Eats Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

A Soulful Celebration: Art & Soul Hamptons Returns for a Powerful Weekend of Culture, Creativity & Cuisine

If there’s one event I mark on my calendar every summer, it’s Art & Soul: Hamptons. As someone who’s attended this incredible celebration in past years, I can tell you—it’s not just an event, it’s an experience. From the inspiring art to the mouthwatering cuisine (yes, I’m still dreaming about those crab cakes made by Chef Ronica Copes, Five Star Crab Cake—hands down the best I’ve ever tasted), Art & Soul captures the essence of what makes the Hamptons community so rich, so cultured, and so vibrant.

This year, Art & Soul returns on July 18-19, 2025, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Hosted in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum and Southampton Arts Center , the weekend is a celebration of BIPOC artists from the Hamptons and beyond—through art, music, food, and storytelling.

🎨 The Artists: Passion. Power. Purpose.

Let’s start with the reason we gather—the art. This year’s featured artists are an incredibly talented group of creatives, each with a unique voice and story to tell:

• Reynoir Lewis brings his limitless energy to Southampton with his bold, abstract paintings and home décor pieces. Reynoir’s art is as vibrant as his personality—he draws from his Caribbean roots, DJ background, and love of storytelling to create pieces that are alive with movement and color. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the WOOD ART EXHIBITION at the Southampton Arts Center.

• Laura R. Gadson is a master of textiles. Her quilt, fiber, and mixed media work is deeply rooted in history, heritage, and heart. If you’ve ever been touched by the texture of a story told through fabric, you’re going to love meeting Laura and experiencing her work up close.

• Suliman Onque is the definition of multi-talented. From murals to comic books to wearable art, his creativity knows no limits. I love that he’s not afraid to explore every medium and tell stories that speak to identity, justice, and culture.

• Shaunt’e Lewis , who will be featured at the Southampton African American Museum, is an illustrator and fiber artist whose bold and colorful work celebrates powerful women and community resilience. Her story—from hairstylist to nationally recognized artist—is a beautiful reminder of the power of purpose and passion.

• And don’t miss the Shinnecock Artist Exhibition at Ma’s House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, featuring local Indigenous artists like Jeremy Dennis, Durrell Hunter, and Reebekah Wise. It’s an intimate experience that honors the deep cultural roots of our region.

🍽️ The Culinary Experience: Come Hungry!

Now, let me talk about the food—because y’all, the culinary team at Art & Soul knows how to throw down.

This year’s tastings will be brought to us by:

• Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering (bless her hands with her fried chicken beignets are a spiritual experience),

• and Chef Doug Gee, another culinary star who brings soulful, elevated flavor to every dish.

And for the cocktail lovers, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery will be serving up award-winning spirits passed down through generations. They’re the first Afro-Puerto Rican-American distillery in the country, and their story is as smooth as their rum.

🎶 Music, Vibes & Magic

As always, Art & Soul delivers on vibes. You’ll be serenaded by the incredible Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu’s band, and transported by Yacouba Sissoko and the SIYA African Band, whose traditional kora music bridges generations of African storytelling.

And yes, the red carpet is back! My favorite photographer (and husband) Kurt Leggard will be capturing the magic, so bring your style and let your soul shine.

🖼️ Beyond the Art: Walk, Learn, and Celebrate

The weekend includes a cultural Art Walk with stops at the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem —a luxury home boutique founded by sisters Tanya and Temidra Willock. I love that this event also creates space to support Black-owned businesses right here in the Hamptons.

There’s also a private museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation—one of my favorite hidden treasures in Southampton. The work being done there by Indigenous artist Jeremy Dennis is powerful and deeply rooted in legacy and land.

And for the film buffs, don’t miss the screening of Erased, executive produced by Idris Elba, which highlights the forgotten contributions of soldiers of color during WWII. This is the kind of storytelling that changes minds and hearts.

💃 The Afterglow

From the Art After Dark Soirée to the Caribbean cocktail-fueled afterparty with DJ Infmatick, every moment of Art & Soul feels like a love letter to culture, creativity, and connection.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Art & Soul is one of my favorite events in the Hamptons. It’s a beautiful blend of art, soul food, music, and community. It fills me up and reminds me why I love being a part of this place. If you’re looking for a weekend that inspires, uplifts, and feeds both your soul and your appetite, don’t miss this.

🎟️ Grab your tickets. VIP Weekend Pass July 18 & 19, 2025, Art & Soul Hamptons 2025

Come hungry. Come inspired. And don’t forget to try the crab cakes—you’ll thank me later.

Let’s Swirl over to Long Island Vineyards

wine tasting at Croteaux Vineyard in Southold, Long Island. photo credit: Hamptons Mouthpiece — friends at Croteaux Vineyard in Southold, NY

Wine Legs, Long Island Blends and a Giant Pair of Legs in the Hamptons

Let’s talk about wine legs. Nope, not something you wear—though you could enjoy them in a cute outfit. We’re talking about the streaks that form inside your wine glass when you give it a swirl.

So, what are wine legs?

When you swirl your wine, you might notice little droplets forming and sliding down the inside of the glass. These are called legs. They’re kind of like the wine’s signature dance move. You’ll usually see them more clearly in wines with higher alcohol content. The more pronounced the legs, the higher the booze. It’s a neat little visual trick that happens thanks to evaporation and surface tension. Science in your glass!

Let’s swirl over to Long Island…

Wolffer vineyard glass of wine, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages—and yes, some pretty amazing wine. One of the coolest things local winemakers are doing is blending. That means mixing different types of grapes (like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and others) to create smooth, balanced wines with lots of character.

small plates at Wolffer Vineyard, photo credit: Hamptons Mouthpiece

Blended wines are like a group project where everyone actually pulls their weight. The result? Rich, complex flavors that reflect the region’s sunny days, salty breezes, and sandy soils. Wineries like Wölffer Estate, Paumanok, and Bedell Cellars are masters at this.

Larry Rivers legs Sculpture, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Now, about those other legs…

If you’ve driven around Sag Harbor, you might’ve spotted a giant pair of legs—literally—sticking out of the ground. That’s artist Larry Rivers’ famous sculpture, called “Legs.” It’s bold, quirky, and just a little bit cheeky, much like a good glass of red.

The sculpture has become a landmark in its own right. It reminds us that art, like wine, is meant to be seen, felt, and talked about—even if people don’t always agree on the taste.

In the end…

Whether you’re admiring the legs in your wine glass or the ones standing tall in Eastern Long Island, remember: life is a little more fun when you pause to appreciate the details. So swirl, sip, and savor the flavors (and the sights) of Long Island.

Cheers!

Who has The Hamptons Best Pizza?

Hamptons Best Pizza (2025 Update)

Pizza. It’s the ultimate comfort food, the go-to for gatherings, beach nights, and casual Friday dinners. But let’s be honest—everyone has strong opinions about what makes the perfect slice. For some, it’s all about the crust. Others swear by the sauce. And for cheese lovers? Well, cheese is life.

As for me? I need the trifecta: crust, sauce, and cheese in perfect balance. I lean toward a crisp, thin crust—it lets the toppings shine without being overwhelmed by dough. I’m not a fan of overloaded tomato sauce (you know the kind that makes the cheese slip off with every bite). Toppings? I love it all—fresh basil and mozzarella, pepperoni with a little char, sausage and peppers, mushrooms… you name it.

Now the question everyone asks me:
Who has the best pizza in the Hamptons in 2025?

While some old-school pizza lovers still argue that nothing compares to a slice from Queens or Manhattan (and yes, my husband still mourns the legendary Gloria’s Pizza in Flushing), I think we’ve got some real contenders right here on the East End. From family-run joints to wood-fired ovens and elevated gourmet pies, the Hamptons has serious pizza game.

This list is curated based on personal visits, recommendations from locals, and buzz from social media, Yelp, and Google. My criteria? Traditional New York–style pizza, flavor-packed crust, balanced sauce, quality cheese, fresh toppings—and of course, taste.

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Hamptons Mouthpiece Picks for Best Pizza (2025 Edition)

Fini Pizza – Amagansett
Thin Crust perfection. I’m in love with the White Cheese pie with lemon zest and hot honey on the side. Yum! It is a bit expensive, I paid $39 for this pie, but it was worth it.
P&G Pizza & Deli – Southampton
Unassuming, reliable, and delicious. This classic spot hits all the right notes, especially when you want a classic NY slice.
Slice – Shelter Island
Worth the trip across the water. Creative toppings, fresh ingredients, and a laid-back island feel.
La Capannina – Wainscott
Perfectly crisp crust, simple flavors, and fast service. Grab a pie and head to the beach.
La Parmigiana – Southampton
A Hamptons staple. Their traditional pies are hearty and satisfying every single time.
Sam’s Restaurant – East Hampton
Old-school Italian charm with consistently good pizza. Bonus: full Italian menu if you’re dining in.
Francesca’s Restaurant & Pizzeria – Hampton Bays
Reliable neighborhood favorite. Great for families and large orders.
Tonino’s Pizza – Westhampton Beach
Great for a casual slice or a full pie. Loved for their generous toppings and quick service.
Springs Pizza – Springs
This hidden gem has a loyal following. Try the white pie!
Pizza Pizza in Sag Harbor, this is a new pizza place located inside Cluckman’s, I really enjoyed a regular slice of pizza, I thought the sauce & cheese were delicious. I did find it to be a bit pricey but definitely less than some other nearby places. My favorite was the white cheese pizza with mushrooms. Finally a place where you can just get a regular slice of pizza in Sag Harbor.

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Pizza Pizza, Sag harbor, photo belongs to Hamptons Mouthpiece

Got a favorite that’s not on the list?

Email me at hamptonsmouthpiece@gmail.com with your suggestion. If I try it and love it, it might just make the next edition—with a shoutout on all my social channels!

Because let’s be real—life’s too short for bad pizza. And in the Hamptons, we deserve the best.

Hamptons Best Breakfast Picks

Hamptons Best Breakfast Picks..breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, it is also my absolute favorite meal of the day. How many of you love a good Breakfast? How many of you could eat breakfast for every meal? When I cannot decide what to cook for dinner, my daughter turns to me and says let’s have breakfast food.

Are you so busy during the week rushing, that breakfast for you consists of breakfast on the go…fruit, smoothie, bagel, boiled egg or cereal? Wouldn’t you love to sit down on the weekend and have a big breakfast? When I have time, I like to indulge my family with a super-duper old style “my tradition” breakfast on the weekends by making omelets, bacon, grits, home-fries, biscuits, waffles or pancakes topped with sauteed bananas in hot maple syrup … I know I go completely over-board but so what. If you are only having this type of meal twice a month, what is the big deal? There are however those days when we like to go out to eat and I thought I would share my favorite breakfast spots with you. There is nothing more exasperating than going out for breakfast and being disappointed, so here are some Hamptons favorites by both myself and my friends. Enjoy!

Hamptons Best Breakfast Picks

Estia’s in Sag Harbor...1615 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor, NY (631) 725-1045 estiaslittlekitchen.com

Breakfast with a mexican touch..It a small place and the wait could be out the door on a Saturday Morning. Tip: try the Omelets* breakfast Burrito with the spicy mexican salsa and the short stack with fresh blueberries and bananas..

Provisions in Sag Harbor..7 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 725-3636 www.provisionsnaturalfoods…Tip:try the spinach omelette…really good..then make sure you come back there for lunch…

Sant Ambroeus: Southampton..30 Main St, Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-1233 www.santambroeus.com .…Tip: Try the French toast (a personal favorite)

Hampton Coffee Company: 869 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY
(631) 726-2633 hamptoncoffeecompany.com

Pierre’s in Bridgehampton 2468 Main St, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 Try the French toast, it is delicious, melts in your mouth. They are more on the pricey side but if you are on a budget you might want to avoid ordering a Mimosa. pierresbridgehampton.com

John’s Pancake House, Montauk, 721 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954 If pancakes is your breakfast favorite, then you will enjoy John’s Pancake House in Montauk. (full disclosure I have only ever had the pancakes)

Fairway Restaurant, Sagaponak at the Poxabogue Golf Center – 3556 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 – Breakfast served all day! That is a definite plus. fairwayrestaurantcafeonthegram.com

Claude’s Restaurant, Southampton Inn – 91 Hill Street, Southampton, NY 11968 | click here to see menu

Sip ‘N Soda, Southampton, 40 Hamptons Road, Southampton – A family friendly place to go with your kids, but bring cash, they do not accept credit cards. On a positive it is affordable. sipnsoda.com

Eckart’s Luncheonette, Westhampton Beach, 162 Mill Road, 631-288-9491 | click here for menu (FYI: cash only)

Breakfast is very important for you to perform at your best. It is not a good idea to skip breakfast in the interest of saving time, calories, or getting a few more minutes of sleep, remember that eating a wholesome, nutritious morning meal will probably save you time in the long run. Some people skip breakfast in an effort to lose weight. Skipping breakfast is strongly linked to the development of obesity.

I love Breakfast food and did you know that breakfast should be your heaviest meal of the day. The benefits of eating your biggest meal for breakfast may have less to do with your body and more to do with your mind. When you eat a larger breakfast, you may feel more satisfied and less deprived throughout the day. This satisfaction can help you to stick to your diet and make you less inclined to overeat in the evening.

There are several other places throughout the Hamptons that have really delicious breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, (my personal favorite is Hamptons Beach Bowls in bridgehampton) Drop me a line and let me know your favorite place in the Hamptons to have Breakfast.

update: February 1st, 2022

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Hamptons Wellness:Healthy Foods essential to your well being

Hamptons Wellness:Healthy Foods essential to your well-being…Take a look at these 3 food items that are healthy Foods to Eat…

Salmon: Eating two or three servings of fish a week is a simple way to improve your health wellness and stave off certain illnesses and diseases. Salmon is one of the most nutritious types of fish to add to your diet. It supplies iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, as well as a whole host of other nutrients you need for good health. It has Selenium which is a mineral that keeps your thyroid working properly and boosts the health of your immune system. Those looking for more ways to give their immune system an additional boost may want to try products like those from Quantum Health which include L-Lysine and Vitamin C, as well as four other well-researched immune health nutrients. Selenium also works as an antioxidant, which means that it destroys free radicals. Salmon has a specific type of unsaturated fat called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids lower your risk of dying from heart disease, according to Mayo Clinic.

For more information on the benefits of eating Salmon, click here:

Yogurt: protein (about 9 grams per 6-ounce serving), plus several other nutrients found in dairy foods, like calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium. Yogurt consists Probiotics which are “friendly bacteria” that are naturally present in the digestive system. Live strains of these “good bacteria” are also found in many yogurt products. While more research needs to be done, there’s some evidence that some strains of probiotics can help boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive wellness tract. If you can get greek organic.

for more information on Yogurt as a healthy food, click here:

Oranges:

Helps Prevent Cancer: Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. Prevents Kidney Diseases, Reduces Risk of Liver Cancer, Lowers Cholesterol, Boosts Heart Health, Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral is responsible for helping the heart function well. When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia. Oranges are full of vitamin C which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. Oranges are full of dietary fiber that stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation. Oranges Helps Create Good Vision, Oranges are rich in carotenoid compounds that are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration. The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate high blood pressure and the magnesium in oranges helps maintain blood pressure. Oranges are full of beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant protecting the cells from being damage which also protects the skin from free radicals and prevents the signs of aging. Other alternative methods to promote a healthier body are using different herbal remedies such as liver health supplements, to promote healthy liver and attempting to reduce the risks of liver cancer. That disease can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important that people try their best to keep their lungs healthy. If they notice any symptoms of liver cancer, they should contact their local healthcare professional to ensure they can prevent the disease from going unnoticed. By using ultrasounds, from https://www.butterflynetwork.com/, doctors will be able to detect any tumours. This will allow them to perform tests to determine whether it is cancer or not. To prevent this from worsening, a lot of people use supplements, especially if they do not like the taste of the natural, food products that are proven to reduce the effects of diseases and viruses. They are therefore a good alternative to not having anything extra to protect the body at all.

for more information on oranges as a healthy food to eat: click here: