East End Sweets: Beyond Cookies at Tate’s Bake Shop
August 28, 2012 | East End Eats
Tate's chocolate chip cookies are distinctive: perfectly flat, deep caramel brown, speckled with chocolate, and crunchy all the way though. And flavors reach far beyond the classic chocolate chip. There’s oatmeal raisin, double chocolate chip, white chocolate with macadamia nuts, whole wheat chocolate chip, and even a chipless chocolate chip. Aside from cookies, which are sold in just about every Hamptons and NYC market, Tate’s also serves delicious cakes and sweets, which are exclusive to its Southampton bakery. Here are a few of our favorites.
Apple Walnut Cake: A hearty snack served in large rectangular wedges. It’s the sort of apple cake a grandmother bakes, and serves with tea, of course. The surface is a tad crunchy, with a light sprinkling of sugar, and the plush interior is sweetened with brown sugar, tender chunks of baked apple, and toasted walnuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea.
Cream Cheese Brownie: These are a godsend for those who love fudgy brownies. Each dense and decadent square has nearly equal parts semisweet chocolate brownie and cream cheese topping. The cream cheese is generously swirled into the batter and the best bites are where chocolate and whipped cream cheese meet.
Marie Antoinette Cake: This colorful and extravagant confection lives up to its name. From bottom-to-top, layers go like this: buttery yellow cake, raspberry jam, raspberry buttercream, über-moist chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and a final layer of yellow cake. The whole thing is covered in vanilla butter cream and topped with a marzipan and apricot glaze. Cake crumbs and almonds are pressed into the sides to fully dress the cake.
—KATHY YL CHAN
Hamptons Have to Haves: Lorry Newhouse
August 28, 2012 | Style & Beauty
What does Lorry Newhouse Have to Have in the Hamptons? See some of her picks below, check out HavetoHave.com for the full list, OR make your own list of Hamptons Have to Haves on HavetoHave.com.
"Southampton is where I relax with my family and work on my collections. I feel a deep connection to the community here, so I’m thrilled to feature select pieces locally at Gail Rothwell in East Hampton."
Read more about Lorry Newhouse's eponymous new label here>>
—LORRY NEWHOUSE FOR HAVE TO HAVE
Elvira Grau's Simple Tips for a Hamptons Labor Day Party
August 28, 2012 | At Home
A Hamptons Labor Day Party is a way to celebrate the end of summer, stylishly and stress-free. Celebrity event planner and entertaining expert, Elvira Grau of Space Odyssey USA, drew on her experiences with Hamptons clientele for these easy party tips:
Celebrate Summer Memories:
Labor Day parties are all about remembering the best summer moments, and what better way to reminisce than by displaying all your favorite summer photos?
For décor inspired by the season's best moments, create elegant collages, large decorative albums, or put together a slideshow that will display all of your favorite pictures from the past summer. This will create an art gallery effect throughout your home or backyard.
Encourage guests to contribute, too. For those who bring camera phones and digital cameras along, set up a photo booth, and have a photo printer so guests can print up their favorite party snaps.
A take-home gift is always a nice touch. Purchase small picture frames so that each guest can take home their photographs.
Incorporate Summery Pops of Color:
With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, it’s prime time to pay homage to this season's bright and bold colors.
Pick your favorite bright hue, then pair it with complementing tablecloths and flower centerpieces. Sunflower centerpieces with light orange linens create a stunning sunset effect.
To easily personalize the centerpieces, place pictures on long skewers, then arrange them among the flowers to incorporate your own memories inside the bouquet.
Plan a Simple Menu to Feature Summer Flavors Best:
When planning your menu, it’s all about great basics that will satisfy all palates. Here’s how to highlight the flavors of summer, simply.
Sliced chicken or skirt steak prepared on the grill is easy, appealing, and features that fantastic summer flavors we’ll miss come winter. Pair a lean protein with truffle mashed potatoes or risotto for a little added luxury.
Stick to a variety of simple sides that guests can pick and choose from, buffet-style. Throw summer vegetables on the grill with a touch of oregano and drizzled olive oil; or toss fresh spinach with sliced beets, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, and oil for a light summer salad. Classic corn on the cob is another fantastic addition.
Finish off with a light and fresh dessert. Pair strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with some homemade whipped cream, or opt for light Cool Whip for a guilt-free treat. If it’s more an indulgence you’re after, poached pears or baked apples with a bit of sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream are just the thing.
—ELVIRA GRAU
Elvira Grau is a Russian immigrant who built her business from scratch starting in Englewood, NJ. A happily married mother of four, Elvira proves that women really can have it all and is a firm believer that hard work can lead to the "American Dream." She founded Space Odyssey USA in 2005 when she discovered an empty, 26,000-square-foot warehouse and envisioned a one-of-a-kind, fantastical entertainment and private events space. Entering into its seventh anniversary this September, Elvira has hosted over 7,200 events at Space since its inception. The destination for some of the biggest and most outrageous celebrity events, birthday parties, and celebrations, Space Odyssey USA is run by Elvira with her husband, Emmy award-winning television producer, Jim. Prior to creating Space Odyssey USA and launching her entertaining career, Elvira was a successful marketing and public relations executive, handling Fortune 500 clients.
Scenes from the Weekend
August 27, 2012 | Talk of the Town
Kelly Ripa was casual and cute as ever at opening day of the 37th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show.
Adam Lipson and Shamin Abas attended our own celebration marking the close of another season (albeit a rainy one) of Bridgehampton Polo.
Tom Colicchio and Katie Lee pose for a pic at the second annual "What’s on the Table?" event supporting the United Way of New York City. Guests like Hilary Rhoda, Dan Abrams, and Bon Jovi sampled dishes made with local bounty by Colicchio's team of chefs.
Mark Feuerstein steps up to bat at the 64th Annual Artists & Writers Softball Game. Other players this year included John Slattery, Christie Brinkley, George Stephanopoulos, and Mike Lupica, among others. The annual celebrity match (which was rescheduled due to rain) benefited the East End Hospice, East Hampton Day Care Learning Center, Phoenix House of Long Island, and The Retreat.
Bradley Cooper hit the red carpet with guests Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky Stern for a Hamptons screening of his latest film, The Words, at Goose Creek in East Hampton. Other notable guests included Susan Sarandon, Joy Behar, Bob Balaban, and Tamara Mellon.
Georgina Bloomberg and Cassandra Seidenfeld were among guests at a cocktail party for the Humane Society of America's Equine Leadership Council. Other attendees included Beth Ostrosky Stern, Francis Hayward, and host Stephanie Riggio.
Stacy Engman, also at the Equine Leadership Council cocktail party, wore a gorgeous summer hat and printed gown.
My East End Favorites: Naturopathica's Barbara Close
August 27, 2012 | At Home
Naturopathica founder and CEO Barbara Close leads a beautiful life—not only is she behind Naturopathica's healthy, clinically proven skincare products and an acclaimed East Hampton spa, she’s also a full-time Hamptons resident. Below, Close gives an insider's look at East End favorites:
“As a year-round resident, summer in the Hamptons means enjoying the bounty of the season while avoiding the traffic jams and crowds. I probably should not reveal the list below as I will have to create a new list by next summer. Oh well….”
Favorite Restaurant – The lunch truck behind The North Fork Table and Inn (57225 Main Road, Southold, 599-8897) is sublime. Heavenly lobster rolls, Berkshire pulled pork sandwiches drizzled with a charred tomatillo sauce, and delicious vegetarian items.
Favorite Nightlife Spot – Stargazing events at the Montauk Observatory (668-2428). It's not every day you can take in a Perseid Meteor Shower, and Montauk provides an unparalleled spot to view the heavens outside the city.
Favorite Event of the Summer – North Fork Historic Preservation is a fabulous event and auction that raises funds to preserve the historic homes of the Orient and its surrounding area.
Favorite Farm Stand – The Sag Harbor Farmers Market (Bay St. - at Burke St. in front of the Break Water Yacht Club - 212-644-2604) has fresh coffee, delicious Riesling, and expert recipe advice.
Favorite Place to Shop – JANGEORGe (11 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 899-4848) is an amazing new interior design store in Sag Harbor.
Favorite Best-Kept Secret – Off-season in the Hamptons—the absence of the crowds amplifies the beauty.
—BARBARA CLOSE
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