Well first on my list today is that RUGOSA is now open!! Located at the site of the old ALMONDCELLO an ALMONDITTO. Chef Bill Mammes has created a truly inspired menu. All of your favorite dishes with a destinctive East End flair. While I only got to try a few of the dishes, I arrived for the opening night party a little late.. although I did show up early on Sunday… the party was on Tuesday. Anyway what I did have was really impressive. If memory serves me right an awesome “carrot with ginger soup and mussles.” Also, a salt cod, I hate cod but it was was pretty terrific. Served 
with potato and grilled asparagus. Finally the ceviche, I didn’t get a chance to try it but Ben from the East Hampton Independent said a big thumbs up. Congrats to chef Bill Mammes formerly of The Maidstone Club and general manager and my budette Chimene Visser. The interior by the way has been totally redone since Almoncello and it’s stunning (see above).
So I discovered that high end real estate is really a lot like high end retail. Some brokers are forcing themselves to be a lot nicer to both customers and other agents but the prices ain’t coming down!!! The following is a real conversation with “L” from HERMES in East Hampton. She was absolutly lovely and nice… I’m sure she’s now laughing with all of her co-workers at me.
Me: Hi, L. .. a friend of mine said you’re having a huge like 40% off sale. Is that true?
L: You’re welcome.. thanks for calling HERMES!
TORY BURCH: After going through a myriad of voice mail options, no human beings were answering the phone. IRONY!?