SUSAN LEVINE SPINS YOU INTO GAY PRIDE 2012

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SPINNING WITH DJ SUSAN LEVINE

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Susan Levine

It is Gay Pride weekend in NY and Pride is all about the celebrations and the music that moves the parties! So let's talk gay music! If I have to pick THE song that symbolizes PRIDE I think that the quintessential gay dance song is "I AM WHAT I AM." The song was originally introduced in the TONY award winning Broadway musical "La Cage Aux Folles" (1983–1987). It was composed in 1983 by Jerry Herman an openly gay man. "I Am What I Am'" was then recorded by Gloria Gaynor in 1983 and eventually became one of two Gaynor songs that became anthems for the gay pride movement the other being 1978's "I Will Survive." I closed the 2009 women's pier dance in NYC for the 40th anniversary of The Stonewall Riots with "I Am What I Am." The perfect song for such a big anniversary!

Since there is so much great dance music that is associated with gay dance club scene I want to give you some my all time favorite picks of some of the best dance music that has weathered the test of time. There are so many fierce dance songs that consistently resonate on my dance floors over the years and are also Pride favorites so it is the perfect time to give them their due. Who hasn't been compelled to shake their groove thing to the BIG female vocals that are infamous in the gay clubs. 

Here are some of my all time favorite picks:

I am having a hard time choosing which Whitney because there are so many. The one I love to sing at the top of my lungs while I am DJing would be "My Love Is Your Love" and I am loving the new remix Joe Gauthreaux produced. Of course who could resist the Jr Vasquez remix of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody!" And I can't leave out the Thunderpuss version of "It's Night Right But It's OK."

Deborah Cox has given us many big vocal anthems with "Absolutely Not" remixed by Hex Hector and "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here", always getting the crowds moving. 

I've had the pleasure of DJing for the amazing diva Reina once at pier dance and also at Cherrys On The Bay. "No One's Gonna Change You" is definitely a gay fav. 

Where do I start with Queen Diva Madonna? There are so many great Madonna songs over the years so how do I pick? My personal favorite is "Ray Of Light" which the one Madonna that crosses over to all crowds. Sunday, August 28th I will be DJing a Madonna lovefest at Cherrys On The Bay before she hits NY on tour! 

As I am thinking about the twinks idol Britney Spears, there she is on my TV talking about X-Factor! Old school "Baby One More Time" or "Toxic" (Peter Rauhofer). More current "Till The World Ends" and Irish producer Liam Keegan"s remix.

Put your hands up for super diva Mary J Blige because Moto Blanco has given us legendary remixes of both "Be Without You" and "Just Fine" which draw in a dance floor without fail.

Certainly Adele has added her voice to the list of big gay female vocals with "Rolling In The Deep." My 2 favorite remixes were done by Dark Intensity for a hard mix and Tom Buster with Kidzoy for a tribal beat. Last summer "Someone Like You" became the song of the summer and the Funk3d version blends the vocal drop and the beat superbly. Gets you singing and dancing.

I just Want To F*****G Dance

I absolutely must mention a Fire Island dance floor fav because it is just soooo gay. "I Just Wanna F*****g Dance" from the Jerry Springer Opera sung by Alison Jiear is the song, and if you have never heard it check it out on youtube above.

I could go on and on with this list but since we started with Whitney we need to end with Donna Summer. We've sadly lost two of our best female vocalists this year.

Since her death the producers out there are finally remixing all her greatest disco hits but first there was Rollo and Sister Bliss who gave us an incredible version of "I Feel Love."

I absolutely love "I Will Go" which is a reinterpretation of an Italian Classical crossover sung by Andrea Bocelli "Con Te Partiro." Very moving! Of course we can all relate these days to "She Works Hard For Her Money" and Alex Dubbing did an amazing new remix of the classic! So my darlings let's dance the "Last Dance" for love and PRIDE!

Empire State Of Mind

Speaking of PRIDE and music we all have proud moments in our lives and last summer in 2011. I was lucky enough to be the headlining DJ for the NYC Women's "Heritage Of Pride" Pier Dance "Rapture On The River" the day after gay marriage was passed in New York State. Talk about dancing PROUD! I dedicated the last song of the night to New York State with the perfectly remixed and moving Alicia Keyes/ Jay Z "Empire State Of Mind" mashed with Frank Sinatra "New York New York" done by the producers Chew Fu. There was not a dry eye on the pier!

Since the readers of Times Square Gossip like to be kept abreast of the hip and trendy happenings in our lives, I am DJing a gay fabulous event tomorrow night Thursday June 21st for PRIDE. South Beaches Lord's Hotel is doing a pop up hotel in NYC for Pride at the Hotel on Rivington. Super Producer Hex Hector and I are spinning two side by side events one for the men and one for the women for "Proud To Care" which benefits fashion designer John Bartlett's Tiny Tim Foundation. 7PM-1AM The event is free but you must RSVP at proud2care@gmail.com. 

Photo By: James Edstrom

 

CHERRY GROVE FIRE ISLAND SURVIVAL GUIDE

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP

THE ULTIMATE FIRE ISLAND SURVIVAL GUIDE

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 Sunset At Dune Point Cherry Grove Fire Island

With summer almost here, and I am already on the beach at Dune Point in Cherry Grove Fire Island, readers have been asking me how I survive out here. So I decided to write a survival guide on how to get by on a island, without breaking the bank.

Everyone knows on Fire Island things can be expensive. So over the years, I have figured out how to save a ton of money by having food and booze shipped to the island. Being that I stay at Dune Point and I have complete kitchens, cooking is a great way to just enjoy the ocean, without worrying where you have to go to dinner. And since Dune Point also have barbecues everywhere, I spend a lot of time outside grilling.

FOOD SHIPPED TO CHERRY GROVE FIRE ISLAND

You can get many things on the island supermarket, but the prices are a little high. I only go in there for things I may have forgot. But they are very nice in The Grove Market and if you miss something, you can always stop in there and get what you need. Besides, I spend weeks at a time out here, so I need to have food shipments.

Peapod is where we order from. You can get to their website by clicking on the links on this page. I order everything from Milk to Meats. Everything that needs to be refrigerated, arrives in coolers packed with ice. I order ice cream, beer and just about everything.

Have the order shipped to the ferry. Their address is 41 River Road, Sayville NY 11782. Put a note on your order that the food is being shipped to Cherry Grove or whatever town you are staying. The food will arrive and all you have to do is pay the freight.For me, it's always around 22 dollars. Well worth it. Make sure you meet the ferry to pick up your order.

LIQUOR SHIPPED TO THE ISLAND

J&J Spirit Shop. They will deliver right to the ferry. Call them at 631-589-3703. They take credit cards and the freight on the ferry runs around 2 bucks.

DINING OUT IN CHERRY GROVE

TOP OF THE BAY BISTRO

Celebrity Chef Stephen Daniello is cooking up 5 star cuisine at The Top Of The Bay Bistro. When you are in the mood to just relax and watch the sunset overlooking the bay, this is the place to be. Reservations are recommended. Call 631-597-6699. Top Of The Bay Bistro is located right off the dock. The staff is friendly and the Chef loves to make his rounds to the tables to see how everything is. The menu changes, depending on Chef Stephen Daniello's creative flow. This makes for a exciting dining experience. And Sundays for brunch they have the muti-talented Sybil Bruncheon performing. Nothing beats watching Sybil's show while having a Bloody Mary at the famed bar where many celebrities before you have been.

CHERRY'S ON THE BAY

For more casual dining, Cherry's On The Bay may suit you. They have a complete menu and your hosts Jaquie And Donna always make your visit great. No reservations needed, they are always ready to serve you. Cherry's also includes a huge waterside bar with famed bartender Johny Pool mixing in the afternoons. There are shows almost every night and DJ Susan Levine spins the tunes on a regular basis.The Christmas and Halloween parties in September are to die for. And Donna's pasta night, plays to a packed house. For more information you can visit their website www.CherrysOnTheBay.com . You can also call them at 631-597-6820.

SAND CASTLE

This is the former Jumping Jacks. Everything have been renovated and is located right on the ocean. In fact, it's the only place on the ocean side. Their number is 631-597-4174. They serve food and every kind of cocktail you can imagine. Jaquie And Donna from Cherry's have partnered with the former owner to create this new and exciting venue. Opening night this week, proved once again these girls know how to entertain just about everyone.

SHOPPING IN CHERRY GROVE

RAINBOW DREAMS

This shop is great. They have everything you need for your trip, sunglasses, beach equipment and wild and crazy gifts. For a wild night out in Cherry Grove, they have costumes, glitter and every accessory you might need in the Grove. The shop is located right in the Grove Hotel. They have also opened a new shop called Fernandys Fiesta Beach Shop, also located on the side of the hotel. This is a creation in progress, and we will update you more as the season continues. Already they have some cool stuff there, so check this out too. This is the place where everyone shops to get every accessory for a wild night out.

HOTELS IN CHERRY GROVE FIRE ISLAND

VOTED NUMBER ONE ON TRIPADVISOR.COM

Dune Point Fire Island

You can stay several places, but the only place I stay is Dune Point. Petra Brehl and Rick Dugas have taken Dune Point to 4 star status. Almost every room has been renovated, with complete kitchens and everything you need. Barbecues are outside almost every door and Dune Point is located right on the ocean. They have everything you need to relax on the beach or in several gazebos. 

Times Square Gossip readers always get a 10% discount at Dune Point. Just type in "GOSSIP" at checkout and the savings are yours. You can also call Petra at 631-597-6261 and tell them you want your Times Square Gossip rate.

For your off season adventures, Times Square Gossip readers get 15% off at Dune Point in September and October. Just type in the code word "TIMES SQUARE" at checkout and make your reservation. To see photos of the new renovated rooms, visit www.DunePoint.com .

Dune Point Fire Island has been voted the number one  place to stay in Cherry Grove, including the travel site Trip Advisor. All my regular readers know, I love this place and will stay no where else. You might also find us in the Dune Point offices on the dock writing Times Square Gossip. Hope to see you soon!

GET SYBILIZED AT THE TOP OF THE BAY BISTRO

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP

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 Sybil Bruncheon

The newest hit coming to the Top Of The Bay Bistro in Cherry Grove Fire Island is Sybil Bruncheon. Etiquette Expert Sybil Bruncheon will be hosting weekly Comedy Brunch Shows at the island mecca, starting Sunday, May 27th at 12:00 Noon. She'll be joining handsome owner Ron King, brilliant chef Stephen Daniello, manager-extraordinaire Roque Loret de Mola, adorable bartender Frankie Cocktail Fioravonti, and Sybil's private school-girl-chum Charity Charles!!...as well as the rest of the stunning staff!!! Great food, fun conversation, and special surprises!!!!...anything less would be...well...un-Sybilized!

THE RETURN TO DUNE POINT FIRE ISLAND

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP

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One Bedroom Apartment At Dune Point

As we sit here today packing and making lists, we are so excited about returning to Dune Point Fire Island, to Petra Brehl's and Rick Dugas ocean fantasy getaway. The premiere place to stay in Cherry Grove, just got better.

I know they are going to amaze me this year. The two hotel guru's, who run their ocean paradise, have traveled the world once again to garner ideas for Dune Point and then rushed back to put them in motion. They continued to rip apart whats left of the old Dune Point and renovated more rooms with ideas they garnered from their world trips. Everything from the European bathrooms to the most modern kitchens. No detail has been left out, I know, because all winter I am in constant contact with Petra. I love reading about her and Rick's adventures around the globe and I love hearing about the changes they worked so hard to accomplish.

The New Renovated One Bedroom Kitchen

They have designed Dune Point with the idea of going green as much as possible. Anything and everything that could be used or saved was. The solid wood walls were taken down and re-cut and re-designed. Any other person would just have ripped them down and put up sheet rock, but Rick and Petra saved as much as they could, to preserve the old world wood and fixtures.

Going green is also not a cheaper way to go. It costs more, but you do something good for the planet. Everything from light fixtures to water consumption has been thought of to save energy and resources. Dune Point is also almost completely run by Solar Power. This was one of the first things that was done to help stop the footprint of Dune Point on the environment. Petra and Rick care and it shows.

Looking through the photos of some of the renovations, I was amazed at how much they saved of the old antique wood. This must have been very hard to do. Every piece had to be re-fitted and re-designed. But this is something Petra is so good at. Designing. She is a master. I have written once before about last summer with Petra sitting on the deck with blueprints and designing each and every room. I was amazed at the detail and more amazed that she knew how to do this. Almost every room at Dune Point is renovated now, with the few left being done next winter.

There is no other place to stay in Cherry Grove Fire Island, if you want comfort and quality. The other places just can not compare. Every room has kitchens and all the things you need to be a master chef are there. There are barbecues spread all around the Dune Point compound for the outside chef. Since Dune Point is right on the ocean, for those beach lovers, they have everything you need. Beach chairs and umbrellas are right on the oceans entrance for you to grab.


FINE DINING 
IS BACK IN CHERRY GROVE
 @
  TOP OF THE BAY BISTRO


With master celebrity chef, Stephen Daniello returning this year to The Top Of The Bay Bistro, we now have a quality place to have a great meal and a great view of the Great South Bay. Those nights when I just want to sit at the bar or a table, and enjoy some of Stephens cuisine are very close at hand, as we are leaving for Dune Point on Thursday. Stephen will also be writing recipes for us on some of his best dishes and also has promised to stop by our Dune Point famed barbecue bashes to give us some tips. We hope Stephen will not be as tough on our cooking like Famed DJ Susan Levine was on our coffee making abilities. Last year she arrived late to our Dune Point Breakfast and announced to the world that my coffee sucked! Maybe this year, I'll have Stephen brew it!


DJ SUSAN LEVINE RETURNS TO
"CHERRY'S ON THE BAY"



Since I am on the subject of Miss Susan Levine, and her bitterness against my coffee, I am still excited to see that she is returning to Cherry's On The Bay. Nothing beats sipping a drink at the club, while listening to Susan Levine's tunes. Susan will also be writing for Times Square Gossip on what's hot in the clubs. Since Susan spins all over the country, she knows what everyone is listening and dancing too.

Cherry's On The Bay is always exciting and once again this year Charity will be in the house. He performances are show stoppers, and Charity is a legend in Cherry Grove. I love watching her shows while sipping some of the famous drinks Johny Pool whips up. She will be there every other Monday entertaining us as the sun sets over the bay. We also hear Sybil Bruncheon might be performing around Cherry Grove this season. What a summer this is going to be!





THE NEW SAND CASTLE ON THE OCEAN


Jacque Piazza and partner Donna Bianco, who own Cherry's On The Bay, have partnered with the old owner of Jack's and created a new and exciting venue on the ocean, Sand Castle. Being that this is the only restaurant and bar on the ocean side, I am excited to try the place. They have been busy all winter with renovations, and interviewed many chefs to make sure the dining is top notch. I heard they found a great one and I know these girls are going to make the new Sand Castle on the ocean a great addition to Cherry Grove. I can't wait to try it.



BOOK YOUR DUNE POINT ROOMS NOW


I will be in and out of Cherry Grove all season, depending when there are rooms. Dune Point has become the hottest place to stay on Fire Island. Looking over their reservations on their website, rooms are going very quick. As I said, we are leaving on Thursday and staying as long as we can. We will be writing Times Square Gossip from Dune Point offices on the dock and we expect it to be Dune Points best season ever. Everyone is discovering that you can have quality in Cherry Grove, and that is Dune Point. The new and improved clubs and restaurants are also making Cherry Grove the shining star of Fire Island.

The majority of the businesses in Cherry Grove are following Petra and Rick's lead. They are renovating, they are hiring top notch talent, and their customer service can't be beat. The places I know are good, you will read about here. The ones that are not, you won't see them on these pages. If you don't see a place written about on Times Square Gossip, you can assume they suck big time.

Once again this season, Times Square Gossip readers will get a 10% discount at Dune Point. Just type in the code word "GOSSIP" at checkout and the savings are yours. Or call Petra at 631-597-6261 and tell her you want your Times Square Gossip Dune Point discount. You Dune Point key also gives you discounts at the top restaurants and clubs. Just ask at check-in.

Photos By: Petra Brehl/Dune Point Fire Island

PETRA BREHL IS THE NEW AMERICAN LEGEND

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THIS AND THAT
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The New American Petra Brehl

Everyone that reads my stories on my adventures with my good friend Petra Brehl and her wonderful hotel Dune Point in Cherry Grove Fire Island, knows how much I love this lady. I was so proud when she texted me and said she passed her United States citizens test. I never knew she was taking one. I could not pass, they would throw me out.

Who would think that she would even have the time. She was in Europe over the winter, she was re-designing new rooms for Dune Point and a hundred other things. I do not know where she gets the energy to do it all. One trip to 7-11 for me, sends me to bed for two hours for a nap and then I am on the phone for hours complaining about it. I wish I could have the energy Petra does.

Petra has such a love for life. I have been so depressed lately. A text or e-mail from her really brightens up my day. I think this winter I lived in seclusion too much. But smiles were always brought to my face by looking at a happy Petra somewhere in the world on her Facebook page.

I also wish I could enjoy life as much as Petra does. She loves meeting new people and loves making Dune Point Fire Island the best for her customers. Going through the photos of the renovations of Dune Point made me realize summer is almost here. I will get to see Petra and Rick, I will get to see all my Dune Point friends and I will get some love which I really need these days. I will hear the stories about her winter adventures and I will get to see the smiles on her face. On the 26th, I pack my kid up, we pack our pet turtles and away we go to Cherry Grove.

I am so looking forward to seeing all the new Dune Point rooms. This really is the only place to stay in Fire Island. But the secret is Petra Brehl and her wonderful staff. The love, the friendship and the adventures bring smiles to my face. I am making my food order to be delivered to the island and I am so looking forward to my famous Dune Point clam bakes, where everyone that walks by is welcome. I can't wait to see Jana, Sona and the rest of the staff. I have been getting e-mails and texts from other guests asking what date I am arriving so they can book a room too. I am looking forward to seeing them all. Dune Point is a family, that's all I can say. And this is because of all the love Petra brings us. Her love spreads around Cherry Grove and her presence brings smiles to all our faces.

If anyone deserves to be a American, it is Petra. Her love for this country and her love for her friends, makes Petra a very special American. Me, I should be deported.

Over the weekend I will be posting the photos of the new renovated rooms at Dune Point. If you can not wait, visit the Dune Point Facebook Page. To book a room and get a nice discount, click the ad at the top of the page, and take a look. I can't wait to see all my friends and making new ones. See you at Dune Point Fire Island!



THE NEW FLU HITS TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP



It has been a very hard week here in Times Square. My son John got the flu over the weekend and I thought I would never get, because I had the flu shot. Next thing I knew on Easter Sunday, I got the flu too.

What a nightmare, I tell you. I was so sick and almost a week later, I still feel a little sick. It is hard to eat and I just feel dead. I am slowly coming back, and working tonight, but this week has been a nightmare. I really could not do many stories and I am so backed up. I just have not had the energy to return any phone calls and two were for me to do television interviews. I feel like I am in The Twilight Zone, I really do. I had to cancel all appointments, and my trip to have a meeting with lawyers today took so much for me to even get out the door. At least I got that done.

So some stories may be a few days older, till I catch up. I do not know how much I will get done tonight, but I hope with the help of a pot of coffee, I can get some things accomplished. I have so many great things to write about, and so many of the photos I got in are fantastic. I have to clean this apartment, do 10 loads of laundry and get this website rolling again.


TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP FOR SUMMER



Many new people will be joining the staff of Times Square Gossip during the next few weeks. I am really excited about this. Also some old time writers are returning to write about the summer again.

We will be covering The Hamptons, Hollywood, Las Vegas and New York City. You will be getting reports on my adventures in Cherry Grove as well as recipes from celebrity chef Stephen Daniello from Top Of The Bay Bistro. Famed DJ Susan Levine is also joining Times Square Gossip to tell us what hot and whats not in the clubs. We can not wait to hear her spinning at Cherry's On The Bay and we can't wait for her to tell me my coffee sucks. What a summer this will be!


Photo By: James Edstrom

DUNE POINT FIRE ISLAND IS SUMMER LIVING

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP
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One Bedroom With Ocean View

We are getting ready for another great summer at Dune Point. We are making a list and checking it twice. Everyone get ready for my famous clam bakes at my barbecue. This year we plan on Dune Point being the only place to stay.


Petra and Rick have worked hard all winter renovating more rooms. Their love for their customers never stops. There is a huge excitement in Cherry Grove this season. We have new restaurants and clubs opening and already everyone is running around getting ready for a great season. We plan on spending a lot of time there, writing Times Square Gossip and learning the hotel business from Petra Brehl and Rick Dugas.


It may be strange, but something fascinates me about learning from them. As I watched them last year, I was really amazed at what it takes to run a top notch hotel. I just thought you checked people in and checked people out. It is so much more. Last summer I watched Petra and Rick go over every detail on every customer to make their stay great. They would sit there in Cherry's On The Bay and talk about what they could do next summer to make things even better. Every detail, from the towels to the soap from Europe.

Large Studio With Ocean View

This week when I called Petra, she was counting pots and pans, silverware and even ice trays for the refrigerators. She wants to make sure every room has everything. Rick was checking every inch of the new renovated rooms to make sure they were top notch and ready to go. I will be out there early as always, because off-season is wonderful. I will be the first to stay in the new renovated room 12, right off the deck where I will be holding court. Ill be there around April 26th, the day before the hotel opens for it's new season. I hope to see some of my friends from last summer there and I hope to meet new ones.


You can catch all the updates on Times Square Gossip, to see all the new adventures we will be having. We plan on cooking lessons from famed Celebrity Chef Stephen Daniello from Top Of The Bay Bistro, and a crash course on how to make coffee that DJ Susan Levine won't complain about. Chef Stephen will be writing recipes and DJ Susan Levine will be writing on what songs are hot in the clubs. She will also be spinning the hits at Cherry's On the Bay. This is going to be one wild summer!


As always, Times Square Gossip friends, get a 10% Dune Point discount. Just type in the code word "GOSSIP" at checkout, and you're on your way for a great adventure. Or call Petra at 631-597-6261 and tell her you want your Times Square Gossip Discount, and the savings are yours.

You can look at photos and book a room at DUNE POINT FIRE ISLAND.

CHERRY GROVE TOP OF THE BAY RESTAURANT

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP

TOP OF THE BAY BISTRO
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Sunset At Top Of The Bay

We are getting ready to head out to Dune Point Fire Island next month, for a well needed vacation. Everyone that reads Times Square Gossip, knows how much we love our Dune Point and the people of Cherry Grove. We hope to see you there this season, and as always Times Square Gossip readers get a 10% discount at Dune Point on all rooms. Just type in the word 'GOSSIP' at checkout and the savings are yours.

After hearing rave reviews from so many people on Celebrity Chef Steven Daniello and his coming summer season at Top Of The Bay restaurant, we decided to do a little research on the history of Top Of The Bay, and we found it quite interesting. Anyone that is staying or visiting Cherry Grove this season, must stop by to enjoy the food, the drinks and the wonderful view of The Great South Bay.




History Of Top Of The Bay Bistro




Top Of The Bay Bistro has been a destination for over 40 years. Located at 1 Dock Walk in Cherry Grove, Fire Island New York it is one of the first structures you will see as you arrive on the pier and step off the ferry.


Overlooking the Great South Bay the structure began as a ground level series of local shops and a United States Post office. In 1973 the second floor was erected and this unique upscale casual island gem became a piano bar owned and operated by Frank Bradley and Danny Campbell. At that time it was named the Island Queen and its architecture structure resembled an old time ornate Mississippi Show boat.


As years went on, the Island Queen was famous for its Broadway, film, and musical celebrity appearances. It was a gay haven for all to celebrate and perform as the sun set faded below the bay. As the sun would set nightly the talented Frankie Piano, staff, cast of celebrities, vacationers, and homeowners would sing along to famous show tunes as night fell on this magical paradise.


After many years of making history and success on Fire Island, The Island Queen was sold to Amelia Migliacciao and renamed Top of the Bay. In the early 80’s a small kitchen with a dumbwaiter was added in the basement to serve food and Top of the Bay was born.


The menu prepared by Amelia had many seafood specialties, and homemade Italian favorites. Standing room only as the only restaurant other than the Monster owned by Joe Scialo were full to capacity every night of the week.


As years moved on and the 1990’s approached Amelia had taken on several partners and eventually sold the Top Of The Bay. It eventually closed in the late 1990’s early 2000 and sat vacant for several years.


Top Of The Bay Bistro was reborn when it was purchased and newly renovated by Ron King in mid 2007. A native of Long Island and a self made real estate developer Ron King has restored the structure and restaurants class, charm and a touch of the old history has been preserved. Now in its fifth successful season Top Of The Bay Bistro has been called the place to be! As Executive Chef Stephen Daniello and his staff prepares a Cajun French menu with a New American, and Italian Flare, along with local seafood Caribbean style specialties. This Island gem has been restored to perfection. Ron King (Owner) and Roque Loret de Mola( Restaurant Manager), along with Chef Stephen Daniello make sure that all details are covered to perfection, from your greeting at the door, to the ambiance’, music, fresh flowers, and entertaining staff that awaits to serve you Chef Stephens creations overlooking the Great South Bay.


Top Of The Bay Bistro offers Sunday Brunch, Dinner 6 nights a week and private parties. Reservations are recommended and they are closed Tuesdays. Top Of The Bay will open for special events or parties on Tuesday if requested. You can follow Top Of The Bay Bistro as a member on Facebook or on their website www.topofthebaybistro.com for summer events and reservations. You can also call for reservations at (631) 597.6028.


Follow Top Of The Bay's celebrity list, Fire Island special guests and hosts each season. Wednesday is 2 pound Lobster night, Monday is Frankie Cocktail behind the bar. Charity Charles as Charity and Charles, along with many more names and performances to be announced this season. Stay tuned for newly added talent and our weekly entertainment schedule.




About Celebrity Executive Chef Stephen G. Daniello C.W.C.




After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1987 Chef Stephens career began as a Sous Chef for World Cruise Lines In Manhattan NY.


Chef Stephen has been cooking for 35 years and has trained under Culinary Olympic Gold Medalists, Classical European Chefs and Instructors from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and Walt Disney World at the Buena Vista Palace in Orlando Florida.


During his time with World Yacht Chef Stephen was on board for Billy Joel and Christie Brinkleys wedding, Whitney Houstons/Arista Records Birthday Party, Bon Jovi’s Birthday , Marvin Hamlisch’s wedding, as well as private events aboard Malcolm Forbes Yacht the Highlander and prepared lavish dishes for Malcolm and his good friend Elizabeth Taylor.

After many years as an apprentice and traveling through the United States, France and Mexico Chef Stephen returned to New York and New Jersey to consult for various restaurants and restaurant grand openings such as Session 73 Tapas and Jazz in NY and the Historic Public House in Chester NJ.

The Celebrity Chef title was added to Stephens resume during a culinary music project with Felipe Rose the original Native American Indian of the Village People, and Gloria Gaynor, while working at the Empress Hotel in Asbury Park for Shep Pettibone co-writer of Vogue with Madonna.


In May of 2010 Chef Stephen returned to Cherry Grove, Fire Island NY and applied his culinary expertise to the islands much needed failing culinary reviews.


After recreating the seafood menu at Jumping Jacks Seafood Shack formerly Rachel’s and now The Sand Castle on the beach, Chef Stephen recaptured the audience with traditional seafood shack favorites such as their famous Lobster Roll, fresh fried clams/oysters, and homemade crab cakes.


On August 13, 2010 Chef Stephen was offered the Executive Chef position at the famous Top Of The Bay Bistro by owner Ron King. Now in his third season at Top Of The Bay, Cherry Grove Fire Island History is being made during the 2012 summer season as Chef Stephen and Ron King revive the celebrity sunset sing along and the Cajun American menu with a French, Italian, Caribbean fusion.

Photo By: Petra Brehl/Dune Point Fire Island

SUSAN LEVINE & PORSCHE GET STONEWALLED

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THIS AND THAT

Story By: James Edstrom
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The Legends Porsche And DJ Susan Levine

Considering it has been a very boring winter with not much snow or any real excitement here in Times Square, I had a wonderful evening with DJ Legend Susan Levine the other night. I just had to see her before the summer season started on Fire Island. On the famed gay mecca, Susan is always working and even when I get a chance to hang out with her there, she has so many fans coming up to her, I can't get anything much to say in without being disturbed. So it was a relief the other night when I met her for drinks at the Cubby Hole and then went over to Stonewall to see the superstar herself perform, Porsche. This is where the whole gay revolution started and it seems Miss Porsche has started a revolution of her own. The place was packed!

It was kinda the same thing in the village, everyone coming up to Miss Levine, but I found a secluded spot way in the back of Stonewall where we could talk and laugh without being disturbed. It was like a flashback to the past, but the club has changed over the years.



THE NEW VILLAGE


Gone were the old video slot machines where if you won the bartender would pay you. There were no orgy's in the men's room like the old days, drinks are not 3 bucks anymore and there is now a second floor that was filled with a lesbian party. Gone are the days when you stood out in front of Stonewall and you got harassed on the street by str8 people. I used to love that. I can't tell you how many times years ago when a str8 person would start a fight out in front of Stonewall thinking they were gay bashing and were so cool, only to be surprised when we kicked their ass and they were the ones running down the street like a crying queen. We used to be able to smoke at the bar and always were allowed to light up some good marijuana and no one blinked a eye. We had our own world and nothing could match it in this day and age.

I know I may sound like one of these old people who always say, "things were better in the old days", but they really were. The fight for gay rights and Aids has taken a toll on the gay community. Now that being gay is accepted everywhere, being in a gay bar feels like a str8 club. The gay community has been assimilated into str8 society and in a very big way this sucks. We used to have our own clubs, our own shows and our own identity. Now you can be gay everywhere.

As I looked at the young gay people in the club, I turned to Susan Levine and told her that they had no idea how they got here. They have no idea about the gay beatings, the gay murders and the harassment that being gay brought. They have no idea about the fight for equal rights, the raid on the village clubs where they could just arrest you for being gay. They have no idea how much fun the village used to be. Gay leather men walking up and down Christopher street, butch dyke lesbians fighting on the sidewalk, hundreds of naked men sun tanning on the piers at the end of the famed street. Yes, this was fun!

The str8 people have taken over the village. You can always see Sara Jessica Parker and other celebrities walking around with their children, high end stores are open everywhere, and gone are the days when every bar was open at noon time. Being accepted by everyone has cost the gay community their identity. I liked it better when all you str8 people hated us, I really do.

One thing that Stonewall has, besides it historic past, is bartender Tree Sequoia. This guy is a legend in village history. I first met him at a seedy bar called The Ninth Circle on West 10th street. I was 17 years old and Tree was the bartender downstairs. In the old days when you were young and gay, the gay community and the clubs used to take you in. You couldn't drink, but you could meet other gay people. You were shown that being gay was nothing to be ashamed about and you were taught gay life, because you really were not accepted in any part of str8 society. And the drinking age was 18 then. There was always magic in the air in the village and Tree was a huge part of that. You also had another famed bartender Johny Pool in those days. These were the guys a young gay kid could trust.

So watching these young gay kids at Stonewall was really surreal. Gone are the days when a young gay kid would be welcomed into a club. The drinking age is now 21 years old and anyone under that age will not be allowed into any club. Gone are the days when a confused young gay or lesbian could reach out looking for answers. As I watched these young kids ordering a drink from Tree, I knew that they had no idea that they were in front of history and even if they did, young kids do not appreciate the fight of so many people before them had, that give them their freedom today.



THE KEEPERS OF GAY HISTORY



Tree Sequoia and Johny Pool should write a book. These two were part of the revolution and it seems that this era has not been well documented at all. Seems that anytime gay history is explored on some television show, it's the same old thing. The Stonewall riots, the fighting in the streets for gay rights. I really believe Tree and Johny could shed some light on what it really was like to be gay back in those days. It was fun and exciting and being gay was a world of adventure. These two could help to preserve the real story behind gay history for future generations.



SPRING AND SUMMER IN CHERRY GROVE



Spring and summer is almost here. Petra Brehl and Rick Dugas from Dune Point are still busy putting on the finishing touches too all the renovations they did over the winter. I am so excited about seeing all the work done there. Remember Times Square Gossip readers this summer will once again get a 10% discount at Dune Point Fire Island. Just type in the word "GOSSIP" at your checkout to receive this. You might even see me in the Dune Point office, working on stories for Times Square Gossip. I might even check you in. Master Chef Steven Daniello from Top Of The Bay restaurant will be writing recipes for our readers and DJ Susan Levine who will be spinning at Cherry's On The Bay this summer, will be writing about the top club tunes. For all you West Coast gals, you will have a chance to meet Susan Levine in Palm Springs for The Dinah Shore weekend coming up. You can find out more info on FACEBOOK.



DO THE CHERRY GROVE WOBBLE WITH DJ SUSAN LEVINE



You have no idea what a great DJ is, till you hear the spinning Of Susan Levine. Spring and summer are almost here and Cherry Grove has her. Weather it's the top guest house Dune Point or dancing at Cherry's On The Bay, the excitement is about to begin. Fine dining is right off the Cherry Grove dock at Top Of The Bay and a new addition coming to the ocean side will be Sand Castle, run by Donna and Jacque from Cherry's. There is so much happening, I really hope to see so many of my new and old friends there. To experience the way gay life in NYC used to be, Cherry Grove Fire Island is the place to be.

Photo By: James Edstrom

THE SECRET IS OUT ABOUT GEM DUNE POINT

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TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP TRAVEL

DUNE POINT

CHERRY GROVE FIRE ISLAND
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Sunset At Dune Point Fire Island

Summer is almost here and everyone is already asking me about Dune Point in Cherry Grove Fire Island for summer 2012.


Many of my readers last summer, took my advice and took a trip out to Dune Point to experience GAY Cherry Grove and the feedback has been wonderful. Dune Point is the only place to stay in Cherry Grove, since nothing else matches the quality and the love you will receive from Petra Brehl and her staff.



I was very lucky to have stayed there so many times last season. It was hard, word has traveled fast and the rooms were booked up almost every day. A lot of my time was spent moving from room to room as I told everyone to book early, and the fool I was, I didn't. So Petra and co-manager Rick would arrive with their cart and pack me and my son up and we would move into another location, which was kind of cool. I got to experience many of the rooms, they are all different and they all have a different charm. No two rooms are the same.

Your Host Petra Brehl

This season is going to be even better. Petra and Rick have re-designed so many more rooms. New kitchens, new bathrooms, new everything. Almost every room is now brand new. Over the summer, Petra would sit outside my door with floor plans for Dune Point and design everything she wanted in the new units. She would mumble that there is no way I'm putting the bathroom there again or I'm moving the kitchen so we can fit bigger appliances. She sat there, plans laid out on the deck and she wrote measurements down to the millimeter. I was impressed. I was having a hard time figuring out where I was going to drink that night and here was Petra designing a whole hotel, pipes, outlets, everything.

Rick Dugas Relaxes At Dune Point

So I am very excited about this season. Because of Petra and Rick, other business owners are seeing the light and fixing things. They have created a new fever in Cherry Grove that has not been there for so many years. For years we have suffered in the dumpy hotels there, the bad stores and now this has changed almost everywhere and I am convinced it is because Petra and Rick. Dune Point is the place to stay and Cherry Grove is the place to be.


Cherry's On The Bay, the only place to drink and party is also expanding. The owners Donna and Jacque have brought Jack's on the ocean and are renovating it and re-naming it Sand Castle. These two girls are gems. Donna and Jacque know how to keep the customer happy and Sand Castle is supposed to have a high end food menu, which I know will be great. For years Jack's on the ocean has just been a dead spot for some reason. It's a shame, as this is the only place to party on the ocean and with these girls taking over, we are sure to have a hit.



One Bedroom Apartment At Dune Point Fire Island





So start planning your summer now. It's right around the corner and as always, Times Square Gossip readers always get 10% discount. Just type in "GOSSIP" at checkout and the savings are yours. Dune Point is located right on the ocean and steps away from all the action. All rooms are fully equipped with complete kitchens. All you need to bring is the food and you can have it delivered to the island by Peapod. To find out how, just click their ad on this page to arrange a delivery. They have everything you need and you don't have to pay the outrageous prices at the supermarket. To book a room at Dune Point, click HERE. You can always call Dune Point at 631-597-6261 to also book a room. Tell Petra you want your Times Square Gossip Discount.


Photos By: James Edstrom / Petra Brehl

SPRING, SUMMER, WINTER, OR FALL FRIENDS

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OUT OF SEASON
WITH
JAMES EDSTROM
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James Edstrom With Every Season Friend Petra Brehl

I never realized I needed to know what friends I had in what season. I never knew I had seasonal friends.

Everyone knows that after 30 years of going out day and night for photo shoots, I don't really like going out anymore unless I'm getting paid the big bucks to photograph it. I have photographed everyone from Madonna to Bob Hope. I've been around a long time.


I have photographed Golden Girl Rue McClanahans Christmas day wedding and went on the Honeymoon with her to get the shots. I've photographed the Rolling Stones to the B 52's. I have met everyone and anyone just about. I partied at the Limelight and Studio 54 and I have many celebrity friends who I can call at any time of the day or night to chat. I have been on just about every TV show including 60 Minutes and my adventures were always written about on every gossip page including Page 6, The Daily News, National Enquirer, Star Magazine and so many more.


I've had run ins too with some of the celebrities too. Mel Gibson and his bodyguard attacked me outside a club where I was doing a photo shoot at a Stevie Wonder party. They threw me on a bunch of garbage bags in the street and I chased their taxi till I caught it and snapped a shot threw the window. Mels head was in his bodyguard's lap and it looked like he was giving a blow job. Story went worldwide and of course Mel denied it. I was the first to break the story that Cher's daughter was a lesbian because Cher's people stole film I took for Kathleen Turner when my camera was in the coat check in a club, and then they chased me down the street when I confronted them with their theft. We now know she was really a man. I have story after story of my adventures with the rich and famous, some good, some bad.


But now that I am so much older, I like to stay home. All my readers know I adopted a homeless kid a few years ago who has had a very abused life. I spend most of my time trying to make his life good and a huge amount of time on Times Square Gossip. I am a hermit. Unless I am paid to do a photo shoot, I do not go out. I am invited to every celebrity party and I decline. Some stars or their publicists beg me to go out and I still decline. I just do not have the energy. I have everything I need in Times Square.

Cherry Grove Fire Island



MY SEASON IN CHERRY GROVE



My regular readers know my second home in the warm weather is Dune Point in Cherry Grove Fire Island. I spend as much time there as I can there, the place is so magical. The joy I have with Petra Brehl and her partner Rick Dugas who own Dune Point make my life livable. The many years in this business has taken it's toll on me. Cherry Grove is the only place I am really happy anymore. When I get off the Ferry, Petra is there telling me to smell the air, breath Cherry Grove. Feel the love. Within minutes I'm a new person. Petra marches me to my room and tells me to put on my Cherry Grove uniform and relax. For those of you who do not know, my Cherry Grove uniform consists of several fancy pairs of pajamas which I wear everywhere. I feel so at home, I feel loved.

Seasonal Friend Donna From Cherry's On The Bay

SEASONAL FRIENDS



I never knew till the other night that their were seasonal friends. I just never knew. When I am in Cherry Grove, the only place to party is Cherry's On The Bay, owned by Donna and Jaquie. I love these girls. I love writing about my adventures there and I think every club everywhere should be like Cherry's. The girls are gems and I miss them in the winter.


So I find out that they also have a club in New York City, The Cubby Hole. I really wanted to see my summer girls and wanted to see their NYC hotspot. They posted on my facebook wall that they were having a Christmas party on Saturday Night. As much as I do not like going out, I begged my kid to go with me. I wanted to see my girls.



Saturday night in New York City was cold. Real cold. I was in no mood to go out, but I forced myself. I kept telling myself I'll see all my friends from Cherry Grove. I told my kid that everyone he loves will be there and that convinced him to go with me. So we head out of our Times Square apartment into the cold and head down to West 12th street to the Cubby Hole.



There is a line outside to get in. I dont do lines. Every club in New York City knows who I am, and I never do lines and I am always marched to the VIP room and lavished with free drinks and anything else I need. I have to be or I just won't go to the club. I always end up taking photos and doing a story on anyplace I go and to me going out to clubs at my age is work.



So I am standing outside The Cubby Hole. I see Joe OooFaa the bartender from Cherry's. I say "Hi baby". He says hello and turns around. This is not the wild and friendly guy I know from Cherry Grove. In Cherry Grove I get kisses and a few laughs from OooFaa. Here on this cold New York City sidewalk all I got was even more cold. Then the door opens and out pops Donna from Cherry's. I say "Hey baby." She looks at me like she does not know me so I turn around again and say Donna baby there's a line. She looks sideways as if she did not want to see me and say's "I Know." Then she grabs OooFaa and a few other people and brings them into the club, bypassing the line. I'm thinking to myself what about me and my kid and I stand there for ten more minutes in the cold. Steve, The Chef from Top Of The Bay in Cherry Grove walks out the door. I give him a smile, but he looks away. The sidewalk just got even more colder.



REJECTED-WORTHLESS-GUILTY AND COLD



I'm thinking to myself what a big mistake it was to force myself to go out. I kinder feel like crying, I feel rejected. I turn to my kid and said let's go home, I don't wait on lines. I'm not being a snob, I just do not do lines. I would have taken wonderful pictures of the Christmas party and wrote a great story for millions of my readers to see. I now felt worthless and wanted to head back to Times Square and I felt guilty too, because I had to talk my kid into going out. He was disappointed at not seeing his Cherry Grove friends and so was I.



THE SEASONAL RULES



As I rode back to the safety of Times Square on the Subway, I was thinking, I have seasonal friends. I realized I broke a big rule. I realized that almost everyone in Cherry Grove are seasonal friends only. Most of them are my friends for three seasons. Spring, Summer and the Fall. Winter they are not my friends. I now know this. The only full time friend from Cherry Grove is Petra from Dune Point. Shes my year round friend. I can always count on Petra's friendship. I know now that I broke a rule, that I saw these people in the wrong season and my punishment was to sit out in the cold. I should have been arrested. I deserved what I got. If I ever see anyone from Cherry Grove on the streets of New York, I now know to walk the other way. I can't break the seasonal rule ever again. I'll have to wait till our season comes and that's that.

DJ Susan Levine

AM I IN SEASON WITH DJ SUSAN LEVINE?



It's a shame. I really wanted to see everyone. I have been wanting to go down to Lasagna Restaurant on a Monday night to see my favorite Cherry Grove DJ, Miss Susan Levine and another Cherry Grove friend Nunzio who is bartending there. I love Susan. No one spins like her. But now I'm scared after Cubby Hole. Is Susan Levine a year round friend, or is she seasonal. If I go down there will she love to see me or will she tell me I am out of season and have the chef throw Eggplant Parmesan at me. I just do not know.



I NOW KNOW THE SEASONAL RULES



I have learned. I now know the seasonal rules and I will never break them again. If I ever see anyone out of season, I will run and hide. I will not break the law again. I will wait till I am in-season again to see everyone. I just really hope when I arrive in Cherry Grove in May, that everyone isn't whispering when they see me that they heard I broke the seasonal rules this winter. I would be humiliated!


Photos By: James Edstrom