Where do I go in the Hamptons?!

Where to see and be seen this summer

All winter long you’ve been toiling away behind a desk somewhere. Some of you have been punching away at your Bloomberg like Ali on a speedbag. Others have been working the media circuit—PR, Advertising, Publishing and Marketing—weaving the social fabric to ensure that New York remains the greatest city on earth. Now it’s time for a much needed break.

We left off last summer as Hurricane Irene tore through the Hamptons, toppling power lines, busting water mains and turning the nicest beaches on the east end into hazard zones. While Irene brought a great summer to a premature close, it is now ancient Hampton’s history, gone in a New York minute.

Let’s take a look at a few establishments that are sure to draw the media moguls, financial titans, A-Listers and of course a smattering of ball players to their swanky digs.

Trata (631.726.6200)

Revamped with a large outdoor area and their eclectic Mediterranean menu/motif. A great place to dine outside before heading to a club in Southampton/East Hampton. Since their parties can go until 2 or 3am, some folks don’t even bother leaving.

Median age is early-mid thirties and the cuisine is remarkable.

Nobu at The Capri Hotel (631.504.6575)

Season 2 of this dynamic duo, blending boutique hotel with modern Japanese cuisine (and the clout of Richie Notar, Nobu Matsuhisa and Jonathan Cheban) will once again prove to be the social anchor of Southampton this summer. However, we are not 100% certain Nobu will be open for Memorial Day, 2012.

Last summer, ad hoc renovations held the restaurant back for the weekend, until they finally opened their doors on Monday, Memorial Day, 2011. The net effect: crowds were beating down the doors come June and by July/August, reservations were as hard to come by as Momofuku Ko, circa 2009.

Notables on hand included Howard Stern, Chris Bosh, Robert De Niro, Courtney Love, Ahmad Rashad, Michael Strahan and Pharrell.

The Palm (631.324.0411)

Steadfast social anchor of East Hampton, a few short paces away from the Jitney stop. The Palm is hands down the best steakhouse in the Hamptons and services a level of action that runs seven days per week.

Patrons include Renee Zellweger, Ronald Perelman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jon Bon Jovi and Robert Downey Jr. Call ahead, ask for Thomas, leave your kids at home and get ready to enjoy a classy dining experience at an historic venue.

Dune? More like done…

And the Sotheby's sign is proof of this. spyehampton feels this is probably for the best, following a lackluster performance in 2011.

However, Matt Shendell’s party is going strong at...

Southampton Social Club (631.287.1400)

While the median age is around 29, this is a trendy crowd and a sexy party.

Certainly worth checking out as it's a stone's throw from 75Main, Nobu and Watermill.

75 Main - A Southampton Staple

75 Main - A Southampton Staple, Off-Season and Every Summer

I arrived at 75 Main on the afternoon of the Kentucky Derby and was thrilled to find a lively crowd of local onlookers.

While the Hamptons is slowly springing to life after the mild winter, evidence of revitalized and fabulous venues is discernible from a drive down Montauk Highway. With a comforting New American menu, boasting Hamachi Tartare, Black Truffle Cheese-Potatoes Grain and Sauteed Branzini, reservations are recommended. 631.283.7575 or OpenTable.

With a brand new location in Del Ray Beach, Zach Erdem (prorpietor) has had his hands full, jetting between sunny Florida and the warming Hamptons!



The allure of 75 Main is their ability to remain open year-round...and to do so with a vibrant crowd. Sure the curb appeal from Main Street in Southampton is part of the draw, but Erdem's promoting prowess turns this back room

...into this

Sometimes Nobu, Social House and Savannahs are too crowded. Or maybe you want to forego the hawty-tawty glitterati for some more comradery. 75 Main, with the seamless blending of a classy restaurant, casual outdoor seating and the nightly transition into a hip lounge is a very savvy answer.

With occassional appearances by Lee Kalt, there is no telling what the night could bring (or when it could end).

Check spyehampton for an upcoming interview with Zach Erdem, the logistics brains, PR brawn and principal proprietor of 75 Main Street!