Hampton Habitués

Good News Gossip About Our Notable Friends And Neighbors.

Hostess with the Mostest
One of our very favorite East Hampton foodies is growing her brand, yet again, and we couldn’t be happier about it. The Barefoot Contessa now has a brand-new show on the Food Network. And yes, we’re already obsessed! It’s called Be My Guest with Ina Garten and of course, it’s fabulous. Set mainly at her East Hampton home, the series brings a collection of friends and famous people into Ina’s house, and beyond, for “a day of conversation, connection, food and fun visits to some of her favorite local spots,” according to Food Network.

Debuting in March, the show features bold-faced guests (several of whom are Hamptons regulars), such as Julianna Margulies (The Morning Show, ER), Willie Geist (Morning Joe), director Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca, and of course, her husband, Jeffrey. Hamptons hot spots featured include the beach, Ina’s favorite East Hampton bakery, and the 1770 House. 

“This show is a dream come true for me,” says Garten. “I’ve invited old friends and some new ones for great conversations, a little cooking, and a personal tour of East Hampton. This is going to be really fun!” Streaming on multiple platforms, the series will air as a half-hour show on the Food Network, and hour-long program on Discovery+ and as a companion podcast. Fans can also follow #BeMyGuest for highlights and recipes from the show.

No Access to Hollywood
An unauthorized film about the life of Sag Harbor resident Billy Joel is in the works, despite not being able to use any of the Piano Man’s songs or get approval from the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer himself. According to sources in the know, not only is Joel not involved, but he is not granting rights to his name, likeness, or life story. 

Apparently, the show is still going on though. Piano Man, the biopic, is being developed by actor Michael Jai White and producer Adam Ripp, whose father, Artie, a former friend of Joel’s who produced the multiple Grammy winner’s first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor. That record, which was not a commercial success, came out a year before Joel’s huge breakthrough album, Piano Man.

Kiddos Can Cook
Getting an early start on her culinary career, Eva Achuthan-Kozar is appearing on season eight of MasterChef Junior. The 13-year-old from Sag Harbor, who hopes to one day own and run her own 3-Star Michelin restaurant, joins 15 other young cooks hoping to impress the judges and win the eponymous title of the Fox show, as well as the $100,000 prize.  Now an eighth grader at the Hayground School, Eva was just 11 years old when she originally filmed back in 2019 in Los Angeles. It’s been a hard secret to keep but now that the show is finally airing, she has been able to share that the experience of learning from chefs Gordon Ramsey, Aaron Sanchez, nutritionist Daphne Oz, and her fellow contestants has been the thrill of a lifetime. Way to go girl! 

Off the Bench
Wainscott resident Star Jones is returning to TV this fall. The former The View co-host, and former prosecutor, is bringing her brand back on Court TV. In September, Jones will preside as the new host of Divorce Court. 

Meeting the Needs
Huge heartfelt shoutouts to East Hampton’s Kristofer Kalas, who traveled to Ukraine to deliver much needed food and medical supplies to those in need. Prior to the war, the owner of the coffee shop Hello, Oma split his time between the Hamptons and Ukraine. He says he’ll stay put there until the war is over. Bridgehampton resident Bethenny Frankel has also jumped in to help overseas. Her BStrong organization has committed to sending $20 million in supplies to NATO countries bordering Ukraine. 

Score Another for Carter
Kudos to composer Carter Burwell, who was just honored with The Spirit of Collaboration Award, along with filmmakers Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, by the Society of Composers & Lyricists. The Amagansett resident, a frequent collaborator with the Coen brothers, has scored more than 100 films so far. His most recent works are the films Catherine, Called Birdy by Lena Dunham, and The Banshees of Inisherin by Martin McDonagh, both of which are expected to be released this year. 

Forever in Our Hearts
Sending love and light to the family of Tony Walton, who died in March. Not only was Tony prodigiously talented as an artist and designer, but he was also an amazing human being. He will be missed.

It’s About Time
We absolutely cannot wait to see BET’s new four-part original limited series, Carl Weber’s The Black Hamptons, which will be screening and streaming this summer. Set in Sag Harbor, the drama follows the Brittons and Johnsons as they feud over a coveted property in the village. Starring Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, Karon Riley, Mike Merrill, Blac Chyna, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell, Franklin Ojeda Smith, Jordan Smith, Jennifer Freeman, and David Andrews. Juicy!