Southampton Inn kicks off season with barbecue bash

The Southampton Inn has been city dwellers' home away from home for years, with its 5-plus acres of lawns and gardens in the heart of Southampton Village. On Saturday afternoon, the owners celebrated the opening of their newly renovated pool and outdoor dining area with fine food and cocktails served beneath stark white canvas umbrellas.

Dede Gotthelf, Southampton Inn's owner (seen here, third from left, with Dick Soloway, Eddie Moan and Philip Gotthelf), was spinning through the crowd as guests enjoyed a refined version of classic American barbecue. The local Little Neck clams and sliced sirloin in Wolffer Merlot glaze kept the adults contentedly noshing, while kids munched on ripe corn on the cob and gooey brownies.