Summer BBQ Essentials

Sipping cocktails, relaxing by the pool, firing up the grill… few things mean summer more than a barbecue. We’ve got an eclectic roundup, from cool tools to great plates, that will create a fantastic outdoor soirée. Be prepared to entertain with all the essentials for an unforgettable time!

Rattan Globe String Lights
A summer barbecue can begin mid-day and continue all through the night! Luckily, with Pottery Barn’s Rattan Globe String Lights you can always keep the party going. These lantern-like lights create a magical mood and are the perfect decoration for any backyard party. Illuminate your night by adding these easy-to-use lights on a terrace, balcony, or in the trees.
Buy Now, Rattan Globe String Lights, $29

Chill Salad Bowl with Servers
Crate and Barrel’s Chill Salad Bowl with Servers is perfect for any summer festivity. Its bright orange and yellow colors suit the season while keeping your food fresh, even for your most fashionably late guests. This bowl combines a cooling ice-pack base with a lidded container that is ideal for storage and transport.
Buy Now, Chill Salad Bowl with Servers, $9.95

Citrus Sippers Ice Cube Tray
Keep your fruity, frozen concoction extra cool with these two-in-one ice cube straws. Sure to be a hit with both your pint-size party guests and cocktail-sipping contingents alike, these citrus slice-shaped ice cubes also make great stirrers! Try squeezing some lemon juice into the ice trays before sticking them in the freezer for an extra citrusy twist.
Buy Now, Citrus Sippers Ice Cube Tray, $7.99

Sewing Basket Aprons
The kids are out of school for the summer, so what better way to spend time with your tiny tot than by cooking? These lovely matching mommy-and-me aprons from Anthropolgie come in both adult and child sizes, featuring beautiful embroidery and dainty colors. Now you and your little one can cook in style.
Buy Now, Sewing Basket Apron, $38

Carter & Cunningham Candle Pot
Nothing can ruin a great outdoor gathering faster than unwanted guests: Mosquitoes. To avoid having your invited guests itching and scratching, light up a gorgeous citronella candle. This ceramic candle will truly keep those party crashers away for up to 35 hours of burn time. A must-have for all summer barbecues.
Buy Now, Carter & Cunningham Candle Pot, $16

French Bull 8-Inch Melamine Plates
Add a playful mix of color to your barbecue with French Bull’s 8-inch Melamine Plates. These are available in a number different patterns and bright colors – perfect for the summer season.
Buy Now, French Bull 8-Inch Melamine Plates, $32

Nito Rectangular Tray
Bring a tropical look to your table with this hand-woven tray designed by villagers in the Philippines. I love to use serving trays all summer long and can never have too many. A great and functional accessory!
Buy Now, Nito Rectangular Tray, $79

Fire it Up: 400 Recipes for Grilling Everything
The centerpiece for any barbecue is, of course, the food. Step up your grilling game with this cookbook full of hundreds of mouth-watering summer recipes.
Buy Now, Fire it Up: 400 Recipes for Grilling Everything, $16.47

Filed under home_featured-NOT-USED, Living · Tagged with Apron, Barbecue, BBQ, Candle Pot, Carter & Cunningham, Crate & Barrel, Essentials, Frech Bull, Ice Cube Tray, Lifestyle & Celeb, Lights, Nito, Outdoor, Plates, Pottery Barn, Recipes, Salad Bowl, Sewing Basket, Summer, Tray

Ask Melissa: Greece Getaway

Ask Melissa: I still have not made vacation plans for the summer but would like to take my family somewhere in Europe. What do you recommend?

One of my favorite places to travel in Europe over the summer is Greece. I had my first taste of Greece and its incredible beauty while backpacking as a college graduate through Athens, Corfu, and Crete. Last summer, my family and I were graciously invited by our Greek friends to explore Athens and a few of the most breathtaking Cyclades islands in the world… Sifnos and Santorini.

Beach at Arion

Athens:
We liked the modern Arion Resort & Spa hotel, which is 15 minutes from the airport, located in the Athens Riviera, and about 20 minutes from town. The hotel is one of three gorgeous Starwood Hotels and Resorts properties located in the same area. There are a few nice shops there, including one that sells designer bathing suits for women and men. Our spacious connecting rooms had incredible beach views. Although I did not get a chance to try out the services, the spa and gym also looked incredible.

Parthenon Greece

Sightseeing: Our friends arranged a private tour for us with Helen (Elena in Greek) Soulioti, a member of the License Tourist Guides’ Union, a fantastic organization with over 1,000 multilingual members working throughout Greece.
The van picked us up after lunch and we headed out to the new Acropolis Museum (which cost $200 million to build, headed by NY architect Bernard Tschumi), and sits near the base of the Acropolis with a direct view of the Parthenon. We then walked up to reach the Parthenon, whose views of Athens and the surrounding temples below are magnificent. I recommend going at 6:00 p.m. when the sun is not as strong – it’s perfect after a day at the beach. Also, be sure to pack VERY comfortable walking shoes or flat sandals with straps, like a pair of K.Jacques. You will be walking on rocky ground and lots of stairs! The next day, we went to the Temple of Poseiden’s to watch the sunset. Our tour guide Helen told us so many interesting stories and myths along the way about Greek gods and goddesses. We also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, Olympic Stadium, and the Presidential Mansion.

Sunset in Athens

Dining: At the hotel, we enjoyed lunch right on the beach at Taverna 37, a casual Greek tavern with the best Greek salad and fresh grilled fish. This outdoor restaurant is set into the rocks of the hotel beach area with great views from every table. For a more formal lunch, try ITHAKI, one of the best restaurants in Athens. We indulged in a variety of Greek specialties, as well as grilled calamari, prawns, lobster, branzini, and a variety of salads and dips. For dinner, I recommend trying Matsuhisa Athens, owned by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and perched on top of a rock in the Astir Palace Resort with amazing views of the Saronic Gulf. The quality of the Japanese food here is beyond delicious. My children loved it so much – except they did have to get used to “Greek time” for dinner at 10:00 p.m.!

Sifnos:
After two days in Athens, we took the high-speed hydrofoil to the magical island of Sifnos. The trip from the port of Piraeus took about 2.5 hours – there is a first-class lounge that serves good food and great coffee! This island is a hidden gem, and not well known to American visitors, although I heard that Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks have a place there. We stayed with friends on the beach, but also checked out a nearby hotel that was a hidden paradise, the Elies Resort. The contemporary resort is located on the beach, has a gorgeous infinity pool, and great food. I soon learned that Sifnos is known for some of the best food in the Cyclades, as well as its pottery. An interesting fact… there are over 365 churches on Sifnos and our host, who is an extraordinary photographer, Marina, who plans to photograph every one of them.

Town of Apollinia in Sifnos

Sites, dining, and shopping: One day we took a boat trip to another small island called Kimolos, toured the nearby island Milos, and had lunch on the beach. Our lunch consisted of a variety of Greek appetizers and salads, shrimp, mussels, and the best branzini I have ever tasted. A beautiful butterfly landed on my hand during our visit there! At night we went to the town of Apollonia for dinner at Odos Oneiron (Avenue of Dreams). The food was delicious and a must if you are in town. We also walked around and shopped in some great local boutiques. Another night we went to the historic village of Kastro, a beautiful and fascinating medieval-style village that sits on top of a giant rock-hill with panoramic views of the sea. We walked down lots of steps to a local fresh-fish restaurant and had dinner within a magical setting at the edge of the sea. The children had a blast as the water crashed against the rocks with sea spray flying in front of us. Sifnos is not touristy and is truly a best-kept secret!

Day Trip to Kimolos

Santorini:
This unique Cyclades island is what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion that occured around 1660 B.C. and that formed the Caldera, a cauldron-like underwater volcanic structure that was created after the enormous blast. We stayed at the beautiful Mystique Hotel, another Starwood Hotels and Resorts where there are 18 gorgeous suites and villas built within the famous cliffs of Oia. The restaurant serves eclectic food made with local ingredients and overlooks the infinity pool and the sea. The hotel offers a wine tasting with rare and indigenous wines in its secret wine cave. I preferred the fresh-squeezed watermelon juice since I am not much of a drinker. Mystique is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or honeymoon. There are a lot of rocky steps here, so it’s good to be in shape and wear comfortable shoes. Also, this property is not ideal if you are travelling with small children.

Sites, dining, and shopping: We were informed by our Greek friends about an amazing catamaran ride in Santorini to its nearby islands, operated by a company called Santorini Sailing. The trips are run by Ted and Dina Stathis, a couple who started these cruises out of their love for sharing the beauty of the island. They offer private, semi-private, and public tours. You can choose whether you want to do a lunch, dinner, full-day, or overnight tour. Meal options include a steak and seafood barbecue (their signature dishes have been featured on the Food Network). The cruise includes sailing past the Red and White beaches, the hot springs where you stop for a swim, and the volcano. They also stop in private bays for snorkeling. The next evening, we enjoyed walking around the quaint town of Oia, filled with cafés, shops, and places of interest. A few of our favorite restaurants are 1800, and Nectar and Ambrosia.

Boat Trip in Santorini

I plan to return to Greece soon and check out some other islands such as Mykonos, Crete, and to visit some other lesser-known towns, such as Kastoria. My grandparents are from this small town located on a lake north of Athens where it is known for its beautiful furs. I highly recommend this trip to Greece and can’t wait to go back!

Filed under Ask Melissa, home_featured-NOT-USED, Living, Travel · Tagged with Ask Melissa, Athens, Corfu, Crete, Dining, Europe, Greece, Lifestyle & Celeb, Mystique Hotel, Santorini, Santorini Sailing, Shopping, Sifnos, Sightseeing, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Travel, Vacation

Hot and New in the Hamptons

Melissa Meyers: What hot Hamptons restaurants should we all be trying this summer?

Samantha Yanks:

Almond
Almond’s move to the former One Ocean Road location comes as delightful news to me: it’s one of my favorite spots to have steamed mussels with shallots and white wine, and is now steps away from my home. Eric Lemonides and Chef Jason Weiner always deliver delicious French bistro fare using local produce and products, and their bouillabaisse is divine.

Tutto Il Giorno
After the enormous success of Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor, Southamptonites are now blessed with a Tutto to call their own. With fresh grilled fish set in the most serene environment, the second location from Gabby Karan and Maurizio Marfoglia will be seeing me quite a bit this season. The rustic Italian fare is outstanding and the house made papardelle is a personal favorite.

Nobu
Richie Notar has finally found an East End home for Nobu at the newly renovated Capri Hotel in Southampton. Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley was enlisted to add her chic perspective to the interiors, as well as an expansive poolside and event area called The Bathing Club and her new on-site boutique. The best part, you ask? Oodles of Nobu catering at fabulous events this summer.

Page at 63 Main
Natural, local organic ingredients are the focus of all the dishes at Page at 63 Main in Sag Harbor. Try the Soba noodles and Asian steamed buns. They also have a fabulous quick-service cafe and juice bar – Back Page Café – located in back serving healthy, organic juices, smoothies, coffees, pastries, hot entrées, picnic lunches and other pre-packaged fare.

Ruschmeyer’s
New to Montauk is Ruschmeyer’s and its farm fresh restaurant courtesy of the boys behind Manhattan’s Fat Radish. With an emphasis on local ingredients, the menu focuses on clams, mussels and other seafood fresh from the ocean.

La Maison Blanche
As if you needed another reason to visit Shelter Island. The restaurant at this new 8-room boutique hotel near Crescent Beach features a solid French brasserie helmed by Charles le Tous (of L’Absinthe fame) and thoughtfully designed wine and cocktail menus.

Little Red
Red Bar Brasserie is opening a sister spot, Little Red, near Agawam Park. A more casual dining option, the menu promises delicious American fare and an extensive wine list

South Eddison
A favorite that opened last year is Todd Mitgang’s South Eddison, located by the sandy shores of Montauk, with its extensive raw bar, the all-important lobster roll, and other summertime classics.

MM: What gift do you like to bring when visiting friends in the Hamptons?

SY: Two great books to bring if you’re a houseguest this summer: Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet offers a sneak peak into the East End’s most exciting private gardens, handpicked for this visually stunning tome; Savoring the Hamptons by Water Mill resident Silvia Lehrer is a culinary celebration, divided by season and comprising more than 250 recipes as well as stories and photos of local wineries, farmers, fisherman, artisans, and restaurateurs.

MM: What’s your favorite beach read this summer?

SY: For a fun beach read, check out Katie Lee’s Groundswell¸ a sentimental tale about the healing powers of surfing. It even inspired a Stila makeup palette called Stunning in Sayulita ($14), available at Flying Point Surf & Sport in Southampton, featuring casual hues perfect for warm days on your long board.

Buy Now, Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, $94.50
Buy Now, Savoring the Hamptons by Silvia Lehrer, $19.73
Buy Now, Groundswell by Katie Lee, $15.67
Buy Now, Stila makeup palette: Stunning in Sayulita, $14

MM: Where are the trendy places to get polished and pampered?

SY:

Paul Labrecque Hamptons Traveling Salon & Spa
Paul Labrecque and his team of expert beauty professionals are now making house calls in the Hamptons. Clients will find the same range of services they can get at any of Paul’s three NYC salons – cuts, colors, spray tans, facials, nails, waxing – either in the comfort of their own home or, if applicable, on their boat.

27 Hampton Salon
This summer sees Bianka Leffert debut an expanded 27 Hampton Salon in Southampton that includes a private VIP room to cater to higher-profile clientele. Of course she still carries lines I love like Oribe, Trish McEvoy and Kerastase, and the complete Ouidad line for curly hair.

Bond No. 9
Bond No.9 opens its first Hamptons outpost, sweetly nestled inside The American Hotel in Sag Harbor. Decked out with a deep-sea-blue chandelier and mirrored accents, the stores carries all 45 scents, including Long Island-inspired eaux like Hamptons and Andy Warhol Montauk. Scented candles, soaps, body cream, body lotion, and other little luxuries are also on hand and a Sag Harbor fragrance is even in the works.

MM: What are some of the chic boutiques and stores we should check out?

SY:

Artisan Workshop Beach Bohemia Luxury
Amongst the reptilian skin-clad beach bags from handbag designer Carlos Falchi lies the ultimate luxury – a python surfboard. And yes, I want it.
38 Main St, East Hampton, 631-324-5859.

Eres
I love Eres for its lingerie and now the East Hampton outpost is spoiling us with chic swim separates.
55 Main St, East Hampton, 631-604-5544; eresparis.com.

Lacoste
There’s more to Lacoste than classic polos in a rainbow of hues; the new store offers jewelry, accessories, beach towels and fragrance.
48 Main St, East Hampton; lacoste.com.

Stuart Weitzman
My one-stop-shop for wedges and sandals this season. Also stocking an array of patterned espadrilles from Theodora & Callum, the great new label by Desiree Gruber and Stefani Greenfield.
53 The Circle, East Hampton; theodoraandcallum.com.

Sunbarth
Still looking for Father’s Day goodies? This swimwear boutique from St. Barth’s specializes in men’s beachwear, with swim trunks from the likes of Orlebar Brown and Sundek.
53 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-873-4121.

Yigal Azrouel
I love the huge Cut25 selection, Yigal’s secondary line of baby blankets and T-shirts made from the excess fabrics of his RTW collections.
2415 Main St, Bridgehampton; yigal-azrouel.com.

Maison 24 Beach Couture
I have always loved Louis and Allison’s modern approach to Hamptons’ homes and knew their fantastic Beach Couture shop would be stocked with great finds.
2424 Main St, Bridgehampton, 631-537-2488; maison24.com.

SAMANTHA YANKS
Editor In Chief, Gotham Magazine, Hamptons Magazines
Samantha Yanks, Editor in Chief of Niche Media’s Gotham and Hamptons magazines, is an extraordinary talent in the publishing business with 10 years experience in the fashion and publishing fields. As Editor in Chief, Yanks is responsible for overseeing the editorial pages and securing and managing the magazines’ high-profile contributors and covers. She generates content that focuses on New York and Hamptons-based personalities, establishments and the best that the city has to offer in the worlds of beauty, business, culture and dining, entertainment, fashion, interior design, and real estate. Prior to her current position, Yanks was Fashion & Accessories Director for Niche Media where she scoured the country for fashion in every city filling her pages in Aspen Peak, Boston Common, Capitol File, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Michigan Avenue, and Philadelphia Style with the hottest trends around. Before that, Yanks was Senior Accessories Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine where she oversaw the department and assisted Oprah Winfrey in compiling her monthly “O List”. Yanks nurtured and honed her talents at Vogue Magazine in the Fashion and Accessories department where her career quickly blossomed from Associate Accessories Editor to Accessories Editor in her five years at the magazine.Most recently Yanks has become an on-air expert on numerous television segments discussing fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She has appeared on News 12, NBC’s “The Today Show”, “Nightly News” and LX TV, and is regularly featured on Taxi TV.

Samantha Yanks graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelors degree. Today she lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and daughter.

Filed under home_featured-NOT-USED, Living · Tagged with Almond, Amazon, Beauty, Bond No. 9, Books, Eres, Fashion, Hamptons, La Maison Blanche, Lacoste, Lifestyle & Celeb, Little Red, Maison 24, Makeup, Nobu, Page at 63 Main, Restaurants, Ruschmeyer’s, Salon, Samantha Yanks, South Eddison, Spa, Stila, Stuart Weitzman, Sunbarth, Theodora&Callum, Tutto Il Giorno, Yigal Azrouel

Summer Purse Essentials for When You’re on the Go

It’s safe to come out now: With the long winter months (finally!) behind us, there’s no better way to celebrate than by taking advantage of all that the outdoors have to offer. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, playing a pickup game of volleyball, enjoying a picnic in the park, or just out catching up with friends, we’ve got the best bets for your bag to ensure you’re covered whenever, wherever the carefree days of summer take you!

Papier Poudre Oil Blotting Papers
Don’t let your face outshine the sun: Small enough to fit in your wallet, these blotting papers are great for avoiding an oily summer don’t. Papier Poudre Oil Blotting Papers are ideal for afternoons spent out in the heat: They absorb the accumulation of oil and sweat on your face, leaving a light, invisible powder for a freshened-up look. Available in an assortment of skin-tone choices, these papers eliminate the need for constant touch-ups and reapplying. The end result leaves you looking moisturized, not greasy, and – best of all – free from stressing your sweat.
Buy Now, $3

Oscar Blandi’s Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray
Flat, limp, hair can be a year-round hassle, and the hot summer months do nothing to minimize the problem. Luckily, there’s Oscar Blandi’s mini version of his Dry Shampoo. Without stripping hair of its own natural oils, the shampoo absorbs oil buildup while strengthening and increasing volume at the roots. Light enough that it doesn’t weigh your hair down, this product is particularly good for those with little time for washing and styling. Simply apply between washings to give your hair extra bounce. As an added bonus, Blandi’s shampoo can be used as a corrective for clean hair that’s been subjected to too much product (we’ve all done it) – just spray and refresh!
Buy Now, $11 for 1.4 oz

Dr. Scholl’s Blister Defense Stick
One of the best parts of summer is the opportunity to flash a little… toe. A killer pedicure deserves – needs – a killer shoe to show it off. Unfortunately, each new pair of peep-toe wedges also needs to be broken in, giving a whole new meaning to the term “killer.” To combat the dangers of shoe rubbing, apply Dr. Scholl’s Blister Defense Stick directly to your foot, where it works to prevent against blisters and irritation. The easy, glide-on application acts as a buffer between your skin and the shoe without leaving any residue
Buy Now, $7

Supergoop SPF30 Sunscreen Swipes
Tired of sticky sunscreens? Supergoops’s SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc for All Skin Types (even suitable for sensitive skin) is the answer to your woes. These wipes are pre-moistened, ready to calm, soothe and protect your skin from the harsh summer rays. Not only will the non-greasy formula keep your hands fresh and dry, the Zinc Oxide and green tea ingredients in this handy purse essential will help to reduce irritation and redness. Even better, it gently removes sand while preventing signs of aging.
Buy Now, $10 for 8

Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand and Face Wipes
Cleanse your skin on the go! Especially with the hot summer heat causing bacteria and oil build-up on your face, it’s essential to have this handy pick-me-up stashed in your purse. Made safe-to-use for sensitive skin, this wipe is formulated with extra mild cleansers that gently moisturizes while leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed!
Buy Now, $2 for 15

Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15
Chapped and dry lips are always a no-no. To prevent embarrassing chapped lips, the Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment by Fresh is a great on-the-go product to store in your purse. Insuring long lasting hydration and moisture, this lip treatment helps to further nourish your lips while keeping wrinkles and damaging UV rays at par. The tint is adjustable upon your preference with more or less applications. Perfect for any skin color!
Buy Now, $22.50

SmartMouth On-The-Go Packets
Now you can have minty fresh breath everywhere you go! These SmartMouth On-The-Go Packets can give you up to 12-hours of fresh breath whether you’re at the beach, out on the town, or even on the plane. They are so simple to use, just tear off the top and pore the content into a mixing cup or simply pore it directly in your mouth. This is definitely a purse must-have!
Buy Now, $7 for 10

Filed under home_featured-NOT-USED, Living · Tagged with blister defense stick, Dr. Scholl's, Essentials, fresh, Lifestyle & Celeb, Lip treatment, oil blotting papers, on-the-go, Oscar Blandi, Papier Poudre, pronto invisible volumizing dry shampoo spray, Purse, Sensitive Skin, Skincare, SmartMouth, SPF, Sugar Honey, Summer, sunscreen swipes, Supergoop, Wet Ones, Wipes, zinc