Hamptons Chatter

MIDWINTER BLUES?!

February 22, 2019February 22, 2019

I know we’re all counting the days till spring. But if you can’t shake the cold in your bones you might as well celebrate it. That’s why Sag Harbor’s annual “Harbor Frost” is a welcome event during these cold weather doldrums. Some of the events include a culinary stroll, art exhibits, live music, fireworks and of course the annual “Frosty Plunge.” This is not to be confused with a “polar bear plunge” which happened earlier this year. One involves sun starved adults and teens jumping into frigid waters for two seconds so they can take selfies and tell their friends. The other involves sun starved adults and teens jumping into frigid waters for two seconds so they can take selfies and tell their friends. If you want more details on Harbor Frost click here. If your curious about how much Hampton folk love their cold water plunges, take a look at the video below from the East Hampton New Year’s Polar Plunge.

So, if you’re like me … winter is the perfect time for binge watching and seeing all the movies you never had a chance to catch at the theatre. But if you’ve been suckered like me into upgrading

to the new “Altice” cable system, you’ve been cursing and screaming more than binging and drooling. The new “higher tech” system that was formerly known as Optimum sounds great. Each box is a router which you can pause and rewind shows. There’s also more storage on the DVR that actually can be controlled with voice recognition. It all sounds great! If it works! It doesn’t. The boxes are constantly frozen, the DVR rarely works and the whole “router” thing is a complete joke! I’m not saying it’s a complete flop but I’m tempted to go to one cable box and do the rest via Amazon Firestick or Google Chrome. The ironic thing is I also had a chance to chat with a few of their own employees on the street and even they said the new system is filled with bugs.

So, the moral of today’s blog is go outside, get off your sofa and be social! Besides, yourTV doesn’t work anyway.

A HEALTHIER 2019!?

January 29, 2019

Here we are almost at the end of January and so far so good… I haven’t had a cold yet this season. KNOCK WOOD. But last year I wasn’t so lucky. I got hit by a truck or the flu at this time in 2018. But when it comes to dealing with getting sick on the East End, it’s not exactly easy to get a doctors appointment. You know the drill, the doctor can see you in two days but you want to start feeling better now! So, you channel your inner Veruka Salt and run to one of the walk in clinics only to be told it’s a 2 hour wait and you need to have a seat! ARRRRGH!

Well, don’t get stuck in the golden goose shoot, there is a better option. Check out the new Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care at the Bridgehampton Commons. First off, you don’t have to sit in the waiting room for hours on end. They have a website where you can go online and make an appointment time. Not only that they pretty much stick to it! I was there this past August for a sore throat last August in the height of the season and the wait time was about 5 minutes from when I walked in the door. The space is immaculate, well lit and the staff was super friendly. On top of that it’s located next to a Dunkin Donuts! What more endorsement do you need?! Anyway, I thought I’d share this discovery because lord knows, I am not a good patient and this place was a godsend. If you want details or need to make an appointment or even bookmark CLICK HERE!

So, how are you doing on your new year resolutions? Well, if you’re like me and your “Twist and Tone” is gathering dust and you’re fixated on donuts, there’s a great new

program starting this week in Sag Harbor that can help. The Wellness Foundation’s seven week “Wellness Challenge 360” begins this Tuesday night (1/29/19) at 6pm in their offices at 34 Bay Street suite 205. This particular session is being coached by my friend Peggy Kraus and I can tell you first hand that she is an amazing diet coach. The program is essentially a plant based program that gives you the tools to manage your health and deal with everything from stress to sleep deprivation. The cost is $250.00 and is non-refundable… but hey you’re worth it. If you want more information on where to register CLICK HERE. But don’t take my word, watch the video below and hear the testimonials of others who’ve already been through the program.

JANUARY IS THE CRUELEST MONTH!

January 22, 2019January 22, 2019

T.S. Eliot once said, “April is the cruelest month.” Well, let me just say anyone who was willing to write the lyrics for that awful Andrew Lloyd Webber musical gets no respect from me! The Hamptons in January is truly the cruelest month! Case I point, today I went to a home inspection and there was no heat. The homeowner had winterized the property and it was a 20 degrees INSIDE! Yeah, Hamptons real estate is so glamorous! My feet are still numb, but I guess it’s better than working in a coal mine or being a food critic in Des Moines.

Anyway, all things considered the Hamptons are not a bad place to be even when it’s 5 degrees outside. So, here they are in no particular order a few fun INDOOR things to do when the forecast has more negatives than a yelp review for a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

The Montauk Salt Cave – Imagine sitting comfortably in a nice heated room as you breath in Himalayan salt infused air. It’s like going to the beach but without a village parking sticker. According to the company website, the cave helps revitalizes ones respiratory tract with lungs and nasal passages cleared from pollens, inflammations and other pollutants. This is particularly handy if you’ve recently been spending anytime on Main St. Amagansett. The cave has various scheduled sessions that included everything from guided mediations to reiki healing. Locals secret: Take a look on Groupon where the session are often offered at a steep discount. For more information click HERE.

The Fieldhouse East Hampton – If you haven’t gone yet you should. Located on Daniels Hole Rd. in E. Hampton, this entertainment center has something for everyone. There’s an arcade for the kids, bowling for the families, bocci balland corn hole for the millennials and a bar/restaurant with full a menu for people like me. They also have a mini golf course but I don’t think that’s in the cards when it’s this cold. Long needed on the east end, the Fieldhouse is perfect for everyone. It’s especially great for parents who want to ignore their children with a cocktail as the little ones play games, win points and hopefully buy a prize. If you want more information check out the website HERE. Local secret: Check out their Facebook page for special events and discounts.

The Spa at Gurney’s – Book a massage or treatment at the Seawater Spa then for a small facilities fee of $30 take a dip in the salt water pool, sweat in the sauna or sweat it out in the Swedish steam room. The best part of the deal is actually swimming in the pool while overlooking the sand and surf through the expansive wall of glass doors. Follow it up with a glass of wine and lunch at Tillie’s café. Although last time I was there I got in trouble for trying to eat my tuna salad sandwich in the pool, so I don’t advise. For more information you can click HERE. Local secret: Memberships are available for access to the fitness club and spa areas.

The Parish Art Museum – It’s indoors. It has art. I never took an art history class so it’s pointless for me to elaborate. There are no dogs playing poker, toreadors on velvet or cats hanging onto bars so I’m lost. I will say people seem to enjoy it and find it EDUCATIONAL. For the latest exhibitions and hours click HERE.

So, there you go! I know! You’re welcome! You don’t have to sit on the sofa binge watching Netflix the entire month. There are actually things you can do INDOORS that are a little out of the normal routine. Now, excuse me while I book my flight on Southwest.

Happy Holidays! On Damark’s… get set… go!

December 19, 2018December 19, 2018

Woah! It’s been a few months since I sat down and pounded away the word salad known as Hamptons Chatter. Tons going on and I haven’t been there for you. Maybe, I’m just feeling vulnerable since the media has been under such scrutiny lately. I mean the last thing in the world I need is to come under attack via an early morning tweet! Yes, I’ve heard this blog is one of the favorites of you know who!

Anyway, in the time it took me to write a new piece, Damark’s Deli has been looking primed for business since mid-summer. But alas every morning after your coffee, reading the NY Times followed by Dan’s Behind The Hedges you came to Hamptons Chatter only to be disappointed that it’s still the same old post. I know! You paused, and said to your self, “self at least Damark’s deli is opening soon!” But you were disappointed in that too! Well you can finally call the doctor and reduce your meds, I’m back and Damark’s Deli is finally reopened!!! So how is it? Meh. It’s a supermarket. They sell food. They have coffee too. Oh, something that is new… they now have brick oven pizza. It’s no Citarealla but on the upside it’s no Stop and Shop! I will say it’s bright, spacious, clean and probably a big plus for anyone in Springs. (notice I didn’t call it “The Springs). Hours and information are available on their website and in case you were wondering they’ve been around since 1949. The same year that Hamptons Chatter started!

Speaking of food or actually not speaking of food… speaking of booze… the Golden Pear in Bridgehampton now has beer and wine! Prices are pretty much on par with every one else in the Hamptons and the selection is actually pretty good. Although I was a tad disappointed they didn’t offer any Domaine Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru by the glass it’s pretty awesome that you can now sit down with some beer or vino and eat the best mac and cheese on the east end (seriously).

Finally, I’m making a promise to not leave all of you sad and depressed. I’m promise I’ll be a better blogger from now on! By the way… I’m having trouble posting photos. WTF WordPress!?