The Sag Main letdown (sort of) and other Hamptons suggestions
+ homemade strawberry ice cream for Prime Day
Grilled oysters, cacio e pepe, spicy margs
I’m just now resurfacing from a stretch of houseguests, back-to-back dinners, and trying to remember where I left my phone (and mind) because when I tell you I lost it at least 10 times…
We had friends staying with us from Tuesday to Friday and it’s always great to have guests, whether at home in the city or out East, because it inspires us to try the new “it” spots slash show off our old favorites. Here’s where we went this week. Consider it an abbreviated guide to a Hamptons summer:
An oyster worth the bill
Dinner at Mavericks Montauk. Yes, it’s pricey but the grilled oysters are some of the best I’ve ever had. And I feel like I never see grilled oysters on menus anymore? That alone made the splurge feel justified. Lots of rave reviews about the steak which is justified and the tuna is also delish. Drinks are amazing too, you can never go wrong with a spicy marg.
Full Circle at Surf Lodge
Brendan DJed for Theophilus London and it was an emotional, kind of surreal night. Years ago, Brendan used to manage and tour with him. They’d amicably parted ways and as some of you might remember, Theophilus went missing for a while. Brendan and our friend Watts were part of the group who helped find him. Now he’s back and performing again and the whole night just felt bigger than music. And what’s even wilder: I booked Theophilus to play at Bard in 2009 before Brendan even knew him and before I knew Brendan. He’s somehow been this strange little thread in both of our lives, long before we became a "we." Life’s weird like that.
Il Buco, always
Late dinner at Il Buco al Mare and first visit this season. Shrimp, clams, cacio e pepe. All hits and never disappoints. The kitchen seemed to be open later than usual which was a godsend after we left a pretty mid Fourth of July party both tired and hungry.
The Sag Main letdown (sort of)
Checked out Sag Main General Store, which got a glossy redo and looks great on Instagram but there are major layout flaws. I was with Preston on the way to a swim lesson and thought we could grab a quick coffee and croissants. HUGE line. I should have paid more attention to the TikToks. Turns out the pastry and coffee lines are separate but unmarked so we waited in the wrong one. I also missed the entire prepared foods section (RIP to my chicken salad dreams) and was told later by a friend that I shouldn’t bother because it’s mid. I’ll probably go back anyway because I need my own take. The chicken salad tour continues.
Loaves & Fishes for takeout
Ina Garten loves it here and is friends with the owner Anna Pump. Great bread selection (I got a big sough dough loaf) along with chicken salad, the noodle salad, some pot stickers from there freezer situation. They have amazing frittatas, roast chicken, pastries and chilled soups too. You really can’t go wrong.
Balsam Farms for the win
I used to swear by the sausages from Vicki’s Veggies but rumor has it the sausage guy there is no longer making them. I’ve since found a worthy replacement at Balsam Farms. Not the same, but honestly pretty close. If you have a favorite, I’m all ears.
Carissa’s for delivery & baked good
Similar situation to Loaves & Fish, lots of fresh breads and pastries. They carry Tache pistachio milk so I love getting a latte there and we’ll do a big round of butter and chocolate croissants to bring to the beach. Their dessert menu is unreal too: flourless chocolate cake and meringues, coconut sorbets, citrus tarts. The lines can be pretty long and items sell out quick but you can also order online which is a lifesaver.
Pilates Dispatch
Tried a classic-style class at Kevyn Zeller Pilates in East Hampton with only four reformers, very traditional Joseph Pilates style. It was a little boring but sneakily difficult. I was sore for two days.
Today I’m heading to Fuze House in Montauk for hot mat Pilates. It’s overcast which feels like the perfect excuse to sweat indoors.
Hannah’s List Recs: Prime Day Edition
Prime Day is here and obviously I spent a wild amount of time this morning looking through my saved lists/purchase history and seeing what I should stock up on while it’s on sale. A lottt of my beauty favorites are discounted right now like Topicals and some K-Beauty brands like Anua, Beauty of Joseon, etc. (If you want to take a look at my very exhaustive skincare breakdown of all the things I’ve tried/love below) —
I’ve highlighted a few standouts from the list above along with some random staples I always keep in my home, kitchen, or travel bag, so things I’d repurchase or invest in again if I didn’t already have them *and* things I’m nearly out of/restocking at a discount.
Ninja Creami ($30 off): One of the best things I bought for the kids (and myself) this summer is an ice cream maker. My favorite recipe is frozen strawberries, cottage cheese, almond milk, and Ritual vanilla protein.
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream ($18 off) This is a newer obsession and I’m sad I didn’t try it out sooner. Thick, juicy, and bouncy in all the right ways. Like a drink of water for tired skin. I keep it in the fridge and apply post-sun or post-flight.
Touchland Trio ($9 off): Fancy hand sanitizer and a small luxury that’s worth every penny. The scents aren’t overpowering, the packaging is chic, and it doesn’t leave your hands feeling sticky or dry. Also from an investor POV: Church & Dwight just bought out the company for a reported $880 million which just shows you don’t need to build a traditional beauty company to make a splash.
Grams Clear Protein Powder ($11 off): Lemonade, peach tea, or strawberry acai flavors. Can’t go wrong with either of the three. Not overly sweet either.
Beauty of Joseon Rice Toner ($5 off): This is a summer staple because it helps keep my skin shine-free and matte but not overly dry.
Beekeeper’s Natural Propolis Spray Duo ($6 off): Always in my bag. I use this at the first tickle of a sore throat, before travel, etcetera.
Moon Juice Magnesium ($11 off): Sleepy girl mocktail base. I love drinking this after dinner with a little cherry juice. If you’ve ever struggled with insomnia (or are trying to get a perfect sleep score with your Oura ring like me, ha) then I highly recommend. Also a small way to indulge in a nighttime ritual.
EADEM Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm ($7 off): This gets every single drop of makeup off. It’s step one in my double cleanse routine (I also love the Isla Day Melt but that one is not on sale).
Topicals Under-eye Masks ($7 off): The star of my morning TikToks lol. I keep these in the fridge and wear them while making coffee. They’re cooling, de-puffing, and make me feel slightly more alive whenever I’m on 4 hours of sleep.
Truvani Vegan Protein Powder ($12 off): A tried-and-true for plant-based protein. I mix the vanilla one with oat milk and frozen banana for a lazy breakfast.
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