Dan's Papers - August 29, 2008 - New Kids On The Block

Look...it's a castle, it's antiques, it's yard supplies, it's a party, it's The Rook. The Rook (next to Casa Basso) is a 120-year-old castle in the Seville style that was built in the 1880s (they think), by one Theophilius Brewster along with his attending sculptuary. You will know when you've arrived when you see the conquistador entry. The gold lion marks the door......the first fine art exhibit is Nature Morte: Fleurs du Mal et des Amis. Along with artwork and exhibitions, The Rook will also feature fine art glass, Murano, Venini, et al. Another interesting sidebar is the international debut of AEON, a custom bookbinder, printer and leather accessories company whose work is just as good as any European brand you know, and it's made right here on Long Island. They will offer custom letterhead on antique letterpress with archival typefaces. The Rook will also sell previously owned things, antiques. Antiquities and objects fall into two basic categories. Expensive and less so you'll see Van Gogh enameled matchboxes (guests get one, while they last) to sterling silver lighters, ashtrays, and cigar cases in the smoking section. Smoking is allowed. Also cards, (there's a Rook card game for sale, very Edgar Poe meets bridge) though gambling is not allowed. It is against the law. There are other things like The LightBox; a sensory delight for pineal stimulation should you like to look at things up close. Shopping in a castle, complete with turrets, for alpaca blankets from macha pichu Peru, or hand-made candles from South Africa. Out back on the deck overlooking the water is a variety of outdoor furniture, plant stands, and other accessories, mostly in wrought iron or earthenware. Inside there is a wrought iron dining table and chairs by John Salterini, mid-century furniture maker to Long Island's elite. The best selling line so far is by AEON, manufactured up island, luxury alligator and leather goods including frames, desk journals, wallets, and calendars for 2009 all in colors inspired by Van Gogh. Other offerings include antique silver and china, Murano and Venini glass and snakeskin pens. For kids there are miniature wrought iron chair/lounge sets and antique yo-yos. Eventually, the Moorish arched deck with new balustrades, finials, date palms, you name it, will serve as a shady hang out for books avec cafe during the day, and then turn into a party space by night. Please join the grand opening at The Rook on Friday, August 15th for the grand opening. They will have Prosecco Val Dobbiene, fruits and antipasti from 4pm until guests are gone...YOU WILL LOVE THIS PLACE!

Open Minded Community Concierge
47 Jobs Lane, Days Court, Southampton
631-287-1078

What used to be a shop named Clothes Minded for thirty years on Jobs Lane is now re-launched as a brand new business called Open Minded Community Concierge. The enlarged and renovated space at OMCC creates a venue for networking local businesses in the Hamptons by establishing a marketplace for clients who want to know the resource to go to for services. Participating vendor businesses are local, highly regarded and reliable, dedicated to providing excellence in their respective category of service. The mission of OMCC is to provide a network for the community by forming a link between vendors and clients. The dynamic engine for this new business will be the broad base of clients seeking exemplary concierge services. They are as dedicated to the vendors success as they are to providing a consummate level of service for clients; thereby giving them back the commodity they desire above all else...time! Open Minded creates a venue for networking local businesses in the Hamptons by establishing a marketplace for clients who want to know the resource to go to for services. Participating vendor businesses are local, highly regarded and reliable, dedicated to providing excellence in their respective category of service. Meet the principals Linda Miller-Zellner, Cynthia and Kevin Kolbenheyer and Michael Ryba as they officially launch their new business on Saturday, August 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. where there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the offices of Open Minded. Mayor Epley, the Southampton Chamber board, and various participating vendors will be on hand to celebrate the official launch. Thyme and Again will be catering the hors'doeuvres and a violinist will provide music. Everyone is invited!