Takes You to the Hamptons
Shelter Island, NY
The Whale’s Tale is a fabulously funky old-school miniature-golf establishment. Not just for kids. I often send houseguests to the W.T. if they are starting to get on my nerves.
– Simon Doonan
Shelter Island Heights, NY
The Sunset Beach Hotel and restaurant adds a jolt of high-voltage Riviera glamour to Shelter Island. I am too geriatric to deal with the weekend crowds but often make midweek lunch dates with my Shelter pals.
– Simon Doonan
Shelter Island, NY
Fredric Bernstein is a legendary interior designer and seriously tasteful bloke who purveys art and vintage furniture in a beautiful gallery space on Ferry Road.
– Simon Doonan
Shelter Island, NY
It’s impossible to imagine Shelter Island without the glamour and gusto of Marie Eiffel. After gorging alfresco on the prepared foods at her store and waterside café, be sure to head to her fashion store. This year’s curations include an exclusive collaboration with fashion icon Ines de la Fressange.
– Simon Doonan
Shelter Island Heights, NY
Nestling in Shelter Island Heights, you will find Finley’s Fiction, a groovy independent bookstore operated by Finley Oakley Shore. In addition to all the new must-reads, Finley also supports local authors such as Christine Coulson, Ariel Levy, and moi.
– Simon Doonan
Shelter Island, NY
Marika’s Eclectic Boutique has a killer selection of indoor and outdoor furniture. Marika will also restore vintage pieces to your specification. Look for the tantalizing front lawn display on Ferry Road.
– Simon Doonan
Shelter Island, NY
To really get away without getting on a plane, take the ferry to Shelter Island and book a table in the garden at Vine Street Cafe. Their seasonal menu shifts with the catch of the day but their fruit cobblers are a constant goodness.
– Katie Leede
Takes You to NYC
Upper East Side, NYC
Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a little quelque chose for yourself, I happen to know just the place. This is our flagship location, so it’s our store that’s most like stepping directly into my brain. Enjoy!
– Jonathan Adler
Greenwich Village, NYC
I’ve never met a baked good I didn’t love, and Mah Ze Dahr Bakery on Greenwich Avenue is the epicenter of all baked goodness.
– Jonathan Adler
Chelsea, NYC
The Maritime Hotel at the edge of the Meatpacking District is like being shipped out to sea (minus the motion sickness).
– Jonathan Adler
West Village, NYC
Mimi Vang Olsen Pet Portraits in Greenwich Village is owned by artistic mastermind Mimi Vang Olsen, and I’m not just saying that because she captured the exact likeness of my perfect angel mutt, FoxyLady.
– Jonathan Adler
Tribeca, NYC
I try not to pay too much attention to labels, but one I can’t resist is Thom Browne. His flagship at 100 Hudson Street is packed with menswear temptation.
– Jonathan Adler
Soho, NYC
This permanent installation by Walter De Maria is hauntingly beautiful. It should be as legendary as Houston’s Rothko Chapel.
– Jonathan Adler
Greenwich Village, NYC
Il Cantinori is chic, classique, and embodies New York. You won’t ever regret dinner here.
– Jonathan Adler
West Village, NYC
This is one of my 1st stops when I am looking for specialty decorative accessories for my clients . Just glancing at the windows makes me feel happy and uplifted with so much color, distinctive textures and unique shapes. What’s rare about the End of History are the pieces available are not just merely decorative, but highly Collectable pieces of history and design.
– Amy Lau
West Village, NYC
I love Café Cluny on West 12th Street. It’s small, friendly, and situated in a charming neighborhood full of character and characters. If you only had one night in NYC, you’d want to spend it here.
– Jonathan Adler
Takes You to New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Best gumbo in the city! A total winner, Liuzza’s by the Track is a trifecta of classic New Orleans fare, great drinks, and an ideal location with its close proximity to the Fairgrounds, which hosts the infamous Jazz Fest and fun races during the season such as the Weiner Dog Race.
– Beetle Hillery
New Orleans, LA
Head to the historic French Quarter, specifically Royal Street, for the alluring array of shops, art galleries, and antiques stores. A personal favorite, Moss Antiques, is home to a particularly exquisite collection of oyster plates. This was where our Palm Orleans Oysters Jubilee pattern was conceived!
– Beetle Hillery
New Orleans, LA
Estate sales are always an interesting experience, but aren’t all great treasure hunts? Check @handhestatessales on Instagram to get the lowdown and prepare for a self-guided tour of a gorgeous New Orleans home and the chance to get your hands on an heirloom or just a funky find (btw Sundays are half off).
– Beetle Hillery
New Orleans, LA
There is nothing better than a frozen treat on a hot summer’s day or even on a warm winter’s night at Prytania Street’s Creole Creamery outpost. This nostalgic ice cream shop is located in an old McKenzie’s bakery that used to make the most delicious king cakes and petit fours that I enjoyed as a child. Now you can find those same delightful flavors and more in the highly innovative creations!
– Beetle Hillery
New Orleans, LA
Situated in the celebrated Tremé neighborhood behind Louis Armstrong Park, the Backstreet Cultural Museum has an amazing collection of Mardi Gras Indian ensembles. Rare to see up close and personal, these one-of-a-kind, hand-beaded pieces are larger than life and part of a rich New Orleans culture and history.
– Beetle Hillery
New Orleans, LA
A unique spot seemingly at the end of the world, Bacchanal is truly a gem. Pass through the unassuming bottle shop and enter the lush courtyard, where you can grab a table and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sipping wines or cocktails, snacking on artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, and soaking in local live music.
– Beetle Hillery
New Orleans, LA
A legendary old mansion hotel on St Charles with epic front porch cocktails and bites. Located in uptown New Orleans, The Columns is an excellent alternative to staying in the French Quarter.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
Takes You to Charleston
Charleston, SC
I discovered this great dinner spot across the street from our design office and love taking friends and clients over after meetings. The indoor courtyard tables are my favorite and their raw seafood—and delicious lobster rolls—do not disappoint.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
This female-founded Charleston-based brand produces the most gorgeous pastel wine glasses that look lovely with my printed batik linens for added interest on a tabletop.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
I visit Charleston often and The Dewberry is the chicest place to stay downtown. There’s a sexy lobby bar, a fun rooftop restaurant, and the rooms are divine.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
This shop on King Street sells the absolute softest pajamas for women, kids, and men. You’ll never sleep in anything else again!
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
We did our book signing for my book, Island Hopping, at Fritz Porter and they were the most gracious hosts! This shop is a treasure trove for anybody who loves good design—and it’s a showroom for the industry with coveted fabric and wallpaper lines.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
This Charleston-based lighting company is a go-to for our design projects. Each fixture is made right here in Charleston and each can be totally customized with color, finish, and size.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
This cafe is around the corner from our shop and my favorite place for a coffee meeting in the morning. The peanut latte tastes like heaven.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
I love this multi-generational family-owned business where they offer a vast variety of new and vintage finds.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
The assortment of women’s clothing is so chic and eclectic and makes for perfect wardrobe staples. This local business is a Charleston treasure and really makes shopping an unforgettable experience.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Takes You to The Hamptons
Southampton, NY
While probably not the best idea for daily consumption, Ted’s gargantuan bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll is the most indulgent takeaway breakfast treat imaginable. Their premade subs are beach essentials, especially the ham and American cheese on a cottony roll. Ask for them to be wrapped as tight as a tourniquet and put them in the bottom of your beach bag. Let sit for at least an hour and you’ll understand why. Accompany with a bag of BBQ chips and a beer to reach true Nirvana.
– Steven Stolman
Southampton, NY
The lineup of local cops and contractors at breakfast and lunch says it all—this is THE destination for Long Island deli favorites such as egg sandwiches and over-stuffed wraps, along with delectable hot dishes to take away. Prime meats, produce, and a carefully edited grocery selection makes this a one-stop shop. The ability to text your deli order in for quick pick-up is one of Southampton’s best kept secrets, until now.
– Steven Stolman
Water Mill, NY
Ground zero for extraordinary, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers, along with wonderful breads, honeys, preserves, pies, and some dairy products. Every meal plan should start here, with the stars being tomatoes, corn, and 12 varieties of lettuces.
– Steven Stolman
Southampton, NY
An old-school throwback that will delight fans of classic supper clubs, thanks to its cozy booths, tartan carpet, murals of local golf links, and wonderful waitresses straight out of central casting. Order a bottle of wine (unbelievably reasonable) and either a sizzling filet, crisp roast Long Island duck, or their signature dish, Alaskan king crab legs. The bar crowd offers some of the very best people watching imaginable.
– Steven Stolman
Southampton, NY
The best all-around, family-friendly, easily accessible beach for sunning and swimming. But the real treat is to come at sunset with a jug of cocktails and some simple nibbles. It’s simply otherworldly. Best advice for families: Paul’s Pizza will deliver to the beach parking lot. Who knew?
– Steven Stolman
Sagaponack, NY
Benefitting the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, this wonderfully curated resale store in Sagaponack has some of the most extraordinary finds, especially in terms of furniture, art, and books. All others pale in comparison.
– Steven Stolman
Bridgehampton, NY
Without question, THE place to be for dinner on Friday nights, what with a stunning crowd, yummy bistro cuisine, and arguably the most gracious host in the Hamptons, Eric Lemonides. The early crowd is family friendly, but after 8, the music gets cranked up and the action happens, especially at the bar. If you don’t leave without making at least two new friends, there’s something wrong with you.
– Steven Stolman
East Hampton, NY
Sit at Jeanne’s bar for sparkling cherrystones, buttery baked clams, and the best stuffed lobster in all of the Hamptons. At lunch, their chowder and lobster rolls get raves.
– Steven Stolman
Takes You to The Hamptons
Sag Harbor, NY
My favorite place for a delicious casual lunch or dinner outside. I love to meet my husband there after he finished Wednesday night races at the Breakwater Sailing Club. The Spicy Lulu salad is a favorite!
– Allison Babcock
Sag Harbor, NY
Nothing beats the porch of the American Hotel for lunch or dinner out and great people watching. During the colder months (sans Covid) it is a Friday evening gathering place for friends to meet for Happy Hour with Vinnie. I can’t wait to go back in the fall (finger’s crossed) for a good old fashioned Friday night with friends.
– Allison Babcock
Amagansett, NY
The Dosas are to die for. Freshly made and perfectly crisped edges on the dosa. The portions are large and I always think – I am never going to be able to finish this and guess what – never a crumb left! The homemade chutneys are delicious and I always pick up a couple of flavors to take home. Located in Amagansett Square with lots of picnic tables for picnic style eating in the open air.
– Allison Babcock
Sagaponack, NY
My favorite Farm stand – hands down the BEST cherry tomatoes out there. I have to buy 4 pints at a time and they are eaten up by the next day. So sweet they taste like candy. The sweetcorn rivals most farm stands out there too.
– Allison Babcock
East Hampton, NY
Carissa’s is to Bakeries as Arthur Golabek is to flowers. Her bakery is beautifully curated and her baked goods a delicious work of art. So pretty you ALMOST feel guilty about eating them. She also has a new casual eaterie that is so well liked, I have yet to be able to go in there for a bite.
– Allison Babcock
Sag Harbor, NY
I love the design – it feels more like you are sitting in a friend’s garden or living room rather than a restaurant. BEST spicy margarita too!
– Allison Babcock
Takes You to The Hamptons
Montauk, NY
Super cool vibe, cash only. You know a place rocks when it is cash only, that means they don’t have to, need to, or want to deal with cc vendors etc to make it work. Make good food and they’ll come, despite the inconvenience. Amazing smoothies with sexually charged names. My go-to is the chicken curry wrap. Oh yeah.
– James Salomon
Sag Harbor, NY
My friend Larry Warsh owns the building and his wife Abbey is a partner in the operation. It works, and It’s good. I go there for breakfast generally, and pre-pandemic it was a really good vibe. I’d bump into art world people there all the time. Now they have easy and efficient takeout windows. My go-to is the granola with berries or egg frittata sandwich on brioche with field greens, roasted tomato, and special sauce.
– James Salomon
Sagaponack, NY
This is one of artist Toni Ross’ five restaurants, and her partners and team always get it right. Normal ribs, chicken, brisket options are excellent, but surprise yourself with roasted beets or a salad with burnt ends. Eat outside with nice, open skies. There’s a field behind the parking lot but I have no idea what grows there.
– James Salomon
East Hampton, NY
Again, I cannot proclaim this to be the best pizza, but it’s my favorite pizza spot. It’s old school: carpeted floor, booths… it’s just fun. Great family vibe. My go-to is the every-so-polarizing Hawaiian (ham & pineapple) which pizza lovers have strong opinions on, then spinach salad w bacon, mushrooms, and croutons. The salad comes with a tangy Italian dressing (like the Wishbone bottles we all grew up with) that I’m not a fan of, so I go with balsamic vinaigrette.
– James Salomon
Bridgehampton, NY
Without question, THE place to be for dinner on Friday nights, what with a stunning crowd, yummy bistro cuisine, and arguably the most gracious host in the Hamptons, Eric Lemonides. The early crowd is family friendly, but after 8, the music gets cranked up and the action happens, especially at the bar. If you don’t leave without making at least two new friends, there’s something wrong with you.
– Steven Stolman
East Hampton, NY
Sit at Jeanne’s bar for sparkling cherrystones, buttery baked clams, and the best stuffed lobster in all of the Hamptons. At lunch, their chowder and lobster rolls get raves.
– Steven Stolman
Bridgehampton, NY
I met Elena Frampton through my friend Kelcey Edwards and the Parrish Contemporary Circle. She’s a design dynamo who has a really cool space near the Bridgehampton train station. She asked me to photograph her last summer with some art & design pieces. Here we are on my sister Denise’s property in Sag Harbor complete with a Matt Satz painting and Nick Missel lounge.
– James Salomon
Sag Harbor, NY
Katie Leede radiates good energy and positive vibes. Kendell Cronstrom at HC&G put me on assignment last year and creative sparks went flying. Here we are at her shop in Sag Harbor, it took a while to set this up but she was all-in. We didn’t use it for the Home Front column but for an advertisement later on.
– James Salomon
East Hampton, NY
Friend and colleague Chris Byrne bought Elaine De Kooning’s old house from Richmond Burton several years ago. He runs an artist residency program out of it, one of whom I just wrote about for Whitehot Magazine. Here’s a picture from that story of Josephine Meckseper freezing her ass off with me earlier this year. We found that weathered, barnacled lounge chair and took it back to her home.
– James Salomon
Takes You to The Hamptons
Amagansett, NY
A Mexican take-out spot in Amagansett. Super-tasty food with fun picnic tables if you prefer to “dine-in.” Their new Coche Comedor restaurant, in the same parking lot, is a bit more upscale but equally delicious.
– Joe Nahem
Sag Harbor, NY
A small place that packs big flavor into everything they prepare. Love this culinary spot.
– Joe Nahem
East Hampton, NY
One-stop shopping for unique furniture pieces, rugs, and accessories. A very friendly and accommodating staff rounds out the experience.
– Joe Nahem
East Hampton, NY
Right in the village of East Hampton on David’s Lane sits this magical 24-acre pond and nature walk. The ducks love to be fed, and there are other beautiful birds in residence, too.
– Joe Nahem
East Hampton, NY
Another family-owned “deli” where everything is homemade and scrumptious. Yummy baked goods, great sandwiches, and frozen or fresh prepared foods. Don’t miss the delicious chicken pot pie!
– Joe Nahem
Amagansett, NY
A low-key nursery with a fantastic selection and cool one-of-a-kind outdoor furniture and planters. Tell ‘em Joe sent you.
– Joe Nahem
Amagansett, NY
Astro Pizza & Felice’s Ristorante on Main Street in Amagansett. Old- fashioned, family-owned Italian restaurant. And they deliver! Try the “white” pizza. Yum!
– Joe Nahem
Amagansett, NY
Off the beaten path in Amagansett but so worth it. Everything from an incredible lobster roll and cedar-plank salmon to yummy baked goods and local farm veggies.
– Joe Nahem
Takes You to New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Weave thru the Marigny neighborhood with a happy-making to-go Windjammer cocktail from Port of Call. If that doesn’t take the edge off, nothing will.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
I love Karla. She’s got excellent taste, and you can always find an old leather bergère in her uptown antiques shop.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
Masterful craft cocktails and bar snacks from a bartending whiz in a dive-y spot in the Quarter.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
Who decorated this place?! It’s chic! Seriously, The Chloe is an excellent place to stay: The rooms are comfy, the bathrooms large, and the pool—and pool bar—a fun respite.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
Out of Marfa, Texas, Freda offers indie jewelry, clothes, and Nola-centric things including my line of smock dresses! Great for Mardi Gras masks.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
Unique and locally made jewelry, vintage sparkly dresses, hilarious beaded Mardi Gras visors – these ladies have an eye.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
My home shopping obsession. Well situated in the Lower garden district on stroll-able Magazine Street.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
A legendary old mansion hotel on St Charles with epic front porch cocktails and bites. Located in uptown New Orleans, The Columns is an excellent alternative to staying in the French Quarter.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
New Orleans, LA
French with Japanese overtones, this Bywater restaurant is cinematic New Orleans magic. Film maker Aaron Walker and his wife Chef Yuki Yamaguchi nailed both the mood and the food.
– Sara Ruffin Costello
Takes You to the Hamptons
Southampton, NY
The best steamed mussels and fries in town and steak tartar. Plus, great salads. The classic French bistro and open all year round.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
Lucky to have this center in Southampton! They mount meaningful and beautiful exhibitions, offer great programming and films, and add much to the community.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
The best salon owned by Bianka Lefferts, a stylist with great taste and talent. The salon is beautiful, and all of the stylists are great. Terrific for facials and mani-pedis, too. Bianka has a huge selection of the best products on the market.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
The most beautiful and interesting selection of cut flowers which they make into the most gorgeous bouquets and arrangements. I was lucky enough for a whole year of COVID-19 to have an arrangement delivered to me every week from a friend who is a former client living in London. It kept me sane and smiling.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
The best selection of plants and all things green and colorful. They are the most helpful and knowledgeable folks when you have any garden questions or needs.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
They finally built a big barn and have the best produce. Fresh locally grown vegetables, the sweetest strawberries, the best corn and tomatoes, and locally made pies and ice cream.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
A family-run market for more years than I can remember. The best butcher shop in the Hamptons, and their prepared food is excellent. They are also the nicest folks in town.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
All around excellent in every aspect! I love the appetizers, the duck, and the extraordinary desserts. The ambience is right on and Tony Fortuna is the best restaurateur.
– Fern Mallis
Southampton, NY
Always great Italian food in a perfect setting. I love the outdoor garden. I also love the owner, Gabby Karan Felice, and her designer mother.
– Fern Mallis
Takes You to Charleston
Charleston, SC
This is a wonderful treat on Marion Square, and you must stop by the booth of the fresh pasta vendor, Rio Bertolini’s Fresh Italian.Pasta. My favorites are their fresh-cut black pepper pasta and lobster ravioli.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
Rodney Scott’s offers amazing and authentic southern BBQ. Also, the side dishes are incredible and so, too, is Rodney’s story.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
Such an enjoyment to walk this historic promenade and take in the stunning views.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
This cute boutique recently opened at 46 Spring Street and offers hand-made tassel jewelry along with some other amazing finds and specialty pieces.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
I visit Charleston often and The Dewberry is the chicest place to stay downtown. There’s a sexy lobby bar, a fun rooftop restaurant, and the rooms are divine.
– Amanda Lindroth
Charleston, SC
I love this multi-generational family-owned business where they offer a vast variety of new and vintage finds.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
The assortment of women’s clothing is so chic and eclectic and makes for perfect wardrobe staples. This local business is a Charleston treasure and really makes shopping an unforgettable experience.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
This is an amazing seafood restaurant. But I am most smitten by the fresh-baked Hawaiian rolls. I could make a meal out of them and be totally satisfied.
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Charleston, SC
Callie’s biscuits on King Street are a real treat—especially the biscuit assortment option. You must get the pimento cheese because it goes great with every flavor of biscuit—even the cinnamon option!
– Stephanie Summerson Hall
Takes You to Venice, Italy
Venice, IT
Positively charming, great location on a quite street in the middle of everything.
– Toma Clark Haines
Venice, IT
Before I moved to Venice I considered this a home away from home. Owner Pierre Andrea puts the Charm in Charming.
– Toma Clark Haynes
Venice, IT
When hosting a dinner in Venice – if I dont make dessert – I buy one of the cakes from Marchini! During Carnival they have 3 to 5 varieties of Fritelli so you can taste test this Venetian delicacy.
– Toma Clark Haines
Venice, IT
The best restaurant in Venice is actually in Murano. Lele, the padrone, is like a Venetian Santa Claus. The best way to pass a Sunday afternoon is 4 or 5 courses Lele brings to the table of seafood caught fresh that morning. Ask about the Spider Crab!
– Toma Clark Haines
Venice, IT
The secret to dining in Venice is to NOT order of the menu. Ask the waiter at this family run restaurant what you should eat today and he’ll give you the best meal in town with the best view overlooking Salute.
– Toma Clark Haines
Venice, IT
La Barca – The Vegetable Boat – is located just between Campo San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita at the foot of the Ponte dei pugni. It’s not only the most picturesque place to buy vegetables in the world – it also has a stash of typical Italian products in the store inside.
– Toma Clark Haines
Venice, IT
Venice’s only coffee roaster tucked away back behind Rialto. They also sell Nespresso capsules – which make a great gift for yourself to keep sipping Venice after you’re home.
– Toma Clark Haynes
Takes You to New York City
Kips Bay, NYC
Come for the Michelin-starred, transcendental omakase Chef Shigeyuki Tsunoda serves to a maximum of 10 guests nightly. Stay for the exquisite Ken Fulk-designed jewel box parlour bar, quite possibly the best room in Manhattan in which to while away the night drinking far too many cocktails.
– Andy Krantz
Tribeca, NYC
It’s a classic for a reason. Maitre’d Csabi Szekely and Manager Sonia Murga are giants in their field, creating an atmosphere that manages to be both a raucous party and an intimate affair.
– Andy Krantz
Upper East Side, NYC
Jean-Georges serves up Parisian cool in a refined Upper East Side townhouse.
– Andy Krantz
Lower East Side, NYC
Owners Brian and Richard posses an encyclopedic knowledge of fashion history and an unrivalled collection of its greatest–and rarest–hits. The modest storefront keeps the uninitiated away, while those in-the-know browse a dazzling array of vintage Chanel purses, jewelry, and clothing, a specialty of the store.
– Andy Krantz
Chinatown, NYC
Fine French dining with an undeniably downtown NYC twist. This Michelin-starred eatery is equal parts rarified and casual cool, an effect greatly aided by the charming and atmospheric interiors from Roman and Williams.
– Andy Krantz
Upper East Side, NYC
Thought-provoking design exhibitions in a space that itself is worthy of study. After your tour, grab a bottle of wine from the Café, head outside to the grand terrace, and enjoy a drink or two imagining Andrew Carnegie’s sweeping lawns are your own.
– Andy Krantz
Upper East Side, NYC
Located inside the Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue, this is the indisputable place to Breakfast with a capital B.
– Andy Krantz
