We took Joanne Chang, John Barricelli and Alice Medrich to the Hampton Classic. And Andrew’s take on their Fig Newtons, Pecan Squares, Brownie Bites and Salted Chocolate Chunk cookies were the hit of the party.

The Bridgehampton Florist outdid themselves at their own table
at this year's Hampton Classic

  

Joy Marks, a Hampton Classic
habituee, seemed to have
our colors in mind this year.

         The Hampton Classic Horse Show is a bittersweet affair.  It’s quite the party and attracts an amazing assortment of people.  But it’s officially the last blast of summer so it’s tinged with that strange Labor Day ambivalence:  Glad to see the tail lights of the August population who, it’s been noticed, seem to more “unruly” this year than in the past.  But still, unhappy that this perfectly beautiful summer is coming to an end. Looking forward to revving up our Fall activities.  Loathing the idea of leaving this beautiful place to return only on weekends and mostly solo as Andrew’s business keeps him in the city.  Nevertheless, we certainly celebrated the Classic in style. Michael and Jim are our hosts and The Bridgehampton Florist table was truly a show stopper. 

         Every year, Michael selects a color scheme and takes it from there.  This year, the color purple dominated although I have to say that somehow my camera seems to have registered the table as more blue than purple.  The table was filled with clematis blossoms in white ceramic vases.  At each place setting were exquisite napkin holders with more clematis blossoms in each one.  I can’t begin to tell you how many people stopped by to gape at how gorgeous everything was.  And this at an event where the table décor is just jaw-dropping-- and much of it the work of Jim and Michael and the wizards at The Bridgehampton Florist.  In fact, the editor of “Flowers” Magazine was there specifically to photograph the tables.  This new magazine is a glory to behold and we cannot wait to see the feature on our friends.   Its editor, Margot Shaw was a guest at our table.  Margot, who is from Birmingham AL, has a local connection:  She has cousins who have been in East Hampton for years.  These two charming ladies also joined us for plenty of local gossip and of course, fashion commentary on everyone who sashayed past our table.  

The Bridgehampton Florist did, among something like 15 others, the Bloomberg table for His Honor, the Mayor of the City of New York, Michael Bloomberg (Center) and his companion Diana Taylor (in teal blue hat), seen from our table as they entered the Event. 

        

Asian Pork in Lettuce Wraps from Chef Ryan Lowder

         Alright, I cheated little on this one.  The actual recipe is for something called “Pork Larb” but, when I first said that I was going to make a dish by that name, Andrew made a face and suggested that, for appetite appeal alone, I should change it.  Because there are so many things to recommend it, I am doing just that.  This sweet and salty, sour and spicy warm meat salad is the national dish of Laos.   There’s also a variation of the dish made in Northern Thailand.  This version seems to straddle the border.  It comes together in all of 25 minutes.  And the ease with which it’s made is matched by the fun of eating it.  You put the bowl containing the pork in the center of the table.  Next to it goes the refreshing dipping sauce and a platter of vivid green Boston or Butter Lettuce leaves.  Then everyone around the table just digs in.  And where did this recipe come from?  Salt Lake City, of course.