If you are not reading this column you may well be in the South of France celebrating summer in St. Tropez or after a month of World Cup Soccer the victory of the French national team. If you are here reading this, fear not, our Hamptons has more than a dash of je ne sais quoi. Here are some of the places and people from whom to get that fix of La Vie Francaise…
La Personne
Pascal Riffaud. Former Head Concierge at the New York St. Regis Hotel, Riffaud now brings his skills in the concierge arena to Baron’s Cove Hotel in Sag Harbor. Need to find something, somewhere, sometime and this is l’Homme who can deliver the hot Hamptons reservation. www.baronscove.com
Steven Jauffrineau. Possessing a resumé encompassing NYC chic restaurant La Goulue and fixture of St. Tropez and Shelter Island, Jauffrineau became involved three years ago as managing partner with Duryea’s Lobster Deck and Arbor in Montauk, as well as Lulu’s Kitchen & Bar in Sag Harbor. Clearly restaurants are a passion for him even after appearing in the French 2004 reality TV show “Bachelor, le gentleman célibataire.” www.lulusagharbor.com
Laurent Tourondel. International chef and mastermind behind BLT Steak is a Hamptons fan who combines his love of the area with two restaurants in Sag Harbor, LT Burger and Sag Pizza. The former chef at storied London club Boodles opened the much more casual Sag Pizza this summer. www.laurent-tourondel.com
Stephane Dupoux. Owner and inspiration behind the design firm Sculptors of Space has created upscale hot spots Nikki Beach, Buddha Bar, and River Yacht Club in South Beach, Miami. He is also the co-owner and designer of the Solé Resort in Montauk. The Frenchman has cemented his name in the hospitality design industry. www.dupouxdesign.com
Le Diner
Le Bilboquet, Sag Harbor. For that sense of chic dining alongside la Mer, why not experience Le Bilboquet at the Sag Harbor marina. The clientele represents a mix of the beau monde and New York personalities, all seeking one of the landmarks of a great Hamptons weekend — an outdoor table with a full view of the marina and, of course, a view for everyone else of your own prowess in securing the reservation. The person to know remains Philippe. www.lebilbouqetny.com
Pierre’s Restaurant, Bridgehampton. Since 2002, Pierre Weber, a fifth-generation baker, has kept his vision blending French tropical outpost St. Barth’s with jet set-central St. Tropez into a casual-chic French dining experience alive on Main Street in Bridgehampton serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a healthy slice of people watching daily. www.pierresbridgehampton.com
Le Charlot, Southampton. Four years of the Southampton Le Charlot, whose twin resides in the Upper East Side in New York, have already passed by for this staple. The classic Upper East Side bistro from brothers Bruno and Thierry Gelormini offers all the classics of French cuisine on Main Street, Southampton, ready for their strong following from the City as well as first-time diners. www.lecharlot.us
Stone Creek Inn, East Quogue. Converted from the former Ambassador Inn in 1938 to a restaurant the same year that the hurricane hit Long Island, Stone Creek Inn celebrates 80 years as a dining institution. Chef Christian Mir, former executive sous chef of Tavern on the Green, and his wife, Elaine, left the City and took over Stone Creek Inn in May 1996, bringing their own twist on French cuisine to their Hamptons following. www.stonecreekinn.com
La Vie Francaise
Cremieux, Southampton. Founder Daniel Cremieux gained an appreciation for the finer details of menswear while studying in England. His first store in St. Tropez aimed to create the ultimate French “preppy” fashion line and he has not looked back. Branching out from New York City you can shop the line in Southampton this summer at 14 Jobs Lane. http://www.danielcremieux.com
Marie Eiffel, Shelter Island. The best-kept secret is out! Known for her Shelter Island fashion boutique and home décor shop, Marie Eiffel has opened the refined café, Marie Eiffel Market. Along with her partner Jason Penney, Eiffel has brought her French taste to the East End, with locations in Shelter Island and Greenport. www.marieeiffel.com
CD Charms, Shelter Island. Shelter Island resident Catherine Demarchelier’s jewelry line, comprised of highly-accessible bracelets and necklaces in gold and silver featuring designs of islands and special places (ranging from Manhattan to St. Barth’s and of course, Shelter Island), can now be found online. You can also find the designer herself with her husband Eric, painter and founder of restaurant bearing the family name, Demarchelier on the Upper East Side. www.cdcharms.com
Marina St. Barth, Bridgehampton. Above Pierre’s restaurant is a pop-up fashion store from St. Barth’s fashion boutique Marina St. Barth on Main Street, Bridgehampton by Marina Cocher. Boasting fashion lines encompassing pret a porter and beachwear for her and him, shoppers can find everything from ponchos by Lotus London to high-fashion T-shirts from brand Eleven Paris to silk tunics from Jode. www.marina-stbarth.com
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