New Year’s Eve in the Hamptons
DJ Theo and friends in a poster for his spin session at Southampton's 75 Main on Feb. 19. (Undated) Credit: Handout
Nightlife in the Hamptons in the winter is nearly diametrically opposite the summertime expericence. Much of the fabulous and famous crowd has either returned to its Manhattan enclave or is off chasing the sun closer to the equator – leaving locals mostly to themselves. The nightspots that do stay open between November and May tend to end up seeing mostly low-key happenings.
That doesn’t mean the East End doesn’t know how to party year-round, and come New Year’s Eve both the community and those visiting from “up-island” (the term used frequently in the Hamptons to describe Long Island west of Westhampton) can find some events that are quite crowded and all-around summer-ish in scope. Here are three worthy of consideration for welcoming 2012:
“Back to the New Year” at Gurney’s Inn
WHERE/ WHEN: Gurney's Inn Resort & Spa: 290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk; 631-668-2345, gurneysinn.com, 7 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $135
THE DEAL: In what may be all of Long Island’s most interesting NYE affair, the hotel is throwing a party themed around the 1985 sci-fi movie “Back to the Future,” and guests are invited (but not required) to dress up like Biff, Doc Brown or any other of the film’s characters (think either 1950s or 1980s garb – or just download the movie for more ideas). There will be an “Enchantment Under The Sea” cocktail party, a sit-down five-course dinner, a raffle, all-night top-shelf open bar and music by Tom Costello and The Marty McFly Review.
Phao’s 4th Annual Masquerade Party
WHERE/ WHEN: Phao: 29 Main St., Sag Harbor; 631-725-0101, phaorestaurant.com, 10 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $35 general admittance before midnight, $25 after; $100 for full package.
THE DEAL: It is in fact a masquerade party, and the $100 package not only includes a three-hour open bar (11 p.m.-2 a.m.), but a mask. Those who only pay the door cover get a cash bar and will need to bring their own disguise (and remember: This is a “masquerade” not Halloween, so try for a classier style of face concealment). All who arrive before midnight score a free Champagne toast and passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as music from DJs Tone Tigga and Matty Nice (table service is also available, call ahead for details and reservations).
New Year's Eve at 75 Main
WHERE/ WHEN: 75 Main: 75 Main St., Southampton; 631 283 7575, 75main.com, 8 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $20
THE DEAL: Proving that he is Hamptons-dedicated for all seasons, DJ "Theo" Pisani (usually found working at Neptune Beach Club in Quogue during the summer) will spin a session of electronic dance music starting at 11 p.m., following a set from the eclectic Sag Harbor-based Jim Turner’s Band. Also appearing: 105.3-FM “Party105” personality “Goumba Johnny” Sialiano. Call ahead to reserve dinner packages or for more information.
