august in the hamptons

Well dear reader, I am a very lucky girl. Oh sure, I've been to many beautiful places, local and far away, but there is something that works on your imagination about a place like the Hamptons. I had a few preconceived ideas of what to expect, and for the most part they were pretty close to reality. But there is a level of lifestyle and wealth that just can't be put into words, right there on an island called Long.

Besides the quaint beauty of the area, you are knocked out by the sheer history. Southhampton was established in 1640. Visions of colonists and Indians come to mind and a life in a simpler time. Alot of that simple lifestyle remains. There are still cornfields, windmills and vineyards. Don't expect to book a flight and a room at the local Hilton--it doesn't exist. This is a community reserved for homeowners and summer renters. And what homes they are. Tucked down half mile gravel drives and surrounded by 10 foot hedges immaculately trimmed, homes front the ocean as far as the eye can see. Pools are de riguer surrounded by an acre of manicured lawn.

I was invited to visit by my dear friend Michael Perricone and his partner George Schleier at their summer rental, Pond House. Joining us was another friend, Miriam Solomon. This charming home is located in Watermill, just steps from South Hampton. Some of the best part of the Hamptons is the wonderful way to relax, utilizing the huge amount of high quality, fresh food available--and that means a bit of a food fest.

The first day we planned our menus and off to the grocery store we went. Michael made a wonderful pasta with shrimp and broccoli seasoned with cumin and lemon. It was delicious. I found out George loves apple pie, so pie a la mode it was. French toast with honey butter one morning and fresh scones the next made for great breakfasts. Our day trips were a combination of open house lusting, sandwich wraps and frozen yogurt by the boats at Sag Harbor, checking out the antiques in Bridgehampton and seeing the movie "Julie and Julia" in Easthampton. Star sightings were limited to character actors, names unknown. Afternoons were followed by floating around the pool with cocktails and a little more cooking. Not too shabby. A Saturday night supper of sauteed swordfish, fresh corn and roasted baby red potatoes was finished off with George's blueberry crisp and late night conversation in the pool. I slept very well.

It was very hard to part company with my friends at the train station. Wistfully I must hope that I will be invited back for another visit to this almost imaginary place called the Hamptons.