Ai, Caramba! A Brazilian Solstice

By Katlean de Monchy–

The end of June is a great time to host a summer party in the Hamptons. What’s wrong with people who don’t come to the Hamptons until July? June, these days, is definitely summertime.

David and Elizabeth Steimberg, at home, definitely in the spirit of Brazil. (Photo credit: Patrick McMullan/PMC)

David Weiner and Elizabeth Steimberg hosted their annual summer solstice party for 100 friends. This was at their stunning home in Watermill.

The invitation said “Wear feathers!” And guests obliged, including myself. Interestingly enough Colleen Rein wore the same head dress that I did. She used hers as a fan.

Elizabeth and I wore feathers on our heads. (Photo credit Patrick McMullan/PMC)

Elizabeth Steimberg won for creativity with her beautiful pink-and-white feather dress. Jill Brooke, the doyenne of flowers with her FlowerPowerDaily website, noted that “Elizabeth also very creatively mixed feathers with pink-and-purple flower arrangements,” by Dutch Petals in Southampton.

Jill Brooke and Nancy Pearson (Photo credit: Patrick McMullan/PMC)

The Brazilian theme was a great inducement for people to let down their hair, those who had some, since we all know Brazilians like to party. Were there any Brazilians there? (Let me think! Of course, the singer!)

Bill Luby and Ramona Singer (Photo credit: Patrick McMullan/PMC)

The food, both passed and the Brazilian grilled food served as a main course, was authentic. Perhaps some was unfamiliar, including the farofa, a side dish made of toasted yuca flour. Call it yuca, manioc or tapioca, it is widely used in Brazilian recipes and has a distinctive taste. Thank goodness there were tables, otherwise the picanha steak skewers (delish) would have been impossible to handle.

Elizabeth and her husband set the tone for dancing. (Photo credit: Patrick McMullan/PMC)

The weather gods must’ve been on our side, as the showers waited until dinner was over. Then the rain descended. Still, there were guests who decided, perhaps fueled by a few caipirinhas, to dance in the rain to those seductive sounds of Brazil.

The Gang was all here, most of us in feathers. And I have to say, David Weiner is such a good sport. Here are: Maribel Lieberman, Sylvia Hemingway, Chrissy Milner, Christine Kornblatt, Nurit Kahane, Wendy Federman, Andrea Warshaw Wernick, Deanna Passarelli, Ruth Miller, David Weiner (host), Maria Fishel, Elizabeth Steimberg, Ramona Singer, Cheri Kaufman, Pamela Wright, Katlean de Monchy, Janna Bullock, Missy Lubliner, Suzan Kremer, Catherine Carey.

The vocalist Jamile, frequently seen at Lincoln Center, entertained us during a feather-filled dance performance.  Her band was made up of live guitar, drums, keys, flute and bass. It all seemed so easy.

The nightlife legend Carmen D’Alessio, and Evelyn Gutierrez Subramaniam, who is behind Bija Essence (Photo credit: Patrick McMullan/PMC)

The Steimbergs hired Hank Stampfl of RevelRouge events to make sure things ran smoothly. He was on site, a clucking mother hen, just as he should have been. In the end, young and old seemed to have a great time.

Of course, everything seems easy when you are a guest.

Elizabeth and David are pros at entertaining, and knowing who to call. It’s also great when it’s just for your friends. All 100 of them.