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Art and Soul, a Soulful Celebration in the Hamptons

Art & Soul: Where Culture, Flavor & Black Joy Took Center Stage in the Hamptons

Let’s keep it real — ART & SOUL: Hamptons didn’t just return this year. It showed out.

From July 18–20, the East End was alive with color, culture, and connection as this sold-out, three-day celebration spotlighted the brilliance of Black creativity. We’re talking visual art, Caribbean soul food, live music, crafted cocktails, and thought-provoking conversations — all wrapped in a weekend that radiated joy from start to finish.

And when I say this event had layers? I mean layers.

✨ Visual artists like Reynoir Lewis, Laura R. Gadson, and Suliman Onque lit up the outdoor exhibitions with bold, breathtaking work.

✨ Photographer Kurt Leggard (yep, that’s my husband!) captured the magic of the red carpet, from the glow-ups to the candid moments of joy.

✨ Music floated through the air — with flutist Dwayne Kerr (of Erykah Badu’s band), master kora player Yacouba Sissoko, SIYA African Band, and DJ Infmatick setting the tone.

And y’all already know my favorite part: Friday night’s Culinary Tasting & Film Night. The flavors were bold, the chefs brought the heat (shoutout to Chara’s Kitchen, SMAC, Infusery, and more!), and the screening of ERASED — narrated by Idris Elba — hit deep. It was powerful, moving, and necessary. The talkback, moderated by Brenda Simmons of the Southampton African American Museum, opened the floor to the kind of conversations that stick with you long after the credits roll.

Throughout the weekend, guests sipped on curated cocktails and moonshine from New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery (yes, moonshine!), and toasted with HRLM Champagne and wines from Charles Springfield’s stylings. And let’s not forget the soulful wellness sips and bites from PAIJA Tea Co., Happy Bubble Soda, The Nourish Spot, and more.

The vibes? Immaculate. The crowd? A mix of tastemakers, artists, philanthropists, and real-deal community leaders. Names like actress Novi Brown (BET’s Sistas), Peter Marino, Vanessa Gordon, Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, and yes, me (Vanessa Leggard of Hamptons MouthPiece!) came out to celebrate.

But this event wasn’t about the names. It was about the energy. The joy. The community. The real talk, real People

As festival producer Yaya Reyes put it best, “ART & SOUL is not just an event — it’s a declaration of presence, purpose, and power.”

And that’s exactly what it felt like.

From the luxe florals by April & Ashley to the curated gift bags filled with purpose-driven Black-owned brands — everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of soul.

This was a weekend that didn’t just entertain — it uplifted. It honored the past, celebrated the present, and poured into the future of Black excellence in the arts, food, and beyond.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry — Art & Soul is just getting started. Follow @ArtAndSoulHamptons to stay plugged in.

Because around here, we do more than show up.

We celebrate, we support, and we shine.

Hamptons MouthPiece; Real Talk. Real People. From NYC to the East End.

Cluck Yeah! Cluckman’s Turns One—and Pizza Pizza Is the Cheesy Surprise We Didn’t Know We Needed

Let’s get one thing straight: Cluckman’s is THAT place.

You know, the spot where teens hang out, locals line up, and even the pickiest visitors walk away licking their fingers. It’s that good.

Located right in the heart of Sag Harbor, Cluckman’s has been serving up crispy chicken tenders, juicy smashburgers, Sag Sauce (yes, it’s a thing), fresh lemonade, and old-school milkshakes for a whole year now.

And just when we thought we couldn’t love them more—they hit us with a twist: Pizza Pizza.

Yep. Inside Cluckman’s. Real-deal, thin-crust, cheesy, crispy NY slices. Pizza cravings = solved.

Run by Hamptons food legends Michael & Lila Gluckman, this place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a vibe. Fast, friendly, family-approved. Take your food to go and picnic in Steinbeck Park. Trust us, it’s a summer mood.

🍔 Smashburger? ✔️

🍗 Chicken tenders? ✔️

🍕 Pizza slice the size of your head? ✔️

💛 Local hangout you’ll return to all season long? DOUBLE ✔️

Cluckman’s is open daily, 12–9PM at 24 Long Island Ave, Sag Harbor. Eat in, take out, or grab a slice and go live your best park life.

Follow them (because you’re gonna want to):

@cluckmans | @pizzapizzasagharbor

🍕cluckmans.com

Go hungry. Leave happy. Repeat.

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

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

Long Island wine: 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 Wine…

Wolffer vineyard glass of wine, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Long Island wine 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.

I recently had the perfect day on the North Fork with NorthFork Taste Wilfred and Veda were the absolute best hosts—so warm, knowledgeable, and just fun to be around. My Best Friend and I kicked things off with breakfast on Love Lane, then hit two gorgeous vineyards: one sustainable with a fascinating backstory I’d never heard before, and the other, one of my personal faves. Great wine, great vibes, great company—can’t wait to do it again.

If you’re planning a wine tour, treat yourself! Use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any luxury wine experience with North Fork Taste.

So swirl, sip, and soak it all in—because Long Island has legs in all the best ways.

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.