From catering hall to sleek, outdoor lounges
Two friends dance to the music and lights at the club Body English at Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Body English is open every Tuesday night during the summer when 1,500 to 2000 guests arrive to dance and party. (July 13, 2010) Credit: Photo by Jason Andrew
Starry skies, lush landscaping and hundreds of people mingling outdoors, some perched on soft daybeds - just another weekend night in the Hamptons, right? Guess again.
Three Nassau County catering halls, which host weddings and bar mitzvahs, are getting into the nightlife business, setting up South Beach-themed outdoor lounges open to the public on certain weeknights. Here's a look at the scene:
BODY ENGLISH TUESDAYS
WHEN | WHERE 9 p.m., The Chateau Briand, 440 Old Country Road, Carle Place
INFO 516-918-2727
FORGET-YOU'RE-IN-NASSAU FACTOR High
THE CROWD Mostly mid-20s to mid-40s.
THE SCENE How does an upscale Hamptons-esque party begin to work on a Tuesday night in suburban Carle Place? A luxe outdoor space done up with daybeds, palm trees and a waterfall helps. The patrons look the part, says John McConnell, 30, a title insurance agent from Baldwin Harbor. He appreciates the sophisticated vibe, namely the lack of "sideways hats, dangling pants or form-choking shirts." Nicole Tursi agrees. "The people are gorgeous," says the college student, 24, who lives in Dix Hills. "It's a great place to break out that cute cocktail dress that's been sitting in your closet."
ON THE MENU Plenty to munch on - filet mignon sliders ($12), seasoned French fries ($7) and a long sushi menu ($7-$16). Specialty pizzas available ($14-$15) as well as a dessert tray sampler that serves 4-6 people ($30).
TABLE SERVICE Private, sheltered seating areas are available for groups who want VIP treatment (from $800). Bigger spenders can find themselves in shrouded nooks, some with fireplaces for chillier evenings.
COUNTRY CLUB WEDNESDAYS
WHEN | WHERE 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Carlyle On The Green, 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd., Farmingdale
INFO 516-501-9700, carlyleonthegreen.net
ADMISSION $12 cover
FORGET-YOU'RE-IN-NASSAU FACTOR High
THE CROWD Mostly mid-20s to mid-50s
THE SCENE The regal Carlyle on The Green overlooking several rolling green hills has hosted U.S. Open golf tournaments and other special events. On summer Wednesdays, it transforms into a classy indoor-outdoor space with separate areas for live music, dancing or just relaxing with friends. "I think it's great that you have the option of listening to a live band outside on the patio or a DJ inside," says Frank Loverde, 37, of Bethpage,who was there on a recent evening celebrating his wife's birthday. Patrons who sit out on the brick patio can watch the very last orange and pink rays of the sun set on the horizon - but hitting the large dance floor seems popular, too.
ON THE MENU Appetizers such as fried calamari and mussels oreganato ($11 each), plus sandwiches and salads. Entrees available at Taste 99, a restaurant connected to the club ($15-$21).
TABLE SERVICE Those who'd like bottle service (starting at $200) get a glowbox table with daybeds indoors or a vintage wooden table with plush chairs outside.
LIQUID WEDNESDAYS
WHEN | WHERE 5 p.m. Wednesdays at Woodbury Country Club, 884 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury
INFO 516-692-6200, liquidwednesdays.com
FORGET-YOU'RE-IN-NASSAU FACTOR High
THE CROWD Late-20s to mid-40s
THE SCENE The festive nightclub-style soiree feels like a ritzy Southampton mansion party. The space is punctuated by towering fountains streaming in a large pool that anchors the outdoor area. There are two bars, dozens of tables and a good-sized indoor dance floor. The feel is decidedly upscale, says Victoria Rada Koehler, 40, of Manorville. "My girlfriends and I were looking to be outdoors for the evening without being on the water and wanted to find a classy place," she says. "I have to say . . . I think I will be here every Wednesday this summer."
TABLE SERVICE Wines by the bottle are $45 or less, while most tequilas, vodkas and cognacs are priced at $200-$400. Reserved tables are set beside beach-style daybeds with room for two - larger spaces have couches and love seats.
ON THE MENU Feed a group with chocolate fondue ($40), a fruit and cheese tray ($36) or mixed seafood platter ($80). Otherwise, filet mignon slides ($18) or honey-chili glazed chicken-lettuce wraps are smaller bits ($12).
