The Curbed Cup, our annual award to the Hamptons neighborhood of the year, has whittled the sixteen towns/villages/hamlets vying for the prestigious fake trophy down to eight. This week will decide which of those remaining areas move onto to the final round for a shot at Curbed Cup glory. Voting for each pairing ends 24 hours after it begins. Let the eliminations commence! Please remember—no wagering.
Westhampton and Westhampton Beach are new to the Cup, but strong contenders, having upset number one seed Montauk last week. There's a thriving arts scene in Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, and the new Hamptons Business District at the airport, which includes a new Tate's. Westhampton is of course known for beautiful beaches, especially Cupsogue, and boasts some great restaurants as well such as The Patio. Plus? No traffic nightmares.
Water Mill had some big real estate sales this year, although Villa Maria is still on the market after a big pricechop. Jason Kidd sold his beautiful house. New restaurant Via del Mare opened in the former Mirko's spot, and Robert's closed after 15 years on Montauk Highway. The saga of Matt Lauer's horse farm continued: he's now requested another extension on his landscaping plan. Shops, as always in the Hamptons, come and go, although we were sad to see Out of the Closet shutter.