Hamptonite of the Week: Lucy Kazickas
July 16, 2012 | Talk of the Town
Lucy Kazickas and her dog, Ziggy, at her Amagansett home
Occupation: Cheesemonger, Lucy’s Whey
Hamlet: Amagansett
When did you start coming to the Hamptons and how has it changed since then?
In 1955, when I was 2. For me, there have been two ‘no going back’ moments of change. The first was in 1968, the year the LIE extension was finished—the traffic mushroomed overnight. The second has been slightly more gradual, but just as impactful: The loss of small, one of a kind, locally owned shops. East Hampton Village has lost its uniqueness.
Do you have an inner circle or group of friends that you hang out with most often?
I live and have a business here so I have friends from many different circles; through our kids and school, through building CMEE (Children's Museum of the East End), yoga, work, etc. If I can ever find a moment to hang out, I usually find my friend Dianne Ryan at Lazy Point and we go paddleboarding or horseback riding through the hills of Montauk.
What are your East End traditions or must-dos every summer?
Early morning swims with everyone (all house guests and kids included) and then back to the house for blueberry pancakes, Champagne, and orange juice.
Who throws the best parties?
I do!
Where do you go for a drink and what’s your usual?
I'm constantly searching for who can make the best negroni. Alas, no one has been able to beat Billy the bartender at the former Exile in Amagansett. He's moved to New York.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten in the Hamptons?
My mother's clam chowder.
Where do you go to totally unplug?
My terrace. It overlooks a horse farm with views of the ocean in the distance.
What’s your summer anthem?
The birds at 5 AM. They chat up a storm, each trying to outdo the other. It's a riot.
What’s the last thing you bought in the Hamptons?
Can't remember. Shopping for things other than food and flowers is way down on my list of things to do—as one can tell by my wardrobe!
Last night of the summer, where can we find you and what are you doing?
On the day after Labor Day, one can feel the whole town breathe a sigh of relief. I pick up some luscious, ripe tomatoes , slice, and toss with olive oil, vinegar, chopped onions, and basil, parboil some Silver Queen corn, get a crusty baguette, some cultured butter with sea salt, and a mellow, chilled white wine, put my feet up, and think back over the summer memories.
What’s the difference between a true Hamptonite and a weekender?
I'm not sure who a "true Hamptonite" really is, but I would say that those that have the chance to spend more than just a weekend here might have a slower pace and enjoy being at home with family and friends. Those that are just here for the weekend might be looking for more excitement.
