EMP Summer House Opens With A Semi-Bang

Since the news hit back in March that beloved Friday night spot Moby's would not be returning, oh the disappointed curiosity that followed as all wondered what would take the mainstay's place. When word finally broke in February that the new kid on the block would be an Eleven Madison Park pop-up titled EMP Summer House, it was suddenly "Moby's who?" and "Who do I know that can get me into this place?"

Without a doubt the hardest seat to snag in the Hamptons, EMP's tables booked up in what seemed the blink of an eye. Oh those lucky American Express cardholders who glued themselves to their computer with a Black Friday shopper level of seriousness. 

This past Friday, all the proper pieces seemed in place as the pop-up opened its doors, welcoming friends for its grand opening. And while from the looks of it, you'd swear Moby's never left (an interior transformation this was not(, the menu has of course been tended to with a caring culinary hand. Haute hot dogs, lobster rolls, and french fries passed about the rooms, while a buffet station of upscale picnic classics gathered quite the line. 

All in attendance were merry and bright, mingling about the twinkle light lit garden (which now includes ping pong tables!). Surprisingly though, the guest list skewed a bit less Hamptons and a bit more Hollywood(ish). Alec Baldwin, Mayor of the East End, was obviously in attendance, but the second biggest name was Vanessa Ann Hudgens, joined by boyfriend Austin Butler. With Surf Lodge resident / Public School designer Maxwell Osborne, stylist Brad Goreski, Charleston based blogger Julia Engel, and where-in-the-world-is DJ It Girl Hannah Bronfman rounding out the names of note, 'twas a geographically diverse crowd to say the least.

[Photos via Samantha Deitch / BFA for American Express Platinum, via @jeffreyjohnbarrientos]