Metropolitan Report
  • HOME
  • DINING
  • TRAVEL
  • SPIRITS
  • WINE TRAIL
  • BEAUTY / FASHION
  • CULTURE / NIGHTLIFE
  • GIFTS / TECHNOLOGY
  • FOOD & WINE NEWS
  • CONTACT
  • CHATEAUX

First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally Kicks Off In Style

By Doug Singer

On a gorgeous morning we headed out of Manhattan toward the South Fork of Long Island. Our destination was East Hampton, for the First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally. Joining me was car expert and co-founder of Global Auto Exchange, Brian Dimetres. He would help to shed some light on the intricacies and history of these fine automobiles. 

As the ideal way to wave goodbye to a memorable summer season, the First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally was the epitome of luxury and distinction— an East End afternoon of exclusive world-renowned vehicles, gorgeous surroundings, gourmet bites and refreshing, top-shelf cocktails.

The glamorous, red-carpet inaugural event debuted at one of East Hamptons finest dining and nightlife venues, Georgica Restaurant and Lounge. With an invitation-only guest list of jet-setters, from celebrities and socialites, to media and business moguls, it promised to be an exciting day.

Founder Nathaniel Christian and Nikki Beach Midtown welcomed over 25 Million Dollars worth of exotic super cars, with Page Six editor, Richard Johnson, leading the inaugural drive through the Hamptons, cruising past breathtaking estates, polo fields, vineyards, marinas and the ocean.

Nathaniel Christian is a Ferrari enthusiast and collector.  The New Founder Nathaniel Christian, Page Six Editor Richard Johnson and Nikki Beach Midtown Owner George Lordanou. York native credits his passion and fondness for the history and craftsmanship of the vehicles as his inspiration for the event.

Co-Host Nikki Beach Midtown, is a hot new nightclub located in the vibrant heart of New York City and the latest addition to the brand. Nikki Beach Midtown combines classic beach club elegance with Manhattan sophistication. Since opening its doors in the heart of Midtown, the exclusive venue has hosted top events and welcomed many VIP’s and A-list celebrities.  

However, it was the cars that were really the stars at this exclusive event. From the enigmatic 1974 Dino in rare Prugna metallic, to the super exotic 2003 Ferrari Enzo belonging to Richard “Tax Doctor” Stein, the Ferrari's were as varied as they were exotic. 

The Enzo is an ultra-high performance Ferrari that represented the pinnacle of their F1 technology; with 600hp, a carbon fiber monoque and a price tag of over $1.5M, the Enzo is both a rare sight and a force to be reckoned with. 

This event offered the singular opportunity to visit Ferrari’s storied past as well as their hard driving future. Owners proudly displayed their 308’s and 328’s that an entire generation grew up admiring on the TV show Magnum P.I. Others brought out their modern machinery. Arik Kaslin was there with his all black, all business, 575 Superamerica which was obtained from passionate car collector and actor, Nicholas Cage. Ferrari of Long Island paraded many modern rides to salivate over as well. On display were several new California Spyders and ultra high tech F430’s. 

There was a buzz at the rally of an extremely rare Ferrari about to hit the market, namely a certain alloy-bodied 275 GTB that’s undergoing restoration in Italy. At $1.2M, the experts were calling it a bargain and a safer investment than your 401K. 

With beautiful weather, surroundings, automobiles and people, Ferrari Hamptons Rally is sure to become a classic Hampton’s event that will stand the test of time. 

Global Auto Exchange - www.gaxcars.com
Nikki Beach MidTown - www.nikkimidtown.net
By Michael Hepworth

​
What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I thought to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well, Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars , just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted into 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and finally, it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. The retail price is $42.99.

The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town.  The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes:

THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist

Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.

BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in
a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish

with orange wheel.

FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz  Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari

Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.

GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters

Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.



www.grandbrulot.com
Proudly powered by Weebly