Hamptons Dispatch #3: How To Do Sunset Beach

Step 1: Know When to Go
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. Get there pre-lunch to secure prime outdoor seating. Stay for the sunset (as the name indicates). Today's sunset is at 8:17pm!

Step 2: Get There

Beg, borrow or steal a boat from your most nautical neighbor and hold on tight...tailbone fractures are a bitch.

....or....take the Shelter Island Ferries from either Greenport on the North Fork or North Haven on the South Fork). The ferry is less a boat than a big rusty barge, but it gets the job done. Beginning June 1st there's a new party-friendly schedule that departs every 10-15 minutes from 5:40am until 1:45am, giving you ample time to get boozed and bronzed. R0und trip rate is $15 per vehicle including passengers.

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Step 2a: Stay Dry
If arriving by boat, there's no dock or jetty to tie to so prepare to strip down and wade thigh-deep to shore. If you are an expert at balancing stuff on your head, you'll be golden. If not, invest in a dry bag (like the one here in red). It will avoid you having to start one of those annoying "I lost all my numbers, help me retrieve them" Facebook groups. Spontaneous spraying of champagne may ruin your stuff anyway, but at least you'll look "cool" while the damage is done.

Step 3: Drink, Eat, and Drink More
While Sunset Beach boasts a full (and slightly pricey) lunch and dinner menu, it's the to-die-for mojitos, especially the raspberry one, and the super snackable bar food that are the big winners. A couple of orders of their thinly-sliced, perfectly seasoned frites and some crispy calamari should do the trick. New this season is the signature, Sunset Beach Rosé; a little dose of St. Tropez-Hamptons fusion from long-time locals and friends André Balazs and Christian Wölffer. I approve.

Step 4: Rent a Euro
If you aren't European or aren't comfortable in Euro-heavy settings perhaps you're better off spending the afternoon browsing neon prints at Lily Pulitzer. But if you've already made landfall on Shelter Island, then there's no turning back. Try scouring the beach for a still-out-from-last-night Parisian wearing cowboy boots and a white ripped t-shirt with permanent marker on it. On Sunday she was extremely eager to ditch the beach and hit the bottle (again). If you're feeling generous you could throw her a few bucks or give her a lift back to her mainland share house in exchange for some euro-companionship.
Step 5: Avoid Getting Stuck
Don't miss your ride outta' there. If your ferry or boat leaves without you there is usually NO VACANCY at the SB inn, which books up months in advance and judging from the way our French cow-girl fared, sleeping on the beach is not a good look. Plus, those bastard no-see-ems are always looking for fresh blood. Ouch!

Hamptons Dispatch #2: Break the Monotony

Although it's only May, you'll start to realize quite quickly that the same old Hamptons party routine gets a bit mundane (even if it involves large quantities of Rosé). That's why alternative Hampton's activities become essential come mid-June...but the planning should start now:

Au Natural:
There are dozens of beautiful trails and natural parks that protect the Hamptons' wildest creatures from its hordes of weekend warriors. Southampton's Morton Natural Wildlife Refuge is 187 acres of waterfront forest and beach with a large bird population and lovely areas to picnic. It's only 10 minutes from both Sag Harbor and Southampton on Noyac Road (look for sign, as there isn't an address). This curious bird arrived at my Sunday BBQ with a bracelet on it's ankle marked #7079. I think it escaped from Morton's. When I called to report that it had flow the coop I got no answer. Then my sister decided it would taste good on the barbie...there she is trying to trap it.
Montauk has the most per-square-foot natural landscape, and least Manhattan foot traffic, although that stands to change with the Surf Lodge's second season in full swing. But even with the new party scene, nothing beats Montauk's sprawling dunes, super-sandy beaches and THE LIGHTHOUSE! Montauk Point Lighthouse to be exact; located in Montauk State Park at the eastern-most tip of Long Island. I've been visiting the lighthouse since I was a kid and it's a true Hamptons landmark, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, in fact. It's museum is also a great place to read old sea-fairing stories and brush up on your Hamptons history...all good info to impress the locals with.

High Octane Hamptons:
Nothing says hangover cure like 50 seconds of free fall from 10,000 feet. Long Island Skydiving has been at it for 30 years and specializes in tandem jumps. You'll have to get yourself out to Spadaros Airport in East Moriches (Exit 61 off Montauk Highway) but the memories and $90 DVD will last a lifetime. You even get an official certificate to show off on Facebook: The Other Fork:
Upon your first visit you'll be enchanted by the North Fork's charmed farm country and vineyard. Wine tasting is the most popular pastime, but please, don't rent a white promed-out Hummer limo and wear matching outfits. Vineyard owners are not fans of tire tracks and vomiting party girls.

For more insider tips on the North Fork, read this guide that I wrote for Peter Greenberg.


More alternative Hamptons ideas on the way. Ever considered a Block Island day trip?

Hamptons Dispatch #1: A Photo Essay

Arrived on Saturday at my "summer share" house to meet my roommates, Doris & Joe (a.k.a. Nana and Grampy)Surveyed the property in its various stages of bloom... Immediately joined in competitive lawn sports, earning my first bocce victory of the summer and beating out last season's champion (my brother-in-law) by a landslide 15-7 victory!Got neighborly with my favorite British imports...Jim, Jan, son Robert and bff SukiSurvived Sunday at Sunset Beach with only minor casualties: missing earring, straw fedora lost at sea and a gash on my neck from a bikini top that was tied too tight. lolBut Sunset Beach had nothing on the sunset at our very own Paradise Peninsula...

A quick boogie at Pink Elephant was squeezed in here somewhere....I think just after these photos were taken... Memorial Day Monday was arduous...many long hours in the office
One final cocktail to the start of Summer 2009...

Spring Risotto recipe

While some may argue that risotto is more of a winter comfort food, this Sunday I whipped up a Mother's Day risotto that was the perfect combination of spring freshness and flavors. It was a modified version of Ina Garten's (a.k.a. the Barefoot Contessa), and despite her being one of my less-favorite Food Network pundits, I thought her Hamptons cooking would be just right for a beach-front Mother's day brunch. Isn't it purty?
Here's her recipe with my modifications:

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 1 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks) (used 1 whole onion instead)
  
• 1 cup chopped fennel
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 2/3 cup dry white wine
• 4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1 pound thin asparagus
• 10 ounces frozen peas, defrosted, or 1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (left it out--the risotto was quite lemony with just the zest and no extra juice)
  
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably Italian (left itout--risotto is creamy enough without marscepone)
  
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for serving (left it out)
  

Directions

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)

When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.

Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

Back to Mac(aron)

I popped into MacarOn cafe today to discover something even sweeter than French cookies...the cafe's French chef and owner, Cécile Cannon! She was so friendly and thanked me with such sincerity for blogging about them. She even posted my review on MacarOn's facebook fan page!
To go with my double espresso ($4.50, yikes!) Cécile offered a Macaron of my choice. Although the brightly colored cookies are much more fun to look at, this caramel one was anything but bland. It tasted quite light, yet the dense center has me thinking there's nothing skimpy about its calorie content. I'll have to pace myself...

Check out fun Macaron-colored artwork....it's all over the cafe:

Mother's Day Gift Obsession: Macarons

Getting Mom flowers for Mother's Day--average. A framed photograph of you--a bit vain. But a colorful box of Cécile Cannon's freshly-made French Macarons, PERFECT. I tasted a free sample of the espresso Macaron today and had a little flavor fête in my mouth.

Espresso is just one of the 30 different flavors that Macaron Cafe produces, all of which are gluten-free and made fresh each day. Gift boxes come in three sizes and are translucent to show the adorable candy-colored cookies inside. Since you are buying for Mom, I'd splurge for the 25-count box ($43.00), and that way you don't have to feel guilty about stealing one, or three. More information about the lovely little Macaroon Cafe after the jump:
Midtown, New York City - the mecca of salad bar chains, theme restaurants and Starbucks.

But on an ugly 36th street block (between 6th Ave. and 7th Ave.), under some even uglier but temporary scaffolding has risen an uuber-popular Parisian cafe whipping up delightful sandwiches, salads, coffee, and the most beautiful Macarons I've seen in New York City!

The line out the door is an indication that the 18-month-old spot has secured a legion of lunching regulars. But more importantly, it's an indication that everything at Macaron Cafe is prepared F R E S H. No sandwich assembly line, or salad choppers on speed. Casually taking orders on a diner scratch pad is the part-owner who told me his name but his nice French accent distracted me and I didn't catch it. The three petite French maids who prepare the food and work the cash machine have great crowed-appeal; I think their frilly white head-pieces have something to do with it.

Today I stopped in for an iced coffee, which was made from scratch with espresso brewed on the spot, poured over ice, and topped with Evian spring water (I asked for it without milk). I was wowed by the care that went into it and gladly paid the $2.75, even tossing a couple quarters into the tip jar (something I rarely do at coffee houses).

While I usually rely on the Italians to prepare my espresso, I have yet to find Illy, Segafredo, or even Lavazza within a 10 block radius of my new midtown office. So, as of today, Macaron Cafe has a new regular customer...moi!

Macaron Cafe
161 West 36th Street (between 6th & 7th)
New York, NY 10018
212.564-3525
Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 7 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm

Cinco De Mayo: Best & Worst

Although I will not be participating in any of the below, as I'm attending an Umbria Jazz concert at the The Italian Cultural Institute ( I know, wrong nation) here is my pick for the best and worst ways to celebrate Mexico in NYC:


BEST:
2009 GUACtacular
Why can't this be every day?? Local restaurants complete for the best guac in town and you reap the benefits! Free guac...and yes, there will also be an abundance of chips (compliments of Food Should Taste Good). Drink specials: $2 for Tecate and Modelo. $3 for Corona.
7-9pm at The Bell House
149 7th Street
Brooklyn, NY

WORST:
Two things I have yet to fully embrace: "real" housewives and Twitter, but the latter is growing on me. However, if there is some burning question you just have to know about Bravo's Real Housewives of New York City you're lucky night is tonight! During the finale, the housewives will be on Twitter, commenting on the episode and answering viewers' questions through online chats. 10 p.m.; free. For more information, go to www.bravotv.com

Other Cinco de Mayo happenings:
Eater
Village Voice
New York Daily News
Murph Guide

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Eat Free Fight Hunger

I love City Harvest's annual Skip Lunch Fight Hunger fundraiser in New York City. It's been all over the blogs, but if you haven't heard about it, it's not too late to participate.

Since it's such a worthy cause and because some old habits die hard, I'm reinstating a mini Free Eats campaign this week aptly titled, Eat Free Fight Hunger. I'll be skipping lunch all week (hitting up some of my favorite free sampling spots instead) and donating $5 per meal to City Harvest. I've got plans to visit the Chelsea Whole Foods today (free sample day) for lunch and Thursday it looks like free tater tots and piggies with the girls at 5Ninth. Will have to do some more research to see what new free eating spots have emerged since March!

If you'd like to join my Eat Free Fight Hunger team email me!

Skip Lunch Fight Hunger -- Details
When: Tomorrow, May 6, donate the amount of money you would spend on your lunch to help feed a hungry child.

How: Visit the official site to register and donate. You can start a team or register as an individual.

What: The goal is to reach $600,000
$127,240 has been raised so far but there's still $472,759 to go.

Oh Where Oh Where Can She Be?

My blog is looking a little sparse lately....this I know and feel somewhat guilty about. But to dispel any myths that might be circulating, my absence is neither from a) being hospitalized from too many weeks of free eating or b) a sudden relocation to a remote village in Southern Italy where Wi-Fi doesn't exist(although it has crossed my mind).

Rather I'm utterly consumed with a marketing start-up business that I'm launching in New York City this May. It goes without saying that anything labeled "start-up" requires lots of attention, and this one is no different. I'll leak some more details once the project is out on the streets, but for now, it's kind of hush hush.