SOTH 4.4

Among the investment mogul-turned-author’s biggest supporters? Oprah Winfrey. The Tell got the ultimate stamp of approval from Oprah’s Book Club, which called it “the book you finish and immediately give to another friend, and another friend, and another friend.” 

Griffin is no stranger to bringing together influential voices — last year, she hosted the exclusive G9 Ventures Summer Summit at her East Hampton home, welcoming some of the biggest names in business, media, and entertainment including Meghan Markle, actress and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, and make-up artist Bobbi Brown.

The book, a deeply personal account of Griffin’s journey to healing from childhood trauma, has struck a chord with readers, and is sparking widespread conversation. 

“Every phase of the writing process has allowed this story to unfold—the initial journaling on my bathroom floor, the three years of editing (often in a cold convention center with volleyballs flying at my head—please note the potato chip on my #spanx sweatshirt), handing a first draft to my best friend & then seeing the orange cover out in the world,” Griffin wrote in a sentimental reflection of her journey online.

Amagansett resident Bobby Flay is making headlines for his apparent new romance with a familiar face on the Food Network. The 60-year-old Beat Bobby Flay star is reportedly dating Brooke Williamson, 46, his co-star on Bobby’s Triple Threat. Williamson, who won Top Chef Season 14, has been a longtime friend of Flay’s.

According to People, the two recently decided to take their friendship to the next level. “They decided to jump in,” a source shared.

Williamson finalized her divorce from ex-husband Nick Roberts last year. She was honored at a No Kid Hungry Dinner in Los Angeles in mid-March, where Flay made a grand gesture by surprisingly flying in to support her, the report said. Flay, who was most recently linked to Christina Pérez, previously ended his high-profile marriage to actress Stephanie March in 2015.

In a recent appearance on reality star Kristin Cavallari’s podcast, Flay opened up about his views on marriage, admitting it “hasn’t been the best situation” for him in the past. “I would be interested in a life partner for sure. But I don’t think it necessarily needs the documentation,” Flay added.

Water Mill resident Jennifer Lopez has scooped up a new home in Los Angeles after her surprising divorce from Ben Affleck. The former couple called it quits last summer, listing their marital home in Beverly Hills for $68 million. The superstar, who retreated to her Hamptons home for a bulk of the 2024 summer season after canceling her North American tour, has purchased a new home in Hidden Hills for $18 million, reports say. Affleck, meanwhile, purchased his own $20 million home in LA last July.  

Realtor.com described Lopez’s new abode as a “guard-gated estate” featuring five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a five-star barn with an equestrian facility. 

Dan’s Papers readers know Christie Brinkley is gearing up for a release of her upcoming memoir, but her ex-husband Billy Joel is also garnering more spotlight than normal for an upcoming documentary set to hit HBO about his life and career.

Titled And So It Goes, the Susan Lacy-directed two-part series will provide “an expansive portrait of the life and music of Billy Joel,” a press release states. The series will delve into Joel’s romances, heartbreak, and personal struggles, as well as showing never-before-seen performances, home movies and photographs.

“For those who think they know Joel’s story, as well as those who are not as familiar, I believe this two-part film is both a revelation and a surprise,” Lacy said in a statement. “I was drawn to his story as someone who knew little at the outset, and was astounded at how autobiographical his songs are and how complex his story is.” The documentary has not yet been assigned a release date but is expected to come sometime this summer. 

News of the documentary comes on the heels of Joel’s recent four-month postponement of shows from his current tour to allow him to recover from a recent surgery. He’s expected to make a full recovery and will resume touring in Pittsburgh on July 5. 

Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld’s daughter Sascha Seinfeld has an exciting reason to celebrate. The 24-year-old will be premiering her short film, The Final Cut, starring Mario Joyner, Henry Winkler, Ali Wentworth, and Thomas Barbusca, at this week’s Aspen Shortsfest. “I’m thrilled to be included,” Sascha, who wrote and directed the film, said. “In trying to make fun of heaven and filmmaking, I found myself I heaven being a filmmaker. Thank you to everyone who supported me emotionally, financially, or with their talents. Can’t wait for you all to see it!” The film will make its debut on April 4 at 8 p.m. in Aspen, Colorado. Comedian Amy Schumer showed support for the budding director on Instagram, writing, “Go Sascha go!” While star Henry Winkler reacted, “I am so proud of you and proud to be in your film.” Another co-star, Ali Wentworth called it “amazing,” adding she’s “so proud.” 

Michelin-starred chef Rich Torrisi is expanding his Hamptons footprint with the purchase of a $10 million Montauk beach house, overlooking Fort Pond Bay. This addition to his already impressive Montauk real estate portfolio was an all-cash, brokerless deal for a property previously listed at $10.75 million, according to the New York Post. The 7,591-square-foot home features five bedrooms, 7 and a half bathrooms, a wine cellar, gym, pool, and even a wood-paneled tackle room. Torrisi’s Major Food Group continues to grow, with more than 40 restaurants worldwide and a new luxury tower in Miami.

We hear…

Joe Isidori, three-time Food Network Burger Bash champion and two-time Dan’s Papers Grill Hampton champion, is bringing his award-winning burgers to Arthur & Sons in the Hamptons this summer with Artie’s in the Hamptons, a spin-off of their bar and lounge, Artie’s Backroom, which recently launched at their location in Murray Hill.

Winston Irie and the Selective Security Band are coming to the East End on April 5, as part of LTV Studios’ “World Voice Series.” Winston, who was born Winston Sumner, migrated from Guyana to Brooklyn in the 1970s and has been sharing his love of music ever since. LTV’s World Voices is a yearlong series dedicated to presenting international and under-represented artists for live, accessible performances on the Studio 3 stage.

Sightings…

Montauk’s Naomi Watts shared a sweet red-carpet moment with daughter, Kai, 16, in New York City on March 24 for the premiere of her new film, The Friend.

 Southampton resident Katie Lee Biegel enjoyed a pizza from her hometown’s Pellegrino’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant on March 21.

Eli Manning, who owns a beach house in Quogue, attended JonasCon, a convention celebrating The Jonas Brothers’ music, on March 23 in the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. Manning was the one to announce the Jonas Brothers were set to be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame later this year. 

Alec Baldwin ventured far from home, all the way from New York to Sorrento, Italy, for the filming of a new movie, Last Night in Sorrento. The Amagansett resident admitted he has “fallen in love with Sorrento.”