So it’s that time of the year for real estate agents. Yes, the renters are here! Now, I don’t want to sound like I’m Paul Revere here warning of impending doom. I love the summer renters!!! Some are great… but there are few stories that leave me wondering about just how some of these people survive in the world!
Recently I was made aware of a new term for certain renters that the locals use. They call them the “mirrorless.” What does that mean and who are these people? Well, let me tell you. These are the people who wear fur coats in June, speedos with bulging guts and high heels on the beach. Apparently it comes from one particular incident,that an old timer agent friend of mine told me about. A few years ago when a tennant complained to an agent that the house had no mirrors anywhere in the house the agent went to the hardware store and bought a few inexpensive stand alone full length ones. Well when they went to the house, they discovered these people weren’t kidding. The wife look like she put her make up on the Cyclone at Coney Island and the Husbands Coogi sweater was about two sizes too small. Thus the term “mirrorless” was born in a Hamptons summer rental.
Also, I know I haven’t been blogging lately. I’ve actually been busy. But I have been trying some of the new restaurants around town and revisiting some of the old. Here in a nutshell what’s hot this year: Tutto Il Giorno the Southampton venue of the Sag Harbor restaurant… packed every night and hard to get in. Make sure to say hello to Walter, you know from the old Della Femina.. ooops… I mean Della
Famina. Speaking of the old “DF”… the East Hampton Grill is indeed open and apparently the buzz has been great. I went twice so far. I can recommend the Cod, the Salmon and the ribs are all amazing. The wine list is pretty extensive and well priced. So truly the wait has been worth it. They just started taking reservations , so plan ahead. I had dinner with a crowd from Palm Beach on Saturday and if it’s anything like there… you’ll need a good 4 or 5 days lead time at least.
On the down side of things, I don’t know what happened at Harbor Bistro. It was one of my favorites in East Hampton for a long time but something must have happened over the winter. The Caesar salad was watery, the tuna was dry and my friend sent his fish back. Also, the ribs ain’t what they used to be but don’t bother complaining the waiters are busy schmoozing at the bar and trying to get their attention was futile. It’s sad, this is one of the best locations in the Hamptons. I’ll have to give them a few weeks and see if they get back to where they were. Let’s hope so!
Well, the space has now been occupied. So, is it a good Mexican restuarant? A Pottery Barn? A gourmet market like Whole Foods or Trader Joes? Is it anything we really want in the Hamptons!? Wishful thinking folks, it’s a Sleepy’s! YES… ANOTHER SLEEPY’S!!! Now, by my count that makes 5 for the Hamptons area from Hampton Bays to East Hampton!! I know there is a need with rentals for new mattresses every now and then but do we really need 5!!!? Maybe folks in the Hamptons are sluttier and more promiscuous than I thought. I have visions of mattress filled rooms with weekly bacchinals all season long! Of course we need more mattresses! By the way, I bought all of the mattresses at my house at… you guessed it, Sleepy’s! If you dont’ have a Sleepy’s near you, visit them at 
Now a quick note of caution. I want to first say, I love Twice Upon A Bagel. They have some of the best bagels in town and their sandwiches are pretty awesome. The problem I have is with their cupcakes, they’re two for two with me. Both times I bought cupcakes there (and I’m not talking buying the day olds) they were stale! They were like little confectionary rocks with sprinkles!! Come on guys, good bagels… great tuna salad… great salmon.. YOU CAN DO BETTER. So my advice is buy the bagels but skip the cupcakes. By the way, please don’t say it. I know I shouldn’t be buying cupcakes anyway.
First, Michael Gluckman and his management team including Rory Boothby successfully launched “The Beach House” last week. A sort of spin off to their already successful “Boat House” off Three Mile Harbor. It was the opening of the year so far when they toasted Cinco De Mayo last Thursday! The cars were lined up and down Montauk Highway and of course our local men in blue were there to issue tickets. Yes, tis the season! It was wall to wall people there to see the new and improved space that was once PRIME 103 and JL East. The new menu gets a big thumbs up for some real crowd pleasing dishes (as opposed to the impossible menu at Southfork Kitchen) and the prices that won’t make your eyes pop. I’ll have more about their food and plans for events at “The Beach House” later this week… today’s blog is about the real estate. But one last word, KUDOS for the best opening night of the year goes to “The Beach House.”
Now for the property formerly known as Madame Tong’s. With one of the best backyards of any restaurant in the Hamptons, it only makes sense that the building would once again host a hybrid Restaurant/Club. It’s alleged that is exactly what will be the case with the new establishment “The New York Social Club.” According to sources the menu will be more American fair that will morph into a club scene after the dinner hours. I don’t know who the new owners are but I’m told they’re well known NYC club/restaurant owners. Look for more details in then next few days and an opening sometime in late May.
Well the hustling and bustling continues with all of the shops and restaurants on the East End as the countdown continues to the Memorial Day Weekend. One of the more industrious projects seems to be taking place at the site of the former Almond and Woodshed Inn. According to a source, permits were made with the town to turn the location into a sports bar and Mexican restaurant. It is allegedly being done by a group from up the island and they plan to name the place “AGAVE.” There was some environmental issues that needed to be worked out and that’s how I was alerted. Now, if that name sounds familiar yes, there is one in the city on lower 7th Avenue and there was also one in Sag Harbor. I don’t think this particular venue will have any affiliation with the aforementioned businesses but at the very least it can’t be any worse than BLUE PARROT (Bon Jovi’s place). So, will the Hamptons finally get good Mexican food? Stay tuned!
Finally, I got my shoes back from Dutch Girl Cleaners at the King Kullen in Bridehampton. They did a really good job! They rep laced the soles on my driving shoes and polished and fixed two others. All in all a big thumbs up. So yes Virginia, you can get a decent shoe repair in the Hamptons!