We are living in a generation where the health of our children, and the survival of our planet have become of utmost importance. Hybrid cars were expensive when they first hit the market. Then they became affordable, and now they have become haute couture. Television shows on healthy cooking, healthy living and how to solar power your toilets to keep you warm are inundating our screens.

Now, a welcome development in the same vein is sweeping across Long Island. While the East End has an abundance of organic food shops and healthy alternative natural stores, it’s not always feasible to buy locally grown or organic food, as the prices tend to be substantially greater than that of the mass, cheaply produced alternative.

In the United Kingdom in the past few years, there been an explosion in Fair Trade awareness rooted in great pressure from the government and from general public opinion to start supplying more organic, healthy produce from developing third world nations. As a result, many homes are switching to Fair Trade coffee, cocoa, bananas and many other options. While the produce you may find in your local East End supermarket is not necessarily bought from Ghana, Botswana or Togo, household name supermarkets such as King Kullen and Waldbaum’s are now working in conjunction with local farms to provide us with the freshest goods possible.

“We have a gentleman’s agreement with close to a dozen farms on Long Island to take all the produce they can grow each summer. Farmers such as Phil Schmitt of Schmitt Farm in Riverhead and Bruno’s Farm grow their crops almost entirely for our use,” said King Kullen’s produce spokesman Rich Conger. “While clearly the farms out here are seasonal, so we can’t provide our customers with local produce year round, we do try and exhaust the Long Island farm supply before looking elsewhere.” East End farmers focus on agricultural farming with exceptional quality and skill, providing supermarkets and independent farm stands with fresh corn, lettuce, squash, tomatoes, potatoes and many more items. The move by King Kullen has been felt across Long Island, where the company is continually expanding on their 44 stores.

A recent article in the New York Times stated that “some supermarket chains are renting out their parking lots to farmer’s markets on certain days; others have put a farmers market right inside their store.” During this time of economic recession, King Kullen’s plan is to support both the farmers by buying local produce and pleasing shoppers through cheaper produce, cutting down on transportation and storing costs that have been necessary in previous years.

While the intentions are good, the long-term changes are yet to be seen. Farm stands, which survive solely on local produce, from fresh corn to tomatoes, cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables, have been steadily increasing their prices year by year. One local Bridgehampton resident complained, “I can’t believe I’m paying $17 now for a blueberry pie – and I’m sure they’ve gotten smaller too.”

Last month, Wal-Mart entered the locally grown food race by announcing they intend to invest upwards of $400 million this year in local farmers across the country. This is the latest move in a trend that’s swept across the country, fueled by the slow economy. “It’s a good move for supermarkets to invest locally. It’s better for the local economy, and the buyer sees a direct result in lower prices – the closer the food is grown to the stores, the faster it can get onto the stands. Therefore it’s fresher, and also means that there is less cost of fuel, which is generally transferred on to the customer through increased prices,” said the manager of Falkowski Farms in Bridgehampton.

This past July, The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, which carries such stores as Waldbaum’s, Food Emporium and Pathmark under their brand, announced new partnerships with local farmers in New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, making A&P the largest retailer of locally grown produce in the Northeast. Waldbaum’s is currently in its second year of supplying the East End with local produce. While the first year they supplied only corn, greens and potatoes, the store now has a much wider variety of fresh, local gourmet foods to offer.

Speaking out about the new local-grown supermarket craze, U.S Senator Charles E. Schumer remarked, “Long Island farmers produce some of the finest produce in the Northeast and every time a major supermarket chain commits to selling their harvest locally, it’s a win for the farmers and a win for the entire community. [A&P's] announcement shows yet again the hand-in-hand relationship we have, and so desperately need, to keep farms on Long Island thriving.”

Local East End shoppers support the move, many being of the mindset that locally grown is definitely better, both for themselves, and for the community. However, when pressed, many admitted that while they support the concept of buying local produce, few would be willing to go out of their way to ensure the vegetables they buy were local, preferring the simplicity of whatever is cheapest, rather than what is best for the local economy.

Victoria Cooper

Born just outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a country considered by the polo community world to be the home of the sport, 30-year-old Figueras grew up on a horse farm. Not surprising really that he became a polo player, when he considers his countrymen to be “true horse people, with riding in their blood.” With the craze of polo as a backdrop to his childhood, it is little surprise that by the age of nine, Figueras was already playing his first matches.

This summer, the Black Watch star returns with a plethora of teams, athletes, horses and trainers for his tenth year competing in the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge. For many, the high-topped tents, immaculately presented canapés and exotically named champagne mark one of the high points in the season’s social calendar. Each weekend thousands of guests pour into the Bridgehampton Polo Club and mingle with glitz and glamour. Over the years, the popularity of the event has grown exponentially, and while the focus is still on who’s wearing who, and who sees who doing what, Figueras is happy about the event’s continuing success. “The popularity of polo in the Hamptons is definitely gaining momentum each year. Whatever the reason people come for the first time, whether it be for a social gathering or to enjoy the glamour of the day, it’s still a good thing that they come, and in time they may focus more on the sport going on.”

Figueras now competes in the Black Watch uniform, a team that was formed five years ago, after leaving polo giant White Birch. Speaking of his current position, Figueras has nothing but positive things to say about both his teammates and their performance. While White Birch is considered to be the favorite to win this year’s tournament, Figueras is quietly confident about Black Watch’s ability to be serious contenders. “It would be a very exciting game if we got to meet them [White Birch] in the knock-out stages.”

It is a personal triumph of sorts for Figueras, who plays alongside Facundo Pieres, son of legendary former 10-goal player Gonzalo Pieres, a man who Figueras refers to as one of his main inspirations for becoming a polo player.

The Challenge, which runs through August 23, is a 20-goal competition. This term refers to the combined ranking of all four players on each team. Coordinated and judged by the United States Polo Association, each player is given a ranking out of 10, the total of which equates to the level at which they play. Hence, the higher the number, the higher the calibre and talent of the tournament. Only two tournaments, both 26-goals, are above the level that can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Challenge.

Passionate about playing polo as well as furthering both the sport and its popularity, Figueras makes sure that he keeps in good physical shape. With a career that he hopes will continue for at least another 12 to 15 years, a life of healthy eating, sleeping well and riding every day makes sure that he keeps both him and his horse fit all year-round. However, he does not look at this as a regimen, for the true joy and love for his career is evident in the way he speaks of the sport. With no intention to do so as of yet, Figueras’ only certainty for his future after he retires from polo is that he will never leave the sport. “I will play until my body doesn’t want me to, and when that happens, I intend to stay involved with the sport, and help it grow.”

It is also his intention to work with a breeding operation, advancing the levels of the horses. For this summer’s event, Figueras himself travels with a stable of 12 horses, predominately for his own use. Each player will have between 10 and 12 horses, which they will ride over the course of a season. In a competitive two-hour game, it is not uncommon for players to change their rides upwards of eight times. “It is like any other sport. Tactics are important, and you must learn to work not only with the strengths of your horse, but take into consideration the strengths of your teammates’ mounts, too.”

Figueras has also increased awareness of the sport globally when he became the face of Polo Ralph Lauren’s new “Black Watch” range. While his face is most synonymous with the fashionable international campaign, Figueras makes it quite clear that he is a polo player, not a model. “I do not consider myself a model. I am fortunate enough to be the face of a brand, but I am no more a model than Tiger Woods or Thierry Henry.” When considering his position as a brand head, Nacho remains proud yet focused: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Ralph Lauren company, and Ralph himself is an inspiration – he works every day, and makes sure that his company is as family-orientated as possible. It is his business ethic and ethos that make me proud to work with him.” Figueras clearly doesn’t miss a trick. While combining his polo career with his brand advertising career, he is keenly aware of the possibilities open to him in terms of spreading the sport’s sphere of influence.

Despite seeming to be constantly on the move, Figueras has no qualms about how busy his life can get. His wife Delfina, daughter Aurora and son Hilario travel most places with him, dedicated supporters of his work and career. Hilario, who recently turned eight, is an ardent rider, and Figueras would be delighted to see him follow in his father’s footsteps: “I was the same age as Hilario when I first began playing polo. I would love him to play, and he has every option available to him. But whatever he chooses to become later, be it lawyer or artist, he knows he will always have my full support.”

I admit to being embarrassingly ignorant as to what the current fashion for my dog should be. When I was given the task of researching the latest dog fashions, I plunged into a world I never knew existed. This time last week I thought my two black labs at home were spoiled. Now, I’m afraid to talk about them in case somebody calls the ASPCA over the fact that they have never been to a doggy spa. My dogs are very much a part of my life, but for the most part I distinguish a line between dog and human.

Occasionally I’ll be caught talking to them as though they actually have a clue as to what I’m saying, and there are times when I prefer their company to that of society, but my love for my dogs pales in comparison with true dog-couture lovers. Sitting at dinner at Amagansett’s Meeting House, I fell into conversation with the two women at the adjacent table, true dog lovers they say, who were appalled to hear that my notion of bathing my dog included nothing more than a bucket of soap and a hose. Apparently I was unaware of how important seven-hour dog spas are to the wellbeing of canines. Hampton Hound in Bridgehampton has come up with a new way to include pets in your life. A new range of bespoke and standard bridal collars have appeared, ranging from $60 to upwards of $500 when we start reaching the Swarovski Crystal line. When asked about the new range, owner Regula commented, “We are moving away from doggy tuxedos and wedding dresses, which became a bit garish. The idea is for the pet to compliment the bride, not upstage her.” Jewelry and accessories for dogs is becoming more commonplace these days, as can be seen with Southampton boutique Little Lucy, whose owner and founder Patricia Hurley makes her own jewelry and commissions unique pieces for her store. Following fashion trends of recent months and years by designing her pieces with special skulls, hearts and crown charms.

It seemed to me that owners who pamper their dogs so much, buying them different outfits for different seasons, sending them to dog groomers for hours on end, may be causing some detrimental effect on their dogs. However my fears were quickly allayed by Patricia who said that her number one priority was the dogs. She focuses her attention completely on them, and if there is any impression from the animals that they are not enjoying themselves, either with the outfit or any accessory, then she will not sell it. However, she did point out that the majority of dogs for whom the clothes are designed are smaller lap dogs such as Bijon Frises, smaller poodles and breeds that are used to attention and pampering. Hampton Hound, along with their ingenious bridle wear range, have hit upon another great niche with their popular “yappy hour.” A take on the traditional happy hour, yappy hour is an hour or two every Saturday where dogs and their owners can come to socialize. The dogs are provided with high-end bottled water and gourmet doggy biscuits (made from human-grade ingredients, of course). The owners get high-end bottled water and gourmet doggy biscuits. Well, not really, but it seems that what’s good for the dogs is good for the owners, too. This has become hugely successful, especially in the summer months, when the back patio can swell with up to 40 dogs. Keep an eye out for their themed yappy hour, too. They’ve been known to get wild.

As it turns out, the world of doggy fashion is fast moving and ever changing. While last year doggles (that’s dog goggles) were the “in thing,” this year it’s real UV protecting sunglasses – a must have for any discerning dog. Twentieth-Century Fox last year brought us The Devil Wears Prada, giving us a look at the cutthroat world of the US fashion industry.

Expect to see Cerberus wears Gucci in the next few years.

Follow these few easy steps to an almost foolproof cookout:

First things first – set a date. Once you’ve done that, check the weather reports religiously. Without near-perfect weather, a cookout will just be miserable. If it’s too cold or windy, it gets uncomfortable, and rain obviously puts a bit of a damper on things, too.

Once you’re sure that you’ve got the right night for it, choose the menu. I know the idea of a cookout is to cook out of home, but trying to cook pasta or anything other than meat becomes more difficult, as you have to bring pots, pans, boil water, make sure sand doesn’t contaminate anything at any point, or else you’ll be sharpening your teeth for the evening. It’s best to leave only the main ingredients – steaks, sausages, lamb or whatever it is you want to cook – for the beach and pre-prepare the rest of the food.

Timing is also essential. Beaches don’t have overhead lighting, so once darkness sets in, moving around and functioning becomes difficult. Therefore, plan to set up at a good hour to hour and a half before sunset. This gives you time to set up any tables and chairs, prep a fire and grill and designate suitable areas for campfires and nighttime activities. If everything goes well, it also means plenty of time for a cocktail before the sun goes down.

Before leaving the house, figuring out what to bring can be difficult. Let’s assume every guest wants a chair, or, at the very least, a blanket. Plus, plates and cutlery are a must have. If you’re going plastic, be sure to bring extras, but if you’re going with proper plates and don’t mind a salty aftertaste, then dipping them in the sea does the trick. Also, no matter how many torches or lamps you think you may need, you’re wrong. Bring more. Remember what I said about no lighting? Yeah, well when you’re trying to find your chair, your glass of wine and your sunglasses that you cleverly left in the dunes when you were watching the sunset, and it’s pitch black, you’re going to be grateful for all the people who have a flashlight or lamp of some kind.

Once arriving at the beach, time is of the essence. Tables must be set up (where are you going to serve food from?), fires started and drinks need to be consumed. It’s always best to dig the tables in, for convenience sake. Once dug in, they’re less likely to tip over and ruin food. But most importantly, check the berm! The berm is that line of seaweed and other detritus that has been left behind by the ocean as it recedes from high tide. If the beach is small and you choose to sit below the berm, make sure you’re aware of the tides. Steaks are hard to cook when the fire is being fuelled with thousands of tons of saltwater. Trust me, I know.

While cookouts are supposed to be fun, it’s always best to keep in mind the rules and regulations surrounding the beaches you’re on. If it says no alcoholic beverages, be subtle and courteous about it. If it’s a residential area, blasting music from trucks may not be the best idea. If you’re going to drive on the beach, make sure you know what you’re doing, too – lower the air in the tires and do not, whatever you do, drive on the dunes. It’s not cool, not matter how much you want to reenact that flying stunt from the latest Hollywood car chase.

One final reminder. It’s fairly obvious, but don’t cover your bonfire with sand. The sand will trap the heat in and anybody walking over it the next day will suffer severe pain. Pour water over it and leave it open.

If all this seems too much work for you, do what the other weekenders out here do – hire a caterer. They’ll bring the generator, fine china and waiters.

JF: Meryl, how long have you been in the interior design business?

MT: At least twenty years – I studied interior design as my major at FIT and it’s always been a passion of mine.

JF: What does your job entail? What are your aims with each project?

MT: Of course, my aim is always to make sure I provide my clients with a home decorated and styled in a way that they love. Together with the client, architect, contractor and even the landscapers, plans are laid out and sketches drawn up as to what kind of image we are after. It’s very important in my line of work to gauge the personalities of the people I’m designing for, because that helps me to understand their likes and dislikes and to shape an idea of the home they want.

JF: Do you source all the materials, furniture and other accessories yourself?

MT: For the most part, yes. People don’t often realize how much work goes on behind the scenes in this industry -the phone calls, the paper work, the endless searching. Sometimes I’ll have a client bring me an item or a concept that they really want in their home, but it’s still my responsibility to bring it into the project.

JF: With all the work that each job entails, how long do you dedicate to each project? Do you ever take on more than one project at a time?

MT: Oh yes, we [referring to her professional partner, Roja Dew] have a few projects on the go during the year, but we limit ourselves. We prefer to take on big contracts and focus our attention closely to them, rather than taking on hundreds of little, simple jobs here and there. In terms of how long a job takes, it’s tough to say. It’s so different between here and the city! Out here, [gesturing out the window to the corn fields and beautiful blue sky beyond], you have to figure we are given a very tight window – from Labor Day to Memorial Day, which is eight months. And that includes everything – from the plates in the cupboard and towels in the bathrooms, to flowers in the garden.

JF: It’s great to hear somebody speak so passionately and with such genuine love for her job. But surely you must have some horror stories, some difficult clients?

MT: [smiling inwardly]. You know, the hardest clients to deal with – and this is not directed at anybody individually [another smile] – are the first-timers. It is an understandably difficult concept to grasp. You allow someone into your home who is going to take charge. We make changes that create an entirely new entity. It’s at these times that I have to stay true to myself, to trust my own instincts and not let myself be swept up in the fear and paranoia of the client.

JF: Can you give us any insider tips if we want to do a little personal interior decorating?

MT: Don’t. Don’t do it. I’ve seen home decorating have disastrous consequences. It can cost a fortune and wreck marriages when not done properly. Like I said, people don’t see how much work goes on behind the scenes – it’s exhausting at times. If you have a child to raise, or another job, you quite simply won’t have time. It’s like in any other field. If you’re sick, you go to a doctor, car’s broken – go to a mechanic. It’s the same principle with interior design.

Meryl runs ‘Meryl Toback Interiors’ with her business partner, Roja Dew, in NYC. She was recently featured in the July/August issue of a nation-wide home magazine.

Mermaid 18 Weeki Wachee, 2007

Discussing his past and the start of a successful professional career, Dweck was full of passion and life as he reminisced about fishing trips with his father and weekend trips with his girlfriend to Montauk, which is where he first became enthralled with water. Intrigued by the blurred shapes of fish as they darted beneath the water, Dweck started taking photographs out on Jones Beach in the late ’70s, following the small beach and surf culture that blossomed there.

Michael’s last book, Montauk: The End is a narrative journey of a typical day for a Montauk surfer. For that compilation, he chose to shoot many of his subjects in the nude. “Rather than creating a factual, National Geographic-style documentary, to me these photos represent what the surf culture in Montauk is like – it’s a very hedonistic, surreal sub-culture.”

His latest work, Mermaids, is much more abstract than The End. The book originally came to fruition because Dweck wanted to do a project focused around water, playing with different lights and lenses. He began by shooting stills in the bays around the East End, including shots taken on Lake Montauk late at night. As winter set in, he chose to relocate to the warmth of Florida, where he had his first encounter with the girls of Aripeka Island, who served as the ultimate inspiration for Mermaids.

Unlike The End, Mermaids is not a narrative. Each picture tends to be independent of the others. Through his manipulation of light and water, Dweck has created a series of images that are both sensually captivating and somewhat grotesque and horrifying. The opening image of a figure seemingly suspended in black nothingness, her body frozen and preserved in a contorted state. Citing influences, Dweck immediately refers to painters of the impressionist movement, whose work was famous for its emphasis on light and its changing qualities. Dweck’s professional respect for the works by Matisse, Bacon and Dali are evident in the surreal, fluid elements of his own work.

Throughout the well-formed Mermaids, photos elegantly contrast themselves, from the overtly crisp and sharp images to the much more distorted and abstract. “Mermaids is about escapism,” said Dweck. “These girls, who feel so much more comfortable under the water than on land, are able to escape all the crap that is going on in society at the moment.”

Dweck spent several weeks getting to know his subjects, the “water-babies” of Aripeka Island, before beginning to compile photographs over a year-and-a-half period, ensuring that the finished result was a testimony to the grace and natural ability of the models. Daughters of fishermen, these women spent much of their lives in the water, finding themselves very much at home below the waves, so much so that they can hold their breath for up to six minutes.

Mermaid 103, Montauk, 2006

Dweck is in awe of these unique people, and said it was difficult to capture the essence of their culture through photography. For some of the shots, he moved freely with an underwater camera, while at other times he confined himself to a submerged fish tank, suspending a very powerful flood light from a crane, 50 feet above the water. “Because the light I used only had a meter-wide spot on it, I only had seconds at a time to capture the girls as they passed in front of my vision, especially as the currents in which they were moving could carry them at speeds reaching 15 knots.” While the choice of shooting at night limited his options, the most important element for him was to capture his subjects at their most comfortable – playing and dancing in a world that many of us will never get a chance to explore.

Mermaids is currently being exhibited in the Staley-Wise Gallery in New York, and will soon go on tour, first to Hamburg in September, and then to Japan at Christmas. The book is an exclusive, limited-edition project, sold only in select galleries in Paris, Japan, London and Rio de Janeiro, and in bookstores that Dweck feels a personal connection with, or have supported his dreams and creativity in the past. There are only 2,000 copies printed, some of which can be found in local bookstores including BookHampton, East End Books and Barnacle Books. In addition, 100 autographed copies are being sold in conjunction with a signed print.

Professing that he “never stops working,” Dweck already has two new projects in the pipeline. The first is a pseudo-documentary-style movie about the mermaids, in which he hopes to better portray their nature and unique abilities. Despite his friendly, outgoing nature, Dweck was more enigmatic about the second piece – an 11-part graphic novel, to be produced in Los Angeles

with a capacity of only 20 rooms (spread between seven suites and three individual cottages), this new retreat blends opulent minimalism with refined comfort. with private entrances to each room and high sweeping ceilings in the cottages, you can almost forget you’re staying at a quaint inn. it’s no secret the rates are a bit high ($700-$2,100 a night), but when you’re sleeping on matteo linens in a duxiana bed and feasting on breakfast goods from mary’s marvelous, you’ll appreciate the good stuff. and if you get hungry? an on-site kitchen gives guests the opportunity to cook for themselves. in warmer months, meals can be eaten outside in the beautifully landscaped sunken garden. and when it gets cold, dole out for one of the cottages, which boast double-fronted fireplaces. want a splash? dip into the outdoor jacuzzi and bask in the well-executed surroundings that are the perfect mix of casual and cool. (no pulled-back-hair and sharp suit look to this place.)

time for a positive reformation. the reform club. 23 windmill lane. near montauk. amagansett. 631.267.8500. now open. www.reformclubinn.com
]]> http://jaimefelber.wordpress.com/2010/01/26/hamptons-reform-room/feed/ 0 jaimefelber http://jaimefelber.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/hamptons-mezzaluna-madness/ http://jaimefelber.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/hamptons-mezzaluna-madness/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:01:15 +0000 jaimefelber http://jaimefelber.wordpress.com/?p=165 ]]>  you can call amagansett the little town that could. it has morphed from a sleepy hideaway into a can’t miss stop on your hamptons tour. now it adds home to italian resto mezzaluna to its resume.

the new kid on the block keeps the quaint feel going with a light and flavorful approach to italian fare. if you know the original upper east side mezzaluna, expect more of the same, with a dose of hamptons luxe. think floor-to-ceiling windows and a sizable outdoor patio that plays host to a decked-out crowd just about every night. but it’s not all sunshine and stilettos, this resto has been clouded with controversy from the get-go. the delayed opening and building permit snafus will all be water under the hamptons road bridge when you taste marco davina’s (from the first mezzaluna) menu. try the tuna tartare with ginger, basil and spring onions. when it comes to pizza, expect less thick, oily mess, and more of a lesson in italian culinary excellence. and for dessert? four simple syllables: tiramisu.

when the luna hits your eye, that’s amore. mezzaluna. now open. 231 main street. near woods. east hampton. 631.267.6399.

you don’t know tomas maier? take pity on your bikini collection. find out what you’ve been missing at the designer’s newest store in the hamptons.

his name might not be familiar at first, but surely you know the designer for his day job as creative director of italian superhouse bottega veneta. while the german-born maier’s resume may be as distinguished as his current line, it’s time to get familiarized with his collection of sexy bathing suits, clothes and home décor items. molding classic lines with edgy appeal, his bikinis are instantly recognizable from their iconic bows and details. need something a bit more? cover up with a printed kaftan or shimmy down to nick and toni’s in one of maier’s easy breezy tee dresses. a miami staple, maier makes his way up north to his newest location on montauk highway in wainscott (lucky for you). and here, the designer will offer not only his fab swimwear, but also exquisite bags, sunglasses and delicate accessories. and taking a step away from its delray beach headquarters, this store is all hamptons, complete with whitewashed floors and a patio garden. need some more? the location will also carry distinctive pieces from the likes of alaïa, missoni and lanvin. but early birds, watch out: the store is only open a few days a week for now, but will be fully operating by the end of the month.

how’s that for summer in the hamptons? tomas maier. 411 montauk highway. near town line. wainscott. 631.537.1880. now open. www.tomasmaier.com