summer guide 2012

vanityfairagenda.com/summerguide

The vanity fair agenda

Summer Guide

2012 new york edition

cool cocktails

outdoor fun

new and notable

outdoor dining

on our agenda


la churreriaChurros con chocolate, churros rellenos, churros bañados … ¡oh, mi! This is our kind of restaurant: La Churreria, which opened earlier this spring, specializes in sweet and savory indulgences and mostly of the dulce kind, the main attraction being the titular Spanish fried-dough confection, the churro. The sweet sister to Jesús Manso’s Socarrat Paella Bar (which is next door), La Churreria boasts a take-out counter in the front and a banquette and tables to get your sugar on in the back. 284 Mulberry Street, New york, Ny 10012; 212.203.2121. (Image: La Churreria)

acmeEverything that’s sort of old is new again—it’s the New York way, of course. Acme Bar & Grill, a once dilapidated downtown spot, has been re-imagined for the stylish set by res-taurateur Jean-Marc Houmard (Indochine), one-time Boom Boom Room bar manager Jon Neidich, and BlackBook founder Evanly Schindler. Featuring an “extreme locavore,” Scandinavian-inspired menu with dishes such as al dente sunchokes baked whole over hay and served with New England Gruyère and black winter truffles; chicken and eggs; and beer-and-bread porridge, it’s an ideal introduction to Danish cuisine, compliments of mad chef Mads Refslund. 9 Great JoNeS Street, New york, Ny 10012; 212.203.2121. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

the beatrice innA neighborhood restaurant for more than 50 years, The Beatrice Inn is finally emerging from the ashes to return it to its pre-Paul Sevigny glory. With Chef Brian Nasworthy—the former sous chef at Per Se—taking charge in the kitchen, Beatrice will make its debut this summer as an actual restaurant (and not merely a place of alcohol-fueled celebrity dalliances), offering a classic chophouse menu with a comfort-food bent. According to principal owner Emil Varda and partner, Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, this hot spot will not only be “charming” and “understated,” but it actually will have a phone number, to boot. 285 weSt 12th Street, New york, Ny 10014; 212.243.4626. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

back forty westLast summer chef and owner Peter Hoffman closed longtime SoHo mainstay, Savoy, and reopened the joint as Back Forty West, an off-shoot of his Avenue A tavern Back Forty. The menu is broken down into pithy categories, including “breads” (housemade Parker House loaf), “hands” (green-chili pork face nuggets), “spoon and ladle” (spicy Brazilian fisherman’s stew), “fork and knife” (grilled grass-fed sirloin), “fork” (braised daikon), and “spoon” (rich chocolate cake). The space now boasts an intimate downstairs bar and more communal tables so it’s easier to belly up to larger, family-style meals like, say, suckling pig. 70 PriNce Street, New york, Ny 10012; 212.219.8570. (Image: Back Forty West)

foragers city tableFor those fortunate enough to have already experienced Foragers in its Dumbo location, having the organic market open a full-service, farm-to-table restaurant in Manhattan is a total treat. Foragers City Table, helmed by San Francisco chef Douglas Monsalud, features Asian-inspired fare and showcases sustainable fish and local meats, as well as organic produce from Forager’s upstate New York farm. Not to be missed: the house-cured anchovy and radish salad, the raw dayboat scallops, and the organic fried black pepper tofu with broccolini and onions. 300 weSt 22Nd Street, New york, Ny 10011; 212.243.8888. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

VANIT Y FA IR AGENDA Summer Guide 2012

new and notable page 2

catchThe latest in Meatpacking-eatery openings, Catch specializes in seafood delicacies from around the globe. Chef Hung Huynh (the Top Chef season three winner) presides over two floors, showcasing contemporary seafood dishes with Asian and Mediterranean flair, and Catch roof lounge nested atop the restaurant and boasting an incomparable view of the New York City skyline. Must-eats include the crispy whole red snapper for two, the salmon a la plancha, and the parmesan-truffle fries. 21 9th aveNue, New york, Ny 10014; 212.392.5978. (Image: Catch)


wythe hotelLocated on the Brooklyn waterfront in Williamsburg, the 72-room Wythe Hotel is a former cooperage (a barrel-and-cask maker’s studio) that has been lovingly restored to preserve the historical details, like the custom beds made from the building’s reclaimed pine and the 13-foot-high original timber ceilings—it also offers all the amenities you need, including WiFi, LED HDTV, Goldies bath products, and radiant floor heating. With the Brooklyn Bowl and McCarren Park as its neighbors, and in an area that’s enjoying a surge in popularity with out-of-towners, The Wythe also boasts Reynards, the Andrew Tarlow–run in-hotel restaurant; a sixth-story roof bar; and a 60-seat screening room. The best part? Rooms are reasonably priced at $200 a night. 80 wythe aveNue, brooklyN, Ny 11249;718.460.8000. (Image: Wythe Hotel)

primaCaffeine and alcohol: everything you could ever need under one roof. The owners of cocktail haven The Summit Bar have transformed the former Thai restaurant The Elephant to create Prima. During the day, enjoy coffee from 9th Street Espresso—but make sure to return in the evening for chefs Mathieu Palombino and David Malbequi’s (of Motorino and BLT, respectively) menu that emphasizes local, sustainable catches, including fave dishes like grilled octopus, and pan-seared hake or scallops with a choice of pesto, buttermilk tartar, or tomato and olive oil sauce. Also, the roasted-beet salad and burgers are not to be missed. 58 eaSt FirSt Street, New york, Ny 10003; 646.559.4823. (Image: Prima/Pam Vlahakis)

super lindaRestauranteurs Matt Abramcyk and Serge Becker already reign over some of the city’s most hoity-toity hot spots, La Esquina and Miss Lily’s among them. And this spring, they’ve decided to add to their nightlife kingdom with Super Linda, a culinary venture with Richard Ampudia (Bar Bruno). The Tribeca eatery, whose name more or less translates to “gorgeous,” offers a full bar and a South American–inspired menu by John Martinez, the executive chef of Tiny’s and Jean Georges Culinary Concepts. Must-try: the ricotta, walnut, and spinach ravioli will bring tears to your eyes. 109 weSt broadway, New york, Ny 10013; 212.227.8998. (Image: Super Linda)

principessaPrincipessa is the sleek, new Italian date-spot in SoHo where orders are taken and kept on record via iPad®—perfect for those moments when you can’t remember what was the multiple-syllabled name of that dish you tried last week. The cocktail list has been devised by the guys behind the spirits at Freemans Restaurant and Hotel Delmano, and with lovely wrought-iron French doors that open up onto the sidewalk during weekend brunch, it’s a welcoming spot for the entire neighborhood. 199 PriNce Street, New york, Ny 10012; 646.375.8275. (Image: Principessa/Felipe Meggiolaro Marques)

the wrenThe Wren, a bi-level, country-cabin-looking gastropub, arrives in the Bowery thanks to the folks behind Wilfie & Nell. The cozy environment, mostly British menu (the oxtail marmalade is a must-try), and specialty cocktails—we recommend The Great Jones, a concoction of Scotch, walnut butters, and maple syrup—are just what the Lower East Side ordered. 334 bowery, New york, Ny 10012; 212.388.0148. (Image: The Wren)


new and notable page 3


anable basinAnable Basin racks up the cool points. Among them, unlike Mario Batali’s Birreria or Tom Colicchio’s The Lot on Tap under the High Line (each boasting hard-to-find German and American beers), Anable Basin has a dude with a cooler ready to hand over whatever brew he happened to purchase that morning. And, consider the views: look west for a picture-perfect vista of midtown Manhattan, north for the Queensboro Bridge, and east to behold Italian street artist Blu Muto’s only N.Y.C. mural painted on the face of the warehouse that once housed Björk’s ex-husband Matthew Barney’s art studio and the couple’s weird, big black boat. Can it get cooler than that? We think not. 4-40 44th drive, loNG iSlaNd city, Ny 11101; 646.207.1333. (Image: Anable Basin Bar and Grill)

beekman beer garden beach club at the south street seaportWhat was once the Water Taxi Beach has been renovated yet again and transformed into the Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club. An outdoor bar offering yummy pub fare, Beekman has all of the summer essentials: craft beers, live music, a pool, ping pong, and a menu of beer-garden favorites such as bratwurst, burgers, and pretzels. 89 South Street, New york, Ny 10038; 212.896.4600. (Image: Beekman Beer Garden)

barbutoBarbuto offers a welcoming, airy space with garage-style doors that open up onto the sidewalk in the summer to create an only-in-New-York dining experience. Chef Jonathan Waxman’s local and seasonal menu changes almost daily, but our favorite tried-and-true dishes include the linguettine alla carbonara and the pollo al forno. 775 waShiNGtoN Street, New york, Ny 10014; 212.924.9700. (Image: Barbuto)

café selectSituated on a picturesque corner in SoHo—Kenmare and Lafayette streets—Café Select is ideal for a workday lunch or late-night drink and caters to N.Y.C.’s downtown crowd with its retro decor and lived-in vibe. Authentic Swiss comfort food abounds: think chicken schnitzel, buckwheat crepes with smoked salmon, and rösti, a.k.a. Swiss hash browns. 212 laFayette Street, #a, New york, Ny 10012;212.925.9322. (Image: V.F.C.S.)


page 4outdoor dining

clemente’s maryland crab houseWhile Clemente’s is, admittedly, nothing fancy and kind of hard to find, there is no argument: it’s a great, Maryland-style crab house. Sit on the wooden deck, soak up the sun, and order the all-you-can-eat crab dinner—which is doused in Old Bay seasoning and served with a pile of fries and corn. Though it may seem out of the question with such a plethora of fresh seafood, do yourself a favor and save room for dessert: the fried Oreos and brownie sundae are not to be missed. 3939 eMMoNS aveNue, brooklyN, Ny 11235; 718.646.7373. (Image: Clemente’s Maryland Crab House)


la esquinaLa Esquina has become a true Nolita mainstay. Why? See for yourself: enter

through its street-level taqueria (right off the 6 and/or R train) and grab a quick lunch. Or take a seat in the cozy café,

perfect for a post-shopping cocktail and snack. Also, the underground restaurant

and lounge, which is crowded most months of the year with New York’s

most-fashionable set, makes the most fabulous margarita.

114 keNMare Street, New york, Ny 10012; 646.613.7100. (Image: La Esquina)

gottinoThe West Village’s Gottino is a quaint daytime café that doubles as the perfect post-work spot for a glass (or two) of rosé and small plates of savory snacks. Our picks include the crostini, cheeses, and bacon-wrapped dates, and for the sweet tooth the dark-chocolate-chip cookies with sea salt. If you can, secure a table in the lovely garden. 52 GreeNwich aveNue, New york, Ny 10011; 212.633.2590. (Image: Gottino)

the farm on adderleyYou’re going to have to wait to get into this quaint eatery, but we promise, the curry-mayo French fries are worth every minute you’ll spend pacing around Ditmas Park. At The Farm on Adderley, all dishes are made with ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, and local. Order like a regular and get the roasted chicken with creamy polenta and snow peas, the mackerel escabech, or the Farm burger on an English muffin. 1108 cortelyou road, brooklyN, Ny 11218; 718.287.3101. (Image: The Farm on Adderley)

franny’sFranny’s is no newbie. For more than eight years, they’ve been serving up wood-fired brick-oven pizzas to resident Park Slopers (and the smart kids who know enough to cross the bridge into Brooklyn for delicious pizza). And yet, we just continue to crave the clam pizza (and the ricotta pie, too). The menu is composed of seasonal summer cocktails and an all-Italian wine list (save for one French brut rosé), simple market-driven starters (like marinated string beans and housemade sausage), and utterly divine pizza. Bonus if you can score one of the six highly coveted tables in the back garden. 295 FlatbuSh aveNue, brooklyN, Ny 11217; 718.230.0221. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

i coppiIntimate and cozy, I Coppi has the feeling of a family restaurant from antipasti to apéritif. Make sure you request a seat in the garden area

(available year round), situated just past the open kitchen, and down a

small staircase. Favorites include the carciofi brick-oven pizza and the gnocchi all’ arancia e granchio.

432 eaSt NiNth Street, #a, New york, Ny 10009; 212.254.2263.

(Image: I Coppi)




once upon a tartWhether the way to your heart is through scones (our fave), muffins, or intricately adorned pastries, Once Upon a Tart will do the job. A staple in the middle of SoHo, this cozy café has been serving up the most delicious sweets and savories—they also offer freshly made soups, sandwiches, and salads—to locals and visitors alike for the past 17 years. 135 SullivaN Street, New york, Ny 10012;212.387.8869. (Image: Once Upon a Tart)

lovely dayThere are several reasons to take note of this charming café in N.Y.C.’s Nolita—just saying the pleasant name aloud infuses us with happiness—and the iced coffee and lively atmosphere that will truly add a touch of loveliness to any day are two of them. But what makes this café a real standout is the uniqueness of its menu: the Thai food may feel at odds with a post-coffee snack, but you won’t be disappointed with Lovely Day classics like the Pad Thai and pineapple fried rice. 196 elizabeth Street, New york, Ny 10012; 212.925.3310. (Image: Lovely Day)

mulberry projectWe know it’s the trend of the moment, but custom-crafted cocktails take on a whole new meaning at Mulberry Project, a hidden and unmarked gem in Little Italy. Mixologist Jeremy Strawn whips up personalized cocktails based entirely on your whim: a chalkboard lists the fresh fruits available and you tell him what tickles your fancy. Add dinner in the garden and you can call it a perfect night. Must- tries: crispy pork belly with turnip, apple, and almonds; and braised octopus with spicy cannellini bean stew. 149 Mulberry Street, New york, Ny 10013; 646.448.4536. (Image: Mulberry Project)

morandiKeith McNally’s rustic Italian trattoria, Morandi, in the West Village never disappoints. Most nights, the sidewalk dining area is teeming with both regulars and tourists, and who can blame them? The food is consistently amazing and deserving of all the hype. Favorites: whole-wheat pasta with sardines, wild fennel and walnuts, and the fried artichokes with lemon. 211 waverly Place, New york, Ny 10014; 212.627.7575. (Image: Morandi)

the nomad hotelHow do you follow Eleven Madison Park? If you’re Daniel Humm and Will Guidara, you move a few blocks away and open The Nomad, an all-day restaurant, bar, and lounge in The Nomad Hotel. Close your eyes and you might as well be in Paris, circa 1945. Open your eyes and pull up to a table to feast on such delicacies as bone marrow with parsley, shallots, and anchovy; or the suckling pig confit with dried apricots, onions, and wild greens. Oui, oui! An outdoor rooftop is slated for later this summer. 1170 broadway, New york, Ny 10001; 212.796.1500. (Image: Nomad Hotel)

oficina latinaIf you’re craving Latin cuisine, but can’t decide where to go, check out Oficina Latina, a pan-Latin treasure that serves up a fascinating array of regional small plates and entrées. Dreaming of Argentina? Try the pinchos de cordero, grilled lamb, tomato, and apple on a skewer. Mexico? Order albondigas, the ground pork and cotija-cheese meatballs. You can eat your way through Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, and Chile without leaving your seat. Oh, and the Caipirinha—the classic Brazilian cocktail—is not too shabby, either. 24 PriNce Street, New york, Ny 10012; 646.381.2555. (Image: Oficina Latina)




the yard at soho grand

At The Yard at SoHo Grand, the easy, convivial atmosphere and adorable

twinkling patio lights will instantly make you forget you’re actually sitting in a

side alley adjacent to a hotel. The solidly summer-inspired menu offers all sorts of

savory and sweet fare—we love the Kobe beef sliders or barbecue pulled pork for

dinner, followed by an ice cream sandwich for dessert—and the classic

cocktail list makes The Yard a refreshing sanctuary from the bustling city streets,

day or night. 310 weSt broadway, New york, Ny 10013; 212.965.3000.

(Image: SoHo Grand)

la piscine at hôtel americanoSituated in what is being called “the heart of the Chelsea Riviera, between the High Line and the Hudson River,” the Hôtel Americano offers 56 gorgeous guest rooms and suites designed by Paris-based Arnaud Montigny (his claim to fame: the City of Lights’s famed Colette). The creation of Grupo Habita, the hoteliers who make their first mark in the U.S. with this spot, Hôtel Americano also boasts an intimate rooftop restaurant (the menu favors Mediterranean-inspired foods in the summer and switches to Argentinian cuisine in the winter) and a bar that is ideal for kicking off the Louboutins and enjoying a cocktail with co-workers at the end of the day. And what about the well-dressed man circling the block on his old-fashioned bike? That would be Carlos Couturier, one of the group’s founders. 518 weSt 27th Street, New york, Ny 10001; 212.525.0000. (Image: La Piscine)

sycamore bar & flower shopWhen we think bourbon, we very rarely think flowers. Not so for the folks behind The Farm on Adderley. Sycamore Bar & Flower Shop, their flower-shop-bourbon bar, marries those two seemingly unassociated pleasures into one very chic package. With the flowers up front, a darkened-wood bar and lounge and a garden in the back, what more could one ask for? Nothing, as far as we’re concerned. 1118 cortelyou road, brooklyN, Ny 11218; 347.240.5850. (Image: Sycamore Bar & Flower Shop)

sauceFans of an old-fashioned, red-sauce Italian meal should head directly to Sauce, the restaurant-in-a-butcher-shop (or is it butcher-shop-in-a-restaurant?) treat that promises to rock your home-style-cooking world. The large, open kitchen means you’ll have a front-row seat for the preparation of Dad’s Marinara sauce with potato and kale gnocchi, or Grandmother’s tomato gravy served over cencioni pasta. Reminds us a lot of Trattoria Sostanza in Florence. And that’s a good thing. 78 riviNGtoN Street,New york, Ny 10002; 212.420.7700. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

tacombi at fonda nolitaTacos for breakfast and lunch? Sign us up. The charming vehicle for this deliciousness—literally, it’s a Day-Glo-orange Volkswagen bus that resides in an old, open-doored downtown garage—doles out cuisine like huevos con chorizo (potato, egg, and spicy chorizo sausage) on gluten-free corn tortillas for breakfast and offers a rotating menu of tacos to tempt your palette in the afternoon (we like the pollo con salsa verde). And the best part: you can enjoy an ice cold Carta Blanca beer, sangria, or spiked Horchata with your tacos at one of the little tables in front. 267 elizabeth Street, New york, Ny 10012; 917.727.0179. (Image: Tacombi)

the west 79th street boat basin café

Okay, so the food is nothing to write home about (standard grilled fare prevails), but at the 79th Street Boat

Basin, eating comes in a distant second to what everyone is really there to do:

drink and watch the sun set over the New Jersey side of the Hudson. It’s a bit loud and crowded, and tables are offered on

a first-come, first-served basis only, but nothing says “summer” in the city like a

cold beer and a plate of nachos at The Boat Basin. weSt 79th Street,

New york, Ny 10024; 213.550.1416. (Image: Boat Basin Café)




blockheadsstats:

322 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019;

212.307.7029

nom de booze: Margaritathe mix:

Limeade, tequila, triple sec, lime

why we love: Blockheads is the V.F.C.S.D.’s midtown workday escape … and the best margarita this side of 42nd. Only used

in case of emergency, of course. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

miss lily’sstats:

132 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10012; 646.588.5375

nom de booze: Genius of Love

the mix: Soju, mint, passionfruit

why we love: Maybe it’s because

it’s named after that awesome Tom Tom Club song. Or maybe it’s because Miss Lily’s is like a Caribbean oasis in the middle

of downtown Manhattan. Whatever the reason, this

effervescent cocktail is mixed to perfection. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

employees onlystats:

510 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014;

212.242.3021nom de booze:

The Hemingwaythe mix:

Banks 5 Island Rum, fresh lime juice, maraschino liqueur, fresh grapefruit juice, served straight up

why we love: Always crowded and

rightfully so, Employees Only has mastered the art of the cocktail like this beaut. The staff is great-looking and always accommodating, ensuring your cocktail is everything and more.

the frying panstats:

Pier 66 at 26th Street and the West Side Highway,

New York, NY 10001; 212.362.4453

nom de booze: Corona

the mix: A bucket, ice, multiple

bottles of Coronawhy we love:

Do we even need to tell you why The Frying Pan and a bucket of Coronas

is the perfect way to spend an afternoon?

We think not.

mono + monostats:

116 East Fourth Street, New York, NY 10003;


The Julie Londonthe mix:

Soju, cucumber, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice,

simple syrupwhy we love:

It is simply one of the best summertime cocktails

ever—and with a collection of 30,000 jazz vinyl records and a vintage piano front

and center, this dimly lit establishment also

happens to be the perfect date-night spot on a muggy summer night.

the waylandstats:

700 East Ninth Street, New York, NY; 212.777.7022

nom de booze: The Wayland

Champagne Cocktailthe mix:

Miller High Life, 100-percent agave blanco tequila, red bell pepper juice, chipotle-infused

agave nectar, lime juicewhy we love:

This gorgeous ruby-red cocktail is a delightful

combination of light and bubbly beer with just-picked garden peppers. Think red pepper slices dipped in a Michelada, all packaged

in an icy bottle.

whitehallstats:

19 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014; 212.675.7261

nom de booze: The No. 8the mix:

Fidencio “Sin Humo” Mezcal, The King’s Ginger, grapefruit, lime, soda

why we love: Because we can never run out of

reasons for an after-work cocktail, Whitehall has been on our radar since opening late last

year. The space is light and airy and the cocktails are

inventive and fresh. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

jimmy at the james hotel

stats:15 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10013;


The Kitty Hawkthe mix:

Hendrick’s gin, Luxardo Marichino liquor, crème de violet, lemon juice,

tonic waterwhy we love: We love to soak up

Jimmy’s 360-degree view whilst enjoying this

refreshing take on a summer gin and tonic.

Swim suit optional. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

le bainstats:

848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10014; 212.645.4646

nom de booze: Cucumber Lemonade

the mix: Five slices of muddled

cucumber, 2 oz. vodka, 1 oz. lemon juice, 1/2 oz. simple syrup,

2 oz. soda, mint spring, sliced cucumber garnishwhy we love:

Combine the cool aesthetic of The Standard Hotel’s grassy

rooftop with the chill, tart, and vodka of the Cucumber

Lemonade, and that unforgiving summer heat will

simply slip away.

the honorable william wall at the manhattan

sailing clubstats:

385 South End Avenue, New York, NY 10280; 212.786.3323

nom de booze: Dark and Stormy

the mix: 2 oz. dark rum

(we like Myers), 3 oz. ginger beer, 1/2 oz. lime juice

why we love: A timeless and refreshing summer

cocktail only made better by the Willy Wall’s serene setting on

the Hudson: the daily Admiral’s Launch from Battery Park is $5 each way now through Labor

Day. (Image: V.F.C.S.)


page 8cool cocktails


outdoor fun: concerts page 9

june:The summer-concerT-going season kicks off wiTh ...

· Alterna-rock gods radiohead at PrudenTial cenTer (6/1)

· Jazz chanteuse madeleine Peyroux and folk legend Judy collins at Town hall (6/1)

· Actor, author, musician, and man about town sTeve marTin at sT. george TheaTre (6/1)

· Torch-singer lana del rey at irving Plaza (6/7, 6/8, 6/10)· Post-punks The culT at Terminal 5 (6/8)

· Indie-rock outfit fosTer The PeoPle at cenTral Park summersTage (6/11)

· The oh-so sweet maTThew sweeT at ciTy winery (6/11, 6/12)

· Emo-rockers keane at the Beacon TheaTre (6/15)

· Tons of fun. at Terminal 5 (6/16, 6/17)

· Melody maker ziggy marley at irving Plaza (6/17)

july: leT The music Play inTo The heaT of summer wiTh ...

· Sweet girl sTevie nicks at The Beacon TheaTre (7/2)

· Sultry singer-songwriter-pianist norah Jones at cenTral Park summersTage (7/3)

· Rock icon and Pink Floydian roger waTers/“The wall live Tour” at yankee sTadium (7/6, 7/7)

· Glam-dance queens scissor sisTers at Terminal 5 (7/6, 7/7)

· Rockers-that-won’t quit van halen at The izod cenTer (7/13)

· The B-52’s and squeeze at nycB TheaTre at wesTBury (7/15)

· Indie outfit young The gianT at cenTral Park summersTage (7/16)

· Amiable alterna-band BesT coasT at Terminal 5 (7/17)

· Nineties flashback summerland Tour 2012 featuring everclear, sugar ray, gin Blossoms, liT, and marcy Playground at roseland Ballroom (7/18)

· Dark and dreamy Beach house at cenTral Park summersTage (7/23)

august:and The BeaT goes on …

· Brit rockers coldPlay at The izod cenTer (8/2, 8/3, 8/4)

· Progressive-pop band m83 at cenTral Park summersTage (8/8)

· Rock lobsters The B-52’s at irving Plaza (8/9)

· Jam-band stalwarts god sTreeT wine at gramercy TheaTre (8/16, 8/17, 8/18)

· Hair-metal hellraisers kiss and möTley crüe (how could we resist?) at sleeP counTry amPiTheaTer, ridgefield (8/19)

· Veritable soul god al green at The Beacon TheaTre (8/22)

· Pop chameleons BeiruT at cenTral Park summersTage (8/29)

september: and we Bid farewell To summer 2012 wiTh ...

· That good-time gal who is always the last to leave the party: Her Madjesty madonna at yankee sTadium (9/6, 9/7)

vanityfairagenda.com/summerguide VANIT Y FA IR AGENDA Summer Guide 2012

outdoor fun: events

film society of lincoln center human rights watch film festival june 15–28Now in its twenty-third year, the Film Society of Lincoln Center once again presents the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, showcasing a collection of amazing films that chronicle incredible stories of courage and resilience. On opening night, director Alison Klayman will be showcasing her documentary, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, about Chinese activist and artist Ai Weiwei and his ongoing battles with the Chinese government. the walter reade theater, 165 weSt 65th Street, New york, Ny 10023; 212.875.5456. (Image: Film Society of Lincoln Center)

warm up at moma ps1 july 7–september 8For 15 years, MoMA PS1’s Warm Up has introduced audiences to the latest in new and experimental live music and performance. Held in the MoMA PS1 courtyard every Saturday from July 7 through September 8, Warm Up also will showcase a temporary urban landscape called “Wendy,” the winning design of MoMA PS1’s 13th annual Young Architects Program. 22-25 JackSoN aveNue, loNG iSlaNd city, Ny 11101; 718.784.2084. (Image: MoMA PS1)

the met opera hd festival at brooklyn academy of music june 13–july 25This summer, The Metropolitan Opera’s popular “Live in HD” program of movie theater broadcasts presents encore performances of audience favorites from the series including Anna Bolena (6/13), Le Comte Ory (6/20), Don Giovanni (6/27), and Der Rosenkavalier (6/25). All performances begin at 6:30 p.m. Peter Jay SharP buildiNG, baM roSe ciNeMaS, 30 laFayette aveNue, brooklyN, Ny 11217; 718.636.4100. (Image: Metropolitan Opera)

summerstage: central park june 5–august 30Since 1986, SummerStage, in Central Park at Rumsey Playfield, has been New York City’s iconic summer arts festival with more than 100 free and paid shows and performances. Our must-see picks: Alabama Shakes (6/24), Beach House (7/23), and M83 (8/8). Tickets are required. ruMSey PlayField, FiFth aveNue aNd 72Nd Street, New york, Ny 10028. (Image: M83)

celebrate brooklyn! at prospect park june 5–august 11This year marks the 34th season of “Celebrate Brooklyn!” free performances at the Prospect Park Bandshell, which features an eclectic mix of iconic artists from Brooklyn and beyond. Our favorites this year: Balkan Beat Box (6/16), Ballet Hispanico (6/28), Dirty Projectors (7/10), Hot Chip (7/18), Wilco (7/23, 7/24), and Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet (8/2). ProSPect Park weSt aNd NiNth Street, brooklyN, Ny 11215. (Image: Dirty Projectors)

film society of lincoln center “open roads: new italian cinema” | june 8–14

This summer, fall in love with an Italian—film, that is. Since 2001, June at the Film Society of Lincoln Center has always meant a new and different showcase of Italian films and filmmakers. One of the society’s most popular programs, New Italian Cinema features such established auteurs as Ermanno Olmi, Mario Monicelli, and Pupi Avati, as well as a new generation of actors, including Margherita Buy, Sergio Castellitto, Toni Servillo, and Donatella Finocchiaro. the walter reade theater, 165 weSt 65th Street, New york, Ny 10023; 212.875.5456.(Image: Film Society of Lincoln Center)

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page 11outdoor fun: events

shakespeare in the park | june 5–30 and july 23–august 25Shall we compare thee to a summer’s day? Well, if that summer’s day includes Will Shakespeare and Stephen Sondheim, then we’ll allow it. This year’s beloved Shakespeare in the Park—which celebrates its 50th anniversary—breaks with tradition and presents works from The Bard and The Great White Way legend, and honestly, who are we to complain? Nothing makes us giddier than some free theater in the park: As You Like It features Oliver Platt and Lily Rabe, and Into The Woods stars Amy Adams and Donna Murphy. Bra-vo. delacorte theater, ceNtral Park, 81St Street aNd ceNtral Park weSt or 79th Street aNd FiFth aveNue, New york, Ny 10024; 212.539.8750. (Image: Shakespeare in the Park)

big apple barbecue block partyjune 9–10Barbecue pork ribs, slow pit-smoked chicken, Texas-style brisket, jerk salmon, bronzed catfish. If all this food talk is making your mouth water, then you need to buy your Fastpass to the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, stat. Pitmasters from across the country descend on the park for two days of total meat grilling, smothering, smoking, and barbecuing madness. You can always juice cleanse later. MadiSoN Square Park, betweeN 23rd aNd 26th StreetS, FiFth aNd MadiSoN aveNueS, New york, Ny 10010; 212.538.4071. (Image: Big Apple BBQ Block Party)

books beneath the bridge july 9–august 13Let’s face it, Mondays are tough. But summertime in N.Y.C. means there’s something fun to do seven nights a week, so get out your planner: every Monday night for six weeks, six of the best bookstores in Brooklyn will partner with the Brooklyn Bridge Park to feature writers from Lizz Winstead to Martin Amis. You can listen to these literary giants wax prosaic against the backdrop of the quietly lapping waters of the East River and the grand Manhattan skyline. Not a bad way to start the week. 7 brooklyN bridGe Park, Pier 1, FurMaN Street, duMbo, brooklyN 11201; 718.802.0603. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

new york international fringe festivalaugust 10–26Sometimes silly, sometimes serious, sometimes downright stupid, the New York International Fringe Festival—the largest multi-arts festival in North America with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in more than 20 venues—is a mix of utter highs and cringeworthy lows. Our pick of the festival: Mahmoud, presented by Toronto’s Pandemic Theater Group, described as, “an irreverent and hilarious one-woman show about an aging Iranian engineer-cum-taxi driver, a fabulously gay Spaniard, and a young Iranian-Canadian girl, all trying to get by the day-to-day grind in a busy metropolitan city.” Sounds fringe-y. veNueS to be aNNouNced oN FriNGeNyc.orG; 866.468.7619. (Image: NYIFF)

monet’s gardens at the new york botanical garden

now through october 21When the weather finally warms up enough so that one can

spend an entire day happily out-of-doors, it becomes difficult for even the most devoted art aficionados among us

to motivate for indoor museum browsing. Luckily, the New York Botanical Garden has done everyone a favor by interpreting the brilliant French Impressionist, Monet’s, art by recreating the great

gardens that inspired his work. Visitors can bask in the summertime sun surrounded by glorious reproductions of

“The Water Lilies;” two rarely seen paintings by the artist also will be on display. Summer has never been this colorful.

New york botaNical GardeN, 2900 South SoutherN boulevard, broNx, Ny 10458; 718.817.8700.

(Image: New York Botanical Garden)


on our

shop

warm Started by husband and wife duo, Rob Magnotta and Winnie Beatti, who met while surfing in Montauk, this downtown boutique evokes a cheerful, Hawaiian-esque energy which makes it feel like summertime all year along. Amid elegant hardwood floors, tropical plants, and candles, shoppers can select from a variety of beach-y dresses, eclectic accessories, and vintage books. Be sure to snag a pair of their Hawaiian flip-flops, which you can sport all season. 181 Mott Street, New york, Ny 10013; 212.925.1200. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

unisHome to the best under-the-radar basics for men and women, Unis is classic and understated with an air of tailored sophistication. Designer Eunice Lee has presented collections, inspired by her native New York City, for more than 10 years—all of which is entirely produced and manufactured in New York City and Los Angeles. 226 elizabeth Street, New york, Ny 10012; 212.431.5533. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

brooklyn fleaSince 2008, the popular outdoor market Brooklyn Flea has featured more than 150 local and regional vendors of antiques, vintage clothing, handmade items, jewelry, food, bicycles, records, and more. We love any excuse to stroll outdoors and peruse vintage wears and handmade jewelry—and you can always find a great gift for someone else or a new trinket for yourself. But let’s be honest, when we’re not scouting vintage china and cake platters, we head straight for the lineup of food vendors. Our favorites include Pizza Moto (fresh pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven-on-wheels); Porchetta (perfectly seasoned savory roasted pork); and People’s Pops (where they turn delicious combinations—such as red plum and basil—into delish frozen treats on a stick). SaturdayS: 176 laFayette aveNue (between clermont and vanderbilt avenues), Fort GreeNe; SuNdayS: eaSt river waterFroNt (between North Sixth and Seventh Streets), williaMSburG, brooklyN, Ny 11238. (Image: Brooklyn Flea)

c.h.c.m. shopConsisting mainly of American and European manufacturing brands with a strong lineage, C.H.C.M. carries classic, timeless garments for everyday. From Drumohr’s “so luxe you could live in it” knitwear to tailored jackets by Adam Rogers, C.H.C.M. is made for “urban dwellers” looking and feeling good. 2 boNd Street, New york, Ny, 10012; 212.673.8601. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

a.p.c.Launched in 1988, A.P.C. (translation: Atelier de Production et de Creation) is a French label that specializes in classically chic casual wear for both men and women. A true lifestyle store, A.P.C. carries music, throws, totes, and the greatest denim in The Big Apple. 131 Mercer Street, New york, Ny 10012; 212.966.9685. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

zoëZoë is one of those rare gems that carries a gorgeously diverse selection, from Lanvin to Rag & Bone, The Row to Alexander Wang, and even unheard-of exclusives, like this season’s must have: Celine’s suede peep-toes with lipstick platform. (For what it’s worth, a sister store is located in picturesque Princeton, New Jersey, a mere 50-minute N.J. Transit train ride from Penn Station.) 68 waShiNGtoN Street, brooklyN, Ny 11201; 718.237.4002. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

isabel marantIsabel Marant is the go-to label when looking to create a flawless Parisian aesthetic. Sleek pants, sweaters with drop shoulders, and enough bohemian mini-dresses to take you through summer and into fall, Marant is the master of effortless cool. 469 brooMe Street, New york, Ny 10013; 212.219.2284. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

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on our

music

what’s playing: on pandora You know how we feel about our digital music, and this summer, we’re really getting down (literally, in our cubicles) to the Pandora channels we just created for “Dancing On My Own” by our fave Euro-pop girlfriend Robyn and “Rich Girl” by those 80s smooth operators Hall & Oates, who are fresh off of their über-fun headlining performance at this year’s Great GoogaMooga festival. (Image: Robyn, Hall & Oates)

what’s playing: new albums Like everything else that heralds the beginning of the warmest season (e.g. the ubiquitousness of flip-flops and ill-fitting tank tops), so too is there a bevy of new albums to consider. Indie duos Best Coast and Beach House both unveiled their albums, The Only Place and Bloom, respectively, on May 15. On June 19, The Biebs is back with his album, Believe, and Fiona Apple’s fourth effort, the (inexplicably) 23-word-titled The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw, And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do arrives in stores. Sigur Rós bows with their sixth album, Valtari, on May 29; the seventh album from The Walkmen, Heaven, drops May 29; and Patti Smith continues to thrill with her poetry-punk-rock fusion on her eleventh studio release Banga on June 5. (Images: Sigur Rós, Fiona Apple, Best Coast)

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what,s playing: the v.f.c.s.d. ultimate summer playlist

what’s summer without a soundtrack? since mixed tapes are (sadly) a thing of the past, we herewith present our ultimate playlist for all those margarita-soaked summer days … and nights.

“turn up the radio,” madonna

“some nights,” fun.

“glad you came,” the wanted

“part of me,” katy perry

“got to give it up,” marvin gaye

“wild ones,” flo rida

“fame,” david bowie

“santa monica,” everclear

“nightswimming,” r.e.m.

“back and forth,” foo fighters

“in between days,” the cure

“shake it out,” florence and the machine

“sun shining,” bob marley

“gold on the ceiling,” the black keys

“hang loose,” alabama shakes

“somebody that i used to know,” gotye featuring kimbra

“summer mood,” best coast

“let’s go surfing,” the drums

“don’t play no game that i can’t win,” beastie boys featuring santigold

“everlasting love,” u2

“summertime sadness,” lana del rey

“montauk,” rufus wainwright

“simple song,” the shins

“long, hot summer night,” jimi hendrix

“summer cannibals,” patti smith

“call me maybe,” carly rae jepsen

“who loves the sun,” the velvet underground

“love on top,” beyoncé

“send me on my way,” rusted root

“starships,” nicki minaj


on our

booksbeach reads: new books Each year, as we begin the slow-down into “summer mode” (a.k.a. the stupor that falls over us before going on vacation), we tap our inside sources to find out what’s en vogue on the beaches … and we mean the books, of course. For a fitting companion to her June 5 album release, take a look at musician-artist- author Patti Smith’s memoir Just kids about her touching friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe. Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness is the sequel to the thoroughly awesome 2010 adult-witches-and-vampires book A Discovery of Witches. The epic (intrigue! romance! murder!) tale tigers in red weather by Liza Klaussmann, is sure to satisfy. Honorable mentions: Jennifer Weiner’s The Next Best Thing; The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory; Wolf Hall sequel Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel; Home by Toni Morrison; Mark Haddon’s The Red House; and the Downton Abbey-esque Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead. (Image: Little, Brown and Company)

beach reads: the books pulitzer snubbed We were shocked and dismayed when the Pulitzer Prize board announced that this year, for the first time, it would not be awarding a prize in the category of original fiction. Well, Pulitzer, we beg to differ as last year was flush with fantastic candidates who all could have been more than just a contender. Our picks: The Submission by Amy Waldman, a post-9/11 reimagining of rebuilding a city; the sweeping tale of friendship, ambition, love, and family that was Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding; and the magical, mystical (and Pulitzer-nominated) Swamplandia! by Karen Russell. But we don’t need no stinking prize to want to read these books; we’ll do it all on our own, thank you very much. (Image: Vintage)

beach reads: all-time favorite There is nothing quite like laying on a beach on a warm day consumed by a good book that will literally cause you to forget all sense of time and place. Our go-to: The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band, the 2001 autobiography of Mötley Crüe. Trust us when we say, you do not need to be a fan of the Crüe or heavy-metal-hair-rock; the band’s antics, told in first person by each of its members (Vince Neil, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, and Mick Mars … all of whom are inexplicably still alive), are so insanely inappropriate as to be enthrallingly and wildly compelling. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy before your next weekend jaunt out of the city. And prepare your friends to be ignored until you’ve finished it. (Image: It Books)

beach reads: so hyped you have to read it Despite the fact that we are most certainly, as a culture, suffering from Fifty Shades of Grey fatigue, we have purchased the books and have decided that all of the hysteria—and the hordes of obsessed readers, from suburban housewives to businessmen—must mean something. So, what better time of year than the hot-and-bothered months of summer to dig into the entire trilogy (Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed) by E.L. James? Each book title is cheesier than the last but isn’t that what makes it all sort of fabulous-terrible? We think so. (Image: Vintage)

beach reads: revisiting the classics This summer, try putting down the cheesy tabloid mags and instead indulging in some of the classic beach reads from your excitable teenage days of yore. Remember when scoring a copy of V. C. Andrews’s awful-awesome Flowers in the Attic was a huge coup? The material was so, at the time, racy—A family of beautiful children living in an attic being slowly poisoned by their own mother and committing incest? Cool!—that tweens would huddle around a single copy of the book just so they could read about what fate would befall the creepy Dollanganger siblings. And while you’re at it, you no longer have to hide your copy of Judy Blume’s Wifey underneath your mattress or sneak into the bathroom to read it. You can, like the adult you are, read those legendarily torrid scenes (coveted by teenage girls everywhere) out in the open … although we do recommend you download this one to your Kindle. (Image: Gallery Books)

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art

“brice marden new paintings” now through june 23 Matthew Marks Gallery is showcasing two new series of works by Minimalist artist Brice Marden: “The Ru Ware Project,” a series of nine panels painted in different shades of pale blue and based on ancient Chinese pottery; and 15 new paintings in oil on marble, inspired by the light and landscape of Greece. Matthew MarkS Gallery, 526 weSt 22Nd Street aNd 502 weSt 22Nd Street, New york, Ny 10011; 212.243.0200. (Image: Matthew Marks Gallery)

“keith haring: 1978–1982” now through july 8Bask in Keith Haring’s genius in an exhibition that includes 155 works on paper, numerous experimental videos, and more than 150 archival objects and chronicles the artist’s most exciting times, beginning with the year he moved to New York. brooklyN MuSeuM, 200 eaSterN Parkway, brooklyN, New york 11238-6052; 718.638.5000. (Image: Brooklyn Museum)

“gilbert & george: london pictures” now through june 23Artists Gilbert & George are best known for their graphic, photo-based artwork. In their new show, “London Pictures,” they turn to London tabloid-newspaper bills as inspiration, stealing 3,712 of them over the course of the past six years to create the 292 works in the show. With such headlines as “Laser Yobs Endangered Copter Pilot” and “Rabbit is Set Alight by Yobs” (“yob” is Brit slang for “hooligan”), the show promises not to disappoint. SoNNabeNd Gallery, 536 weSt 22Nd Street, New york, Ny 10011; 212.627.1018. (Image: Gilbert & George)

“weegee: murder is my business” now through september 2The absolute master of black-and-white street photography, Weegee’s graphic and lurid photographs of New York City crime scenes set the standard for tabloid journalism. Now through Labor Day, the International Center of Photography’s “Murder Is My Business” exhibit draws upon the extensive Weegee archives from the museum. It promises to be killer. iNterNatioNal ceNter oF PhotoGraPhy, 1133 aveNue oF the aMericaS, New york, Ny 10036; 212.857.0000. (Image: ICP)

“james rosenquist: f-111” now through july 30Originally designed as 23 panels to wrap the four walls of the Leo Castelli Gallery in N.Y.C. where it would be displayed, James Rosenquist described his 86-foot-long “F-111” mural (1964) as “flying through the flak of consumer society to question the collusion between the Vietnam death machine, consumerism, the media, and advertising.” Heavy, man. But still stunning. the MuSeuM oF ModerN art (MoMa), 11 weSt 53rd Street, New york, Ny 10019; 212.708.9400. (Image: MoMA)

“ellsworth kelly plant drawings” june 5–september 3Minimalist artist Ellsworth Kelly, best known for his hard-edge, abstract, and color-field paintings, has made figurative drawings throughout the six decades of his career. Now through Labor Day, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is exhibiting the first major show of approximately 80 of his plant drawings, from his time in Paris in the 1940s to more recent work he created in upstate New York. the MetroPolitaN MuSeuM oF art, 6 eaSt 82Nd Street, New york, Ny 10028; 212.731.1400. (Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

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casual eats the hole foods pop-up restaurant The Hole is a relatively new arts collective run by Kathy Grayson, a former director at the legendary Deitch Projects. Not content to sit on their laurels and exhibit experimental art, The Hole is opening an artist-designed restaurant-pop-up called “Hole Foods” in the East Village this summer (now through August 5). Artist Joe Grillo has transformed the restaurant into one incredible floor-to-ceiling neon mural. Sounds fun, crazy, and tasty. 231 SecoNd aveNue, New york, Ny 10021; 212.260.8015. (Image: The Hole)

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red hook food truck vendorsFor more than 30 years, artisans from all corners of Latin America have assembled at the Red Hook Ballfields to serve up some of the most authentic street food ever consumed. The secret is to go on a weekend and enjoy the local soccer games while pigging out … err, eating … some of our faves, like pupusas, huaraches, and grilled Mexican corn (elote). red hook recreatioNal area (ballfield #1), corNer oF bay aNd cliNtoN StreetS, brooklyN, Ny 11232. (Image: V.F.C.S.)l&b spumoni gardens

A 70-plus-year-old Italian eatery in Brooklyn, L&B Spumoni Gardens offers Sicilian-style square pizza made fresh to order—a secret family recipe, natch. The pastas and entrees are pretty delizioso, too, and served in generous, family-style portions. Our favorite way to end the meal: indulging in the creamy spumoni or Italian ice on the outdoor picnic tables. 2725 86th Street, brooklyN, Ny 11223; 718.449.6921. (Image: L&B Spumoni Gardens)

rocky sullivan’sRocky Sullivan’s is one of the neighboring bars to Brooklyn’s popular Six Point brewery in Red Hook. The key to this particular pub is, of course, the roof, accessible via a staircase in the back of the bar. During the day, you can enjoy frosty pints of Six Point beer, natch, but to get the full Red Hook effect, dine at Rocky’s on a Friday or Saturday night when they offer a dinner of one-and-half-pound whole lobsters from the Red Hook Lobster Pound, along with potato salad, cole slaw, and corn on the cob. 34 vaN dyke Street, brooklyN, Ny 11231; 718.246.8050. (Image: Rocky Sullivan’s)

that tot spotThe little kid in us adores a crispy fried nugget and this new Williamsburg vendor serves up tater tots with a variety of seasonings and sauces. At That Tot Spot, they give the little spuds a grown up twist— offering tots with everything from sea salt and cracked pepper to spicy Cajun and crab spice. And don’t worry, they have sauces to dunk in, too, such as bourbon-spiced ketchup and Red Island Sauce (i.e. thousand island dressing, blue cheese, and hot sauce). Reopens mid to late June. 70 North 7th Street, New york, Ny 11211. (Image: That Tot Spot)

zito’s sandwich shoppeOpened just last August, Zito’s is now the sandwich shop in Brooklyn. They’ve perfected a menu of 13 delicious sandwiches on Il Fornaretto Bakery’s bread (real Italian bread … from Bensonhurst). We’re determined to make our way through the entire menu, and so far we’ve been pleased with the Eight-Hour Slow-Cooked Pork Bracciole (anything given that much T.L.C. has got to be good) and the Sixpoint Braised Roast Beef with marinated mushrooms, balsamic-glazed onions, and housemade mozz. You can wash all of it down with one of five Sixpoint Craft Ales on tap (or purchase a growler to go). Rumor has it they’re working on getting a grill for their back patio (grilled sausage and peppers, anyone?) and are opening a mini-Zito’s outpost in Coney Island. 300 SeveNth aveNue, brooklyN, Ny 11215; 718.499.2800. (Image: V.F.C.S.)

smorgasburgThe smart folks at Brooklyn Flea decided to host this food market to showcase food entrepreneurs and established purveyors from New York City and across the region selling both packaged and prepared foods, fresh produce, and other food-related wares. Our advice: go with friends, and divide and conquer. Not to be missed: Shorty Tang & Sons sesame noodles, Dough glazed donuts, and Kumquat Cupcakery’s mini maple bacon cupcakes, and Landhaus’s genius Grilled Bacon on a Stick. 27 North Sixth Street, brooklyN, Ny 11211; 718.928.6603. (Image: Brooklyn Flea)

café clunyThe ultimate brunch spot, Café Cluny has been a West Village staple since early 2006. The sunny, unassuming neighborhood bistro has a straightforward, always-delicious menu with fave dishes like the breakfast club sandwich (fried egg, bacon, tomato, avocado, spicy mayo), the frisée salad aux lardons, and the legendary Cluny burger. 284 weSt 12th Street, New york, Ny 10014; 212.255.6900. (Image: Café Cluny)


on our

beyond the boroughs

la fondita La Fondita is a casual little counter-service taco stand with lots of outdoor seating, $5 beers, and $3 tacos—which instantly makes it a favorite of ours. The elote-Mexican style corn-on-the-cob with mayonnaise, queso fresco, and chile sells out quickly (and is worth getting there early for) and take note: if you plan on sitting in the back garden area, you’ll want to bring the bug spray. 74 MoNtauk hiGhway, aMaGaNSett, Ny 11930; 631.267.8800. (Image: La Fondita)

the stephen talkhouse Live music is the heart and soul of summertime living—and no venue knows that better than The Stephen Talkhouse, widely considered the spot for the best live music on the East End. A slew of notable talent has played here over the years, from Hall-of-Famers The Rolling Stones and The Band, to Paul Simon and Patti Smith. (Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi also have been known to drop by and play a set just for kicks.) 161 MaiN Street, aMaGaNSett, Ny 11930; 631.267.3117. (Image: Stephen Talkhouse)

ditch plains beach Known as the “surfer’s beach” because of the awesome surf and the number of people in wet suits, Ditch Plains Beach is considered Montauk’s secret spot for those seasoned pros just looking for some waves. The view alone is worth the trip—and we’re not just talking about the surfers: the pristine, blue water and cliffs are gorgeous. Stop for sustenance at the Ditch Witch food truck that parks right at the entrance to the beach. (Note: An East Hampton parking permit is required.) ditch PlaiNS road, MoNtauk, Ny 11954; 631.324.4142. (Image: Gordon Grant)

duryea’s Take a seat at one of the picnic tables at Duryea’s, an über-casual, open-air seafood restaurant located on a quiet side street in Montauk, and watch the incredible sun dip down in the sky as you indulge in a bottle of crisp white wine. Our must-eats: the delectable lobster salad plate and lobster roll sandwich. Also, make sure to bring cash as this joint only takes dollar bills. 65 tuthill road, MoNtauk, Ny 11954; 631.668.2410. (Image: Duryea’s)

the montauk yacht club The Montauk Yacht Club is the most gorgeous place for a weekend getaway. Indulge in a spa treatment, dine at the Gulf Coast Kitchen (the chowder is mind-blowing), and end the night with a Montauk Tea or Aporal Spritzer at the Barracuda Bar. A must-visit for those in need of some summer Zen time. 32 Star iSlaNd road, MoNtauk, Ny 11954; 631.668.3100. (Image: Montauk Yacht Club)

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sunset beachOpen from May 18 through September 9, Sunset Beach is a boutique hotel offering an idyllic landscape, intoxicating sunset views, beach-side restaurants, and any outdoor activity under the sun, on the sea, or sand, including mountain biking. Our favorite pastime? Watching the sun set with a glass of André Balazs’s Sunset Beach Reserve Rose. 35 Shore road, Shelter iSlaNd, Ny 11965; 631.749.2001. (Image: Sunset Beach)

wölffer estate wine standAn amazing spot right off of Montauk Highway, the Wölffer Estate Wine Stand offers wine by the glass and bottle (our fave: the house rosé) and a cheese plate that’s the ideal accoutrement to watching the sun set over the vineyard. It’s also the perfect place to stop off and pick up a gift so you don’t arrive at your host’s beach house empty-handed. On Fridays after 5 p.m., now through October, stop by for live music free of charge. 139 SaGG road, SaGaPoNack, Ny 11962; 631.537.5106. (Image: Wölffer Estate)

john scott’s surf shackAfter a long, sea salt-baked day at the beach, the wide-open space overlooking the bay that is John Scott’s Surf Shack is the ideal place to sit back with a group of friends and toss back a couple of ice-cold beers (or the infamous “Shot Ski”) and listen to live music. Be sure to try the stuffed lobster and coconut shrimp, too. 540 duNe road, weSthaMPtoN beach, Ny 11978; 631.288.5810. (Image: John Scott Surf Shack)

summer guide 2012

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