Martha Stewart Brings Her Flair for Perfection to Southampton

Patrick McMullan

Without even saying “It’s a good thing,” Martha Stewart’s reassuring presence sanctions any project. This past weekend, the occasion was a swank party in Southampton attended by a who’s who of who’s out east: from Brooke Shields to Chuck Scarborough to Alina Cho. The event was designed by Bronson Van Wyck and photographed by Patrick McMullan. And, because the party was organized by Peggy Siegal, the concept was high-minded, bringing cultural awareness to a great literary cause: The House of Speakeasy Bookmobile delivering books to children in underserved neighborhoods. The founder and author Amanda Foreman introduced a panel of writers on architecture, Peter Pennoyer and Paul Goldberger, joining Martha Stewart (that makes it Peter, Paul and Martha, someone quipped) to discuss the Coopers Neck Lane site, owned by David Walentas and now on the market. So yes, that’s culture/ cause/ commerce.

Noted architecture critic Paul Goldberger, in his book DUMBO: The Making of a Neighborhood and the Rebirth of Brooklyn, distinguished the real estate developer David Walentas from the more, shall we say, crass minded in his field: he loves buildings. That love was evident in this special house of unusual red brick, a signature feature of the architecture of Grosvenor Atterbury, the subject of Peter Pennoyer’s book showcased at this event. Because the ocean is visible from the house’s third floor dormers, Walentas who is 83, graciously offered to guide visitors up the stairs in medias renovation.

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An extra bonus for the evening: we moved on to Union Steak & Sushi for a superb dinner of lobster bisque and Porterhouse. Having been there earlier in the week for lunch at their Union Burger Café, I found their outdoor setting as pleasing as their corn fritters, fries, and burgers of course. Now I know where to dine in Southampton!!!!!