It seems impossible that I am writing my last column of this season—where did the summer go? I feel like I only just arrived a short time ago, and yet it’s already time to say goodbye. This past week was a little too much even for me. Tuesday evening, I met a friend for drinks and a bite to eat at Little Red. The next night, a group of us who love going to BLT Steak made our last visit there and had a wonderful evening.
Thursday evening, the place to be was the Southampton Arts Center for the inaugural Summerfest event. What an amazing evening! Guests were treated to different music and dance performances inside. Outside, various local restaurants set up tables offering tastings of their favorite dishes. Sant Ambroeus offered a lemon sole with agro dolce sauce that was delicious, while Nammos had a wonderful gnocchi salad with a Greek yogurt sauce, and Social Club did short rib sliders with a strawberry BBQ sauce that was excellent. Other restaurants included La Parmigiana, 75 Main, Plaza Café, Tutto Il Giorno, and Little Red, just to mention a few.
Seen sampling the arts and culinary offerings: Siamak and Angela Samii, Raya Knight, Maria del Rio, Pam Walker and Daniel Storey, Michelle Thompson (the new director of the Southampton Arts Center), Margaret and Greg Hedberg, Randall Gianopulos, Doran Mullen, Mark Fichandler and Paul Peluso, Zita Davisson, Gary Lawrance, Bobo and Charlie McKenney, Patty and Thayer Bigelow, Susan Knox, Jane Gullong, Regina and Rainer Greeven, Torr and Andrea Marro, Maria and Bruce Bockmann, Maria and Mike Avram, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Cathy and Malcolm Price, and Jamee and Peter Gregory.
Guests were then invited to a four-course meal, which was also prepared by local restaurants, including Silver’s, Le Charlot (which will be opening this fall) and Tastings.
Congratulations to everyone involved for such a wonderful evening—I can’t wait until next year’s event. A special thanks to J. Whitney Stevens, who has been a driving force at the Arts Center, for which I am truly grateful. I am so happy to see this iconic location enjoying the next chapter in its magnificent life.
The next night, it was off to one of the clubs for cocktails, followed by dinner at a friend’s home. What a delightful way to spend the evening, with good friends and an incredible meal.
Saturday night, I made my way over to Sacred Hearts for the annual tent party—what a lovely evening! Father Mike has been a welcome addition to the Basilica and was so happy with the success of the party. Seen: Sheila Guidera, Joyce and John Borucke, Ann Miller, Kay and Stan Glinka with daughter Maria and son (Southampton Town Councilman) Stan Glinka, Ali and John Hubbell, Larry Horton and Joe Markovich, Peggy and David Mahoney, Margaret and Drew Watson, Mary Ann Fitzgibbon, Laura and Bill Masterson, Susan and Stuart Gellman, Noreen and Charles Conroy, and Ellen and Jim Miller.
I couldn’t stay long, as I had a dinner party to attend at a private club, which was actually a dual birthday celebration. What a lovely evening, as we all toasted the birthday girls—congrats to you both!
Sunday, it was off to Bridgehampton for the Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic. I love walking under the tents to see how everyone has decorated their tables for the big day.
Seen watching the competition: Joanne Pateman, Georgina Bloomberg (who also competed) and father Mike Bloomberg, Nancy Simpson, Victoria Amory (who decorated the table for Hamptons Cottages and Gardens), Mark Hughes, Christl and Kenny Meszkat, Frank Lopez-Balboa, Barbara Cartategui, Christian Lopez-Balboa and sister Olivia, Vicky and Bill Johnston, Paige Pederson, Roxanne Taylor, Tom Cirillo, Debbie Farrington, Mei Mei Newsome (managing director of Just World International), Becky and Chris Gaynor, Margo MacNabb Nederlander and husband Jimmy, Terry Allen Kramer, and K.T. and Alan McFarland.
The crowd went crazy over Sofia D’Angelo, who sang the national anthem and had everyone cheering before she even finished. Her parents, Mireya and Joseph, were so proud of her. The parade of people trying to catch any photographer’s eye was truly a sight to see!
I must take a moment to say goodbye to the Reverend Peter Larsen and his lovely wife, Nancy. Thank you for the many years of dedication to our community, and I wish you the best of luck in the next chapter of your lives.
By the way, for those of you heading to Palm Beach this winter, we have a welcome addition in City Place. It seems that Danni and John Grecu, the owners of the Village Gourmet Cheese Shoppe, will be opening a shop this fall—I can’t wait!
There are still plenty of events coming up. This Saturday evening, the Southampton Historical Society will host its Late Summer Cocktail Party. I heard from a very reliable source that there will be an amazing tag sale on Saturday, September 13, somewhere on Armande Street. Set your alarm clocks for this one—it’s going to be fantastic.
On Monday, September 15, Southampton Hospital, along with E.W. Howell, will host a golf tournament at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton. Also, the Palm Beach Show Group will host the New York Art Antiques and Jewelry Show at the Park Avenue Armory from September 17 to 21.
On September 20, the Southampton Garden Club will host a boutique and flower show at the Southampton Arts Center—there will also be a garden tour.
I wish to take a moment to thank all of my hosts and hostesses this season for including me in your parties—they were all terrific, and I will cherish the memories for years to come. To all of the chairpersons of the numerous charity events, a big thank you for all the hard work that went into making them so special.
By the time this article comes out, I will already be on my way back home to Florida. A bit earlier than I would like, but I must get back to tend to several projects that I have going on. I will miss you but look forward to seeing all of you back here next season when we take our walks on the social beach.
May you all have a safe and healthy winter season. See you next summer!
Staff Writer on Sep 2, 2014