Making Sag Harbor Great Again.... WINSTON'S WENT AND THE SERVICE STATION IS COMING TO TOWN!

It seems everything is heating up these days.  The weather, the politics and the buzz for the latest entry in to making Sag Harbor "THE" place this summer.    First Le Bilboquet and now the Trump organization has staked their claim as they unveiled their logo atop the American Hotel in Sag Harbor earlier this morning. According to the press release that was being handed out by campaign workers and hotel volunteers, "The Trump Organization is here to add some class to this sleepy little town. Hopefully we can get pretty people to come to Sag Harbor... it needs it, right now everyone looks like Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina."    The official kick off won't be for a few months until all of the gilding is finished on the exterior and cherub water fountain placed in the foyer.   "It's gonna (sic) look classy" said one Trump spokesman.     There are also plans that the current restaurant will be replaced with "Donald's Big Weiner Hut" specializing in over sized Kobe beef hot dogs.    For more information, you can visit the new hotel website here.     I'm hoping they can just make Sag Harbor great again!

COMING SOON: Service Station

OK, hopefully you clicked the link above and KNOW all the details from above.  In the meantime, some changes are in store for the former Nichols and the ever so briefly named Winston's.    The East Hampton locale is now being prepped for the upcoming season by SagTown Coffee's Shane Dyckman and local restaurateur Michael Gluckman.    The "SERVICE STATION" will feature a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and more contemporary fare such as rock shrimp tacos, steak frites, rotisserie chicken and tuna ceviche.    The goal is to be a casual family friendly establishment for both locals and summer visitors.  The wine selection will also have a wide selection by the glass and starting at $8.    Look for details on the opening date sometime in the next few weeks.  I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, someone who will really help make Sag Harbor great is coming to town.  Rumor has it Drew Barrymore just plopped down a little under $4 million dollars for a home in the village.    No
way to tell when she's actually coming to town but I'm looking forward to seeing my favorite Charlie's Angel out and about.

SOMETHING BREWING IN SOUTHAMPTON... AND PLEASE DON'T TELL ME WHAT ZILLOW SAYS ABOUT YOUR HOUSE!

Something Brewing.. time to change the label!

I can barley stand it!   It has some folks hops-ing mad!   Apparently the spuds will no longer be flowing on Bowden Square.   In spite of an announcement back in October that the Southampton Publick House would be staying put at the current location, word has gotten out that folks will soon have to fasten their beer goggles in a new location.    Since 1996 the brewery and restaurant have been a staple around town but it seems the new building owners have other plans.    According to some local insiders, the location will soon be home to a "high end Mexican Restaurant."     Now if you've ever read this blog before... that's a huge deal for me yet I hate to see an old favorite move to somewhere new.     While the Publick house will go on... like Celine Dion's heart.... it will according to insiders have to be in a new location.   Sometimes a little change will do you good.

Oh is that the blood rushing to your head?

Now for a little advice.   If you want to send any real estate agent's boiling blood further to their head just say the following sentence, "BUT Zillow said my house is worth X!"   It's the bane of many a real estate agent and brokers existence.   In fact, The Los Angles Times  recently tackled the issue of "Zestimantes" (Zillow's estimate) and how many claim they're wildly inaccurate.    In fact, I have to say part of the big problem with Zillow's "formula" is that it can't really take into account factors like condition and location (waterfront, south of the highway, village).    So how inaccurate are these "Zestimates?"  Well the CEO of Zillow was recently quoted as saying they're "a good starting point" and have a "median error rate of about 8%."   Obviously this error rate varies in different markets and Zillow even says so at the bottom of the Zestimates page.     While I couldn't locate the margin in our area, I can tell you that my own personal home fluctuated by about $5,000,000 in a period of 6 months.    Now, I know you think Hamptons Chatter just rakes in the money but the initial high estimate they gave my home
was crazy.   I'd move out in hours if I could get that number tomorrow!    Yep, I would guess their error rate in the Hamptons is a heck of a lot more than a 8%.   It's a big miss in the Hamptons... like an Ishtar big miss!  A "Missestimate" if you will.     So the take away from all of this... talk to an agent or do your homework (Zillow.com is a great source for closed prices) and don't try let some silicon valley geek tell you what your home is worth.   Besides,  how could you put a price on that "Sistine Chapel" painting on your master bedroom ceiling?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL... MORTGAGE NEWS.... PLUS WINNERS OF OUR (lame) DECORATING CONTEST!

So there's good news and bad news here.  The bad news is you people are essentially lazy.    The good news is everyone who entered my holiday decorating contest is a winner!   Yes, I
got 4 entries.  One of which was a friend who was actually staying in my house.   So he'll get a prize along with Lisa Barone of Sag Harbor and Deanna Covino of Hampton Bays, the gang at Baron's Cove and D. Strohmeir.    So anyway, happy holidays all even though I will never do a contest like this again.   BAH HUMBUG!   Here are the winners...

Deanna Covino of Hampton Bays

Lisa Barone of Sag Harbor

D Strohmeir of East Hampton

Meanwhile, lots of news about interest rates.  They're up... and people are upset!    But wait.... defying the hike, rates actually went down?  I'm so confused!   But while folks like me are waiting for the dust to settle on what all of this actually means there's still lots of news in the lending biz.   In fact, one thing I recently learned ... wait.. why am I telling you... watch it for yourself.   Recently mortgage guru Melissa Cohn of MC Home Loan sat down with me to discuss what's happening.





FINALLY... a little something fun from the 80's music fanatic that I am.  It's 60,000 LED lights dancing to the song "We Three Kings" by Book of Love!    Gotta love this!!

IF THIS SEEMS NORMAL.... YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN THE HAMPTONS!

I know it might sound shocking to some but I'm not originally from the Hamptons.  Yes, many think I'm the quintessential Hamptonite.  But here's my deep, dark secret....  I actually grew up in New Jersey.... but it gets worse... South Jersey!   Yes, a place where something called Scrapple (google it if you don't know - but don't say I didn't warn you) is considered gourmet, water is pronounced "worder" and the differences between peeing in the pool and into the pool are debatable.      Yet, after being here now for more than 20 years, I've become jaded.

Yet, while there are certain things that many on the outside already know about life in the Hamptons... the fun of a good star sighting... (You know sitting next to Jack Nicholson at The Grill - yep I did),.. $25.00 containers of guacamole or the insane price of real estate.. there are a few things that only those who really live here can understand.   Things that would make the average jaw drop in say, Ohio (are you reading Laura D?) that we here on the East End completely take for granted.  So here are a few of my observations that only people on the inside will understand as everyday life as we know it in the Hamptons.  

Valet Service at the Hospital - Where I grew up, the only valet I ever experienced for medical treatment involved an ambulance.   But here in the Hamptons we have valet service!   Yes, you can drop off your BMW or Tesla as your holding your blood soaked bandages on that gushing wound and get a free claim ticket!  I know, its just as glamorous as it sounds and almost as fancy as taking a "Blade" helicopter to Stony Brook.      

Oblivious Texting and Walking -  Perhaps the reason so many are using that valet service is because they were claiming their G*d given right to text and walk without looking.    Yes,  it doesn't matter if your crossing Main Street or 27 in the Hamptons, if you're texting and walking there is no need to look.   It's the drivers or bicyclists obligation to be on the lookout for you!  Ugh... I know I get it... pedestrians have the right away but there is a certain amount of responsibility we all need to take.     But only on the East End is this sort of behavior not only tolerated its commonplace and it's something I guess we're all kind of used to seeing.

Cancel all appointments... I'm getting my car washed.

Fistfights at Yoga -  Well in the parking lot to be more exact.  Why?  Because there's no parking... there's no parking... there's no parking!  I don't care if I'm there to find my center, if you take my space while I'm waiting you're toast!  It's a scenario that's more common than you think and is also a frequent scene at that other hub of zen, Soulcycle.    Now let's go to the Golden Pear and get an iced coffee!

Taking an Hour to Get Your Car Washed - UGH!  OK, it's a lot better in Hampton Bays but in Southampton it's like sitting through a Merchant-Ivory production.   SLOOOOOOOOOOWWWW. Now,   I don't think it's the fault of the staff but the simple fact they're the only game in town that makes this a most exhausting endeavor.    "I'm sorry, I'm not taking appointments on Wednesday.. I'm getting my car washed!"

Overdressed Ice Cream Stands - If you've ever been to Olaf's, Scoop Du Jour or Sant Ambroeus... especially the latter on a hot summer night, you know the Hamptons has it's own dress code.  This ain't no Dairy Queen in Idaho.... You'll stick out like a sore thumb if you dare wear a Harley T-shirt, Docker's shorts or even rubber flip flops.     It's designer duds for double dipping.   But don't think any trendy outfit will do.   Hamptonites have put the Blah in Manolo Blahniks... its more than just shoes... you need to be decked from head to toe when you order that Mint Chip no-sugar added lactose-fat free gelato.     Yes, consider it a dairy themed "Mean Girls."   

But everyone, please know living here hasn't changed me at all.   I'm still a softy at hearty.   Now, like everyone else out here I don't judge people by their race, religion or sexual preference.. I judge them by the car they drive (yes I stole that from Ellen Degeneres). 

THEY HAD US AT MERLOT! WOLFFER KITCHEN AND GREY GARDENS AT BAY STREET!

So, it's been one of those mornings but here I am anyway.  Without going into details, I went to brush my teeth this morning and instead I ended up well lets just say, I doubt I'll have inflammation on my gums today.   But before I digress, I'm ready to recap the glorious life of the glamorous and irritated on the East End.

So, last night I had the chance to visit the highly anticipated Wolffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor.   So here's the good news and the bad news.  The good news is it's pretty good.   The bad news is it should have been better.    Since it's the first foray into food for the local vineyard, I'll give them time to let this potentially fine dine breath.   Located at 29 Main Street in the village, the restaurant opens with a series of folding doors that open up and make it a great place to dine and watch the world go by.    The menu on the other hand is a little more closed with a smaller selection of options.  The wine menu on the other hand is rather extensive and features of course Wolffer wines, numerous imports and this in addition to a few local vineyards including Bedell.

The service as I sat for dinner last night was on their game from start to finish.   I started my dinner with a small Greek salad which was absolutely fantastic, a perfect size with a delicate blend of feta, olives and greens.   Oh my god, do I now sound like a food critic? I have to stop!  Anyway, for an entree I had fresh tuna grilled over pasta which was nice and light but a little too light on flavor.    My dining companion (who you can figure out) had a vegetable platter with I believe some fava beans and he thought it was awesome.   Perhaps the comment that I'm more "suited for heavier flavors", i.e. bolognese is my favorite should be taken into account.   So what I'm saying is I liked Wolffer Kitchen, I just wasnt' crazy about it.   Perhaps I'll hit it up again once they get more time under their belt but I have no doubt it's going to get better!  Wolffer Kitchen is open daily at 5:30pm and takes reservations on their facebook page or by calling 631-725-0101.

Betty Buckley and Rachel York... The Edies.

I also had a chance to head over to Bay Street Theater last night and catch a performance of the musical "Grey Gardens."   If you don't already know the story, shame on you and go directly to Fire Island.  You should know the story!   But anyway, it stars Broadway veterans Betty Buckley and Rachael York as the highly entertaining and dysfunctional society duo.   This is the show that Bay Street was born to perform!    I know tickets are going fast so if you're thinking of going to see it, get your tickets now! It's a great show with great performers and a really enjoyable way to spend your evening in Sag Harbor.  It would be an even better night if you call me first and make an offer on the actual Grey Gardens... not that it's currently for sale but it's the Hamptons and you never know!


I'm sorry today's blog was like a review section from Junior Highlights,,, but hey, it's mine and I write what I want to write!

Weekend Wrap-up; Renting Sight Unseen... Winter of Our Discontent Continues!

So, it was another snowy weekend here on the East End.    The snow, the ice, the frigid cold and the general lousy weather continues here in the Hamptons.     While internet activity for rentals and sales still remains strong and steady,  the number of people willing to trek through snow and frigid temps is dwindling.    This in turn has led to a number of

Rapid Rescue... lifesavers!  Yep, that's my car!

rentals actually being rented sight unseen.   One broker I spoke with "E" said it, "makes me very nervous."    Renting from a picture which could have very well been photo-shopped is a bad idea.    Another agent "G" indicated that they're seeing tenants from previous seasons going back to the house they rented last year so they don't have to come back out and look again.    Speaking to my cadre (aren't you impressed with my vocabulary?) of experienced brokers and agents, the weather continues to put somewhat of a damper on the Hamptons market.   That being said, once the snow melts they're expecting an explosion of activity....  because phones are ringing and e-emails are being traded back and forth.  So the grade for this weekend was a C+. I really have to go to Florida soon! 

An offer at Guild Hall you can't refuse!

If you want an example of how difficult it is to get around the Hamptons, look no further than yours truly.     I made the mistake of taking my "4 Wheel" car out last night to pick up some food.    But alas, after one gunning of the accelerator and a slippy driveway I ended up in a snow bank on my own driveway.   I mean with all of the ice, if you don't see sharp you'll be flat (read that again).   Anyway, thanks to RAPID RECOVERY and $135,  I finally got my car out this morning.    By the way, I also want to thank my lovely neighbor for trying to pretend he didn't see.    I wasn't going to ask for your help anyway!    So for the next few days, keep Rapid Recovery on speed dial, they were great and there in about an hour...(631) 728-7752.


Meanwhile, this week there's an offer at Guild Hall you can't refuse.  The East Hampton film society will be presenting a special screening this Thursday night at 7 p.m. of the 1972 classic, "The Godfather."  Personally I liked the "Godfather II" better but still this flick glues me to the screen every time I catch it on TV.   Tickets are $8.00 for non members.  If you want more information  click here for the website and you can also buy tickets.  So, take it to the mattresses and go get a ticket.... otherwise you may find a horse in your bed!
catch it.

SNEAK PEEK! The Hamptons Film Festival Kicks Off Tonight!

The Hamptons Film Festival kicks off tonight with what everyone is touting as Bill Murray's next Academy Award nomination, "St. Vincent."  The festival runs through the weekend and will bring a slew of A-list actors to town including Murray, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Richard Gere and Laura Dern.   Recently, I sat down with the festival's creative director David Nugent to discuss what we can expect and why it's still not too late to get tickets! 





Meanwhile, if you're curious the trailer to "St. Vincent." 

The Chinese Democracy of Blog Posts... The Winners and Losers of Summer 2014!

Yes, sometimes it's worth the wait and other times it's the equivalent of "The Phantom Menace."     Its been a few weeks since I've sat in front of this computer and contemplated a new installment of Hamptons Chatter.   But that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about this blog.     Some of the observations I've made over the past few weeks but weren't worthy of a full musing are being poured into this latest posting.   So, will it be worth it?   Of course because doesn't everyone love when someone else tells them if they're hip or hopeless?

Chef Eric Miller created a winner with Bay Kitchen!

New Restaurant:

Winner:  Bay Kitchen in East Hampton -  Bay Kitchen has it all;  a killer review in the NY Times under it's belt, a killer location and good service.

Loser:     Harlow in Sag Harbor - It had the location and the buzz but bad service and bad attitudes killed the fun quicker than your elderly grandmother's surprise visit during that last college toga party.   

Drink: 

Winner:  Channing Daughters, Wolffer and Bedell Rose wines -  A shortage of local rose wine says it all.  It was "THE" drink at benefits and bbq's this past summer.

Loser:    The BBC at Cyril's -  a temporary loss of a liquor license  not to mention that you
get a blood alcohol spike by just walking in the parking lot (you could lose that sobriety chip), led to a summer of despair for more than a few fans of Napeague's favorite haunt.  

Fitness:

Winner:   Studio 89 in Sag Harbor - Rich Decker has created a bright, clean and airy space where they actually like their clientele!

Loser:       Equinox Fitness - You guys keep taunting us with opening in the Hamptons.  Until you do you will remain on the loser list!  If you open out here next year, we'll talk!

Hamptons Celebrity:
Winner:   Jimmy Fallon - He's now a Hamptons home owner and you'll see him tooling around town year round.   He's taken over the Tonight Show and invigorated it with his own brand of humor and made it his own.  It's the same way he behaves at restaurants and stores around town; friendly and approachable.   Why can't all celebrities be more like Jimmy Fallon!?

Loser:     He's Chevy Chase and you're not... and neither is Jimmy Fallon!  That is a good thing. The humorless and unfriendly failed talk show host, unemployed sit com star and father in law to a midnight swimming lad who had the town searching frantically at night for his whereabouts is nothing like Fallon.   Hey Chevy, if you're not busy maybe you can finally make "Snow Day 2?"

Hamptons Media/News source:
Winner:  Hamptons Magazine  - The biggest and the best and the only one that doesn't take resort living too seriously.  Hamptons magazine is the fun yearbook for the East End and the only one I know people actually talk about during the summer!  "Hey, you were on the list!"  Hint!

Loser:     Hamptons Chatter -  Inconsistent updates with a bad layout and too snarky for my taste!   Besides does anybody read that blog anyway?

Fashion Statement:

Winner:   Vineyard vines - Their polos are stylish and reasonably priced!  It's cool preppy chic and you can't buy them at TJ Maxx.   Not that there is anything wrong being a Maxinista!  It's also not
contributing to Polo-fication of East Hampton.

Loser:  Crocs -   If I have to tell you why, then you shouldn't be reading this blog!

YEEEEE GADS! It's Already August 8th! A FEW THINGS YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE LABOR DAY!

In case you were sleeping, it's now August and it's full throttle here on the East End.   But unlike Summer when I was 12 years old and it lasted forever, the season seems to fly faster and faster.     But before you get to entrenched with sitting on Route 27 for hours on end or waiting an extra 40 minutes at virtually any restaurant for your table, please make sure to remember why you're out here in the first place.  You're here to enjoy the beach, the water, the sun and snarking at the overdressed families at Scoop Du Jour on Tuesday nights!   So here are some of my favorite things to do while the sun is still high.  If you do, you might actually thinking spending all of the money to be in the Hamptons was worth it!

A Beach Dinner - While you could use one of the numerous "Claws" or "Clam" companies to caterer your affair... and yes its one heck of a presentation... I prefer to hit Citerella and get some dishes and salads to go.    A big blanket and some nice chilled....errr...errr... "seltzer water" because wine on the beach is not allowed make for a really fantastic evening.  You'll may also want to wait till after 6 p.m. so that way you can start a nice little beach bonfire and there are some rules for that too (click here) for East Hampton and (here) for Southampton.    But there is nothing more relaxing and memorable then the sound of the surf, the sand and an amazing light show above!  My personal favorite is Wiborg Beach!   The parking lot is small so there aren't as many other picnickers.

Biking Shelter Island - A few weeks ago I was talking to some local police officers about living in the Hamptons.  One thing they said they would never do during the season is go bicycling!  Yes, the local walk in clinics are making a fortune from cyclists getting clipped by texting busy summer drivers.    Perhaps that's the reason why I prefer heading to Shelter Island for biking.     In fact, Sag Harbor Cycle Company runs a group ride every Sunday at 7:30 am.  It's a perfect time to go before the roads get flooded with cars and the gang that runs these things know the safer routes and the roads less traveled.   If you want more information, visit their website and NO TEXTING AND BIKING!

Go Paddeling - It's about the water people, not about seeing the people that live down the hall from you in the city at spin class!  Its a great work out and think about it, unless you love getting a gamma globulin shot do you really want to fall into the east river?   There are some great companies out here that will rent you kayaks or paddle boards and even give you a lesson.     The calm waters of Shinnecock Bay or Georgica Pond are two local favorites.     If you want more details on who and where, try Main Beach Surf Shop in Wainscott or Adventure PaddleBoards in Southampton.

Take the Dogs to the Beach -  Did I mention that my dogs Bella and Russell love the beach?!  Hmmmmmm.... I'm not sure.  Do your homework and find what times your furry friends are allowed to run the surf!  Also remember to clean up and bring some treats in case they go chasing some delicious piping plover!


Now get off the damn computer and go outside!!!!

Mysterious Moves on 27 in East Hampton!

   According to their Facebook page, Highway diner in East Hampton has indeed changed hands and the lease was sold to an "very talented group."      There was a lot of speculation about what was to become of the most cursed location in the Hamptons since the Water Mill

The end of the Highway! 

shopping center!   By the way, any news on how West Elm is actually doing?    A few weeks ago, some eagle eyed readers noticed there was an ad for waiters and waitresses needed at the diner but nothing much happened.  The "Reopening in March" sign came and went and now it's gone and so is much of the restaurants interior.    Construction crews have been there morning till night and it looks like there are some training sessions going on for staff inside.    But here's where the news gets a little more depressing, apparently they are going to open as a new Japanese restaurant.... yes another Asian Restaurant!    This I think may be a nail in the coffin of Zokkon which was being operated by the former chef Suki Zuki, which in spite of some really good food, the place appears to be struggling.    I just hope for their sake Highway Diner isn't becoming a Nobu.
I drove by and asked one of the employees in the lot what's going on and they indeed confirmed a Japanese restaurant.   If you got the real inside scoop, please let me know.  Here's the posting on the Facebook page. 

Highway Diner and Bar

June 4

Highway Diner & Bar has been sold. Thanks to all of the guests who made the Highway a special place in our community. We will leave it to the new owners to announce their future plans but we can reveal they are a very talented group so you can expect great food in a beautiful space. Have a wonderful Summer.

UPDATE:  Someone pointed out that the know-it-alls at Curbed.com already got the inside scoop on this one!  Here's the LINK!

Now for the other mystery in East Hampton.   Why has there been an East Hampton Town Police car sitting there for the past 2 weeks.   There doesn't appear to be anybody in the car and it sits there empty day after day keeping a very watching eye on the Highway Diner and the green tank!   I'm only waiting for someone who is texting and driving to side swipe or hit it.   Is it me or is does this seem like an accident waiting to happen?  Does anyone know why it's there?

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!

Million Dollar Listing …errr… Bankruptcy… and Fine Hamptons Dining on a Budget!

Call me wacky but I always find it hard to believe that someone who owns a pricey piece of property would ever allow it to go to auction.   Well maybe that's why I'm just a humble Hamptons farmer… er… real estate agent.   Anyway, it's happening two blocks from the beach in the most expensive zip code in the country on Sesascape Lane, in Sagaponack.   The home originally listed at (click for details) $5,995,000 in '10, briefly went down to $4.9 only to go back up to $5.3 is now on the auction block with Maltz and Company of Central Islip.   The auction takes

Million dollar bankruptcy!  photo from TRULIA.COM

place this Thursday at the "auctioneer's Gallery, 39 Windsor Place in Central Islip."    In order to register to bid, all prospective bidders must "present a bank check in the amount of $260,000."   Check Maltz's website for all the details.  The property which is quite charming will no doubt be torn down by whoever buys it.  I guess when you have $11,000,000 properties in the hood and J-Lo around the corner, humble just won't cut it with the neighbors.    Darn, I would have loved to try and sell this puppy.  It's on a great block and an elegant and unpretentious home.    While it's too late to take a tour of the house, it's not too late for the auction so get your bids and your bank checks ready everyone!   I'm sure this is just great for property values!

UPDATE… according to my sources, the property went for $3.800,00!  Not bad!

Finally, a little something I didn't know.  Apparently the local Hess is a gas station and a dining establishment!  If you don't believe me, just look no further than the photo attached.  When I asked the attendant on duty about what other delicacies they feature he pointed out the hot dogs, the sandwiches and more!!!  So of course, since I'm more of a wine drinker than a beer drinker I asked the attendant if they charged a corking fee.   His response, after I explained what I meant, "no problem, we won't charge you."    He chuckled and obviously got where I was going once I took a pic of the sign.    So who said there is no inexpensive dining in the Hamptons!?  Kids we're going to the Hess station!!!

Finally…..

CB
CB
LB
FW
BT
EM2
…. more to come.   Thx guys.

The Banana Splits.... and Which Professionals have the most psychopaths... I know what I think!?

In another strike against the average Joe, the Banana Republic store in Bridgehampton Commons has packed up and split.    While I don't really buy my clothes at Kmart (OK, I bought a few Land's End sweaters there) nor do I shop Bergdorf Goodman (OK I bought a few things there too), B.R. was one of the rare quality middle of the road shops out here in the Hamptons.    When I tried calling the company for a response, the woman on the phone couldn't tell me why they left town but she did tell me she could save me 10% on my next purchase if I opened a Banana Republic credit card.

In other sad news, TheWeek.com has posed the question, "which professions have the most psychopaths?"  Now before you start thinking about "American Psycho,"  lets take a look at the definition of Psychopathy.   By definition, Psychopathy is a "personality disorder that has been variously described as characterized by shallow emotions (in particular reduced fear) stress tolerance, lacking empathy, cold heartedness, egocentricity .... and antisocial behaviors such as parasitic lifestyle and criminality."  So those two sales agents that brawled at The Hotel a few weeks ago probably  psychopaths, it's more likely they have anger issues.   So do you want to take a guess where sales people came on the list?  They were #4!  YIKES! Wedged between media personalities and surgeons.   That's not such bad company is it?   So who are some of the biggest psychopaths I met working here on the East End?  Well, I never blog and tell.  But buy me a drink sometime... in vino veritas!

Finally, so why is this picture on my blog?  Because I can.  Happy Birthday Bella!!!

The Evil that is Pumpkin Town....the Benefits of Solar Power.... and This "Cidiot" Wants His Money Back!!!!!

It's that time of year again... the crowds are gone, the water is warm and the parents of young ones are being tortured into stopping by Pumpkin Town on Rt. 27!    Yes, the venerable Water Mill attraction is back for another season of traffic jams, expensive cider and even more expensive pumpkins.   Now, I've got to be honest I've never gone to Pumpkin Town.   All of the information I'm conveying is second hand, so I don't know if the rumors of that big new red barn are true.   I've heard many theories about the red barn ranging from they're selling Halloween masks that are electronically turning children  into zombies... a la Halloween 3: Season of the Witch... to an overpriced food court.   I'm guessing both are pretty strong possibilities!     So there is my warning to the unsuspecting parent.   Luckily for everyone, it's only for another 30 days.

Meanwhile, it seems more and more home owners are weighing the option of adding solar power to help fill their power needs.    Recently I gathered some "solar experts" to discuss the benefits, costs and benefits of upgrading a home with this green technology.    It's just a basic overview but it's full of tidbits that I think make a great introduction to solar power.

Finally... I'm getting tired of these "Cidiots Go Home" postings.    I find it offensive!!!   My main complaint is the penmanship  is horrible!  You would think that all of the tax money these "cidiots" pay that the local schools would teach their students how to write!  Hello, haven't they heard of the Palmer Method?  Now since, I more or less consider myself a cidiot, I want my tax money back!

Put down the cookie! There's 40 some odd days till Memorial Day!

You bought the beach pass, you have the Vilebrequin, the Herve Legere and the Birkin.    It's official you're ready to hit the beach, as long as you don't have to pass a mirror first.  Yeah, all of those holiday cookies, turkey, ham, brisket and chocolates have finally taken their toll.    Well have no fear, I've done the research for you and if you're willing to put on your sneakers you'll be looking like Keira Knightly after a juice cleanse in no time!

It wasn't that long ago when a new spin studio that I can't remember it's name (unless I read one of my old postings) opened and disappeared faster than the free food at a real estate brokers open house.   This time around Westhampton Beach's CrossFit Hamptons is going into the location.    I stopped by the other day and apparently  classes are already underway.  If you want more details on times and class schedules you can visit their website.   www.cfhamptons.com   If you mention P-11 for some reason they'll even give you a free week.

Also, some of your old favorites are back and ready for the Summer of '13.    I'm getting tired so I'm just going to give you the lowdown on some of the more popular places to work up a sweat on the east end.  In no particular order.....

1) SOULCYCLE - 68 Newtown Lane, East Hampton.   The funky spin classes that you can hear on the street are back again for another season.   www.soul-cycle.com

Best Reason to Go - It's one heck of a workout and the instructors are more like coaches than drill seargents. 

Reason Not to Go - Cult like following.  Friends of mine talk about SoulCyle like it's the Scientology of fitness and that just scares me.

2) FLYWHEEL - 65 Montauk Highway, East Hampton next to the bowling alley.  Also in the Summers at Sag Harbor Gym, 1 Bay Street Sag Harbor.   This is the place with "stadium" bikes where they post your workout on a monitor for all to see.  So if you're looking for mellow workout this isn't where you want to go. www.flywheelsports.com

Best Reason to Go - A great work out and some good celebrity spotting at virtually every class.   

Reason Not to Go - They post your work out on a monitor and that's not fun when you're trying to sweat out the alcohol from the night before!  

3) B East - 199 Main Street, Amagansett.   Call it spinning with a twist or an angle.  B East features "core bikes" which actually turn and twist to give you more of a workout.   I have to admit, they're a little scary at first for the uncoordinated like moi but if you just relax you'll eventually get the hang of it.   www.eastfit.com

Best Reason to Go -  A more casual and fun atmosphere.  Not everyone there is in Lululemon!  

Reason Not to Go - It's next to Mary's "friggin" Marvelous!  A workout doesn't count if you have the amazing tuna salad followed by a coconut cupcake chaser after the class.  Screw the class I'm hungry!

4) Barry's Bootcamp - 352 Montauk Highway, Wainscott. Now I've never been but they have locations everywhere from London to LA.  According to their website "Since 1998, Barry’s Bootcamp has revolutionized group fitness by delivering “The Best Workout in the World” to a legendary following, including many celebrities."   Their gyms also feature "night club lighting, urban décor."  Hmmmmmm... I'm not so sure about that last part.    www.barrysbootcamp.com

Best Reason to Go -   Easy parking in the Wainscott shopping center.   

Reason Not to Go - It's a boot camp!!! 

Finally, everyone has been talking about those two Wall Street guys that were stupid enough to leave notes trying to cut out the broker after being shown properties out east.   Do you really think this is the first time this has happened?