everyone acknowledged the importance of saving this small but historic property. The Farmers Market was always an East End destination—the place to go for specialty ingredients and vegetables, before most of the local gourmet shops existed. A beloved morning hangout for families and share house singles alike, it was also a vital year-round food source for the neighborhood.
And just ... |
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| Driving by the Old Stove Pub last week, the front porch looked mysteriously spiffier, with a new coat of cream-colored paint. Although the large Sagaponack property has been vacant, and was on the market for years, as far as we know, there was never a sale. Well Old Stove is back. The fondly-remembered Greek steak house with the peculiar menu just reopened under local chef Colin Ambrose (Estia, Estia's Little Kitchen, The Lodge) with new management and backing. To preserve the charm, we're told that longtime ... |
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| Bienvenue à Bridgehampton. Bridgehampton village is transforming itself into a little corner of Provence. Just look for the cornflower blue Citroën. For several years, Pierre has held court outside his eponymous restaurant on Main Street, attracting a French-speaking staff and local Francophiles who relish saying 'bonjour' as they arrive for 8pm dinner. Last summer, specialty food and gift shop Blue Provence ... |
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Story hour this morning at the Hampton Library celebrated the birthday of prolific children's author Eric Carle. Carle has written and illustrated more than 70 books which have been translated into 45+ languages. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is his most famous title.
As we patiently waited for story hour to begin, a cheerful father arrived, two children in tow, and inquired with the librarian about Mr. Carle's whereabouts, just assuming that Carle would be reading at Saturday morning story hour in Bridgehampton.
Only in Bridgehampton do ... |
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A friend called today to report that he had been "hit." He arrived at his Bridgehampton home to find that the copper downspouts on his house were gone. He knew that our copper downspouts had been stolen this winter.
Back in late March, we had returned from a ski vacation, and pulling into the driveway during a rainstorm, noticed water cascading from the roof line. Assuming the downspout had blown off in high winds, we circled the house, looking in the bushes, for ... |
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Our friend Lynn called today, bewildered, because her Thanksgiving weekend house guests had heard there were local hiking trails. Yes there are. The 600-acre Long Pond Greenbelt is located right here in Bridgehampton. We have two terrific organizations, the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society (EHTPS) and the Southampton Trails Preservation Society (SHTPS), that lead free hikes, open-to-all, year round. What a wonderful opportunity for camaraderie, discovery and exercise on a random Wednesday in February. The larger group, EHTPS, leads hikes Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Sundays year round, often in ... |
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Here's one event that has not yet been yet overrun by the black Escalade and Bridgehampton Polo crowd. The Monday Night Drumming Circle at Sagg Main Beach. The crowd has rapidly expanded this summer via word-of-mouth. It's slated again for tonight at Sagg Main Beach, but we'll see if the weather cooperates.
Sagg Main has been the home base, but the loosely-planned event has rotated beaches a bit, in Montauk two weeks ago. Drumming gets under way at 6:00-6:30 pm and there are plenty of happy souls frolicking at the beach past 10:00 pm. Everyone brings lots of kids, blankets and food. It's a great mellow evening with friends. |
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| On Monday, June 25th we attended a moving away cocktail party on Central Park West for good friends moving from New York to Boston. The honorees arrived at the party directly from a meeting, reporting the sad news that a participant's lawyer had just suffered a terrible loss—her husband had been killed by a drunk driver in Southampton over the weekend. Avid cyclist and Strook & Strook managing attorney Tom Heftler had been struck on Montauk Highway while out for ... |
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| A friend called yesterday complaining that her allergies were just terrible. This 2-3 week period during which the privet blooms is the worst allergy time of the year in the Hamptons. We are literally encircled by fortresses of privet. Although not everyone suffers from the same allergens, those little white flowers on privet seem to torment even non-allergy sufferers. So we found it rather comical to see an ad in the Hamptons glossies this week for a new fragrance called Privet Bloom. Who thought it logical to create a perfume out of a terrible allergen? Although the company has Hamptons in its name, it is not based here. We look forward to the return of our lush, green, flowerless privet. |
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Everyone already has those cute plastic cups that say Pool. Be creative. To inspire our friends who never know what to bring to dinner, these are our summer gift picks:
- Anything in a Marder's Green Gift Bag
The Marder's green bag is the Hamptons answer to Tiffany's blue box. Lots of choices here. A big herb plant is nice for a kitchen garden. Garden gloves, wooden-handled spades, books and animal puppets for the kids are perfect. But our favorite item is the $15.95 pouch of live ladybugs for the garden.
- The Hamptons Dictionary by Miles Jaffe
Good pre-dinner fun from the creator of Nukethehamptons.com. Written by local gadfly, artist and son of architect Norman Jaffe. A slightly-angry look at the culture that has overtaken Hamptons life in the past two decades. Available at BookHampton.
- Philistines at the Hedgerow by Steven Gaines
Great stories about recent Hamptons history. Gaines is a wonderful storyteller. Downside: only for clueless newcomers, most have already read it.
- Imaging the Past: East Hampton Histories
Awakening the Past: The East Hampton 350th Anniversary Lecture Series
The early history of this community is fascinating. And if your friends can't be bothered to read it, a book can always sit on the coffee table.
- Wine
Too typical you say? Not if it's Bryant Family or Colgin Cabernet. But for something more accessible, we bring Champagne.
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Since there seems to be extensive Nobu chatter in today's press, we thought we'd chime in. (Page Six item) Nobu has been negotiating for several months to run a pop-up restaurant this summer at the Ross School in East Hampton. Word is that it will be open on four designated weekends.
For those who have never seen the Ross School campus, it is one of the more striking and beautiful places you could ever imagine going to school. Built with natural and sustainable materials, Asian and African influences dominate throughout. The gym and the cafeteria are both spectacular spaces. Following slow food principles, students are served healthy, local cuisine prepared by natural foods chefs. In Japanese style, students wear slippers, not shoes in the dining room.
Seems the perfect, albeit enormous space, to host Nobu. But the announcement has been so long in the works, that maybe this deal evaporated, leaving Nobu scrambling to find a new locale.
But some Page Six-style publicity would be good for the Ross School at this juncture. The school needs to attract both funds and students. Through well-advertised presentations at New York City private clubs, Ross is actively marketing itself to New Yorkers who are considering planting themselves full time in their sprawling potato field homes. For many years, because of significant support from it's founder, the school had no reason to bring parents into the fundraising fold. But now the Ross namesake has apparently reduced support and there has been some dicey publicity, including a recent New York Magazine piece. A few weeks ago, a disgruntled parent alerted the press of a plan to sell off a significant parcel of land at the Butter Lane campus (formerly Hampton Day School), prompting a sudden announcement explaining the school's need to boost the endowment.
We hope that Nobu pops up at Ross. Sounds like a fun alternative to the usual Hamptons restaurant scene. More like the private fundraisers that are hosted there. And it's a perfect opportunity for Ross to showcase their wonderful facilities and campus. |
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We've always been thankful that there is a hospital here. It's one of the things that makes the East End a viable and good community. You may argue that Southampton Hospital is not the best facility for heart bypass or bariatric surgery, but an emergency room sure makes us feel safe.
After spending six hours in the Southampton ER one Sunday this spring, we are woefully discouraged to report that this community really does not have a viable ER. It's a scary realization. Pregnant and dehydrated, ... |
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| Last summer, a friend appeared on our doorstep distraught over her cat Jean-Marie that had vanished from the home of the careless petsitter in Amagansett. Luckily, we were well prepared to take action. The previous fall we had found a lost dog without tags roaming Ocean Road. After hours of frantic calls, the nice golden retriever with a limp spent the night in our sun room. His owner claimed him the next morning, getting our number from Animal Control. Although we frequently see those 'lost pet' signs on neighborhood trees (that the posters generally do not have the courtesy to remove weeks later), your actions in the first few hours are the most important to recovering your pet.
Beyond the local search, this is our immediate game plan if you have either lost or found a pet. Be sure to leave your name/phone number wherever you call so you can be found.
1. Call Sag Harbor radio station WLNG 92.1 FM
They will swing into action with their "Pet Patrol" announcements and play them often. ... |
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It's official. Jennifer Schmidt has sold the Bridgehampton Country Market. The new owner is Bob Baugh, alumnus of the Sagg General Store. A third party still owns the real estate. Ever since the General Store lease expired last year, Bob has promised that he would open a new market in the immediate vicinity.
After courting everyone from baymen to billionaires, Bob put together a group of 8+ local investors including Dan Rattiner. We are eagerly awaiting the new store. To offer a bit of merchandising assistance we are preparing to send Bob our list of must-haves, just to make sure they will be stocked: Emmi Pink Grapefruit Yogurt, Lurpak Butter, Applegate Farms Organic Bacon, and Blue Duck Baguettes.
The store closes on Tuesday, October 17 and Bob & Company reopen it on Thursday, October 19. Be sure to stop by and say au revoir to Jennifer who is looking extremely relaxed and happy. |
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While the Hamptons are filled with all manner of artists and thespians, we now have a new puppeteer among us. No, it's not the talented Liz of Goat on a Boat in Sag Harbor. An unnamed local restauranteur, along with some friends, has created a 'puppet show' of the Congressman Foley IMs.
If you have been too sheepish to read the transcripts on the political blogs, this may be your opportunity to hear them without feeling quite so dirty. But promoting the local 'arts' isn't the only reason for this entry. It's a chance to enter the mainstream and say that you have checked out YouTube now that it's in the news this week.
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| After a lengthy series of state, county and town permit delays, the Sagg General Store is finally set to open this Wednesday, October 4. This weekend they are open just to sell coffee and the Times. Stop by to say hi to owner Karen Thayer. And yes, they have local favorites Bridgehampton Gorp and Mecox Bay Dairy artisanal cheeses. |
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There is a piece in the Southampton Press this week about the Southampton Town Code Enforcement crackdown on rental houses in Noyac. The owners were fined $20,000 which is being used to fund future enforcement. We are happy to see more emphasis on safety, as well as quality-of-life for taxpayers. When we think about problems with rental houses we generally think about noisy share houses with 20 cars on the lawn. From Southampton east, that problem has diminished considerably over the years, not because of stricter Code Enforcement efforts, but because real estate has gotten so damn expensive. Although there are fewer share houses to terrorize us, there are a wide range of truly crazy and illegal rental scenarios that pose significant disturbance to tax-paying neighbors. So many of these properties are advertised on line and through emails, it's hard to imagine why they would be hard to track down. But, look at the freely advertised 'Bridgehampton Barn' colony.
Here's the worst scenario we have seen all summer. Last weekend, friends with small children rented a house for the 4-day holiday weekend from Craig's List. Through photos, they rented a new on-the-market house in Sagaponack North from a builder. They arrived to find no railing on the tall entry steps, uncapped dangling wires in place of electrical fixtures and best of all, no pool fence or even fencing around the property. Clearly, the owner was renting the property without even having a Certificate of Occupancy. It amazes us that someone would take this risk.
Thankfully the summer rental season is wrapping up, but if you are having problems here's who to call:
Southampton Town Code Enforcement 728-1088 or on weekends they are reachable through the police, call the duty officer at 728-5000.
East Hampton Town Ordinance Enforcement 324-3858 |
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Just drove though Bridgehampton ten minutes ago, at 12:30pm from the Commons. Unfortunately, for the first time, we witnessed a Medevac approach above our heads and land on the Bridgehampton ball field. A pedestrian had been struck crossing Montauk Highway. Ambulances surrounded the site and the volunteer fire police had gathered to direct traffic. Have the residents here not screamed loudly enough? Our roads are unsafe and unpatrolled. Speed and traffic violations go unchecked. Not only is the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton this week, but it's the busiest week all summer. And the roads are filled with people who frankly don't drive on a regular basis.
It is our understanding that there are only one or two on-duty police officers that cover all of Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Sagaponack and unincorporated Sag Harbor. This is absurd. We need five police officers assigned to just Bridgehampton village in the summer. Even worse, we went to the Classic yesterday. There were no police directing traffic at either the entrance or the exit, despite the fact that the exit is at a tricky 3-way "V".
With the massive tax reassements to have hit Bridgehampton you would have thought that the Town could have boosted the minimal police coverage in the area. This is a disaster. Our roads are unsafe and we must demand that the Town provide adequate police coverage. |
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| There is finally a break in the rain, but not for long. Everyone should run to the Hampton Classic this afternoon or tomorrow. It's right in Bridgehampton, just turn at the gas station on Montauk Highway onto Snake Hollow Road. It's only $20 for a car load full of people. It's fun to just walk around the show—shopping, jumping competitions and an entire tent of farm animals for the kids. A great way to spend two or three hours after being trapped inside the house for a week. |
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There has been such a collective outcry from angry Massapequans regarding the Massapequa Bike Club's 'Tour of the Hamptons' that we feel compelled to defend the sound actions of the Southampton Town Board.
Several weeks ago the Town granted a special events permit to a bike club from Massapequa that holds a large-scale charity bike ride through the Hamptons in August. The Town granted the permit for this year but told the Club that in future years they would not be able to hold the event in ... |
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Why haven't Montauk hotels done a Miami Beach-like conversion yet? We've discussed this topic at cocktail parties for years. The decor is so dreadful at Gurney's that you can barely find interior shots of the hotel on their own Web site. It's been a long time since the first boutique hotels came to the Hamptons (Atlantic/Capri) and then to Shelter Island (Sunset Beach). Well the seismic shift to the boutique hotel is now underway in Montauk.
Earlier this summer, the Shepherd's Neck Inn was purchased by an investor group that owns hotels and residential properties including Sole on the Ocean in Miami Beach. They already have made modest upgrades to the restaurant and some of the rooms. This winter there will be a full-scale renovation; the property will debut next summer as Sole East, a condo hotel. We hear that Ralph Lauren visited the bar last weekend. Also this summer, the Panoramic View changed hands. It too, is slated for a big renovation and conversion to a boutique condo hotel. Pretty spiffy for Montauk.
Soon the pools and beaches of Montauk will be populated with 'outdoor salons' filled with oversized mattress-seats. Inevitably nostalgia will kick in and someone will proclaim that it's a shame to lose Montauk's true character - the lobster trap ceiling decor and dusty ships' wheels.
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While Bridgehampton isn't quite Bilbao, opening a museum has become the newest fad in town. More boards, more fundraising, more parties. Since long before this recent spate of philanthropic patronage, the Dan Flavin Art Institute has quietly occupied a little-known spot in Bridgehampton. It's a charming, barn-like structure that's actually an old firehouse, practically across the street from Candy Kitchen. Perfect for when you want to force some culture on the kids before they get their chocolate milkshakes.
Kids like colored light bulbs. Just walk in—the tiny museum is free and a visit is quick. You can leave your stroller downstairs. Upstairs is home to the Dan Flavin collection: nine installations, all fluorescent bulbs. Special exhibits are housed on the first floor—this summer, it's Fred Sandback prints. The museum is located on Corwith Avenue; it's only open Thursday-Sunday 'in season', meaning May 25-September 17—so you're on deadline.
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| We've heard word that the bowling alley in East Hampton is 'quietly' for sale. With real estate whispers it is hard to differentiate rumor from truth, but the term 'quietly' does seem to define a large spectrum of the on-the-market properties. If buyers are indeed looking at the location, it is probably one of the largest retail opportunities in the neighborhood. While some might mourn the loss of Cosmic Bowling, others might welcome a big new Pottery Barn. |
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Munchkin has suddenly reached the "transportation" stage. Story time now focuses on trains, trucks, cars and bulldozers. Every time an EH-bound plane flies overhead, he excitedly points toward the sky like the Fantasy Island sidekick. For those entertaining kids with similar interests, here are some fun things to do:
EH Airport: We had planned to drive over to Airport Road in Wainscott and park under the runway, but this weekend, Henrietta's father clued us in to a better idea. Go directly to the airport terminal. There are 30-minute parking spots right up front. Inside the terminal, the outdoor patio offers a terrific birds-eye view of the action. Or go to the covered walkway on left side of the building and you are standing on the tarmac. The airport is far busier than you might realize, so you don't have to go solely at peak travel times to see plenty of planes and helicopters. If you really want noise, Friday evenings are the perfect time to head over to the Southampton Village helipad at the end of Meadow Lane.
Train Station: Watching the train roar in on the platform is quite a thrill. You have your pick of stations: Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett or Montauk. Find the conductor. On our last visit the conductor came by with orange souvenir tickets and punched one for each of the kids on the platform. But check the schedule, the LIRR Hamptons service is severely limited, you wouldn't want to wait six hours for the next train. If you want to really nourish a train obsession, today our friend is taking her kids on a train ride from BH to EH. No word on whether she is taking the train back or having someone pick them up.
Sag Harbor Wharf: Take a stroll down the wharf. There are dozens of huge boats and lots of little dinghys zipping around in the harbor. We hold Munchkin because the path is narrow and he is far too excited.
Ride the South Ferry: This is fun for everyone. The South Ferry ride from North Haven to Shelter Island is beautiful. It's a quick 5-minute ride, so it's easy to leave your car at one of the free spaces at the dock and walk aboard. It's $2/person roundtrip on foot—kids under 8 are free, or take your car and everyone on it for $12 roundtrip. |
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The grandeur of Bridgehampton returns with the restoration of two prominent historic properties. It's a welcome change from recent history—we've watched new homebuyers quietly raze historic houses, without even a demolition permit, to make way for shiny, new 7,000 sq ft homes that eagerly encroach on neighbors' privacy.
Two years ago the Hopping House on the southeast corner of Ocean Road and Montauk Highway was purchased by the Town, spearheaded by former Councilman Dennis Suskind and the Bridgehampton Historical Society. The plan is to restore the house and gardens — just that small matter of fundraising. It will be called the Nathaniel Rogers House. Now a local resident has purchased the Bull's Head Inn on the northeast corner and plans a full-scale, well-intentioned and somewhat historically-accurate renovation to restore it to an inn with a pub, hotel rooms and meeting rooms in the barn.
The community welcomes these projects—two restored 1800s Greek Revival buildings are a wonderful marker at the eastern entrance to the hamlet. And a neighborhood pub will be another nice addition. Save us a barstool. |
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Despite a rumor circulating this afternoon at Gibson Beach, the Sagg General Store will not be opening this weekend. This rumor probably got started because the hard-to-read 'Coming Soon' sign on the door was replaced with a bolder 'Closed' sign. I guess the assumption was that they were now in business if they were closed.
Well the outlook for August 2006 is not good. The owners are embroiled in a complex maze of municipal red tape relating to the 1960s era survey on the property filed at Town Hall. That survey is prohibiting the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) from giving their sign off, which is needed for the State Health Department to give their final approval. Somehow the super duper new dishwasher that was installed during the kitchen renovation change their legal status from 'deli' to 'restaurant'. How that impacts the SCWA we don't understand. This unexpected setback was unearthed on Wednesday and the owners are now scrambling to have the property resurveyed. The delay could potentially take another few weeks.
The unfortunate result for both the owners and the meatloaf-eating public is that the beloved General Store will probably not be open for much of the summer. But we do hear, that upon opening, they will once again be serving those meatloaf sandwiches.
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So we somehow missed the best event of the summer: the Dan's Papers Kite Fly. It took place last Sunday at Sagg Main Beach. This is one of those wonderful, fun events that reminds you why you actually like spending time here. The Kite Fly is one of only a few (maybe with the exception of church services etc., which we don't attend) community gatherings where everyone just comes to have fun and be neighborly. It's a late afternoon on the beach...everyone brings blankets and watches the kites.
We took Munchkin last year and it was great fun. Knowing that the Kite Fly was coming up soon, I checked the Dan's Papers site a week ago and could not find the date. I meant to call the office but forgot. Sunday evening we were probably hanging out at home doing nothing. I guess I should have read Dan's Papers last week. Well I'm putting the date for 2007 in my book now—it's August 5, 2007. |
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Today we visited the Duck Pond in East Hampton. We had been forewarned that the ducks here are aloof and spoiled...and that they are picky about their bread. We considered a stop at Breadzilla, but opted for those Thomas' Whole Wheat English Muffins in our drawer, which no one here likes anyway.
I can definitively say that, short of the beach, the Duck Pond is the most fun a toddler can have on the East End. For those new to this parenting (or grandparenting) thing, the Duck Pond is actually the East Hampton Nature Trail on David's Lane in the village. Driving on Montauk Highway eastward, once you make the turn into EH, David's Lane is a right turn past Guild Hall and the Presbyterian Church. Head down David's Lane and you'll see a few parking spaces and the sign on your left before you hit Egypt.
It is absolutely charming. Today at 5:00 pm the place was packed with toddlers. What a great place to meet play dates. The Duck Pond is right on the road and there is a lovely series of wooden foot bridges and paths through a small nature preserve. Benches too.
Well the ducks didn't eat our English Muffins. Munchkin tossed them a few pieces, but the water was littered with floating bread, untouched by the ducks. Next time, it's Loaves & Fishes croissants. |
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Packed house in the Bridgehampton Country Market today. The nice checkout lady said that Thursdays are like Saturdays. It seems that every single house is occupied right now. And at every intersection there is a backup of at least six cars. Now we know what full build-out, of almost every single vacant lot and farm field feels like. This is suburbia without the infrastructure—lacking the police, transportation, schools and town services you would expect in Rye or New Canaan. Yes, there are a few token specks of farmland, but this is no longer "the country" and our public officials must reflect this shift in zoning and other laws. The surge in density continues. We must demand public policy that does not further escalate this growth.
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Last Thursday morning as I was leaving Candy Kitchen with a cup of coffee, I noticed an illustrious group conferring on the diagonal corner. Present were Town Highway Superintendent Bill Masterson (elected), Town Director of Transportation and Traffic Safety, Tom Neely (appointed), and Councilman Nancy Graboski (elected). Nancy is a resident of Bridgehampton and currently the only member of the 5-person Southampton Town Board to live on the eastern side of the canal. We have been lucky over the past several years to have both Nancy, and previously Dennis Suskind, to raise awareness of the interests of the eastern portions of the Town.
Well this cadre was probably visiting the Candy Kitchen corner because in May there was a serious pedestrian accident. It happened midday during the week, and from what we hear, the pedestrian was crossing in the crosswalk. The three Town reps were observing the intersection in preparation for a meeting with the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT). Since Montauk Highway is a state highway, only the state can change road markings, lights or signs. Last night, Nancy told the Bridgehampton Citizens' Advisory Committee (BHCAC) that the state engineers were looking at the corner and would return with recommendations. The BHCAC has been active in identifying danger spots and in urging the Town to change speed limits, add crosswalks and implement other traffic signage. In this spot, the BHCAC had relentlessly lobbied to get cones in the crosswalk to aid visibility and to move the bus stops so buses did not block the views of drivers turning from Corwith and School Street.
We may be headed for a 4-way traffic light. But there may be other solutions such as limiting turns. It's a complicated corner—the roads are off-center. The BHCAC asked for a plan that would maximize pedestrian safety at any cost, even if it were to back up traffic a bit more. While we yearn for unmarked country roads without traffic lights we are well beyond that now. |
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With the ubiquitousness of the iPod, music has become a much more personal experience. We thought that boom boxes had all but disappeared. Luckily, the beaches in the Bridgehampton-Sagaponack area have always been immune to loud radios. We go to the beach to enjoy the peaceful calm. It has been rare over the years to have a serene day ruined by a radio or boom box...that is the job of a ruckus child or that annoying Kadima game. Late Saturday afternoon on Sagg Main was different.
When did this become a place where people played loud music on the beach? Buy an iPod or go away. Leaving the beach we did see an town ordinance sign listing a variety of illegal activities. "Amplified Music" is among them. Unfortunately "Alcoholic Beverages" was also on the list, so our bottle of Prosecco made us offenders too. We never realized that radios on the beach were actually illegal at Southampton Town beaches. Luckily, we've never even had to think about it. |
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While Juniors events were traditionally for 'under 40s', if you are under 50 in the Hamptons you seem to qualify. We keep pushing it. So do most of our single male friends in their 40s. We still go to Junior Committee events because the standard Hamptons charity event attracts an AARP-qualified crowd.
If you have single houseguests and don't want to entertain this weekend, here are two good choices. Note the dueling after parties:
Southampton Hospital 'Club Cabana' 3rd Annual Associates Party
The younger set is invited to join the storied 'By the Sea' party at 9:30pm for dancing and cocktails. Skip all the boring donor stuff and dance until midnight. Tickets are $150 in advance, $175 at the door. Includes the after party at the Pink Elephant. Buy Tickets.
Teach for American 2nd Annual 'Clambake & Cocktails' Benefit
Beach party featuring calypso music and a 'Claws on Wheels' clambake on Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett. Starts at 6:00pm with an after party at Boutique. Sounds fun. Buy Tickets.
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Are you wondering what the next career move is after serving on the Southampton Town Board? Former Town Councilman Dennis Suskind is once again a local entrepreneur with his recent purchase of Water Mill Party Rentals.
As if he isn't busy enough serving as chairman of the Hampton Classic and as a board member of Bridgehampton National Bank, he is now available to help you plan your next party. Ask Dennis to help you select the perfect shade of orange tablecloths for your upcoming 'Arabian Nights' dinner party. And for that 'Brunello Pairing Dinner' he'll suggest you upgrade to the Tuscan tables from the run-of-the-mill plastic variety. Call Dennis today and tell him that you need 600 Riedel Burgundy Grand Cru stems for Saturday night.
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The Southampton Trustees and the Town Parks & Recreation Department have said that they will make major repairs to Peter's Pond Lane—as soon as possible. We spoke with Trustee Jon Semlear yesterday, who was apologetic about the state of the beach access. He said that he had just spoken with the Town Attorney's office and that there would be a resolution on next Tuesday's Town Board meeting requesting the funds to rebuild the road. He said that after the funding is approved, the work could start almost immediately. Great news.
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| We were excited to learn that the daily Breadzilla menu is now online. Now we order our TMP on Squishy over the phone before we go and it's ready when we arrive. |
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Today in the mail we received the "South Fork Nature Quiz" from the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO). It's another new museum right here in Bridgehampton.
While direct mail solicitations are generally tossed before exiting the Sagg Post Office, it sparked our attention because a friend had just mentioned that her 3-year-old son Alex loves the hands-on SOFO exhibits. The 10-question nature quiz asks "Why the sea is salty?" and "What is a spotted salamander?" Mr. Ash, the museum's director, knows that our education in ecology is lacking. His enclosed response form boldly states, "I failed my nature quiz and I'm very upset about it. Sign me up for membership."
SOFO seems like a nice alternative to our 4-times-a-week visits to CMEE across the street. A Family Membership at SOFO is just $35. There are nature walks including a 'Mushroom Foray' and 'Shorebirds for Beginners'. And for kids three and older, there are story times and workshops. Sign us up.
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Call the Town Trustees office and voice your concern about Peter's Pond Beach, 287-5717.
There generally is no use for a Hummer (or rhino guards) in the Hamptons, but now we have a reason: getting to Peter's Pond Beach. Sorry to harp on this topic, but the situation this weekend was a true disgrace. Beach goers ended up at Peter's Pond because, once again, there was no parking available at any other beach in the area. While it is our beach ... |
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| Peter's Pond Lane is virtually impassible. And residents are mad. It is the access road to Peter's Pond Beach, predominately a mellow, local beach. No share house crowds like Sagg Main; just people enjoying the beach. You currently need a 4-wheel drive to pass, and for most of the summer, there has been no access at all. This road is controlled by the Southampton Trustees—an elected board charged, under the Dongan Patent, with protecting our waters and maintaining access for all. It appears that the Trustees are ... |
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Several years ago the Southampton Press picked up on the angry mumblings of local residents after a particularly nasty summer season had come to an end. The Press claimed that residents were going to publish a handbook on 'manners in the Hamptons.' While no one actually wanted to publish anything, there was some discussion about ways to get summer visitors, as differentiated from summer homeowners (who actually do care about their community) to appreciate the historic value and natural beauty of our hamlets.
Without chastising anyone in particular, it does seem as though many could adopt a more Aspen-like laid back attitude. Some thoughts for those in overdrive...
1. Be nice.
2. Slow down on the roads. No need to drive 55mph on Ocean Road when the speed limit is 35mph.
3. Allow fellow drivers to make a left turn onto Montauk Highway. There's no reason to speed up to cut off a car turning from Mecox Road. Slow down and let them in.
4. Do not beep if the driver in front of you is crawling across the Sagg Pond bridge. It's a beautiful spot and they are enjoying the view.
5. Do not scream at the owner of McNamara's when your gold card is rejected. She can't help you... but she can direct you to the well-priced 2001 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. |
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Every summer brings complaints of speeding and hazardous intersections. As in Manhattan, the roads here were really not designed to hold this volume of traffic. These are three hot spots in Bridgehampton and recent efforts to remedy them.
1. Butter Lane Railroad Trestle - The danger trifecta: speed, blocked view and narrow lanes. The Town has ma | | | | |
