Hamptonite of the Week: Natasha Esch
June 18, 2012
Age: 41
Occupation: Owner and designer, MONC XIII
Hamlet: Bridgehampton
When did you start coming to the Hamptons and how has it changed since then?
I started coming to the Hamptons on weekends when I was living in Manhattan, back in 1993. There were a lot less people for sure. Sag Harbor was a sleepy village that people went to for two things: to go to Sage Street Antiques or to have dinner at The American Hotel. Now Sag Harbor is a bustling little village with people walking the streets every night in season!
What’s your best, worst, or most hilarious Hamptons memory?
Back in 1994 on one of our weekend visits at the start of the season, my husband and I were stopped at a roadblock in Sag Harbor. Upon running my husband's driver's license, an unpaid speeding ticket from the previous season showed up and he was arrested. I had to follow him to the Sag Harbor police station in the squad car and then bail him out for $50!
Do you have an inner circle or group of friends you hang out with most often when you’re here?
Well, since we are year-rounders, we now have two groups of friends we hang out with: weekenders who come out from Manhattan, and parents of our kids’ friends who are a more year-round group of friends.
What are your East End traditions or must-dos every summer?
Having a clambake on the beach, a visit to The Clam Bar for lobster and crab and corn chowder, watching the Fourth of July fireworks on the beach in Sag Harbor, visiting the new Swallow East in Montauk, and taking the boat out to Sunset Beach for lunch.
Who throws the best parties?
Well, I am told the previous owner of our home, Sandy Gallin, had the best parties. I have never been to one, but people constantly comment, ‘I was at a great party at this house,’ when they see our home.
Where do you go for a drink and what’s your usual?
Either The Beacon in Sag Harbor for a blood orange margarita, Tutto il Giorno for a glass of Vernaccia, or The Living Room at c/o The Maidstone for a Scandinavian Sunset.
Do you have a favorite summer song or anthem?
Every summer is defined by a different song, but my summer music go-tos are the Gipsy Kings or Bob Marley.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten in the Hamptons?
The corn and crab chowder at The Clam Bar, the Long Island duck at The Living Room at c/o The Maidstone, and oysters and Champagne at The American Hotel.
Where do you go to totally unplug?
Our boat, a 44-foot Mochi Craft Ferretti Yacht, on the ocean.
What’s the last thing you bought in the Hamptons?
A blue and white sweatshirt from Curve in Sag Harbor.
Last night of the summer, where can we find you and what are you doing?
On the boat enjoying the last days of summer with friends and family.
Photo Friday: Nova's Ark Project, Water Mill
June 15, 2012
Each Friday, we choose a photo from our "Share Your Best Shot" gallery that's especially inspiring and authentically East End. Submit a photo here or tweet us your snap with hashtag #HamptonsShots.
Ark Project in Water Mill during a charity event in late June. —Rafael Bellber, Water Mill
Charity Register: Opportunities To Give
June 15, 2012
The Retreat
What: The live art auction, featuring works from Eric Fischl, Terry Elkins, Paton Miller, David Salle, and Andrea Kowch, serves as the centerpiece of the Artists Against Abuse gala. The special evening benefits The Retreat, an organization celebrating 25 years of helping those affected by domestic violence.
When: Saturday, June 16
Where: Ross School Lower Campus Field House, 739 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton
Contact: artistsagainstabuse.com
God’s Love We Deliver
What: Midsummer Night Drinks brings together notables for a lovely, personal evening at a private residence. Last year’s event attracted Hamptonites such as Calvin Klein, Kyle MacLachlan, and Anne Keating.
When: Saturday, June 16
Where: Woodhouse Park, home of Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper, East Hampton
Contact: glwd.org
South Fork Natural History Museum
What: Sofo Goes Soho honors model Christie Brinkley with an evening of music from Nick Cohen and Alexandra Richards, to raise funds for the South Fork’s primary natural history museum.
When: Saturday, June 16
Where: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpk., Bridgehampton
Contact: sofo.org
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
What: Drs. Stanley Zinberg and Stanley Epstein chair the 10th annual golf tournament fundraiser, a beautiful day on the greens followed by a celebratory cocktail party honoring Michele LeMoal-Gray, a longtime supporter of the nonprofit center for the arts.
When: Monday, June 18
Where: Westhampton Country Club, 35 Potunk Lane, Westhampton Beach
Contact: whbpac.org
Group for the East End
What: Group for the East End 40th anniversary benefit and auction
Who: Alec Baldwin, Nicole Miller, Billy Joel
When: Saturday, June 23, 6 to 11 pm
Where: Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack
Contact: groupfortheeastend.org
Save the Date: Harvest East End takes place on August 25 at the Hampton Classic Horse Show Grounds in Bridgehampton; harvesteastend.com.
American Heart Association
What: Since the inaugural event 15 years ago, the annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball has raised more than $2.5 million for the American Heart Association. Kevin O’Connor chairs this year’s “Life is Sweet”-themed affair, which celebrates cardiology expert Jeffrey Moses, MD, and nutritionist Layne Lieberman-Liebelson.
When: Saturday, June 23
Where: Hayground School, 151 Mitchells Lane, Bridgehampton
Contact: heart.org
Live Out Loud
What: The honorary host committee of the fourth annual Pride in the Hamptons fundraiser includes Julie Halston, Lisa Lampanelli, Reichen Lehmkuhl, Jack Lenor Larsen, Raphael Miranda, and Hal Rubenstein. VIP ticket holders can test drive a Rolls-Royce before an evening of dancing and dining along the water.
When: Saturday, June 23
Where: The home of Bruce T. Sloane, 21 North Bay Lane, East Hampton
Contact: liveoutloud.info
Rogers Memorial Library Foundation
What: Music fills the air at the Rogers Memorial Library during its fourth annual benefit concert, featuring the Grammy-nominated jazz musicians Judy Carmichael Trio. End the evening with a cocktail reception on the Windmill Lane patio.
When: Sunday, June 24
Where: 91 Coopers Farm Road, Southampton
Contact: rmlfoundation.org
Hamptons Golf Classic
What: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw practices a different sport in hosting the Hamptons Golf Classic. This year’s tournament supports the International Rescue Committee, an organization dedicated to helping regions distressed by disaster or war.
When: Monday, June 25
Where: Hampton Hills Golf and Country Club, County Road 31, Westhampton Beach
Contact: hamptonsgolfclassic.info
This Weekend: Canal Room Opens with Decades Concert Bash
June 14, 2012
Canal Room Southampton
Infamous for drawing celebrity guests (Jay-Z, John Mayer, Rihanna), NYC’s Canal Room has headed east for the summer. The live music club is situated in Southampton, just a stone’s throw from Savanna’s, and will open its doors this Friday night (June 15) with a “Back to the ’80s” show by Rubix Kube and DJ set by Brooklyn Dawn.
Frequenters of Canal Room New York City will notice that the Southampton venue is vastly larger, encompassing two floors, a larger stage, and higher ceilings. It will also offer a wider variety of music. Owners Marcus Linial and Sam Lott spotted a need in Southampton for a spacious location where residents and vacationers could kick back, let loose, and take in a night of live music and DJs. Linial describes the club as “twice the size with a capacity of about 800, versus the New York City Canal Room, which only holds about 400.”
On most nights, Southampton revelers will have the option of choosing between grooving to DJ beats on the first level or rocking out to a live band on the second level. Linial believes that Canal Room Southampton will introduce a new vibe to the area. “Just the fact that we’re doing live shows and bands brings a different feel. It’s just a really fun place to be and offers a great live show experience.”
Look for the club to host weekly decade themed parties alongside its schedule of live performances. Tonight, Rubix Kube will play classic ’80s hair metal, pop, and dance cover songs. (We hear Kelly Ripa is a big fan of the band.) Saturday night, Dustin Diamond (aka Screech) will host a ‘90s flashback with a performance from The Bayside Tigers. See the full schedule and purchase tickets at canalroomsouthampton.com. 230 Elm St., Southampton, 212-941-8100
Dispatch: 'Bros' on the Jitney; Dapper Dudes at School’s Out; Andy Cohen at Book Hampton
June 12, 2012
Are You a Bro?
Wonderful things have happened on the Jitney over the years. Helen and Tim Schifter met on one. Peter Beard, seated across from me, once drew elephants with thumbprint bodies for my young son.
Last weekend, my 14-year-old son Finbarr and I sat across the aisle from a large, affable young Wall Streeter who was pounding beers. The attendant kindly warned him that drinking is not allowed, but he secretly kept guzzling. In between chugs, he talked loudly on his cell phone, discussing banking projects (that were likely private), drinking games, and a $7,400 a month apartment that he shared with his “bros.” My favorite story was how his roommate used to take a shower in his room every morning, walk through naked, and say, "Sorry" to his naked gal pal. The girl in the scenario asked, "Is he sorry for me being naked or him being naked?" His answer: “He’s not sorry.”
At brunch the next day, I was discussing with Finbarr how to categorize the young boozer for this Dispatch—yuppie, preppy? Finbarr looked at me incredulous that I didn’t know, “Obviously, he’s a bro,” he said. As every other word out of the fellow’s mouth was "bro," the term fit. He was definitely a bro.
That brings me to this question: Are you a bro? Do you…
...have drinking issues?
...express zero interest in the arts?
...call every male except your father "bro"?
...tell stories about nameless female conquests?
...think you know fashion when really you only know major labels and stores?
...count beer pong as your favorite sport?
...talk so loud and objectionably that women don’t even want you to put a ring on it?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you’re a bro; and, in the future, please consider taking the train.
Albert Bianchini, Kyle Barisich, Andy Cohen, and T.R. Pescod
School’s Out
That night, after mowing my lawn, Dispatches raced over to School's Out, a benefit for the Hetrick-Martin Institute at the tony Further Lane home of Peter Wilson and Scott Sanders. Hetrick-Martin Institute, at the forefront of gay, transgender, and lesbian issues, is best known as host to the Harvey Milk High School, which caters to youths in those categories.
The rainy weather at last year’s event didn’t allow for the full visual effect of the estate’s fab gardens. A stone pagoda up by the pool overlooks a hill covered with rounded shrubs; it's almost impossible to imagine how the gardeners manicure every centimeter.
Guests of the fête were the direct opposite of bros. The men here were exquisitely dressed and well groomed—lots of bow ties, colorful shirts, and shorts. No socks. Bravo’s Andy Cohen, in a colorful plaid shirt, walked over and gave Dispatches a bro hug.
Later, on my way to catch up with my son at a showing of Prometheus, a kind of prequel to the Alien series, in East Hampton, I spotted a long line at Book Hampton. Cohen was there signing his fun new book, Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture.
Bro: “You’re everywhere!”
—JEFFREY SLONIM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEL REBOH/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM (SCHOOL'S OUT)
