Friday Funny on Saturday.... Commedian Steve Rannazzisi brings "Manchild" to Bay Street Theatre.

We here at "The Chatter" like a good laugh every now and then, especially during the busy summer months.   So when we aren't busy reading the Yelp reviews for Harlow in Sag Harbor, we are on the  look out for anything to help us forget the 5 hours we spent grid locked on Route 27.     Well, let me tell you, I have cure for those summer time blues and it comes in the form of comedian Steve Rannazzisi who will be presenting "Manchild" this Monday night June 30th at Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor at 8pm.    If the face looks familiar it could be you recognize him from films like "For Your Consideration," Comedy Central specials or his starring role on the FX series "THE LEAGUE."

A native of Smithtown, Long Island Rannazzisi is no stranger to the Hamptons and is aware of our current Kardashian Krisis. "They're ruining the planet earth!   Has anyone called Billy Joel, maybe he can do a commercial to help?"   Taking inspiration for his stand up from everyday observations, he describes his comedy as more "R rated and a little less PG."   Having been discovered on stage by Ashton Kutcher, his salty humor was put to years in his participation on the MTV show "Punk'd."    A sort of edgy "Candid Camera," where celebrities are often the targets.  One of his favorites involved him being the tow truck driver who takes actor Tracy Morgan's car from valet to flatbed.  "It was hysterical, I told him I had to take it to Barstow which is a couple hours away.  When we revealed the gag, Tracy went crazy laughing he was such a good sport about it."

While he preps for the sixth season of "The League," Rannazzisi is taking some time to return to the comedy stage.  "It's the greatest experience to perform in front of people.   While I love doing the TV show, working with some great people... nothing is more fun than when a live audience is right in front of you."    As you can see from the clip below he's definitely comfortable on the stage and after you watch, I'm sure you'll want to buy tickets here (click here) for his performance this Monday night!   See you there!

Avoid the Soulpsychos .... Plus, the Latest Threat to Property Values!

While we still lament the departure of Tiffany a few weeks ago. We (royal) are taking solace in the fact that there is actually something cool that took its place.   I mean, it could have been a Kardashian pop-up or worse yet another real estate office!  But alas, that's not what we got! Instead we have something to make the Hamptons a little more civilized on Saturday and Sunday mornings during the season, Peloton!   OK, what exactly is Peloton?   It's the cure for the overly aggressive Lululemon wearing.... Range Rover driving... Vitamin water drinking.... Soul Psychos!   Rather than jockeying online to reserve a spot at an overly crowded spin class, you can instead buy one of Peloton's bikes for about $2000, pay a small monthly membership and join in via-video for one of a dozen or so classes a day live from New York City!    The bikes come with a video screen where you monitor the class and have your stats sent back to the studio, so don't try reading the paper while you pedal.    They'll know if your sweating or riding like your grandmother!   I took a look at one of the bikes at the store on Main Street East Hampton and this stuff is cool! But don't worry, if you're Internet is slow... thank you Optimum.... you can download and store classes on the monitor's hard drive!     If you're curious, take a look at this video.    I know I want one of these!  Here's the link!

Could this be bad for owners of historical homes!

Meanwhile, if your'e fit, you'll be living longer and if you're living longer you can protect your property values!  SAYYYYYYY WHAT???!   I kid you not!    As if the real estate market weren't confusing enough, between potentially rising interest rates and an unpredictable market now you have to worry if someone has died in your home!   OMG!  I can hear it now  "Mrs. Freeling, while my clients love Cuesta Verde, this house is not clear... and my buyers want to offer you 25% off of your asking price!" Now, I don't know about you but I'm not sure I buy the whole ghost thing.  I've only seen one in my life and that was after taking an ambien with a margarita!    If you think I'm joking, check out the website DiedinHouse.com!    I know it's a very catchy name, right?  Its kind of like listing your home on overpricedgarbageforsalebyowner.com!    

Finally, some new restaurant reports coming later in the week!   Plus.... go see Conviction at Bay Street Theater!   Some of the best performances of any show on any stage anywhere!

TRENDS: Mushroom for Improvement.... Personal Chefs Not Just for the Uber Wealthy!

As a child of Lithuanian, Scotch, Irish heritage the idea of a good home cooked meal was as mysterious as the pyramids.   My mother much to her credit worked as a real estate agent in the 70's (in my view a pioneer back then) and would come home throw a steak on the grill and kill it ten times over!   I would dream, hope and pray that she would get stuck working late and instead opt to buy me a Swanson or Libby Land TV Dinner. (see below if you don't remember).   Ahhh the simple life...  where the only other option was perhaps dining out (Perkins Pancakes was a favorite) at a local restaurant.     The idea of actually having someone else come to our house to cook was something far out of consideration and reserved for people like the Carringtons or the Ewings!    But the times they are a changing'!

A cheaper alternative but less results!

Something I've noticed in the past few years among renters, friends and associates is the growing request for personal chefs.    One client who doesn't want their name mentioned specifically cited the difficulty in not only getting reservations on a summer weekend but the simple fact that getting from home to wherever is more difficult than sitting through Russell Crowe's performance as Noah!   OK, they didn't make the Noah reference but they did say it's a pain in the butt to drive in town.  

Also, with more diners having to adhere to diet restrictions due to such things as food allergies or even vegetarian guidelines, hiring a personal chef certainly makes it easier.    One personal chef I spoke with said while he's "not exactly sure if the average Joe is hiring them just yet," people who a few years ago wouldn't normally have thought of hiring a personal chef are jumping the bandwagon.  
While prices vary, one chef I spoke to Dominic Ohrlich who was trained at Culinary Institute in Hyde Park said it varies for the occasion but average costs are about $500 to $800 a day.    While not exactly chump change, it would probably cost you the same to go to dinner with friends and get a muffin at Round Swamp Farm.   If you're curious, you can visit Dominic's site at www.privatechefforhire.com!

Meanwhile, if you're bored this weekend (the weather is supposed to be lousy) you might want to consider heading over to Bay Street Theatre where Conviction is having it's world premiere.    According the to the blurb,  it's a delicately balance, beautifully nuanced family drama that digs deep
beneath the surface of a happy suburban existence.      The show stars American Horror Story's Sarah Paulson who I thought stole the movie "Down with Love."   If you want more information or tickets visit Bay Street's website here!    I haven't seen it yet but from what I hear it's one of the theater's best productions in years!

Barking News!!! It's a doggone good time in the Hamptons!!

Today show reporter Jill Rappaport & friend

I have some "barking news" here!   Two of my favorite Hamptons organizations are getting together in what sounds like a doggone good time!  Bay Street Theatre is partnering with ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons for  the "Travels with Charley" Dog Walk on Saturday, May 4th at 8:30 am!   Today show host and dog advocate Jill Rappaport will be there as host.   The walk will start at Haven's Beach in Sag Harbor and finish at Bay Street Theatre.   There will be a "Bagels and Bones" reception immediately after the walk.  I'll be there because Bella and Russell love bagels! 

The walk is obviously a fundraiser that will  cover 5k or a little over 3 miles with a $25 entrance fee.  There will also be a GRAND PRIZE to the person who raises the most money!  Now, just know I will website and ARF's website.
be the one who raises the most.  YOU GOT A BONE TO PICK WITH THAT?!   If your interested in hanging with Bella, Russell, Jill Rappaport and me you can get more info from Bay Street theatre on their

Now it's a good time to paws and get the latest news on Hamptons real estate as Douglas Elliman released it's latest “Elliman Report: Hamptons Sales 1Q 2013.”   As you've been hearing the market has been brisk the past few months and the new market report confirms it.    2013 started at a rapid pace tail end of the year.   If you want more details you can download a copy of the report from Douglas Elliman.
with lots of activity and less inventory.   While prices slipped slightly, appraiser Jonathan Miller of Miller Samuel suggests this may be due to many high end sales in the prior quarter happening because of tax-incentives to close by the

Finally, some have a bone to pick with the Hamptons and the fact it's just gotten too darn expensive out here!  Recently I had a chance to sit down with my friend author Stephen Gaines and LTV host and Southampton Press editor Dawn Watson about the state of the Hamptons economy.  Take a look and in the meantime, I'll stop hounding you with my horrible puns!

   

The hole truth on Bridgehampton Dunkin'??? Plus, why the Hamptons will enjoy a few more laughs this summer!

If you've been by the Bridgehampton commons say any time in the past year you probably saw the sight that the old Sneakerology (a great store now in East Hampton next to London jewelers) would soon become a Dunkin' Donuts.  Well I'm tired of having to buy Keurig Donut Shop Coffee instead of the real thing!   Yes I love Dunkin's coffee!  And YES, there's one in Southampton but have you ever tried to get in and out of that parking lot!!?!?  Also, what is easier and cheaper to serve for desert at a dinner party than Munchkins!?  Oh, don't be such a snob, you know you'll happily pay a small fortune for the same stupid Munchkins at David Burke Kitchen downtown.  Anyway, if finally looks like that long faded sign wasn't lying.  Southampton Town recently issued a building permit to convert the space to a real live Dunkin Donuts.  So attention all short fat men with dark mustaches, get your applications ready it's time to make the donuts!


In other stuff…. Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor has announced their schedule for the upcoming 2013 season.  Last year there was some talk that the theatre might be moving to a new location.   Well, I can tell you that Executive Director Tracy Mitchell has assured me they're staying put for at least a few years.  Whew!   Not only that, they have some great upcoming events and more! So if you're interested in what's going on… See it below!

Just imagine Edward Everett Horton announcing; Friday Night Food Fever or Might I Munch at Midnight???

Yeah, Yeah, I know traffic sucked you didn't have time to stop for dinner and you're pulling into Southampton and you're really really hungry. What to do?! Well, you can stop at BK or Mickey D's but you'll regret it later. Here's my quick guide to what's open til when along 27!

Roberts in Water Mill open til 10 pm. I love this place. My favorite dish is the Free-Range Organic" Chicken w/ Fresh Herbs & Gorgonzola Polenta for $32.00! A little more formal than Chef Robert Durkin's Paradise in Sag Harbor with a warm in intimate atmosphere.

Almond is more casual and on Friday night is a little congested. If you're comfortable in a Chelsea restaurant on Saturday night then you'll be find here. Almond is open til Midnight on Fridays. My favorite thing on the menu is the Roast Chicken..it's a classic! Yes, I order chicken most of the time! And as if nobody knew this... a single gal will meet plenty of single guys there but they'll be better suited for a partner in "Name that Showtune" than partner in courtship. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

If you want something a little more casual, there's Bobby Van's and World Pie in Bridgehampton. Both are open til Midnight and have great bar tenders. So what do you eat at World Pie? Try the Escargo! NOT! It's the pizza... Duh! As for Bobby Van's, I suggest the Asian Chicken Salad! Now let's keep driving down 27....

Ok, I'm getting tired of writing this so here is the rest of 27
Town Line BBQ - 11 pm - the best onion rings!
The Palm - 10:30 or 11ish.. depending
Rowdy Hall - 11pm

But wait... if you're coming out REAALLY REALLY REALLY LATE... the new and IMPROVED GULF Station in Bridgehampton is my new favorite... hey it's not BP right?! It has a wide selection of delicacies ranging
are these nut free????

from microwavable burritos to those rotating hot dogs! A big minus in the staffing department. I got a nasty attitude when I asked them about the house specialty. They also couldn't answer if the premade sandwiches were OK for someone with a nut allergy. I'm sorry, I don't always carry an Epi pen and need to be cautious with my car passengers!! Overall I give it a C.


3 quick benefits to tell you about! ANN LIGUORI FOUNDATION OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE DINNER DANCE AT DUCK WALK VINEYARDS, WATER MILL. Benefiting American Cancer Society and Healthy Children. The food is provided by OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE (Why they never opened in Southampton is still a mystery to me) Saturday 6:30-11:00 PM. DUCK WALK VINEYARDS. WATER MILL. (917)488-1412 innerview@aol.com.

also Saturday ROCK THE DOCK FOR BAY STREET! AT THE SUMMER GALA BENEFIT BASH at 6:30 PM. Joy Behar of The View and Mario Cantone of Sex and the City 2 are the hosts... I have my earplugs ready! It will be held at the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Sit-down Dinner, Dancing, Silent Auction events@baystreet.org or 631.725.0818 for info. baystreet.org.

Finally... HSN EVENTS FOR WEEKEND OF JULY 16, 2010

FRIDAY JULY 16, 2010
Hamptons Social Series At Lily Pond Benefiting The Help for Orphans International. Jill Zarin and R.Couri Hay invite you to the third installment of the Hamptons Social Series at Lily Pond to honor the Help for Orphans International on Friday, July 16th. Doors open at 9 p.m. with cocktails followed by a light buffet supper by Philippe at Lily Pond's new garden patio and a portion of the proceeds from every check will go to Help for Orphans International . For reservations RSVP@hamptonssocialseries.com or visit Hamptonssocialseries.com. Lily Pond, 44 Three Mile Harbor, East Hampton.

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2010
ANN LIGUORI FOUNDATION OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE DINNER DANCE AT DUCK WALK VINEYARDS, WATER MILL. Benefiting American Cancer Society and Healthy Children, Healthy Futures Romantic weekends away, local and worldwide golf course giveaways, Judith Ripka jewlery, and various sports memorabilia are some of the fabulous items up for auction at this event. It is a great opportunity to get amazing prizes and help a great cause. 6:30-11:00 PM. DUCK WALK VINEYARDS. WATER MILL. (917)488-1412 innerview@aol.com.

ROCK THE DOCK FOR BAY STREET! AT THE SUMMER GALA BENEFIT BASH at 6:30 PM. w/ HOSTS: Joy Behar of The View & Headline News & Mario Cantone of Sex and the City. The Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Sit-down Dinner, Dancing, Silent Auction & Live Music by DJ Tom Finn ("The King of Spin" - Avenue Magazine) and Escola de Samba BOOM! events@baystreet.org or 631.725.0818 for info. baystreet.org.


2nd Annual MARTININS FOR MUTTS! Sat 5 to 8 pm. Cocktails, entertainment, Raffle, Silent Auction at 214 Toppings Path in Sagaponack. A $40 minimum donation in advance or $50 AT the door. RSVP to Michelle@LCARF.org or visit lcarf.org for more info.