patrick mclaughiln – Page 2

SUPER EXPENSIVE SAGAPONACK SPREAD… AND THE BEST BIG $PENDERS!

August 17, 2018August 17, 2018

What would you pay for 2 acres south of the highway in Sagaponack? Yes, it has lush vegetation and is located in one of the most expensive zip codes in the country. Before you answer, just know it also has a large building envelope and includes an historic barn that was built in the 1890’s. Oh, it’s also super close to the Sag General store too. Well rather than make you guess I’ll let you read the ad from Zillow. Call me crazy but I think this might be a little aggressive. Look for price reductions soon. No it’s not my listing… it’s a for sale by owner. By the way, if you need to click the financing options button you probably can’t afford it.

Screen Shot 2018-08-17 at 7.52.01 AM.png — Zillow.com – hopefully they’re negotiable

Yep, it’s the height of the summer season right now here in the Hamptons. It’s a time for hot hazy days, warm ocean surf and a slew of stars. But not the kind in the sky, the kind that have twitter accounts and get better service at restaurants than you or I. Speaking of which; I’ve been asking some of my friends from the biz (yes, most are bartenders– stop it!) who are some of their favorite famous clientele? Here are a few names that were thrown out. All are noted for being friendly, courteous and above all good tippers.

Paul McCartney – He’s “awesome” said one person and very generous.

23rd Annual Simply Shakespeare — They love him, yeah yeah.

Hugh Jackman – He and his wife are super appreciative and friendly according to my sources.

Jimmy Fallon – He and his wife always introduce themselves (seriously) to staff and are friendly and outgoing. Occasionally likes to prank with the staff.

Alec Baldwin – He’s a local and frequent visitor about town, restaurant staff members all remark he’s a “good guy.” They also point out his wife Hilaria is a super sweet.

Howard Stern – Sits in the back of restaurants as to not attract attention, quiet and really nice to everyone from the front to the back of the house. He’s also a very very generous tipper.

Gwyneth Paltrow – Yep, she’s goop and spends tons of money on things that most of us can’t even contemplate (check goop.com) but she’s friendly and shares the wealth with the help. To quote one source, “she doesn’t make a fuss when she comes in.”

Jessica Biel – One story involves some rowdy fans approaching her and her husband (who is apparently also famous) in the middle of dinner. She smiled, posed for selfies and left a nice tip at the end of the meal. Here’s hoping the Timberlake’s buy out here soon. I’m happy to help.

Countess Luann de Lesseps – I don’t watch the housewives… never have… probably never will.. but the buzz around town especially in Sag Harbor is that this lady is just that.

There are a few names I could have put on this list that most waiters and waitresses avoid like the plague. But I’m trying to stay positive, but if you see me in person feel free to ask.

ANSWERING SAG’S KNEAD FOR DOUGH… AND IT’S THE ____ OF THE HAMPTONS.

August 3, 2018August 3, 2018

I hope it doesn’t sound too too cheesy, but I’ve been working on some snappy lines about the newest restaurant to open its doors in Sag Harbor. Yes, I know I need to work on my delivery. Anyway, for now I’ll just give you a piece of my mind about Sag Pizza.

Located in the site of the former Conca D’oro (they even kept the sign), the newly renovated and sleekly designed restaurant opened it’s doors to a hungry horde earlier today. Perhaps it’s because it’s from the same folks that brought us LT Burger that had them lining up outside an hour before a single pie was tossed. So, how is it? I thought it was pretty darn good, especially since they were only opened for about an hour. While I heard some grumbling about having to wait in line to get a slice, it’s the first day folks! I’m sure they know there’s mushroom for improvement and given the folks running the place, they’ll get there soon enough. Now, to the really important part… the food itself. I had a slice of the margherita and one of the pepperoni. Both were made with fresh mozzarella and sauce on a thin crust that was nicely complimented by a slight smoky

flavor from the wood burning oven. Overall, a solid slice and a welcome addition to Sag Harbor. If you want more menu information, click on the restaurants website here. Let me know what YOU think.

You know how when you go to any town in the U.S. and the locals have a funny way of referring to their community, you know like in Bayonne you’ll meet someone and they’ll tell you how “people call us the Paris of New Jersey!” Hmmm, while I’m not sure I usually agree with these analogies I will tell you, I do have a few of my own about certain things in the Hamptons. In fact, I asked some of my friends if they had some quaint ways to refer to the sites and sounds of the Hamptons. Here are a few of my favorites:

Madison and Main Sag Harbor is the 42nd and Broadway of the Hamptons. With pedestrians that don’t look, drivers who don’t know how to drive and more cars than these two streets can handle, I can see it. Hit that intersection on a Saturday at 7pm in July and August and you’ll be looking for the dirty Elmo to come take his picture with your kids for $5.

Stop and Shop stores are the DMV of the Hamptons. Perhaps it’s the long lines. It could also be the parking lot that’s full with the mayhem and madness of novice drivers. Maybe it’s the cranky cashiers or maybe it’s the fact you really don’t want to buy the produce at either that this comparison makes sense. Either way, I’m not a fan of either and they apparently bought their dingy lighting from the same place.

Gucci pants, shoes, shirt and an Hermes belt are the Garanimals of the Hamptons. Remember those kids who used to eat the glue in 3rd grade? The ones who were lucky enough to have their mother tell them to always make sure they wear a giraffe pants with a giraffe shirt?! Well some of them grew up and now live in the Hamptons. Yes, t

hey’re here and still dressing with the same amount of thought as they did when they were in phonics class. It’s a thoughtless uniform but with a more expensive flair. By the way, I would wear these Garanimals too if I had the money to spare.

Tesla is the Honda of the Hamptons. If you live in a normal part of the world you go out to dinner, the movies or wherever and you park in a lot that’s probably Honda heavy. It’s a good car. It’s a sensible car. It’s also the vehicle, 90 percent of your friends drive in the rest of the world. Well this isn’t Cherry Hill here. It’s the Hamptons. Yes, sensible has a different look here on the East End. But hey, I do like these cars. I’m not knocking them. BUT, if only there was a supercharging station closer than Southampton.

Amagansett is the Tribeca of the Hamptons. It’s young, it’s hip, it’s loaded with celebs, it’s trendy and the coffee shops are so hip they hurt! I hope I don’t need to explain this further. If you don’t believe me, stop by Jack’s coffee anytime from now to Labor day. Oh, and if you ever see a guy wearing gap khaki shorts and a polo shirt who stands out like a sore thumb in town…. that’s me.

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

February 17, 2017July 7, 2016

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.

MMMMMMMMMM…. DONUTS… AND TUNA TARTARE! -UPDATED!!!

February 13, 2017June 2, 2016

In case you missed it there was a lot of buzz a few months ago as Tom Colicchio and Topping Rose House parted ways. Much of the well deserved criticism revolved around the fact that the prices were steep and the food was just a tad too “precious.” Well, when it was recently announced that Jean-Georges Vongerichten would be moving into that prime location, it was with a skeptical eye that many Hamptons folks awaited the arrival of it’s latest celebrity chef. I mean, doesn’t everyone want quail and sweet breads when visiting the beach?

www.toppingrosehouse.com

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm…. donuts!

But guess what? A good thing happened on the way to Bridgehampton. Rather than taking a step on the fancy side, the restaurateur took a page more from his Inn at Pound Ridge menu and gave it a Hamptons spin. Jean-Georges at the Topping Rose House is now open and ready for business. While make no mistake the bill is going to cost you a few more dollars than an Olive Garden Prix Fixe, the prices are reasonable by local standards and the menu is actually pretty accessible. The restaurant was open over the Memorial Day and served dishes from the new menu including; Tuna Tartare with Avacado and ginger marinade for $22, Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan $15, Parmesan Crusted Organic Chicken for $32 and a Cheeseburger with Frizzled Onions and House made pickles for $21. For the vegetarian in the group, they also have a Garden Vegetable Brown Rice bowl with Salsa Verde for $26. While I haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, if it’s anything like the Westchester outlet I have no doubt it will be packed from now until Labor Day! For more information or reservations, you can try calling 631-537-0870 or go online by clicking here!

Meanwhile, something is apparently brewing in Sag Harbor and Homer Simpson will very happy. I was on the street and I glazed over to find out that Grindstone Coffee and Donuts is coming to town. The hole deal is getting ready to set up shot at the location that was formerly occupied by Pepalajefa at 7 Main Street in Sag Harbor. Fronted by two veteran coffee shope folks, locals Kyle Shanahan and Anna Coffman will have brioche style donuts in such mouth watering flavors as strawberry shortcake, chocolate coconut and of course the traditional glazed! The two are also making a point of sourcing all of the ingredients from local providers like Mecox Dairy and Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett. In fact, they’re taking the local angle so seriously they’ve decided to start working on a beach plum filled jelly donut recipe. But if you’re hoping these will be low calorie, fat free, taste free confections, forget it. The plan is for real “super buttery brioche donuts”… dare I say it’s a the Hamptons answer to a cronut….. a bronut? The shop will also have a range of gourmet coffees and teas to help unclog your arteries. Look for Grindstone Coffee and Donuts to open sometime at the end of the month! One final thought before I go? Some folks say, “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”… except for donuts which say, “skinny can go “f” itself.”