4 minute read
SHOSHANNA’S INSIDER GUIDE TO THE HAMPTONS
by Lizabeth Zindel Wells
The Hamptons have always had a special place in Shoshanna Gruss’s heart. Over the past 25 years, the fashion designer and long-time Hamptons resident has revolutionized the swimwear industry with designs that celebrate every body type with a touch of cheeky elegance.
Here, Hamptons Social sits down with Shoshanna’s eponymous founder to discuss all things Hamptons, from the East End’s best dinner spots, farm stands, and workout classes to her ultimate summer pieces and go-to family activities for the season ahead.
Walk us through your perfect Saturday morning in the Hamptons.
SHOSHANNA GRUSS: My favorite morning usually starts with a beach walk, especially after a storm, when the best shells are washed up on the beach. After that, maybe a workout at Post House in Sag Harbor and then, off to Provisions for an egg white breakfast burrito. And finally, a stroll around my town of choice.
What’s your favorite romantic dinner spot in the Hamptons?
GRUSS: Léon 1909 on Shelter Island is hands down the most romantic. I love the drive over on the ferry, too.
Favorite places for coffee?
GRUSS: I’m so excited to check out the new Sagaponack General store — I can already imagine it becoming my new favorite spot. I love getting coffee at Sage and Madison and having an excuse to peruse their wares.
Favorite places for wellness?
GRUSS: In Sag Harbor, I love the classes at Post House and the ones at Elements Barre Fit.
Favorite store to shop at for hostess gifts?
GRUSS: My favorite shop to buy hostess gifts or even fun home accessories for the house is the Monogram Shop in East Hampton. They have beautiful gifts, many with a tongue-in-cheek twist to them, right up my alley. I love everything there.
Favorite shoes to wear in the Hamptons?
GRUSS: I have a gazillion pairs of Castañer espadrilles in a basket by my front door — I wear them day and night. They are comfortable, go with everything, do not sink into grass, but still give you a nice lift, and they’re easy to toss off at the beach. Etro did the cutest collab with them recently and I had to buy those, too!
Favorite accessories of the summer?
GRUSS: I love big bold fun necklaces in the summer. Colorful, and made of natural elements like shells, turquoise, tiger eye, and lots of gold on my tanned skin. Some of my favorite brands are Totême, Rachie Shnay, Urban Zen, Lizzie Fortunato, Alexis Bittar, and Silvia Toledano.
What is your favorite farm stands?
GRUSS: Serene Green. They have the best products and they even have fresh seafood.
Best restaurants for a celebratory dinner?
GRUSS: Tutto Il Giorno is always delicious and beautiful. But I’m always the happiest when I get to have La Fondita cater at my home for a celebration — Mexican food is my love language.
Favorite pizza?
GRUSS: Fierro’s in East Hampton. Nothing out East can beat that slice. Fini is a close second.
Favorite sushi?
GRUSS: Sen in Sag Harbor, always.
Favorite lobster roll?
GRUSS: The Clam Bar. We usually make a few trips there each summer, but you have to be strategic on timing as it gets so crowded.
Best ice cream on the East End?
GRUSS: Big Olaf is my family’s favorite; just make sure you go at a strategic time, otherwise the line is long. And bring cash. Lots of it — ice cream gets pricey in the Hamptons!
Favorite bakeries?
GRUSS: Carissa’s The Bakery is hands down the most delicious, and it also has beautiful, museum-quality cakes. Levain’s oatmeal raisin cookies are also delicious.
Favorite family activities to do in the Hamptons?
GRUSS: My family’s always at the beach! We spend all day in the water. My son will surf from sunrise to sundown. And for the rest of us, we also surf, swim or read on the beach.
What are three things that you recommend be on the itinerary for a girls weekend in the Hamptons?
GRUSS: You must go to the beach — the Hamptons have the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pack a picnic with food from Round Swamp Farm and plan to spend a few hours swimming, wandering, and enjoying the beauty of everything. All the towns are so much fun to wander in. A half-day spent shopping and exploring is easy and fun. Then, dinner at an outdoor spot with a beautiful sunset, like at Sí Sí in East Hampton, Cowfish in Hampton Bays or The Crow’s Nest in Montauk. The Clam Bar in Napeague is a must, too.
Best place to watch the sunset?
GRUSS: Sí Sí, on Three Mile Harbor, has one of the most beautiful sunsets and is a perfect cocktail-and-dinner spot. It’s beautiful.
shoshanna.com
