Donna Lennard
Co-Founder of Il Buco, East Hampton
Which East End art shows are you looking forward to this summer?
“Spin a Yarn” at Guild Hall, “Donna Dennis: Deep Station” at Max Levai’s the Ranch, anything showing at Fairfax Dorn Projects, “Opening Day Lineup” at Eric Firestone Gallery in East Hampton. I always love what the Parrish Art Museum has programmed: “The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” “Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales,” and “Beyond the Horizon: Interpretations of the Landscape From Women in the Permanent Collection.”
How do the rhythms of your life shift while out East?
Everything slows down, from my morning coffee ritual—out on the Adirondack chairs, with my beloved Bengal cat Keiko, by the water’s edge—to the writing and designing and forever brainstorming work on my laptop, in my PJs or yoga clothes. I’m outside much more, and my breaks are surrounded by nature. I can breathe a bit easier!
What smells, sounds, and textures do you associate with your life here?
The ocean is my biggest draw out East and always has been. The sea air, the changing textures, colors, and turbulence of the ocean and its wildlife—be it dolphins, whales, seals, leaping fish, or the incredible bird life we experience out here. At my home on Gardiners Bay, I can witness the fishing frenzies of the seagulls, the migrating birdlife, the osprey, egrets, and thousands of other species.
What’s your favorite restaurant out East? What should we order?
Before we opened Il Buco al Mare, I usually ate at home. Now I eat our fresh clams, oysters, and crudo every day with crisp rosemary focaccia and our Alimentari Negroni. I never intended to open a spot out here, where I always came to escape my own hectic restaurant life, but Justin [Smillie, former executive chef of Il Buco Alimentari and al Mare], Grecia [Medrano, current chef de cuisine at al Mare], and our wonderful team make eating out in the Hamptons a joy for me. Otherwise, I’m a bit old school. American Hotel in the winter, the tavern at the Palm, or the 1770 House; Carissa’s the Bakery for breakfast and lunch; Marram on the ocean when I’m in Montauk or Crow’s Nest if I feel like a hipster vibe. If I am going local to eat with my son, Joaquin, we go for two barstools together at Rosie’s—perfection!
How has the Hamptons scene changed in recent years?
So much more of everything! Some of it is great and new, like 180 the Store in Amagansett. I also love Warm, Ganeaux, Flying Point Surf, and French Presse for the most beautiful bedding. And, of course, Lori Leven’s Love Adorned market in Amagansett Square, and a forever favorite, Henry Lehr.
Suzie Kondi
Designer of the eponymous label, Amagansett
How do the rhythms of your life shift while out East?
I replace Uber and the subway with biking and the ocean.
What are your go-to fashion items while in the Hamptons?
I have my bloomers on repeat during the day. They’re perfect for riding my bike to the beach. At night, I wear palazzo pants in either terry or linen—fun for a little dance around the pool with my daughter Stevie.
What’s your favorite restaurant out East? What should we order?
Carissa’s the Bakery is the best. Order the seasonal salad with seared salmon and the smashed potatoes.
What are your favorite local shops?
I love E-E Home, directly across the street from my store in Amagansett. I also love Nellie’s for interesting vintage furniture. Balsam Farms is great for fresh local produce.
Which East End art shows and events are you looking forward to this summer?
In July, the Antiques & Design Show is always something to look forward to. Guild Hall also always has a great concert schedule.
Favorite Hamptons-based artist to drop by for a studio visit?
Jill Magid is my favorite. The conceptual artist and her husband Jonny [Bauer] come over for a game of backgammon.
Zippora Seven
Model, Montauk
What smells, sounds, and textures do you associate with your life here?
The light, the cool sea mist, and the endless beaches. The early morning birdsong signaling spring’s arrival. Our home out here is an old, restored coastguard cottage. I love the historic architecture throughout the hamlets and their deep connection to seafaring life. The history and culture of the sea are integral to the community, encompassing everything from traditional fishing practices to modern surf culture, which is one of my greatest loves.
How has having a child changed your life out East? What are some of the things you enjoy most as a family when there?
Having a child born here has deepened my connection to the land and community. I love watching our little one explore the beaches and wildlife, collecting stones and playing with friends. Beach days are now more spontaneous, and I’ve learned to slow down and be present. We love Amber Waves farm, where the children connect with food, nature, and community. It’s a joy to see them learning to grow and care for the land.
What era of Hamptons living are you most nostalgic for?
Andy Warhol’s Montauk compound, Eothen, seemed like a creative escape for artists and musicians in the ’70s. The early days of The Surf Lodge were also special, with intimate performances by bands like The Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson, Patti Smith, and the Kills.
What’s your favorite restaurant out East? What should we order?
The Dock. I like the fluke. They prepare it simply, which I like.
How do you hope to see the community in the Hamptons evolve?
As a new parent, I spend a lot of my time thinking about education. I hope to see more community events that celebrate the traditions of the Montaukett and Shinnecock peoples, as well as other cultural groups.
Alredo Paredes
Founder of the eponymous design studio, Shelter Island
What, or who, are your cultural touchstones in the Hamptons?
Sylvester Manor is one of the great cultural pillars of the area. Once a Native American hunting, fishing, and farming ground, it has, since 1651, been home to 11 generations of its original European settler family, reflecting America’s evolving tastes, economies, and landscapes. Transformed from a slaveholding, Enlightenment-era provisioning plantation to a farm and pioneering food industrialist’s estate, it is now an organic educational farm where the community celebrates food, the arts, and inventiveness in everyday life with a spirit of fairness and joy.
Which East End art shows are you looking forward to this summer?
I am really looking forward to seeing the bold and colorful paintings of Eddie Martinez at the Parrish.
What’s your greatest seasonal indulgence while you’re in the Hamptons?
The luxury of time in the garden. Nothing better than spending hours getting your hands dirty and seeing the fruits of your labor.
What era of Hamptons living are you most nostalgic for?
Definitely pre-’90s when it was pre-hype and pre-hysteria.
Favorite Hamptons-based artist to drop by for a studio visit?
Joseph La Piana—I’m a huge fan of his paintings and sculptures.
How do you know when it’s time to return to the city?
It’s never time to go back.
Sunny Hostin
Co-Host of The View and author, most recently of Summer on Highland Beach, Sag Harbor
What’s your greatest seasonal indulgence while you’re in the Hamptons?
Sag Harbor is such a magical place. You can get the best of everything—breakfast, coffee, doughnuts, clams, lobster, the list goes on—but my favorite spot is the block party on Labor Day! We have been going for years, and it’s such a special memory for my family. It is the perfect way to close out a summer in Sag Harbor.
What era of Hamptons living are you most nostalgic for?
Through the beautiful architecture, the sights and sounds of the past live on. My family rents the same beautiful property each year in Sag Harbor, but I’ve spent every summer in the community for 20 years. The property is right next to some of my closest friends and is a summer staple for my family.
What’s your favorite restaurant out East?
Page at 63 Main. Great food and great service. It’s a place where everybody knows your name.
How do you hope to see the community in the Hamptons evolve?
Sag Harbor became the setting for my second book, Summer on Sag Harbor, because it is one of my favorite historically Black beach communities. It is one of the only beachfronts in the United States where Black people were allowed to buy property, so it has this rich history that I wanted people to know about. I hope the community continues to thrive.
Favorite Hamptons-based shop to drop by for a visit?
That’s like picking a favorite child! All the shops are very special, very curated. Fishers Home Furnishings is my go-to when I need something for our home. It’s the perfect classic beach style. I could furnish every room with their inventory. I also love Stella Flame. Incredible one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.
Nina Freudenberger
Founder of the eponymous interior design studio, Montauk
How do the rhythms of your life shift while out East?
Everything changes for me. Los Angeles is busy, full of energy, and we are constantly on the move—and, of course, a lot of time in the car. Out East, I try to do a complete shift and spend as little time in the car as possible, really take the time to enjoy the summer and the beaches. I look forward to these three months for the other nine months of the year.
What smells, sounds, and textures do you associate with your life here?
Lake Montauk is so beautiful—it looks different every single day. I love seeing the boats out in the water right in front of the house. I know this might sound a bit strange, but I love the humidity—such a change from LA, and also those warm summer nights are so incredible.
What era of Hamptons living are you most nostalgic for?
Of course the ’70s with Warhol, but coming in a close second is the 1960s crowd of Jackson Pollock, de Kooning, Motherwell, and Frankenthaler.
What’s your favorite restaurant out East? What should we order?
Love Il Buco al Mare for a fun, long lunch—their mustard greens, the clams, and the fluke, if they have it. It’s local and a must.
Best way to spend a summer evening?
We love having a drink at the Montauket for sunset and then heading to Duryea’s right next door for dinner. If we stay in, having dinner outside and roasting marshmallows for s’mores down by the lake in front of our house with the boys is our second favorite way—and, of course, waiting for those lightning bugs to come out, which seem to be much less in number than what I remember!
How has the Hamptons scene changed in recent years?
This is only my second summer in Montauk since the early 2020s as we’ve been spending time traveling and living in LA up until then. I can’t answer very specifically—but change is inevitable, and I can say that it does make every season feel special.
How do you know when it’s time to return to the city?
We wait until the absolute last minute we can before heading back to LA—we are jamming in every last bit of summer all the way until the end of Labor Day.
