Latest news with #Montauk
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Andrew Cuomo's sister-in-law allegedly used influence to try to help posh Hamptons club: ‘It's obvious'
Cristina Cuomo allegedly used her family connections to try to help the posh Surf Lodge in tony Montauk keep its crucial liquor and music licenses, The Post has learned. Long Island's The Surf Lodge — owned by Jayma Cardoso, a buddy of ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo's sister-in-law — was fighting to keep its licenses in 2019 amid violations with the State Liquor Authority and local town officials. Cardoso hoped to get then-Gov. Cuomo — through Cristina and her husband Chris Cuomo, Andrew's brother — to 'soften up' then-SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley, who was appointed by Andrew, reveal emails obtained by The Post. Cristina emailed Cardoso around that time saying she had spoken to her husband Chris about The Surf Lounge's licensing problems, and the venue owner seemed giddy. 'Hopefully Chris Cuomo can speak with w his brother to soften up the chairman. Finger crossed!!! Happy New Year!,' Cardoso told Cristina in her 2019 New Year's response. Cristina has held events at The Surf Lodge, and Andrew Cuomo — who resigned as governor over a slew of allegations in 2021 and is now making a comeback bid for New York City mayor — held a re-election fundraiser there in June 2018. Andrew has denied all of the allegations against him. Cristina ended up writing a name-dropping letter to Bradley on Feb. 6, 2019, on behalf of Cardoso. 'Dear Vincent, I hope you are well. By way of my husband Chris Cuomo, I got your email from my brother-in-law, Gov. Andrew Cuomo,' Cristina said. She said she was writing on behalf of her 'friend and fellow Brazilian' Cardoso, who faced 'potential license revocation' for overcrowding conditions cited by a fire-marshal inspection during the prior year's Labor Day weekend. The SLA had threatened to 'eliminate live music' at the venue as part of a proposed settlement with it so that it could keep the liquor license, the letter said. Cardoso was proposing to bolster security and increase access points into the venue to address the issues, Cristina told the SLA chairman. The owner also was willing to reduce live entertainment from seven to three days a week and end it at 8 p.m. every evening as a compromise, the letter said. 'Jayma has brought Grammy Award winning live music and culture to the Hamptons community for 11 years, and has attributed to Montauk's burgeoning tourism while other establishments have come and gone,' Cristina told Bradley in her letter. Cristina, founder of the health+wellness platform Purist that operates in the city and Hamptons, added, 'I cherish our family vacation time out East and the cultural outlets that make our enjoyment of the Hamptons all the more special. 'Thank you for your thoughtful consideration in preserving the arts and culture at The Surf Lodge and the Hamptons as a whole.' She then offered her phone number to Bradley in case he wanted to discuss the matter further with a call. As it turned out, the SLA's license was renewed. In the settlement pact, the owner agreed to pay $55,000 in civil penalties and limit music to three nights a week, stopping at 8 p.m. Upstate Republican Borrello, who is a restaurateur, said Cristina's letter doesn't pass the ethics smell test. 'This letter is trading on the Cuomo name. It's obvious,' said Borrello, who owns five eateries and knows what it's like to face the SLA. 'Andrew Cuomo fancies himself as the ethics czar when he was governor. This type of influence-peddling is certainly hypocritical for the Cuomo family,' he said. But Cristina defended her role in trying to help the Surf Lodge owner keep her popular establishment. 'I wrote this as a member of the Hamptons community to help a friend,'' Cristina told The Post on Sunday. 'She was in jeopardy of losing her music license. 'I didn't do anything wrong,' Cristina added. Cardoso did not respond to a Post request for comment. Andrew Cuomo is now the front-runner in the Democratic primary for mayor. His campaign denied that the ex-governor had intervened in the Surf Lodge based on the letter from his sister-in-law or any other interactions. Through a campaign rep, Cuomo pleaded ignorance on the topic and claimed it's much ado about nothing. 'We knew nothing about this situation and certainly took no action, but the fact this seven year old letter is getting shopped around weeks before Election Day shows just how desperate people are getting — this really is some bottom of the barrel stuff,' said Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
As influencers drop thousands on Hamptons getaways, here are the hot spots that are worth the hype
Ah, Montauk. Once a haven for eccentric fishermen, the coastal town known lovingly as The End of the World has become a place to see and be seen among the influencer set. While some insist Montauk is NOT the Hamptons (even if the maps say otherwise), the evolution of the place is undeniable, as evidenced by the brand new Bagatelle beach club that popped up just days ago on its shores, adding Montauk to the ranks of Courchevel, St. Barths, and St. Tropez. The 'out east' lore has become a siren song to over-worked city dwellers longing for a for a beachy getaway that is only a Hampton Jitney bus ride away. Social media influencers clad in breezy Zimmermann linen sets smile over glasses of rosé and $97 lobster cobb salads, hinting at an idyllic slice of coastal joy that is so close you can taste it - if you happen to have a few thousand dollars to spare. Should you embark on a journey to The End, it is imperative that you have a plan to maximize your hard earned money and time away from work. Where to stay The decision of where to rest your head is perhaps the most important choice in shaping your stay out east. Will you wake up to the sounds of the ocean, or will you wake up in a stranger's childhood bedroom that was converted into a vacation rental? While some say that a shared house is the ideal way to enjoy the Hamptons, the fact is, most share houses are situated in residential neighborhoods that are not necessarily near a beach. Driving to the beach also poses a challenge, as parking passes are often required (and in short supply). Many of these homes also do not have a pool - and the ones that do are not much cheaper than a hotel. To ensure that your beach vacation actually includes a beach, smart travelers may consider a stay at Marram Montauk - one of the few hotels that sits along the water rather than further inland. To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the hotel provided Daily Mail with a look at its luxurious offerings - including ocean front rooms, daily yoga, world class surf instruction, and top notch food from Mostrador, the in-house restaurant. Each guest room is luxuriously appointed with high thread count linens by Frette and indulgent soaps by high-end parfumier Le Labo. Views from the oceanfront suites are unmatched. Sip coffee on your balcony and watch the surfers ride the legendary Montauk waves - or try your hand on a board with a lesson from the famous Engstrom family, who operate a surf shack on the premises. Room rates at Marram start as low as $207 per night during the month of June, but can soar to as much as $1515 per night during the high season in August. Plan ahead to get the best prices. Where to eat One of the most charming aspects of a stay in the Hamptons is that breakfast is deeply engrained in the culture. A fluffy pastry and an iced coffee are essential to starting the day off right. Mostrador makes all of its pastries in-house, making it a must-visit destination in the area, specifically for its Medialunas - Argentinian croissants - which sell out every morning. At lunch time, did at the hotel or make your way over to Duryea's - a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the water. The restaurant has gone viral for its $97 lobster cobb salad, which I grudgingly admit is worth every penny. The massive bowl of lettuce, bacon, and seafood is enough to feed an army, so be sure to bring at least four people to enjoy it with (and to split the bill). Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, which will have you questioning whether you are still in New York. For snacks, Round Swamp Farm is a must-visit, even if only to say that you went. Round Swamp is a high-end grocery store which has been erroneously accused of selling $40 chicken tenders. They are actually $22.99, and while that is still not cheap, it is not far off from the rising price of food at major restaurant chains. As for the taste, while the tenders are perfectly crispy and juicy, they are lacking in flavor. If you are seeking the best chicken of your life, you are better off visiting an actual restaurant. However, Round Swamp's baked goods and produce are another story. Pick a ripe peach and a bag of Campfire Cookies (priced at $12.99). For dinner, head over to The Grill at Ruschmeyers to dine at what can only be described as an elegant summer camp for adults. Indulge in anything from caviar-topped crudo to the restaurant's self-described 'Best Burger in Montauk.' While I have not tasted every burger in Montauk, I can confirm that this one is pretty darn good. Where to go out If morning yoga and surfing lessons haven't worn you out for the day, Montauk has no shortage of nighttime activities - in fact it is arguably the nightlife epicenter out east. While much has been said of the scene at Surf Lodge, (viral videos have documented the daunting task of gaining entry, with some paying up to $500 to get in) 2025 has brought fresh opportunities for party people to get their fix. Celebrated nightclub Gospel NYC is having a summer pop-up inside Ruschmeyer's, offering guests the opportunity to rage all night before crashing in a luxe cabin, stocked with sumptuous Byredo soaps. For those traveling with families, or who simply have no desire to party, Marram offers a truly glorious beachside bonfire, complete with s'mores. After a jam-packed weekend, a spa day is crucial. Head to Naturopathica spa in East Hampton (there is another location soon to follow at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Treat yourself to a facial followed by some shopping on Main Street before heading back home to the grind of work.
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
GridFree AI Secures $5 Million to Revolutionise Modular AI Data Centres
GridFree AI has secured $5 million in funding to fast-track the deployment of modular artificial intelligence data centres, signalling a significant shift in how computational infrastructure will be developed and scaled worldwide. The funding round, led by Montauk Climate alongside other strategic investors, aims to support GridFree AI's ambition to optimise the construction, operation, and scalability of AI data centres with a modular, climate-conscious approach. Emerging from stealth mode, GridFree AI presents itself as a pioneer in addressing the growing demand for specialised data centre facilities designed specifically for AI workloads. Traditional data centres face challenges around energy consumption, heat management, and adaptability to rapidly evolving AI hardware. GridFree AI's modular design concept proposes flexible, pre-fabricated units that can be deployed quickly, expanded incrementally, and customised for various AI applications, potentially reducing build times and environmental impacts. The company leverages advanced software tools for data centre design and operations, integrating machine learning algorithms to optimise cooling efficiency, energy usage, and hardware placement. This approach promises to lower operational costs while increasing reliability and performance for AI services that require vast computational power. Industry experts note that as AI models grow exponentially in size and complexity, infrastructure demands will outpace traditional data centre capacities unless innovation in design and deployment accelerates. ADVERTISEMENT Montauk Climate, a venture capital firm focused on climate technology, identified GridFree AI's vision as aligned with sustainable technology development goals. Montauk's investment reflects a broader industry trend toward greener computing infrastructure, prompted by mounting regulatory pressure and corporate commitments to reduce carbon footprints. The funding is expected to support GridFree AI's product development, scaling of manufacturing capabilities, and expansion into key markets where AI data centre demand is surging, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. GridFree AI's founders bring deep expertise from the cloud computing and hardware industries, with backgrounds at major technology firms and startups specialising in data centre management and AI hardware innovation. The founding team emphasises that modularity is not merely about physical building blocks but also about creating a software-driven ecosystem for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and automated scaling, thereby increasing the agility of data centre operations. Industry analysts highlight the growing significance of modular data centres, especially those designed for AI workloads, as enterprises and cloud service providers seek faster deployment and cost-effective scaling. The modular approach contrasts with the traditional monolithic data centre builds, which are capital-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring years to become operational. By pre-fabricating modules in controlled environments, GridFree AI claims it can shorten deployment cycles from months or years to weeks. Market demand for AI-specific infrastructure is expected to grow sharply, with forecasts estimating that AI compute workloads will represent an increasing share of global data centre energy consumption. GridFree AI's focus on integrating energy-efficient cooling systems, including liquid cooling and advanced airflow management, aims to mitigate these environmental impacts. The company also highlights the use of renewable energy integrations and smart grid compatibility as core components of its design philosophy. The announcement comes amid intensifying competition in the AI infrastructure sector, with major cloud providers investing billions into building hyperscale AI data centres and startups emerging with specialised hardware and cooling solutions. GridFree AI's modular and scalable model could appeal to organisations needing customisable AI computing capacity without the commitment to large, fixed facilities. ADVERTISEMENT Some industry voices express cautious optimism about the potential of modular data centres to address capacity and sustainability challenges but stress the need for robust interoperability standards and proven performance metrics. GridFree AI is reportedly conducting pilot projects with select clients to validate its technology and refine deployment processes. Experts also point out that while modularity offers flexibility, integrating modules into existing infrastructure and managing distributed data centre networks presents logistical and technical complexities. GridFree AI's strategy includes developing a comprehensive management platform to coordinate operations across multiple sites, aiming to deliver seamless user experiences and operational efficiency. The company's plan includes partnerships with hardware vendors, energy providers, and cloud operators to build an ecosystem that supports end-to-end AI data centre solutions. With the injection of fresh capital, GridFree AI is poised to accelerate product development and broaden its market reach at a critical moment when demand for AI compute power is surging globally.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
A New Bagatelle Collab Refreshes Gosman's Dock In Montauk
Charred octopus from Bagatelle thetravelbudsstudio Yet another Manhattanite is making its mark in Montauk. The iconic Gosman's Dock on the Montauk waterfront has been rebranded and re-envisioned as Gosman's Dock by Bagatelle. The collaboration with luxury hospitality group Bagatelle Group, which runs the well-known bistro Bagatelle in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, includes a revamp of the octogenarian destination for beachgoers over the last 80-plus years. Located at 500 W Lake Dr, Gosman's is well-known as one of the best places to watch the sunset, and the sprawling property is always teaming with families and dogs licking ice cream cones, scarfing down lobster rolls, and wandering the beachy paths. New for the summer 2025 season, which kicks off on Thursday, May 29, the luxurious reimagining of Gosman's keeps the area's distinct dining spaces while adding an elevated culinary vision. The original fish market, which offers both retail and wholesale local seafood, remains independently operated, and continues to provide fluke, clams, oysters and more to the surrounding restaurants. "This collaboration is focused on embracing the qualities that made Gosman's a mainstay of the Montauk lifestyle scene through preservation over renovation. Bagatelle's ability to understand and embody the communities in which it operates made them the perfect partner for this endeavor," said Gosman's Dock owner Stephen Deckoff. 'We're thrilled to have an opportunity to help maintain one of Montauk's beloved landmarks. We are proud to build something worthy of the community that has given us so many wonderful personal memories.' Gosman's Dock by Bagatelle is now home to the new Bagatelle Brasserie, plus the original Topside Rooftop Restaurant and Bar and well-known Gosman's gems: The Ice Cream Parlor, Inlet Café, and the iconic Clam Shack, where you can order at the window and enjoy crisp fried clam strips on the water. 'Montauk's Gosman's Dock is a cherished part of the community, and we are honored to reimagine it with care and creativity,' says Rémi Laba, co-founder of Bagatelle Group. 'Our goal is to celebrate its legacy while introducing fresh, elevated experiences that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.' Designer Sam Baron added some Côte d'Azur-inspired charm and Hamptons elegance to the area that, until recently, felt more nostalgic than chic. Now, terracotta-paved terraces, blue and white striped details, plus newly planted lavender and beach grasses to amp up the natural elements across the property. The new culinary program, led by chefs Rocco Seminara, Manon Santini, and Rémi Chevallier, highlights Mediterranean-inspired dishes and emphasizes seasonality and local produce. Signature plates on the Bagatelle Brasserie opening menu include tuna tartare with avocado and espelette pepper vinaigrette, sea bass carpaccio, linguine with grilled lobster in a bergamot shellfish broth, locally-sourced oysters, barbecued catch of the day, and wood-fired pork ribs lacquered with spiced citrus honey. Sea bass carpaccio at Bagatelle thetravelbudsstudio The dessert menu by World Champion Pastry Chef Manon Santini includes Manon's award-winning Jivara chocolate pizzetta with caramelized hazelnuts and orange blossom beignets with milk chocolate and ginger sauce. To drink, a vibrant bar program celebrating local ingredients to capture the flavors of summer via cocktails. Think citrus-forward spritzes, herb-infused gimlets, and frozen delights perfect for sunny Montauk afternoons. The wine list focuses on French and international varietals, including crisp Provençal rosés and bold, coastal whites, designed to pair perfectly with the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Kygo's Palm Tree Crew Invests In Nightlife Hotspot Mary Lou's As It Plots National Expansion
A rendering of Mary Lou's Montauk. Palm Tree Crew is turning up the volume on its hospitality game - this time by backing one of the buzziest names in nightlife. The brand, co-founded by global DJ Kygo and longtime manager Myles Shear, is making a strategic investment in Mary Lou's, the high-energy dining-meets-nightlife concept from Mama Hospitality. Mary Lou's made a splash with its debut in Palm Beach earlier this year, earning a rep for combining great food, inventive cocktails, and a party atmosphere that doesn't take itself too seriously. Now, it's heading to Montauk just in time for summer—and Palm Tree Crew is helping power the expansion. The partnership is more than just a financial boost. Palm Tree Crew and Mama Hospitality are launching a joint holding company to guide Mary Lou's as it grows into new markets across the U.S. and evolves the concept even further. It's a big step for Palm Tree Crew, which has been steadily growing beyond its music festival roots into a broader lifestyle and hospitality brand. 'Mary Lou's is exactly the kind of bold, culturally attuned concept we look for as we continue to build the Palm Tree Crew hospitality portfolio,' said Myles Shear, co-founder of Palm Tree Crew. 'It's more than a restaurant or a club—it's a fully immersive experience that speaks to a new generation of consumers looking for something memorable, social, and story-worthy. We're excited to help bring this to more consumers around the country.' A rendering of Mary Lou's Montauk. The Montauk opening is a big next step and a test for the concept's ability to scale while keeping its signature vibe intact. But with the weight of Palm Tree Crew behind it, Mary Lou's is better positioned than ever to bring its playful, immersive take on nightlife to other culturally rich destinations across the country. For Palm Tree Crew, the investment builds on a broader strategy to turn its brand into a full-fledged hospitality powerhouse. The company has recently launched or announced several destination venues in cities including Las Vegas, Miami, and Orlando, alongside its growing slate of global music festivals. On the venture side, Palm Tree Crew has made notable investments in culturally relevant, celebrity-adjacent brands, including Jake Paul's men's body care label W; social music discovery app Hook; and canned cocktail brand SIPMARGS, where Palm Tree Crew also helped bring in influencer Alix Earle as a lead investor. According to Mary Lou's co-founders Alex Melillo, Joe Cervasio, and Topher Grubb, the partnership represents a natural evolution of both companies' missions to create memorable, culturally resonant experiences. 'From day one, partnering with Kygo, Myles, and Palm Tree Crew felt like a natural progression for our brand,' said Melillo. 'We're all driven by the same passion to create unforgettable moments and world-class experiences that resonate deeply with people. This collaboration brings together a powerhouse team that truly understands how to shape culture on a global scale.' With the addition of Mary Lou's, the company is positioning itself to extend its influence from daytime events into nightlife and late-night culture. Mary Lou's Montauk is set to open its doors this summer and will serve as a litmus test for the concept's ability to scale while keeping its signature vibe intact. But with the weight of Palm Tree Crew behind it. As nightlife, music, and dining continue to merge into hybrid experiences, this move signals Palm Tree Crew's intent to lead the charge.
