SAG HARBOR IS IN DANGER… COOKIES AND BROWNIES WITH NO GUILT!!!

I’m starting to feel like the Terence Malick of bloggers right now.    In fact, I feel I’m in my “Tree of Life” phase, minus Brad Pitt and with even less enthusiasm from the audience.   But as my fortune cookie said the other day, “you must try or hate yourself for not trying.”  So here I am trying to bang out my ever so entertaining latest installment of “HAMPTONS CHATTER.”   – crickets –

Anyway, what everyone seems to be really discussing in my part of the world is about how Sag Harbor has turned a corner.   I’ve been nestled in Sag Harbor’s Main Street for the better part of 12 years (more on that later) and enjoyed it’s sophisticated small town feel.   From the “five and dime” to home design stores to the Golden Pear coffee shop, it was “hello”… “good morning”…. “have a good day.”    But as Whoopi said in the movie “Ghost,”   – –  “Sag Harbor, you’re in danger girl.”

The main culprit from what I hear is that “new restaurant” that shall remain unnamed.   According to reliable sources, just because the place is empty doesn’t mean they want your unpretentious butt sitting at one of their tables.   More than a few of my city and local friends have gone in only to be told, “we’re full!”    Wow!   I actually was curious and went to YELP to read some of the reviews.   I swear I remember reading them and they were pretty much the same thing, rude staff that had more attitude than Katherine Heigle at a “Grey’s Anatomy” reunion.   But guess what?! I went back to re-read these reviews (I wanted to post them here) and now I can’t find them!  Now I don’t want to start any sort of conspiracy here but …. seriously… unless I’m totally losing it they’ve gone MIA.   Anyway, I will ask is the food really that good?    I’m not a masochist anyway and I doubt a serving of moules et frites will change my life.  So, for now I’m happy going to the Sizzler Steakhouse.

My advice – – guys lighten up!  The great thing about Sag Harbor is it’s a friendly town with not a whole lotta attitude.     Yes, you’re the new kid in town and lots of overdressed and socially insecure people are posting  tons of photos on Instagram, blah blah blah.     “Look I got in and you didn’t!!!”   But this stuff wears thin when most of us are busy worrying about more mundane things like our families, health and paying bills.  Believe me the folks who are getting in WILL care when they’re the only people in the place.   Otherwise, they wouldn’t be posting their dinners on line!    “Look I got in… and I’m the only one here – because nobody really wants to be here” doesn’t have quite the same sexy allure.     I’ve seen it before over and over in the Hamptons and it will happen to you too… too much attitude can be the kiss of death.

Meanwhile, I was getting my morning coffee at Goldberg’s in Wainscott – a friendly place but I don’t eat carbs (lying).    When I came across the most interesting and delicious looking brownie.   Now remember, I don’t eat carbs or sweets (lying again) but when I read the story about this amazing bakery I felt the need to eat… I mean contribute.   It’s called South Fork Bakery.   According to their website:

South Fork Bakery’s purpose is to provide meaningful and
supportive employment to South Fork residents
with ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorders, Autism and
Developmental Disabilities. Employees are immersed
in all aspects of the business, including baking, packaging,
sales, marketing, and business management.

SOUTH FORK BAKER
SOUTH FORK BAKERY GOODIES

What a great idea and the brownies and cookies are great too (or so I heard – as I wipe brownie crumbs from my mouth)!    If you want more information click here!  You can also order products online.   So do something good for others and enjoy.    This stuff is better than moules et frites any day!

 

After more than 14 years in Sag Harbor I’ve decided to make a change.     I am now so very proud to be a member of Sotheby’s International Realty in East Hampton.    Located at 6 Main St.     Make sure to note it in your yellow pages book extra page, rolodex and filofax.   Now pick up that princess phone and give me a call.   You can google the number.

 

I love “30 Rock” and Alec Baldwin too…. 10 friendliest in the Hamptons!!! Plus Almond has new location!

I’ve been meaning to write this blog for about two weeks. I was reading the NY Post last week (no I don’t pay for it)!and once again harping on Alec Baldwin for claiming residency in the Hamptons. I don’t know why the press has this tendency to be so harsh on him but I can tell you for sure, Alec Baldwin lives in the Hamptons… and yes YEAR ROUND.

You always see him around and he’s very supportive of all things Hamptons. From Guild Hall to Bay Street Theatre to the Hamptons International Film Festival. He dines at the restaurants on Wednesday nights in February when it’s usually two other people in the place. He’s often quiet but never rude and always a gentleman.

I also have a soft spot for him, not just because I love “30 Rock” but also because he did something really kind for a friend of mine’s mother. My college roommate had the misfortune of being onboard the crash of Swiss Air 111. Shortly after the accident his mom was in NY organizing some things when she ran into Mr. Baldwin. He spent almost a half hour chatting her up, making her day and completely unaware of the circumstances. Cheers! You’re a cool guy Alec. There are other celebrities who deserve to be picked on… he’s not one of them.

So this had me thinking. I’ve met a lot of celebrities in my TV days and ton here out in the Hamptons. There were some I liked and some I thought were complete jerks (#1 Mira Sorvino). But the question we’re addressing.. who are the cool and nice celebs in the Hamptons?! Here’s my top 10!

#1 Alec Baldwin… See above!
#2 Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick… SJP because she thought she remembered me and Peter… we never met before. And Matthew Broderick because I saw him smiling to a group on the street one day who kept calling him “Ferris Bullauh!”
#3 Julie Andrews… never met her but she’s Mary Poppins! She has to be nice!
#4 Lorraine Bracco… cool lady, makes great wine and pitches in to help the domestic violence center THE RETREAT!
#5 Matt Lauer… see previous blog about him taking the Polar Plunge!
#6 Jon Bon Jovi…. he goes to spin class and doesn’t grunt and act pompous like a certain annoying, grunting, skinny academy award winner!
#7 Ina Garten…. the coconut cupcakes! Is she nice?! I have no clue.. but did I mention the coconut cupcakes?!
#8 Paul McCartney…. I never met him but always hear good stories about him from all the folks in town. He used to frequent Nichols in East Hampton, although I never saw him there. But I will tell you, I wouldn’t go to Nichols if I were Paul McCartney.
#9 Kelsey Grammer … nice to all at the various charity events. Was seen partying with my mother in law Mimi at the Bay Street Gala a few years ago!
#10 George Stephanopoulos…. why is he here?! Well I saw Good Morning America this morning and I feel bad for him. Add Robin Roberts to the list too. They’re both too talented for such Today show rehash. Also sympathy for having to look at Sam Champion’s International Male outfits at company functions!

Not so nice!? The domestic goddess, the writer of that book where Michael J. Fox starred in the movie… The guy from Watergate and the grammy winner.

FINALLY!!! I have information that Almond formerly of Bridgehampton has a new location! They’ll be going into the old OLD STOVE PUB in Wainscott. My source is highly reliable but it’s not Eric Lemonides the owner. But I trust this source enough to say, drinks are on me if that’s not where it’s going. Apparently after a bid for the very quiet Copa went south.. the new loacation has been found! See you there soon!!!

Tomorrow advice on Valentines Day!

Who said the crowds are mellow and fun loving during the summer???!

Yep this is a real video featuring my cousin in law Jordan Goldman. Who thought a silly little toy could provoke such hostility!? Hey, I guess everyone has their own issues!!!

Meanwhile, I was busy busy busy! But saw some great stuff at the East Hampton Fine Arts Festival. If you have some time, It’s at the American Legion of East Hampton on Montauk Highway in Amagansett from 10a to 6p. I know it’s not everyones cup of tea but if you can go with an open mind, it’s a nice hour of activity.

Finally, I’ve never seen Blondie live but I heard they’re awesome. Anyway, I just got front row seats for their performance at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. They still have more tickets available at http://whbpac.org , the performance is Sunday September 5Th. If you think that Blondie doesn’t have it anymore take a look at this video from their album about 3 years ago.

BLT comes to the Hamptons!

They’re building a better burger at the former home of Grappa and Mumbo Gumbo in Sag Harbor! Amen! Finally a FRIENDLY burger joint in town! BLT Prime and BLT Steak and BLT etc. Chef Laurent Tourondel and his new take on the “burger joint” will be a very welcome addition to Sag Harbor. Look for an opening sometime around the end of the month, according to staff working on the new restaurant!