So what to do this weekend???? One great event is on Saturday… The Hetrick Martin Institute, home to the Harvey Milk school in NYC is hosting it’s “Schools Out” party. It will be held at the beautiful home of Peter Wilson and Scott Sanders – 189 Further Lane, East Hampton.. It’s starts at 6pm and goes til 8:30pm. You can buy tickets at the door with cash, credit card or check… from a valid bank account of course!!! If you want more details on the organization or the event, I encourage you to visit the web site: http://www.hmi.org/Events.aspx
Also.. if you’re really bored my new favorite video in the world is on YOUTUBE.COM. It’s a literal lyrical version of singer Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” While I love the song the video is one Velveeta short of Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” but it does come close! To quote one line “the gayest man on earth would find this over the top!” It also has a great line about “Spinning Ninjas.” Don’t ask… watch
Finally, a little real estate news. Rentals for the season are up by about 40% or more. While the prices are not what they used to be… renters are coming out to take advantage of the Hampton’s Blue Light Specials. But do me one favor folks.. please don’t offer $.40 cents on the dollar. Things haven’t gone that low. You might want to try Mastic instead.
Well first on my list today is that RUGOSA is now open!! Located at the site of the old ALMONDCELLO an ALMONDITTO. Chef Bill Mammes has created a truly inspired menu. All of your favorite dishes with a destinctive East End flair. While I only got to try a few of the dishes, I arrived for the opening night party a little late.. although I did show up early on Sunday… the party was on Tuesday. Anyway what I did have was really impressive. If memory serves me right an awesome “carrot with ginger soup and mussles.” Also, a salt cod, I hate cod but it was was pretty terrific. Served 
with potato and grilled asparagus. Finally the ceviche, I didn’t get a chance to try it but Ben from the East Hampton Independent said a big thumbs up. Congrats to chef Bill Mammes formerly of The Maidstone Club and general manager and my budette Chimene Visser. The interior by the way has been totally redone since Almoncello and it’s stunning (see above).
So I discovered that high end real estate is really a lot like high end retail. Some brokers are forcing themselves to be a lot nicer to both customers and other agents but the prices ain’t coming down!!! The following is a real conversation with “L” from HERMES in East Hampton. She was absolutly lovely and nice… I’m sure she’s now laughing with all of her co-workers at me.
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
Artist John Kneapler and Sotheby’s (the real Sotheby’s not the franchised real estate company) Benjamin Dollar