gay

WHAT’S IN…. WHAT’S OUT… SUMMER ’16 IN THE HAMPTONS! PLUS MIXING,MINGLING AND MORE AT THE OLD STOVE PUB!

Trends may come and go but when it comes to the Hamptons, trends come and go like tissue paper.   So, while it wasn’t that long ago Rick Astley and torn sweatshirts were all the rage here on the east end… shut up, it really was hip not that long ago.   There are new trends that have invaded homes from Westhampton to Montauk this year and lucky for you, I’m here to tell you all about them.     Because as everyone knows… I define what’s cool!   Cool like listening to Barry Manilow at a TGI Friday’s.

In:  Buddhaberry, Sag Harbor – GENIUS!   Self serve frozen yogurt where children young and old can fill up their cups to the rim and pay by the weight!   Yes,  it’s also really good and healthier than ice cream as long as you don’t pile on the Reese’s and gummy bears.    It’s also a scene on weekend nights with more mingling than Tindr.
Out:   Speedway, Wainscott –  Yes, they have Ben and Jerry’s but the melted and refrozen texure just isn’t quite as appealing as it was when Rick Astley ruled the airwaves!
HOT!  Especially the Brazil thing.. but not Zika Brazil!
In:  Havaianas –  Cheap fashionable footwear that says, “Hey, I don’t need no stinkin’ Gucci loafers to look cool.”
Out:  Crocs –   Do I really need to spell it out?   They jumped the shark when you could spot them easily at the Mall of America.
Vineyardvines.com

 

 In:  Vineyard Vines –  Great polo shirts, shorts, t-shirts and more with snappy yet preppy designs that aren’t a ton of money.    There is also a great outlet store at Tanger in Riverhead for those of you who are even cheaper than I am.
Out:  US. Polo Association Polo Shirts  – Ummmmmmmm, We know they’re not Ralph Lauren, so why are you trying to fool us?
 
In:  Bagels from Goldberg’s in Wainscott – Fresh bagels with friendly service and no weird lectures about the state of immigration at the register.   I love this place!
Out:  Thomas’ Bagels from Walbaums in East Hampon – you would have thought I was drowning kittens in the salt water pool when I brought these home a few weeks ago.   I apologize everyone!  It will never happen again!
Old stove pub…

It’s ain’t the Swamp but…..

drinks in the yard!!!
Finally something that hopefully will be very “In” for this summer….  Saturday cocktails at the Old Stove Pub iin Sagaonponack.   Every Saturday from 5-7pm, they’ll be opening their doors to east end members of the LGBT community for a Saturday mixer.  Discount drinks and free passed appetizers will be offered in addition to a chance for great mixing and mingling.   There’s also plenty of parking available and you’ll have the chance to see if anyone with a sense of fashion still wears Crocs.   If they do, I predict they will be shunned!  The Old Stove Pub is located at 3516 Montauk Highway, opposite Town Line Rd.     631-537-3300
See you at Old Stove Pub… Saturdays 5-7pm.

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.

Where the boys are…. and when are you too old ?

Well it’s been at least 6 years or so since The Swamp closed their doors and many across the Hamptons were forced to actually stay at home on Saturday nights. Well now you don’t have to hang with Paris at the Pink Elephant, The Lodge on Race Ln is holding what they’re calling “Saturday Soiree.” While I don’t’ think they’ll be too much dancing, the restaurant is opening up their outdoor patio area and bar for the occasion. I hope they serve those awesome free little hamburger sliders. I’m sure I’ll be one of the few who will actually eat them. Starvation is the new black for ohhh so many in the Hamptons. Anyway, if you need more details… call the lodge directly at 631-324-5022. The invite is to the left. I just hope they don’t do something lame like having stupid drink specials… you know the pink ones with names like the Liza and the Judy! That’s soooo 1989 Provincetown! We’re in the Hamptons damn it!

So, what to wear this Saturday… what to wear!? I can tell you it won’t be anything from
Abercrombie and Fitch. (left, yeah I fit right in!) While many of my friends say I could be a catalog model, it’s not Abercrombie and Fitch…. they’re implying more that I’m that guy in the blue polo shirt grilling the dogs in a Home Depot ad. I would just love to think I have the bod and youthful looks to pull off wearing A&F…. but I DON’T and most men over 35 don’t either. If you’re wearing a hoodie and you’re over 35 YOU HAVE ISSUES. In fact, I’m sure A&F is relieved I don’t wear their clothes. I’m also too old for roller blading, I know that but I may still one day dust off my blades and put on my helmet, wrist guards, knee guards, elbow guards and my ego guards to go for a spin. I make no illusions, I know I’ll look like a freak! I’m also too old to be listening to Timbaland, Anyone from American Idol and Miley Cyrus… Madonna is too old to be doing duets with them! I’ll stay with my Annie Lennox and Sting. Finally, I’m also too old to be hanging out at The Talkhouse in Amagansett. While I did go a few weeks ago to see “The English Beat” and really had a great time, the audience was MY AGE that night. If I go on a normal Saturday night, I skew the medium age by at least a good ten years. I’m over walking on crusty beer soaked floors, although they were fun back in the day. I hate growing up!!!