Hampton Habitués

Ahh, summer in the Hamptons. Who doesn’t love it?

It’s been a busy one on the East End this season, with seemingly more celebrities, notables and influencers present and representing here than ever before. 

To wit, restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian has released a new mini cookbook called “Hamptons Entertaining.” This one, which was released in early August, also features a number of recipes by East End foodies and other famous faces, such as Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay, Rosanna Scotto, Katie Lee, Giada De Laurentis, David Burtka, Neil Patrick Harris, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dr. Oz, Donna Karan, Rachel Zoe and more. 

Among the recipes for appetizers, entrees, desserts and cocktails are seasonal dishes such as a butter-poached lobster roll by Zakarian; gazpacho by Stewart; squash blossoms by Flay; and an apricot, cashew and coconut truffle dessert by Paltrow. Might a South Fork hotspot be added to his roster of eateries next? Hmmm. Wouldn’t that be delicious. 

When it comes to the Hamptons, there are few bigger names than that of Miss Jennifer Lopez. The super-busy actress, singer, designer and entrepreneur is always hustling. Even the name of her new movie confirms this. 

The Water Mill resident’s newest effort, “Hustlers” comes out on September 13. Also starring Constance Wu, Cardi B, Lizzo and Lili Reinhart, the movie is about a group of fed-up former strip club employees who turn the tables on their not-so-charitable Wall Street customers. Lopez, who stars as Ramona in the revenge drama, also acts as producer of the true-life-inspired caper. 

And then there’s Leonardo DiCaprio. He might not own a place out here but the megastar sure seems to show up an awful lot. 

For fans and others, his latest, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” is definitely worth checking out. Directed by Quentin Tarantino and also starring Brad Pitt (he can visit anytime, we’re cool with that), Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Bruce Dern and Al Pacino, among others, in a star-packed ensemble cast, the film is set in 1968 Los Angeles and pays tribute of sorts to the “end of the golden age of Hollywood.” It’s definitely worth the price of admission. 

Since we’re on the subject of big box office, let’s pay some respect to legendary director Brian DePalma, who will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October. 

The director and/or writer of such memorable movies as “Blow Out,” “Carrie,” “Scarface,” “Dressed to Kill” and others will also sit with East Ender extraordinaire and HIFF co-chair Alec Baldwin for “A Conversation With” during the festival, which runs from October 10 through October 14. 

On a less than celebratory note, a Hamptons benefit institution for the past decade has taken its final bow. Alas, this was the last year for Ron Perelman’s big Apollo in the Hamptons bash at his “the Creeks” estate in East Hampton. 

But it certainly went out with a bang! And it was quite the eclectic mix, for sure. Those in attendance at the August 3 fundraiser included actors Jamie Foxx and Woody Harrelson; musicians Jon Bon Jovi, Dave Mathews, Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, The Roots, the Black Eyed Peas, Patti LaBelle, the Isley Brothers, and Joseph Simmons (Run of Run DMC); filmmaker Spike Lee; businessman Robert Kraft; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo; race car driver Jeff Gordon; and Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld. Wow! What an A-List. 

Speaking of parties, fashion-stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe threw a big to-do for her newest ready-to-wear line, Shop Rachel Zoe, at Moby’s in East Hampton on August 1. The event brought out some big guns, including Christie Brinkley, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Shoshanna Gruss, and fashionably connected couple Delfina Blaquier Figueras and her polo-loving husband, Nacho. Not a bad turnout for a Thursday. 

Inspired by the beauty of the East End, during the intimate family-style dinner Zoe gave props to her surroundings.

“The Hamptons has always been somewhere I feel completely at home and is the epitome of summer to me … a place where I can bring my family and connect with my closest of friends — both old and new. It is a dream come true that I can bring together such a special group of people to celebrate my latest collection.”