On a marathon Saturday, I think I broke my personal record, having attended four parties, and one high profile breakfast!
It all began with the Power Breakfast event hosted by John Catsimatidis every Saturday morning at the Naia restaurant in the Capri Hotel in Southampton. That morning, he invited Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who may become the next speaker of the house, to talk about how Congress should be able to work together, as well as his world views.
As a bonus, I saw Michael Pitsinos, owner of the great Greek restaurant Naia, having breakfast with the Foodgod, who had been our judge at the Dan’s Grill Hampton event the night before.
At the event, everyone joyously stopped him to take photos and he graciously obliged!
My kids arrived at my house for the two big nights of our food events, and it felt so good to see the driveway filled with their cars and to see them relaxing poolside!
The Saturday night marathon began with the annual White Party hosted by Msgrs. Jamie Gigantiello and David Cassato at their Westhampton home. They both are forces in the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. Msgr. Jamie raises desperately needed dollars from “Angels” who underwrite Catholic education for those who can’t afford it.
The dress code of white was startling as I saw a sea of powerful people gathered around their pool.
Sighted at the party were media heavyweights Rosanna Scotto, Maria Bartiromo, Juliet Papa, Marvin Scott and Brooklyn-born Patricia DiMango, star of the hit TV show “Hot Bench,” as well as many old friends.
What a gathering!
Then, I was off to my next commitment in Southampton, where I presented an award at the closing ceremony of the Hamptons Fashion Week. Dan’s Papers proudly sponsored the event, which was masterfully run by the indomitable Dee Rivera. She created and produced the event, which has grown to be a force in the fashion world.
With me on stage at the awards ceremony was Candace Bushnell, creator of “Sex in the City,” who was presenting an award to the remarkably talented and successful Sag Harbor resident Nicole Miller. I proudly presented an award to the author of “How to Slay” and fashion consultant Constance C.R. White. What fun!
Then I was off to the Dan’s Papers’ Bubbles food and drink event at the iconic Nova’s Ark in Water Mill. Its hundreds of acres are run by two brilliant women who have preserved the farmland. When I visited previously, I was watching the grazing horses surrounded by the late artist Nova’s massive sculptures — a true feast for the eyes!
Our partners for the event, Agency 21, put up a massive tent on the property for our food event and then their soon-to-come Art Market.
My fifth and final party was the “After Party,” spectacularly ending the Hamptons Fashion Week.
The party was held at a home for sale that was stunningly staged for the evening, filled with the work of Seattle artist Nathie Katzoff.
What a way to close out an extraordinary weekend!
