Hamptons Magazine

Weekend Entertainer: Fuss-Free and Fast Friday Dinners

June 28, 2012 | At Home

Fill a large, flat basket with linen placemats and napkins, votives, plates, silverware, and napkin rings every Sunday. Tackling this task then allows you to return Friday evening, grab the basket, and head to the deck for a speedy set-up.

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When it comes to Friday night dinners on the deck, one of my absolute favorite summer meals to create is Ina Garten's (aka the Barefoot Contessa and a local Hamptonite!) Roasted Shrimp with Feta from her book Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That? ($35). This dish is a surefire way to create a fast meal, but will also please sophisticated palettes. Serve with a tossed mesclun salad, a baguette, and libations of your choice.

Adding fresh flowers, either from one's own garden or from any of the local farmstands, is the perfect quick touch to a beautifully set table. My favorite farmstand is Round Swamp Farm (184 Three Mile Harbor Road, 324-4438).

After a long work week and a traffic-filled dash to the Hamptons, inventing an inviting al-fresco meal need not feel impossible. A favorite tip of mine for ensuring enjoyable Friday evenings is based partially on the prep work from the previous Sunday:

—LISA EHRLICH

Hamptontoes is a blog by interior designer Lisa Ehrlich, who shares her musings on all things interior design related, along with tidbits for living a happy and stylish life. Stay tuned for bi-weekly blog posts on décor, entertaining, and her take on the Hamptons.

Tracy Anderson Talks Staying Fit While Pregnant & New Retreat

June 28, 2012 | Style & Beauty

Even baby number two won’t stop fitness mogul Tracy Anderson's skyrocketing success. Anderson recently opened her Water Mill studio full-time through Labor Day, has a new at-home mini trampoline workout and, come the end of July, will be launching Detox Weeks in the Hamptons.

This week-long program features two hours of fitness with Anderson and senior teachers Maria Kelling and Stacey McDermott, daily lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and meals based on a body-type analysis. We spoke to Anderson about her new program, staying in shape while pregnant, and more.

With so many cleanses and retreats available, why did you think it was important for you to come out with your own program?
TRACY ANDERSON: There are so many programs available, but their missions and results aren't sustainable when you leave. The lifestyle changes they offer aren't healthy for everyone and can be dangerous, cause depression, injury, and confusion. My biggest challenge is lack of time and being able to connect with clients personally. These Detox Weeks will allow me to reach people that aren't only in my studios, but who are in-home clients that need more attention, customization, and nurturing to get the benefits of what I can really give them.

How have you designed your new mini-trampoline workout to be different from the others available?
TA: This mini trampoline workout level one is an intro to a series of mini trampoline DVDs I will be putting out this year. My muscular structure work is doable for everyone—it’s the gold that will transform your structure so that when you lose unwanted fat or as you age the skin has a designed muscular structure to pull back to.

The issue is not everyone can or wants to do the dance aerobics. Because it is my mission to make sure women have all of the tools they need to be successful, I knew I needed another cardio option. Not all trampoline workouts are okay and most will not work with my method. The movements are designed to complement the muscular structure work and the bounce in the trampoline as well.

What has been the biggest challenge in terms of staying in shape while pregnant?
TA: At this point in my career I don't ever get nervous about keeping myself in shape. My biggest challenge has been continuing to create the content, research, and progression of my method as I grow! Thank goodness I have Maria Kelling and Stacey McDermott who have been with me for many years and know the method. They have been able to decode my movements as I grow and keep the clients from slipping.

I am excited to get back full force. I also filmed a pregnancy video for every month of my pregnancy, which has never been done. This is very important as the body changes so much, and to keep your body in the best condition while putting the baby first is such an important balance.

You're known to have a great music selection. Can you tell us about some of your current workout favorites?
TA: I am very inspired by music and love all kinds. I actually can't create to music I am not feeling. I love it when an artist with talent shows a big jump in the development of their work. I think Jack White’s new album is musically genius. I am also addicted to “Call Me Maybe”!

What are some of your favorite spots out in the Hamptons?
TA: I really love to be home in the Hamptons with my son and his friends running around the yard! I love walking by the bay or on the beach. There are also so many great spots for dining out. My favorite is La Fondita (74 Montauk Hwy., Amagansett, 267-8800), my son's favorite is Sen (23 Main St., Sag Harbor, 725-1774), and my husband’s favorite is West Lake Chowder House (352 West Lake Dr., Montauk, 668-6252).

For more information on the Detox Weeks ($1,800; Session 1: July 21-27; Session 2: July 28-August 3), go to tracyandersonmethod.com. 903 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, 212-965-1408

—SHARON FEIEREISEN

First Look: The Foodie-Focused Topping Rose House

June 27, 2012 | Talk of the Town

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Topping Rose House will bring much-needed luxury accommodations to Bridgehampton in an original 19th century mansion, one of a few that remain in the Hamptons. Centuries-old trees will shade the grounds and short, green hedges will encircle it.

Local architecture firm Roger Ferris & Partners has been tapped to retain historical significance while creating necessary modern improvements. The term "Greek Revival" was first used in 1842, the exact year this home was built. The home has a welcoming entry porch with columns, which are typical of this architectural style.

Comfort meets indulgence in each room’s design, with cozy corners and sun-drenched space. Here, a fireplace is the perfect addition to a hotel open year-round in the Hamptons.

In this room's bathroom, clean lines and simple materials blend with the Hamptons landscape outside.

Picture this: The sun is setting in Bridgehampton, you have a glass of wine in hand and are chatting on a wraparound porch, biding your time until dinner at Tom Colicchio’s new place, just steps away. This will all be possible when Topping Rose House—a historic Bridgehampton home turned luxe, food-focused inn—opens in late August.

The former Bull's Head Inn at the corner of Route 27 and the Sag Harbor Turnpike is being carefully renovated to become a 22-room retreat and spa within walking distance to everything we love about Bridgehampton, from Almond and Pierre's to Loaves & Fishes Cookshop and C&W Mercantile. Millions have been poured into the renovation of the Greek Revival-style mansion, built in 1842 for Judge Abraham Topping Rose and his family.

The entire property evokes sweet Southern hospitality, especially when it comes to dining. Celebrity chef Tom Colicchio joined owners Bill Campbell and Simon Critchell to head up the restaurant, which he says will focus on vegetables and produce grown on the property’s one-acre farm.

Topping Rose House will be open year-round so guests can enjoy the Hamptons beyond spring and summer and into the colorful fall and quiet, cozy winter. It will debut with seven rooms, Colicchio’s restaurant, bar, and a Barn for entertaining. An additional 15 rooms will be added in late 2012.

—ANNIE FITZSIMMONS

Reimagined Red, White, and Blue Tablescape for July 4th

June 27, 2012 | At Home

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Bold and Beautiful - Top a punchy red Ikat print napkin with natural-inspired accessories for a fresh, modern vibe. A generously sized cobalt blue plate provides some pop.

Ikat cloth napkin, $28, C. Wonder. 5 Main St., Southampton, 287-2645

Java dinner plate, $136, Home, James! 55 Main St. # D, East Hampton, 324-2307

Retro Thirst Quencher - Whether filled with fresh lemonade or a frozen mojito, a classic canning jar tied with a bright red grosgrain ribbon is a fun and festive addition to your table.

Ribbon and canning jars, Sag Harbor Variety Store. 45 Main St., Sag Harbor, 725-9706

Stars and Stripes - Display your patriotic spirit to perfection with an innovative and stylish decorative box as the centerpiece of your tablescape.

American flag keepsake box, $38, C. Wonder. 5 Main St., Southampton, 287-2645

Bring on the red, white, and blue—but cast away old holiday clichés. This July 4th tablescape celebrates the quintessential American holiday with style and sass instead of tired traditions. Incorporate pieces of bold, contemporary tableware with a layer of Earth-inspired accessories and add a piece of Americana for a beautiful, beachy table with a pure patriotic spirit. Here's how to get the look:

—BARBARA PAGE GLATT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA GLATT (TABLESCAPE)

Hampton Hostess, a lifestyle blog by interior designer Barbara Page Glatt, explores the latest in home design, travel, and entertaining, with a specific focus on the Hamptons. Stay tuned for Barbara's weekly blogs on décor, entertaining, and more in the Hamptons.