We’ve Got Friends in the Haaaaaaamptons (Who’ll Help You Host)
Last year, around this time, we got super-excited about the Fourth of July (Go America! But mostly: parties!) and decided to host what we thought would be a get-together of small but patriotic proportions.
The thing was: everyone on our guest list brought their entire guest list, and so, and we found ourselves hosting 100 people when we thought we’d have 30. We’re all about the more the merrier, so we tried to be cool.
“We got this,” we thought, and flipped our hair. And we scrambled around making sure no glass was empty. But, um, we did one thing wrong: We didn’t serve the food. We were so in the party spirit that we couldn’t bear to leave the ping pong and pool games behind to start the smoker and the grill, and, secretly, we knew we didn’t have enough.
Regardless, we learned two valuable lessons. Number one: Without food, your guests will definitely be overserved and sleep on your pool chairs. And two: You don’t have to do everything!
This summer, when hosting, we’ll have no shame in getting a little help from our friends.
Here, a list of Hamptons “friends” who’ll help you throw a sick summer soirée without ever putting down your rosé.
Full Service Catering: For when you just can’t even.
Hamptons Aristocrat: This brand-spanking-new service does everything from family-style “Feeds” to full-on catering, personalized grocery shopping from local faves, and even has a vintage caravan that can serve your party and make you look oh-so-cool.
Hampton Clam Bake: These guys specialize in legit clam bakes and will help you thrown one anywhere from the beach to your backyard – they’ll even help you get permits for the bonfire!
The Art of Eating: A caterer in the more traditional sense — and a really good one at that. Their rotating menu includes summer faves like spring rolls, lobster rolls, and peel and eat shrimp.
Prepared Foods: These are the places we love to stock up. Whether we’re plating the food or eating it right out of the container, they never let us down.
Loaves and Fishes: It ain’t cheap, but it sure is delicious. Go for the sesame chicken, the whitefish salad, the chicken curry, and stock up on frozen apps. If you get the lobster salad, invite us over, because we can’t afford it.
50 Sagg Main Rd. Sagaponack, NY 11962
(631) 537-0555
www.landffoodstore.com
Round Swamp Farm: There’s a reason this place has a cult following. That reason may be the beef shortribs, or the coleslaw with apples in it, or the amazing muffins that they set out, warm, in the morning.
East Hampton: 184 Three Mile Harbor Rd.
Bridgehampton: 97 School St. Bridgehampton
(631) 324-4438
www.roundswampfarm.com
Villa Italian Specialties: This unassuming deli-like store is a great place to grab lunch to go, but also does large party catering and dinner menus. Everything from mama’s meatballs to chicken sorrentino.
7 Railroad Ave. East Hampton NY, 11937
(631) 324-5110
www.villaitalianspecialties.com
I want to do something: If you’re really feeling like making an effort, hit up these places for the best stuff to cook.
The Seafood Shop: Super fresh fish that comes in daily. You can also stock up on their prepped apps, like seared tuna with wasabi sauce or edamame hummus, to eliminate some of the work.
Wainscott Village Shopping Center: 356 Montauk Hwy Wainscott, NY 11975
(631) 537-0633
www.theseafoodshop.com
Red Horse Market: The big secret here is the pre-rubbed steaks. All you gots to do is grill ‘em. Oh, and also, homemade mozzarella. If you’re lucky, they’ll give you a taste while you shop.
74 Montauk Hwy. East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 324-9590
www.redhorsemarket.com
I’ve got a sweet tooth: Whether you’re hosting or bringing, dessert is a must.
Levain Bakery: These cookies have been voted the best in New York by, like, everyone. Just do it.
Wainscott Village Shopping Center: 354 Montauk Hwy. Wainscott, NY 11975
(631) 537-8570
Laduree: What?! You heard us, Laduree is delivering every weekend to the Hamptons. Don’t stress about squashing those macarons into your Jitney bag. They don’t deserve to be treated that way.
E-mail: ladureeus@laduree.com
(646) 213-2806
Tate’s Bake Shop: The Hamptons original and what many think of as the definition of a chocolate chip cookie. Also great for when you have a gluten free guest.
43 North Sea Rd. Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-9830
www.tatesbakeshop.com
Mary’s Marvelous: Cookies, cupcakes, and delicious coffee. Get your baked goods on.
Amagansett: 207 Main St.
(631) 267-8796
East Hampton: 105-107 Newtown Lane
(631) 324-1055
www.marysmarvelous.com