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Being a NYC resident summer time is all about getting out of the city and living that Hamptons life. One of the best events to capture that feel is at James Beard Foundation's Chefs and Champagne! JBF's year-long "Rise" celebration—a salute to the countless ways our food community rises to meet the world’s challenges and makes it a more delicious, diverse, and sustainable place for all. It was a beautiful day to be surrounded by endless champagne and food from top chefs around the country. This annual culinary highlight of the Hamptons summer season will showcase chefs who embody the leadership and commitment that JBF supports everyday through its many programs including Awards, Women’s Leadership, Impact programs, and Scholarship, including announcement of the 2018 recipient of Christian Wölffer Scholarship at Chefs & Champagne. This years honoree was the lovely Padma Lakshmi, host and executive producer of Bravo’s James Beard Award–winning and Emmy award–winning Top Chef, food expert, model, actress, and best-selling author.
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As you may have noticed, I have been on a bit of a
break from EK. There's been a lot going on in my life lately...from moving to a
new apartment, traveling, working and even being under the weather a couple
times. I struggle with the desire to share and the importance to keep things
private and live in the moment. I am sure others go through the same feelings
especially with the rise of social media causing so much pressure to share
everything whether its necessary or at the very least interesting. Sometimes I
feel that it makes it hard to truly enjoy what is happening when you’re always
trying to capture it. Being a blogger, that is just what you do...well what you
are supposed to do.
I decided to give myself a self imposed summer break where I would take
a step back and fully enjoy what was happening in my life and focus on me (and
Chicken of course). After 5 years on the Upper East Side I have finally made
the big move to a new place in a downtown neighborhood. I miss Central Park
tremendously, but overall the change has been one for the better. Another big
change is that I now have family (my brother) in the city; I moved here without
knowing anyone, its been a nice change to have him here. Enough about NYC,
let's talk about the wonderful chances I had getting out of the city this
summer: going home to Chicago, the Hamptons (2x), Germany, Spain and back to
Morocco. I'm trying to be better about saying yes and living for the
experience, I'm such a planner and budgeter; basically I overthink everything
and wait to make a move (must be the Libra in me).
(Above picture - Tangier, Morocco at Sol Achakar)
Over the Mediterranean
Dusseldorf, Germany airport
Me in Old Town (Dusseldorf, Germany)
Me in Asilah, Morocco
Asilah, Morocco
Sunset in Tangier, Morocco
July 4th Fireworks (NYC)
South Street Seaport
Relaxing pool side in the Hamptons
Sir Ivan's Castle
The Frying Pan (NYC)
Blooming trees in Central Park
Lounging with the selfie king Chicken
Southern style BK brunch with friends
Governor's Island Crawfish Festival
Lobster roll from South Street Seaport Smorgasbord
Al fresco brunch in the Hammies
Appetizer at La Marina (same dish Chef Kelvin Fernandez won this against Bobby Flay on Beat Bobby)
Group Pics at La Marina (bday girl in the middle)
The Metropolitan Museum - China Through the Looking Glass
SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park
After Party at Hotel Chantelle
Surprise family dinner at Beauty & Essex for my mom :)
I'm finally getting re-inspired to bring Exclusive Kat back to life and get back into why I started it. To answer that I started EK to be an escape from my reality, where I could write about all that interests and the cool places I get to go to from time to time helping to offset being in a corporate-esque type of job. Now that New York Fashion Week is back what better time to return. :)
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken - Oscar Wilde
Billy Oliva, Executive Chef, Delmonico’s Restaurant Group; Nicolas Geeraerts, Director of Operations, Delmonico’s Restaurant Group; Dennis Turcinovic, Owner & Managing Partner, Delmonico’s Restaurant Group; Brenda Simmons, African American Museum of the East End; Southampton Mayor Mark Epley
We arrived on the Hamptons Jitney welcomed by an array of classic antique cars and lemonade stand. We strutted down the red carpet as we entered the venue. Once inside, guests enjoyed tastings from the Delmonico's of Southampton Est. 1837 menu, like Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, Lobster Newburg, mini Baked Alaska Ice Cream Cones, and freshly shucked oysters from the raw bar. They paired delicious cocktails, bubbling champagnes and refreshing chilled wines served with all the tasty bites we sampled. The oysters were exquisite and so fresh. The craved meat was cooked perfectly and my favorite dish of the afternoon, the bacon wrapped scallops! I literally had to lean back in my chair because they were so unbelievable! I fully understand why their known for their baked Alaska; so good, especially on a hot sunny day.
More About Delmonico’s of Southampton Est. 1837: Debuting in May 2013 in the heart of Southampton at 268 Elm Street, Delmonico’s of Southampton Est. 1837 is a stylish seaside spin on the flagship Delmonico’s Restaurant in downtown Manhattan – the first fine-dining restaurant in the United States. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Delmonico’s of Southampton serves an array of daily-caught seafood and farm-to-table specialties alongside modern twists on Delmonico’s signatures like the Delmonico Steak, Lobster Newburg and Eggs Benedict. Open year round, Delmonico’s of Southampton merges Hamptons’ elegance and Delmonico’s classic sophistication for a chic coastal getaway like none other. For more information, please call (631) 283-0202 or visit www.
How can I describe Sir Ivan's Castle….It was like a (rich) dream land. Lush grounds, expansive mansion (shaped as a castle) fountains, tennis/volleyball/basketball courts, there was a carousel and so much more. Even the portable bathrooms were luxurious! We began our day in front of the 5th Ave Library to board the Hampton Jitney. Some dressed to the extreme others were more tame. After the 2hr+ ride we finally arrived. As we walked up to the grounds we were greeted with capes, crowns and cocktails of course. From that moment I knew this was going to be a night to remember. Sir Ivan treated us very well, dinner was catered, plenty of amusing activities and later he performed his song for us. All of this & I still got home in time to relax all day Sunday.
Sir Ivan's performance
Romona & Sonja from Real Housewives of NYC
Just a section of this beautiful castle
This past long holiday weekend I was busy being fancy in the Hamptons! My first official time being out in this posh place. It had been awhile since I've left the madness of the city and relax, enjoying the fresh air with picturesque scenery. The FAME Festival was just what I needed. An escape from the city, for a good cause (Benefit NYNY) while having fun. This was a party from start to finish. Waiting to get on the press bus we had Ciroc infused cupcakes. You know I love dessert so I had 3…what?! They were minis :) Arrived at the destination to a red carpet, beaming sunlight, music from the dj (Talib Kweli), screams from the pool party, tantalizing aroma from the chefs and the beautiful beach lined with boats. I can't even described how special I felt to be there. If this is what summer will be like I can't wait! #YOLO
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