WARNING TO ALL EASTER BUNNIES.... AND SMALL DOGS! HAPPY EASTER! SUGGESTIONS FOR BRUNCH!

Break out the pastels and the whites... it's now officially ok to wear your fancy duds!  Well as of Sunday anyway.   So after the bunny has dropped the basket, where are some great places to wear your best bonnet?   Well look no further, Hamptons Chatter is here to help.  Here are my top 3 suggestions:

Page at 63 Main in Sag Harbor (page63main.com, 631-725-1810)  will have an a la carte brunch menu from 11 to 4 featuring such holiday favorites as leg of lamb and Eggs Benedict.   They'll also have plenty of champagne and mimosas to help with that headache from the all the little kiddies sugar high!

So CUTE.. and hopefully not on any menu!

Topping Rose in Bridgehampton (toppingrosehouse.com, 631-537-0870) will also have an al carte brunch menu featuring everything Brioche Donuts to Painted Hill Short Rib hash from 11:30 to 3p.   They'll also have activities for the kids and a giant Easter Bunny around for photographs.  You'll be able to order EXTRA champagne without drama.  Earplugs will not be provided.  

Barons Cove in Sag harbor (baronscove.com, 631-725-2101) will be hosting an Easter egg hunt for the kids... so hopefully they'll be outside.   Brunch will be served from 11 to 4p and feature all your holiday favorites including lamb, roast beef and rabbit stew.  OK, actually there is no rabbit stew.... that would be kind of cruel.   Don't cha think!?    I mean... "Thank you Easter Bunny for the chocolate... now jump into the pot!?"    

Speaking of Easter Bunnies, they need to be watching their eggs and hops these days.   While I'm not sure if it's a real warning or where the heck it originates, there is a message circulating on the internet and Facebook about there being a larger number of Hawks this season on the east coast.   The alleged warning has been issued by "Park Rangers" and "Veterinarians" to pet owners who have dogs or cats

WARNING: FOR OWNERS OF SMALL PETS

that weigh less then 12 pounds.   Apparently our small furry friends run the risk of being swooped away.   I actually had a friend who swore that happened to her pet a few years back but I question that particular incident and attribute it more to her 3 martini breakfast.    "I saw it... my dog flew away!"   Kind of scary considering it was a German Shepard. Anyway, all kidding aside I did some digging online and while the "warning" may possibly be bogus, the risk is actually quite real.    But before you panic and call your local veterinarian for advice or veteran with a gun on addressing the potential problem, just remember these birds of prey are FEDERALLY PROTECTED!      So what can you do?   Well here is are a few tips for keeping your pets safe.  

-Keep them leashed and supervise when outdoors.

-Remove bird feeders.   They attract small birds and mice which in tern attract raptors.

-Put hhiny objects that move out of the yard, such as silver streamers.   They will scare off the birds.

-Build a pen with a wire mesh for your pet to play.

So keep your pets safe, have a great weekend and remember SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.  Which means traffic.   Yeah!

Snowpocalypse... Snowmageddon..... Blizzard '15. Here are the pictures!

OK, so this is a good transition blog for me.   I took some time off to recharge my creative juices.     So look for a new blog tomorrow.  I promise.  In the meantime, I took a drive around town so you don't have to go outside.

Yes....... I have to include Bella and Russell!

Chilly Scenes of Winter… in The Hamptons!!!

Town Line Beach, Wainscottt

My favorite Hamptons Snow Bunnies!

Wainscott

Georgica Pond

The White House, East Hampton Village

East Hampton Village

Off the Pond, EH Village

East Hampton Library

Dune Alpin….. snowy horse fields!

Yeah, my dogs.  It's my blog… so my dogs!

One of the Biggest Health Threats to Hamptons Dogs... and a New Threat to My Waistline... SIENNA East Hampton!

In my book there are a few sayings or truth's that I believe to actually be true.   A few of the ones I believe are:  1: Let sleeping dogs lie especially if they're a Jack Russell/Beagle mix (my dog Russell).  2:  In real estate, every home owner thinks their house is "unique and special."  (Yes, I know the cherub grotto in the foyer was custom made!) 3: Never go to a restaurant on an opening night.   Well now, I can say I'm reexamining things now that rule number 3 has actually been proven wrong for a second time.  The first time was when the East Hampton Grill opened a few years ago.  They hit the ground running and are still going strong.  The more recent was last Saturday when friends of mine took me to the opening night of Sienna.    Located at the site of the former Lilly Pond/Phillipe's.  The new restaurant is run by the folks behind the successful "T Bar" on Manhattan's upper east side.

Sienna... a great first night.. and it can only get better!

Well it's apparent these guys know what they're doing.  Some of the reviews in Zagat's have said about T Bar that the food is "delicious," with a "pleasant and gracious crew."  Well it's pretty much the same thing here in the Hamptons at Sienna.  My table mates pretty much gave thumbs up to every dish including the shrimp cocktail, the Caesar salad (creamy but not too heavy), chopped salad, a perfectly done tuna (rare but not still swimming and delicious) and steak.    Not only that, the service was on the ball, while not perfect it was a solid B+ and better than most restaurants that have been open in the Hamptons for years.   It was the first night and the food came out on time, hot and with a smile!  It was the first night!!!  So you know me, I'm not like other publications that say nice things about everyone because they're hoping they advertise (Blue Parrot is good!?!? Really???? Rugosa??!  Enough said).   Although if they want to advertise  I'll do another good review.  I can be bought and cheaply.    Anyway, take my advice and go check out Sienna at 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd, East Hampton  631-604-6060.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  

Meantime, what is one of the biggest problems for dogs on the east end?   The answer may surprise you.   Recently I sat down with Dr. Barry Browning from Sag Harbor Veterinary Clinic (yes, I had to spell check veterinary because when I was a tv producer I got into trouble with veteran's groups once... enough said) and he filled me in.  

Friday Funny... CATS VS. DOGS!! PART 3!

What does this have to do with real estate... well it takes place in a house!  So there you have it... enjoy!

A "Ruffarendum" in the Hamptons, plus some rental advice for the landlord!

Well some interesting things have developed with me in the past few weeks.    I have decided after almost a decade with Douglas Elliman real estate in a management position to become a full time agent with the company.  So what does that mean to you?   It means I'm going to have more time to blog and help buyers and sellers with their needs in the Hamptons.  So, if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell out east , make sure to let me know!

Anyway, rentals seem to be on fire lately.  I personally am up by about 30% more year to date on the number of rentals I've done.   But its funny so many people in the Hamptons will put their houses on the market for rent but not understand how it's done.  So, I'm doing a little beginners guide here for the potential landlord and some terms you should know!  

The open listing - Many rentals in the Hamptons are what they call open listings, meaning each company has their own data for summer rentals and that information is not shared electronically, like an exclusive sale.   That's not to say that agents don't talk and share information but it's not coming from one central source.    This is why you may see the same home listed for different prices and time periods on varying web sites.    You can indeed make it an exclusive and make sure access is limited but often this may discourage some agents from showing your house over another where they will make the lion's share of the commission.    My suggestion is give your rental listing to an agent you trust and ask them to send out a "courtesy" listing to some select agents at other companies.     This way you're competitive and the agents are all getting the same information.

Permits baby! -  As with anything in life you have obligations and responsibilities when you become a landlord.   Claiming ignorance if you should be sued is not a defense and they have a tendency to go all "Judge Judy" when you go and try to use this as a defense.    Make sure you know the rules before you decide to sign that lease.   Make sure you google the regulations for what is acceptable and when renting in Southampton make sure you have a permit.  I've heard stories of tenants suing their landlords for silly reasons at the end of the season and getting their entire rent refunded because the landlord didn't have a permit.  Yes, people rent without permits but is it worth the risk?  That is your call.

Credit Call - Remember those stories about the guy who was renting Hamptons houses for High School proms only to trash them and leave the landlords holding the bills.  You don't?!  Then you want to make sure your prospective tenant isn't hat guy has the funds to pay the rent and pay any potential damages.  It's really no big deal and doesn't take much time at all.   Here is one (tenant screening report)  I just googled as I was writing this blog!   It's not an endorsement but just an illustration of how easy this is to obtain.

Call the Pros!!! - When it comes to insurance, the tax liability and the legal rights within your lease, call the prospective professionals.   The lawyer, the tax professional and an insurance broker are your best friends when it comes to keeping your self protected.  While many agents will give you advice, do yourself a favor, call a pro!!!

Meanwhile, the fur is flying in the Hamptons over all things... poop!   In case you missed it in the NEW YORK POST last week (even my sister in Florida saw it), there is new push to ban dogs from the beach!   So who has a bone with Russell and Bella???   Well recently I had a few friends stop by and we discussed the issue at hand.

   

Something to chew on for Sag Harbor and East Hampton Rugby is in overtime

Bella!

Hi everyone, it feels good to be back.    I took a few months off (as I often do from this blog) and I promise I'll be more consistent this time (I promised that before too).  So much has been going on but if I seem a bit blurry eyed, it's mostly due to my puppy Bella.  Yes, I have a new dog since the passing of Boo.  But I have to say, that while she does look a lot like her older sister, she's her own girl.  She's full of spunk and quite the terror on my other dog poor Russell.  In fact, when we asked Russell what we should name her, he suggested Bu-jo (think Boo with Cujo).   So, if I'm a bit rambling here it's because of my need for sleep.   I've been doing too many 2 am bathroom breaks.  Here she is!  Yeah, it's actually easier when they're cute!

A new tenant!

Well you might have already heard but the "Paradise Cafe" in Sag Harbor shuttered it's doors a few months ago.   Apparently, negotiations to renew the lease went nowhere.    Luckily,  you can still enjoy Chef and owner Robert Durkin's cuisine at "Robert's"in Water Mill.   Well last night I ran into restaurateur Michael Gluckman who told me he's going into the space that was Paradise right in the heart of Sag Harbor.    While I'm disappointed to see Paradise go, I'm happy to know  there will be something good going in it's place.   Michael has always had solid restaurants that were reasonably priced with a great menu and good food.   I found his "Lodge" to be one East Hampton's best watering holes with a diverse and satisfying menu, he tells me he's hoping to do something similar here.     

In the meantime, I'm hoping Paradise returns to Sag Harbor soon, I miss the Bolognese pasta, the best I've ever had and the Roast Chicken with Rosemary was sublime... wait I can't say sublime, that sounds pretentious... It was AWESOME.   Better.   Anyway, maybe Paradise can go into the spot that was Phao in Sag Harbor,  because apparently twice wasn't the charm and according to sources, they're going the way of the 8-track tape.    

Soon to be a collectors item!

OK, enough talking about food.  I'm getting hungry and I have to work out first.   If I don't I won't be able to fit into my Ralph Lauren Rugby shirts, which will soon be collectors items.    Yep, it's true the Rugby brand will soon be no more.   I'm not sure why because the store in downtown Manhattan and the one in East Hampton were always packed.  But fear not lovers of the Earl of East Hampton (Ralph Lauren-he virtually owns EH  retail) my poorly placed sources have hinted that it will soon be a RL Home store.   I guess we'll have to wait and see. 

Finally, I hope I made up for a long, long, long absence from the blogosphere.   If I haven't here's one last bit of good advice, at STAPLES they're selling cases of Pelligrino water for $4 a case!  Yes, $4 a case.  It's an amazing deal.  

   

What's the hardest reservation in the Hamptons??? Plus, since there is no good Mexican anywhere, make it yourself!

So what's the hardest reservation in the Hamptons? Is it Nick & Toni's? Is it the East Hampton Grill? Is it ... oh this is getting annoying, I'll just tell you. It's Beach Paws in Wainscott! So, how is the food? Well it depends if you like Mighty Dog or Eukanueba but that's the real reason to go there. The reason to bark about Beach Paws is it is the best dog grooming service in the Hamptons bar none! Lara Plimpton and her team do miracles for my kids Boo and Russell. In fact, my fidos are fond of getting the mannies, peddies and fluffing there, it's more tail wagging than between the leg shakes. I don't know how they do it but Lara makes if fun for them. But if you think you're going to drop by for a quick rinse and blow dry guess again. It's by appointment only (sometimes a week or so in advance) but like all things in life it's well worth the wait. Beach Paws is located at 348 Montauk Hwy in Wainscott. 631-537-4590. When you go, make sure to tell Lara Boo sent you!

Now, I am not a food critic. But I do like food and my favorite is Mexican. So when I heard that they were opening up Agave in Bridgehampton, I was psyched. Now, I've yet to go there and try the food but I can't get anyone to go with me. Apparently the buzz is so bad about this place, I don't know anyone who will join me in the place Well, maybe in the Fall they'll get their act together (fingers crossed). So in the meantime, I'm always in search of good south of the border stuff to go. Well, I can say with certainty, I've found what is probably the best salsa I've ever had!

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It's at Sean's Place in Southampton. It's made fresh and includes fresh tomatoes, cilantro and I think strawberries. So if your in Southampton. take the time go to Sean's Place and let me know if you agree. But don't worry if you don't want to make the trip just for Salsa, owner and trained chef Sean King has more awesome stuff for those with an epicurean pallet.

Meanwhile, in spite of the latest shaking on Wall Street most of my friends in the biz tell me it's full steam ahead. I have to agree. So if you're holding off before buying hoping for a crash like back in '08, forget it. Buyers are still out there and taking advantage of the lowest interest rates in history. Remember, there is only so much Hamptons land and real estate around!

On Georgica Pond!

This is why I love the Hamptons. Boo, Peter and Russell's favorite spot

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Another blog about buidings, dogs and people!

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I'm surprised more people dont know about the SPRINGS DOG PARK but given how the town is slowly trying to keep the fidos off the beach, I have a feeling more and more folks will start discovering it. Well maybe not today, given all of the snow we have.

The park is an open 42-acre former nursery, in which vehicles are prohibited, comprises about half the park. It is reached by a long driveway from Three Mile Harbor Road. It's right past Squaw Rd on your right as you're heading away from town.

You would think everyone loves a place where man's best friend is allowed to frolic freely, but then again you have to remember this is East Hampton. Some of the neighbors are a bit cranky about the whole situation, including Councilman Brad Loewan who recently was quoted, “The majority of people in my community . . . feel excluded due to discomfort with dogs, fear, or whatever their reasons may be,” he said, vowing to make good on a campaign promise “to regain the park for everyone.”
Ummmm... Brad, there's like 50 other parks out here where there are no dogs. Lighten up!

But thank god for a voice of reason Town Councilwoman Pat Mansir rebutted Mr. Loewen’s comments. “I think you’ve got one hell of a nerve,” she told him. “This is one park in this town that people use it and love it. We’re trying to make this park accessible to people.... who want to go down there whether they have a dog or not.”

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Anyway, I love this park , I love the dogs there and it's really one of the unique spaces that make the Hamptons special. When you're there... make sure you walk to the end and check out the dog log. This was originally on the beach and owners would carve there dogs names into it. A few years ago, somebody brought the log to the park and there it stays!! Cool huh?

My Hamptons/Metropolitan diary observation of this week was at the Hampton Boooks store in East Hampton. A very smartly dressed man took a copy of Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue" and placed it in the "FICTION" section. If you have a diary moment... send it to me, I'd be happy to report.

It's going to the dogs this weekend!!!!

This Saturday from 11 to 1 pm it's a Breakfast for Bitches!!! Hey don't go ballistic on me just yet... it's for puppies!!! I haven't been but I've been told that Thyme & Again on Noyac Road in Southampton has awesome food. They're the ones hosting the brunch to benefit Last Chance Animal Rescue Fund to save pregnant female dogs from being killed in the gas chambers. Tickets $40. www.lcarf.org 631.793.8980 or whitney@lcarf.org. The dog above was actually available for adoption from LCARF a few weeks ago... I wanted to but my girl Boo had a hissy fit. THEY DIDN'T GET ALONG!! UGH!

These are the same folks who have been flying south to kill shelters and saving dogs by the dozens. Go it's for a great cause.

Meanwhile, speaking of bitching.... I'm doing it non stop these days, thanks to the hundreds of people who apparently have no idea of how to obey traffic laws. Yes, there's loads of people parking and driving by braille in the fine villages of the Hamptons. I sware the photo above is a real one... I'm not that good at photoshop anyway!!!

They're being mean to Boo!!!

(getting ready for action and a donut!)

Warning... danger...apparently the town of East Hampton is a little cranky these days and they're aiming their ire at "man's best friend." Did they just say gat that bitch out of here!? Understand, every Saturday and Sunday my girl Boo goes to the beach to hang with her buddies; Bailey, Bailey (yes, apparently that liqueur is quite popular in the Hamptons thus many owners with booze on their brain have named their dogs) Tucker, Woody and Kipper. Well according to the town, you have to be off the beach by 9am. In the past, there was a little room for those of us who have issues with time management.... BUT NO LONGER! Slightly chunky high school students are now making their summer bucks issuing summonses to owners who fail to get their pooches of the beach by 9:01am!!! I know of a few people who have already gotten "busted" and were shocked to see that its not just a fine, YOU HAVE TO MAKE A COURT APPEARANCE! Something tells me, we're about to buy Bill McGintee a better lawyer! Well today's blog is short, sweet and to the point... and yes I told you so!!


Finally a real estate note... I know of a bank owned property south of the highway in the Georgica area. It orignally came onto the market at about 9 million dollars and is now about 50% off. Let me know!!!