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

 

CRABCAKE RECIPE WITH STEPHEN DANIELLO

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 THE CELEBRITY CHEF

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 Stephen Daniello

Cajun Lump Crab, Corn, and Leek Crabcakes!

Yield: Makes 2 Crabcakes

1 can Jumbo lump Crabmeat

3/4 cup Mayonnaise

1/4 cup Dijon Mustard

2 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning

3 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1/4 cup Chopped Leeks

1/4 cup or 1 medium size Cobb Blanched fresh corn off the cob

2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley

1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

1/4 cup Canola oil for frying

salt and pepper to taste

Method: Gently break apart lump crabmeat and set aside until ready to incorporate with binding mixture.

Binding Mix: Combine Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Old Bay, Lemon Juice, Chopped Leeks, Blanched Corn Kernels, Chopped Parsley, salt and pepper. 

Note: Blanched Corn: partially cooked or blanched in water to make tender.

Combine half of the binding mixture to test consistency before adding the full amount for firmness. Shape and mold crabcakes to the desired shape and size.

Gently roll crabcakes in Panko and coat lightly.

Heat canola oil in a saute pan and fry until golden.

Heat in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

See Dipping sauce ingredients following Crabcake recipe.

Cajun Dipping sauce:

1 cup Mayonnaise

1/4 cup Dijon Mustard

3 Tbsp Horseradish

2 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

1 tsp Cajun Seasoning

2 Tbsp Chopped Parsley

Combine all ingredients and start dipping.


NOTE: Stephen Daniello  is the head chef at Top Of The Bay Bistro Restaurant in Cherry Grove Fire Island.

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!

CHECKING IN & CHECKING OUT AT DUNE POINT

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP

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Your Hosts Rick Dugas And Petra Brehl

Well it has been a wonderful stay at Dune Point on historic Fire Island. We have about a week left, then it's back to Times Square for a reality check. The people in Cherry Grove have been wonderful and as always Petra Brehl And Rick Dugas have made my stay another adventure to remember.

We have been trying to catch up on all the stories and photos for Times Square Gossip, as we have been slacking off a bit. Since I could not get a very good Internet connection or my son would not give up my laptop, Petra has been kind enough to let me work in the Dune Point offices on the dock and it has been so much fun. I have been checking people in and out and Petra and Rick have taught me the hotel business from the ground up. I must say this has been one of the most exciting trips to Dune Point. I have learned so much. 

I always bitched about going away somewhere and then I was told the room would not be ready till 3pm. I always wondered why if I check in at 3pm, why do I have to check out at 11am. Now I know. 

 John Brand And Aneta Brazinova At Dune Point

Petra decided that I could handle the hotel for a few days, and went away for a much needed break. She has been renovating more Dune Point rooms all winter and she needed a break. So I said I could handle it. I thought it would be a breeze, but I got smart real quick. 

I realized that you needed the few hours after someone checked out to clean the rooms, so my bitching in the past about rooms not being ready before three, will never happen again. And here I am in the office waiting for people to check out and they do not. I got the whole cleaning staff ready to move on the rooms and clean, but the guests are not. LOL. You will never hear me bitch about checking out late again, I will leave any hotel early now. 

Then there's the people who showed up at 11am in the morning when the check in was at three. They look at me like I made a terrible mistake and I should give them my first born or something. Each and every time this happened, I was horrified. I would text the cleaning staff and put a rush on the room, but there is just so many rooms you can do this on. Imagine if everyone showed up this early. I was very lucky for the most part, that the guests at Dune Point Fire Island are great people. Petra and Rick have built up a very exclusive clientele. I have no idea why they even let me stay, I am always a bitch. 

Soňa Pavlasová Česká And Petra Brehl Barbecue

This season at Dune Point looks fantastic. If you haven't already booked your rooms, do it now. Everyone has heard of the quality of Dune Point and for the most part, rooms are hard to come by now. But there are still some available, so head over to www.DunePoint.com and check. As always, Times Square Gossip readers get a Dune Point Discount of 10%. Just type in the code word "GOSSIP" at checkout and the savings are yours. You can also Call Petra at 631-597-6261 and tell them you want your Dune Point Times Square Gossip discount. Don't take my word for it, check all the travel sites and look at the photos on Dune Points website. Dune Points reviews speak for themselves. 

We will also be putting together a special September and October deal for Dune Point Times Square Gossip Readers. The off season months are also full of excitement. We celebrate Christmas and Halloween in September and October has huge events to keep everyone happy.

I would also love to hear about your stay, and if you catch me in the office, please check in at 3pm and check out on time. LOL. Only in Cherry Grove my friends!

Photos By: James Edstrom

 

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 SUMMER IN CHERRY GROVE FIRE ISLAND

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP

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The New Dune Point Studio's With Private Deck

Its been a wild week over here at Dune Point in Cherry Grove Fire Island. We have had some great sunny days and also some great thunder and lighting storms. It's all good and there is nothing better than staying at Dune Point and enjoying all the weather that living on the ocean offers. You never know what will be next.

Once again, Petra Brehl and Rick Dugas have outdone themselves on the new re-designed rooms. I am very impressed that they were able to go green and save so much of the antique woodwork. From the one bedroom apartments to the studio's with decks, everything is perfect. In fact, since word got around, the place is sold out for this weekend. Guests are having fun and enjoying just about everything in Cherry Grove.

Dune Point Rooms are going fast this season, The secret is out. Visit www.DunePoint.com to book your island getaway now. As always, Times Square Gossip readers receive the Dune Point discount of 10% off your stay. Just type in GOSSIP at checkout and the savings are yours. Or call Petra at 631-597-6261 and tell her you want your Times Square Gossip rate.

Celebrity Chef Stephen Daniello

Cherry's On The Bay is open and wild. Top Of The Bay Bistro is in full swing with Celebrity Chef Stephen Daniello sauteing up a storm with his 5 star cuisine and Sand Castle on the ocean is undergoing major renovations and should be open soon. Famed drink mixer Johny Pool has arrived and his fans are lining up at Cherry's for another great summer with the legend.

Dinner this week at Top Of The Bay Bistro was just a pleasure. Having eaten at all the top restaurants in New York City, and almost always being disappointed, it was such a change to have such great food. Top Of The Bay Bistro is the kind of restaurant we should have in New York City. There are no surprises and every course brings a new adventure. On your next visit to Dune Point, this is a must place to dine.

 We have also heard that the legend herself Sybil Bruncheon, will be appearing live at Top Of The Bay Bistro every Sunday afternoon. Check out her FACEBOOK PAGE HERE!

Since the season is getting in full swing, Chef Daniello has been expanding the menu. The Cajun Shrimp Beignets is to die for. The Split Pea Soup with Crispy Pancetta and Scallions is a sure bet to start with. My friends at my table were raving about the new Bayou Cajun Shrimp over Dirty Rice and a Cajun Rubbed Pork Loin. The Crispy Skin Long Island Duck with an Orange Raisin and Scallion reduction, was cooked to perfection.  Happy Hour starts 5-7pm! Reservations are are best to make sure you have a table. Call 631-597-6028!

Photos By: Petra Brehl & James Edstrom

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

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.

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

OFF BROADWAY'S LITTLE HOUSE ON THE FERRY

Little House On The Ferry

The New Off Broadway Show Little House on the Ferry: A modern gay love story set in the legendary summer resort Fire Island, New York. Twelve original songs, spectacular costumes and cameos by some of New City’s well known LGBT community members. Making his first musical appearance is singer COLTON FORD.


Little House on the Ferry is, at its club beating heart, a love story. It follows a group of friends in a share house one late summer weekend. At the center is Randall, our hero, who is reluctantly in an open relationship with his older boyfriend, Timothy. Joining them at the house is Donnie, the dotting and wise House Mom, the ever-popular Max the muscle boy, and their wide-eyed house guest Antonio. When one of Randall's old flames, Jake, turns up at Tea (happy hour), hilarity and drama ensues for everyone. In the world of passionate affairs and meat racks, pain and vanity, what does it mean to be in love? Between Tea and sunrise, we might just find out with our Little House on the Ferry.


November 3rd until November 20thOff Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre. 314 W. 54th Street (8th& 9th Avenue). The eighty minute show runs Wednesdays & Thursday 7pm , Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm & 9pm and Sundays at 3pm.


GET YOUR TICKETS HERE....


Photo By: Britt Carpenter Studios

DUNE POINT'S PETRA BREHL'S BIRTHDAY BASH

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CHERRY GROVE GOSSIP
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Birthday Girl Petra Brehl

The Girls Of Dune Point Fire Island

Cherry's On The Bay's Donna With Nunzio

Fire Island's Own Nicki With Petra Brehl

Susan Levine With Petra Brehl

James Edstrom With Petra Brehl

New York's Famed DJ Susan Levine

Dune Point's Rick

Jaquie With Petra And Donna Of Cherry's On The Bay

It's hot in New York City, but it got even hotter out on Fire Island for Dune Points own Petra Brehl's birthday bash.


For all my regular readers, you know who Petra is. She is the hostess at the only fantastic place to stay in Cherry Grove Fire Island, Dune Point. She is also the only one who I would make such a short trip for. Everyone knows, when I hit Fire Island, it's always for a week or so. But this was special, it was Petra's birthday and I had to be there, even if it was only for a night.


New York's top DJ Susan Levine was there as were Cherry's On The Bay Owners Jaquie and Donna. Everyone knows the only place to party on Fire Island is Cherry's and the only DJ to have is Susan Levine. We all ended up at Cherry's after a fantastic barbecue at Petra's home. Cherry Grove's Nicki was there as were so many more wonderful people who showed up to help Petra celebrate. It was worth the trip, even know I woke up the next day on Petra's couch hung over like it was 1980 again.


I am busy planning my September trip to Dune Point Fire Island. This is the time of year I love to go. We have the Christmas and Halloween parties at Cherry's On The Bay and you have never experienced anything like Christmas in September. There is something so magical about staying at Dune Point and celebrating Christmas at Cherry's. There is something magical about staying at Dune Point where love is always in the air. And always remember, Times Square Gossip readers always get a 10% discount when booking a room at Dune Point. Just type in the word 'GOSSIP' at checkout or call 631-597-6261 and tell Petra Times Square Gossip sent you and get your discount anytime of the year.


Photos By: James Edstrom