If you’ve driven through Bridgehampton anytime in say the past 5 months, you probably noticed an annoying question mark posted for all to see. While I like a good mystery as 
much as the next Scooby Doo or Shaggy, after months of watching the virtual gut renovation of the former Hudson Blue/Mercado/Agave restaurant I had enough. So I started sniffing around. So, after looking through windows (I saw some bistro chairs and a POS system) and a few phone calls to the right people I’ve discovered it’s apparently going to be ‘french bakery and cafe.” Ohhhh laa laaa. Yes, once again my hopes of having an Ihop in the Hamptons have been dashed. I don’t know much more than what I’ve told you but I’ll keep you informed as I hear anything new. I mean this is a blog, not the NY Times… I can only investigate so much.
Meanwhile, the summer may be over but there’s still plenty to do here on the east end. This Thursday the Hamptons International Film Festival kicks off their 27th year with a special screening of Mariah Carey’s directorial debut of her “Citizen Kane” remake. The film starring Steven Seagal already took the top prize at the Cannes … Ok, I can’t even joke about this anymore it’s too sick. But could you imagine? It would make Madonna’s Swept Away look like… well Citizen Kane! Actually I don’t know what the kick off film is but you can CLICK HERE and get all the details that you need for buying tickets and what’s playing. I will tell you the BIG ticket this year is Martin Scorsese’s THE IRISHMAN, starring Robert DeNiro. The festival starts Thursday and ends Monday the 14th.
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!
So the Hamptons are more crowded this year than last. But yet, everyone from shop keepers and especially real estate agents (talking rentals) are saying that business is off. One thing I always do when I take my stroll around town trying to look better dressed than the next guy, I always ask shop owners “how was your season?” The response I keep hearing “not great.” But it’s so crowded, which leaves me wondering what gives!? Well some folks are blaming the increasing popularity of those short term rental websites for the problem. For example, you can
Finally, I got the chance to visit the new Topping Rose by Jean Georges last night and I can say is it was worth the wait. Although the reservation lines need some fixing… about 45 minutes of holds, hang ups and transfers… the total experience was great. The menu is unpretentious with everything from an amazing mini pizza to a terrific kale salad and a really solid cheese burger. Service was solid and entrees arrived within a half hour of ordering. I had the penne with meatballs and thought they were over the top awesome. My dinner guests ordered the burger and the salmon, each earning a thumbs up from each. I also recommend the heirloom tomato salad which right now is on the tail of being in season so go try it now. This is a huge step up from last year’s outing by Tom Colicchio.
