Experience the first summer of the decade
New Yorkers normally migrate each summer to the East End of Long Island, into the adult playground colloquially known as “the Hamptons” — encompassing Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor and Montauk on the Southern Fork.
This year, as the world’s on pause, many have already decamped to the Hamptons to start their season early, albeit in quarantine. July and August represent the peak of summer; the social season in the Hamptons brings an influx of international visitors and New York players in search of social activity and relaxation on the beaches or at the top cocktail parties of the season. Summer 2020 will be fabulous, but it will also have some differences from more recent seasons. Expect to see social distancing and also several events moving to later in the summer.
WHERE TO DINE
Some of the best dining establishments in the Hamptons have already prepared for a summer of social distancing with al fresco dining and tables spaced out under the sky.
One new development this season is the integration of home delivery into the repertoire of every restaurant, adding a new dimension. Should you or your trusted house guests feel like remaining aloof from the crowds, you can still enjoy some of the finest food the East End has to offer.
The all-new Union Sushi & Steak restaurant at 40 Bowden Square in Southampton, New York, is set to open this summer! Owned by Southampton Social Club’s Ian Duke and David Hilty, who have teamed up with the club’s award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf to create the go-to modern sushi and steak eatery in the Hamptons.
In fact, Chef Kampf was featured on the legendary television show “Iron Chef America.” It’s co-located with the contemporary casual Union Burger offering an assortment of specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, maniacal milkshakes and desserts, plus an elaborate craft beer and small-batch bourbon selection.
Southampton Social Club is back and setting the standard for a season of dining, drinks and dancing. Al fresco dining at tables spaced to meet the social distancing requirements will offer small, intimate dinners under the sun and stars. As the pre-eminent fine-dining supper club in the Hamptons, Southampton Social Club (SSC) continues to set the standard for hospitality. From Executive Chef Scott Kampf’s cuisine and his dedication to the classic “farm to table” cooking style comes the summer 2020 cocktail program, featuring many new concoctions. On a weekly basis, the entertainment will reach a crescendo with Live Music and DJ’s performing together, creating an undeniably brilliant sound and vibe to set your summer to.
T-Bar Steak an d Lounge Southampton, like its sister restaurant on the Upper East Side, offers guests innovative, contemporary American cuisine in a warm and inviting ambiance. The outdoor terrace and garden have dining spaced sensibly, making it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings. T-Bar is a new spin on the classic upscale steak house. The menu features a variety of dishes, ranging from renditions of classics to refined and inventive plates.
Claude’s at the Southampton Inn has been re-envisioned for summer 2020, where guests can choose from a brand new, locally-sourced menu, grab their picnic baskets and dine in any one of several delightful venues throughout the property. There is classic Claude’s Restaurant inside, a traditional 3,000-square-foot ballroom opening onto a charming European courtyard with colorful umbrellas and beautiful plantings.
There are also a pool patio surrounded by flowers and an old-fashioned shuffleboard court, plus an acre of lawns around the outside bar. Throughout the property, tables are spaced 10 feet apart. Food will be wrapped and packed in “to go” containers. Wait staff will be masked and gloved. As always, the prices are excellent, the food is delicious, and the concept is very 2020. Claude’s will re-open May 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days per week for inn guests, neighbors and the community. Casual, comfortable and classic.
WHERE TO GOLF
With small groups of people separated by golf carts, the open air of the golf course makes it one of the less crowded sports for the post-coronavirus era. Here are five of the very best.
A “Links-like” course designed by Rees Jones in 1992 on land originally scheduled for housing development, Atlantic is not just a challenging course requiring golfers to be able to create the full repertoire of shots but also a haven for wildlife — in particular, the tiger salamander and northern harrier (hawk). Notable Wall Street players include Eric Gleacher and Eddie Lampert.
Westhampton Beach’s best-kept golfing secret is located among 2,000 acres of the Pine Barrens. Participate in friendly competition against a challenging Par-71 – 148 slope golf course featuring dramatic elevation changes at members-only Hampton H ills Golf & Country Club.
The Peconic Bay course derived its name from the fact that its founding 67 members were from across the United States. Although having never hosted one of “the majors,” the National Golf Links o f America, designed by Scot Charles B. MacDonald, has a robust private following, including Stanley Druckenmiller and Jimmy Dunne III of Sandler O’Neill & Partners.
Outgoing CEO of Goldman Sachs Lloyd Blankfein and Gary Cohn have been seen working their way around the course designed by golfing legendjack Nicklaus and Tom Doak. Sandwiched between Shinnecock Hills and National Golf Links, the Sebonack Golf Club has, in recent years, hosted the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open Golf Tournament.
The Shinnecock Hills course is perhaps the most well-known of golf clubs in the Hamptons, having played host to the U.S. Open Golf tournament at least once in every century since its foundation. Henry Kravis of KKR and George Herbert Walker IV of Neuberger Berman are among the Wall Street elite to test their mettle.
WHERE TO STAY
The award-winning Southampton Inn is a classic, welcoming haven in the heart of the historic Southampton Village, offering the personal attention of a bed-and-breakfast with the services and amenities of a hotel. Surrounded by world-renowned beaches and estates and Rockwellesque village life, the Inn is the perfect place to relax, indulge in a romantic rendezvous or enjoy precious time with the entire family with its child-friendly facilities.
WHO TO KNOW & HOW TO HELP
The traditional charity season of fundraising events and galas has been impacted by recent events, with many moved to later this summer. Should you feel the need to help others, how best can you help? Lizzie Asher, who is more philanthropically-minded when the world is spinning on its correct axis, has spent a good portion of her quarantine working with several good friends — Casey Kohlberg, Laura Day-Webb, Mercedes de Guardiola and Nora Boyd —to create a new nonprofit, The Cura Collective (and making Macchu Pisco cocktails). The Collective is based out of a mutual desire to help and make a tangible impact. What makes it more fun is the true friendship aspect; it’s a group of friends who are hoping to make a difference. While Cura has come to life over many Zoom cocktail meetings, it’s a gratifying extension of the day to day work of these five women. They work on philanthropic efforts, the arts and media and have a desire to see where gaps in the current system are and fill those on a need basis.
Cult film star and philanthropist Leesa Rowland is the daughter of an artist and college professor. Rowland grew up in Austin, Texas and later became a classically trained actress at the world-renowned Stella Adler Studio in Los Angeles. She is also the author of the best-selling self-help/motivational book, “Discovering the It Factor Within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality,” which was published in 2015. She is well-known for her work as an animal rights activist.
This summer, securing the right place to stay, either for the season or continuity, is going to require some expert help. Nancy Mizrahi of Saunders & Associates will be your go-to with the expertise, knowledge and experience to navigate the challenges of finding the right home. She was recently ranked in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 200 agents in the United States. Formerly in sales and marketing in the luxury fashion business in Manhattan, Mizrahi not only ultimately served as president of a major fashion firm but also as a freelance consultant to some of the industry’s foremost designers.
SOMETHING EXTRA
For your hostess this summer or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other celebration, why not send the perfect gift of chocolates from Mariebelle Chocolate. A dedicated host and hostess gift selection online has a range of choices which you can order for gift-wrapped direct delivery. Problem solved.
Fitness model, sponsored athlete and personal trainer Nikki Walter has a strong passion for health and wellness, shared with her daughter, Addison, to help change people’s lives through their website efforts and company, Clean Eating Parties as well as health movement called #ruralfit.
