Skip Spin Class and Instead Hit the Pavement for a Good Cause!!!!

It’s the worlds largest free fitness class.  Well sort of…  I’m just encouraging everyone to take part in a great event that’s a great work out,  raises money for a great cause and will make you feel great.   This is the alternative to running to an overcrowded fitness class or gym that’s all about YOU.  Now, don’t you feel guilty?  Good you should.   So, I’m going to tell you how to feel better about yourself again.  

Ellen’s run will be celebrating it’s 18th year of leading the fight against breast cancer on the East End with it’s annual race/walk on starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 18th.    So rather than just being all about YOU again…. help raise money for the Ellen Hermanson Breast Foundation.   Started by Julie Ratner in honor of her sister Ellen who lost her battle with the disease, the foundation has become one of the most prominent and pro-active organizations for women’s health in the Hamptons.   Recently I sat down with Julie to discuss the start of Ellen’s Run and the work of the Foundation.  

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The Rich are Fleeing and the Gays are Flocking… plus it’s DesignerShowcase Time!

No more rich people??!

Who cares if it took you 5 hours to get here this weekend and Nick and Toni’s had nothing available after 5 o’clock, The Hamptons are over!   Well, they’re over for rich people.  Well it’s over for rich people according to Richard Kirchenbaum, “noted rich person’ and New York Observer columnist.  But while I’m convinced it’s only over for people named Richard Kirshenbaum.   He believes he and his friends can’t deal with the “social pressures of summer on the East End.”   So, while they’re getting their Grey Poupon elsewhere , I’m pretty convinced we’ll be fine here on the East End, especially now since Fall is the new “Second Season!”

Love on the rocks!  The East End is booming !

One of the factors that I keep hearing over and over again contributing to the September-November boom is weddings.   But to be more specific, it’s gay weddings that are infusing some much needed bucks into the “Second Season” in the Hamptons.      One recently wedded couple of gentleman told
me it was a no brainer to tie the knot here rather than in NYC.   “We have more space to host family members and close friends for dinners or overnight as opposed a two bedroom apartment in the city.”   They also went on to say there’s ample hotel rooms and they’re available at off season prices.  Even I know it would be crazy to try it anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day.   The traffic alone would cause blood to spill and make for a tension filled event to say the least.

Two of most frequently mentioned locations among these newlyweds are East Hampton Point and Wolffer Vineyards.    In fact, Wolffer Executive Marketing and Communications Director Judy Malone expressed it’s been good to their bottom line, “we’ve had several over the last few years and all of the weddings here were quite elegant and Unique.”   It’s no doubt that the spectacular settings of a vineyard or sweeping sunset over the water are part of the draw but it’s the Hamptons welcoming attitude that is also attractive.

Bridgehampton Florist Michael Grim and his partner Jim Osburn tied the knot in a small ceremony here last year and they also did flowers for several gay nuptials. “Last year we did about 6 gay weddings, which is a lot, considering we don’t accept many wedding jobs.”   I guess there are only so many weddings you can do on a Saturday or Sunday.

One of the few standouts in the showcase!

So forget the Rich or Richard folks Hamptons people we’ll be fine and we know the boys like to spend their money on a good party!

Meanwhile, the new Hamptons Designer Showcase house is opening this weekend.   While I don’t want to say anything bad since it benefits a great cause with Southampton Hospital.     I will say, I’m not a fan of cramming as much furniture and art work in one room as possible but there are a few stand out rooms.    It’s worth the visit to see the house built by Frank and Dawn Bodenchak.  It’s well appointed and features a great lay out.    So, what are the standout rooms?  I liked the works of AnneMarie DiSalvo, Brian Del Toro, Hagins & Mortimer and especially Lynn Scalo’s amazing dining room.

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

First off, I admit sometimes this blog is written with type-o’s, spelling and grammatical errors.   WHY?   Because I’m not perfect and I don’t have a copy editor.  It’s just little old me.   I also have a full time job, in case you didn’t know.   So if you get offended by this sort of thing read something else or lighten up.  Besides, I took the money for spelling lessons my mother gave me and bought an Atari!

Now One of the questions I get asked most often from owners is, “would it be ok if I stayed during the showing?”     Well today, I’m addressing that very topic in a glorious color!

Meanwhile… did you know there is a Vilebrequin Shop in East Hampton?  Me either!   While I generally
don’t go meandering around East Hampton Village.  I did the other day and stumbled upon the place.    It’s located in that little ally to the right behind Citta Nuova.    I’m so relieved.   Now I don’t have to travel to St. Barth’s or Southampton to shop for overpriced swimwear!! Yeah!

 

Finally, a quick question.  Has anyone EVER read a negative restaurant review in that “local publication? ”  Seriously.  I’m asking.

Your Real Estate Agent Isn’t as Important as You Thought! Plus, a FRESH success in Bridgehampton.

 

My friend, agent and former co-manager Tom MacNiven likes to quote George McGovern who  proclaimed: “the longer the title the less important the job. ”   Somehow, I always knew they were both right.
Well, now  when it comes to the real estate sharks swimming the waters of the Hamptons, (and the entire state) the State of New York agrees! At the end of this month licensed New York State agents
will no longer be able to display those cheesy fabricated self-anointed monikers that do nothing but take up space on business cards and email signatures.   So, sadly I have now abdicated my crown and will no longer be known as Patrick Mclaughlin, Senior Czar of Hamptons House Hunting and Associate Broker.  Soon, there will be no more Semi-Senior Co-Directors of Whichamacallit or Executive Vice Presidents of the Supply Closets.    I’m happy with this, as long as nobody can one up me!!
Now, there are only two designations are acceptable:  LSA: Licensed Sales Associate and LBA: Licensed Broker Associate.   The latter requires a little more experience and sales transactions but it is NOT an MBA or even a certificate from University of Pheonix.   If you ain’t one, you gotta be the other.   I’ve also just been informed that at the end of this month I must “surrender” my old, titled business cards.    So, if I can’t have a title can I have a raise?

Well the big review is in and Fresh in Bridgehampton must be breathing a big sigh of relief or at least doing a small dance of celebration.  Scoring a “VERY GOOD” review, Fresh has managed what very

www.freshhamptons.com

few have managed to do;  create a restaurant with good food and good service that won’t break the bank.   I think it’s everything the former home of “Southfork Kitchen,” would have loved to accomplish.   It’s just a shame that the old owner was too busy blogging instead of watching the restaurant.  Blogging is such a waste!!

In fact, The New York Times said, “Fresh is an exciting restaurant with innovative portion options and creative, good-for-you food that is also delicious.”   So good for them and when they’re done if they could give some cooking lessons to the folks at a few restaurants out here, the world would be a better place!