Summer, 2011

As the pollen clears from your newly leased Mercedes and thoughts of DOW-10,000 wane, the cry of the Hamptons once again beckons. Here is a list of what is going on amongst the movers and shakers of the East End:

The Palm:
A stodgy pillar of East Hampton, this establishment boasts some of the finest cuts on the South Fork. The night peaks at an early 9:30pm, with notables Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellwegger and Roger Ferris, often on hand. Anchored in the corner is Ronald Perelman, a long time friend of the late Howard Gittis (former owner of Savanna's, Southampton), known to dine with a celebrity entourage including, but not limited to Jon Bon Jovi and Robert Downey Jr. Best advice--leave your children with the nanny; this is where the big kids come to play.

*New*

Nobu at The Capri Hotel:
Nobu started the summer a half-stride behind, missing almost all of Memorial Day weekend, as they failed to open. Nevertheless, owner Richie Notar (who got his start as a busboy at Studio 54) came through and last weekend proved a phenomenal success. Howard Stern dined with wife Beth Ostrovsky, while Carmello Anthony and crew carried the night into the wee hours of the morning.

The Capri is a special venue. Once a posh cabana-lounge nightclub, commanded by David Sarner (54, Pink Elephant) and Jamie Mulholland (Cain, Surf Lodge), it has now been reconfigured into restaurant/lounge mode. Messy beach sand that once surrounded the outdoor area/pool in the back, has been replaced with smooth pebbles.

Inside, Nobu boasts an open dining area, interrupted only by the bar at the entrance. Behind the bar--which was once the DJ's booth/VIP tables--there are 8 bar-tables surrounded by banquettes. With a sound system strangely familiar to that of Pink Elephant's, Nobu will be packed to its Yellowtail gills. Last call is allegedly at 2am!

Trata:
If anyone needed proof that an outdoor area leads to success in Hamptons nightlife, they need not look further than Trata, in Watermill. About 1 mile East of the turn on Montauk Highway, this restaurant/lounge caters to an affluent crowd of 40-somethings. Rolls Royces and Maseratis adorn the parking lot and the night often goes past 2am.

*New*
SL East:
Formerly Lily Pond (formerly Resort), this venue did not fall prey to the open-door disease which for years plagued its neighbor: Star Room. If a 2am lounge is not enough and bottle service exclusivity is desired, this is the only real show in town. Expect to see Paris Hilton and other A-Listers, tucked away in this Wainscott club. If the lot is not full by 1am, either motor on to Surf Lodge or call it a night.

East Hampton Point:
Don't let Sundays get you down. While East Hampton Point was tested with the Day & Night Saturday brunch party in 2010, their famed reggae party on Sundays is a perfect end to your weekend. Live bands hit the back deck at around 2pm and play until after the sun crosses the horizon of Three Mile Harbor. Burgers and Calamari on the deck, while the inside serves up Oysters on the half-shell. Bring your black card because EHP has one of the best wine lists on the East End!

The Elm:
Adjacent to Madame Tong's (which is adjacent to Savannas) and a stones throw from the Southampton train station, The Elm hopes to draw from the Hamptons pool of hedgefunders, models and celebs. As of this weekend however, business was not usual as the venue appears to be flopping and supposedly a general manager quit in disgust. More info to follow...