Ricky Lauren is an author, photographer, and artist. Her life with her husband, the legendary designer Ralph Lauren, and their three children has inspired much of her creative work.
Now, her beloved book, “The Hamptons: Food, Family, and History,” published by Rizzoli, is back in print, capturing the warmth of family and the joy of coastal living.
In this beautiful book, Ricky shares her favorite tips on entertaining, cooking, and embracing the East End lifestyle. It opens the doors to her family kitchen and features over 100 recipes. You’ll discover her culinary secrets, beach-inspired dishes, and ideas for setting the perfect table. The rich history of the Hamptons is also woven throughout the stunning pages.
We asked Ricky a few questions to learn more.
How did you initially develop the idea for your book “The Hamptons: Food, Family, and History”? What inspired you to combine your recipes with family stories and interesting historical insights about the Hamptons?
After completing my book, “Ricky Lauren: Cuisine, Lifestyle, and Legend of the Double RL Ranch,” it seemed like the natural next direction to go in. As a family, we have spent many wonderful years in the Hamptons. So much of summer and family events revolve around meals. I was always interested in the evolution and history of the East End: from a small farming community to a colony for pioneering architects, artists, and authors. I felt that combining this history with our family history and my recipes from our favorite meals would make an interesting book.
What initially attracted you and Ralph to the East End?
After spending too many hot summers in New York City, we decided to explore the East End. It was a fairly short drive at the time. We started spending our summers in Southampton, then in Amagansett, Montauk, and eventually a year-round rental in East Hampton as the children were growing up. The fresh air, sea breezes, long beach walks before breakfast and at sunset, and the quiet villages were a huge relief from the heat of the City.
If you had to choose one favorite summer dish that is a staple at family gatherings, what would it be?
Seafood is always a family favorite. It consists of whatever is the catch of the day from the local fishermen. We will often pair it with beef from our RRL ranch for the classic “surf and turf.” Alongside this, we serve the fresh produce from the local farms and farmstands. We especially love the corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, asparagus, potatoes, and broccoli. We often end the meal with the sweet fruit of the area, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, strawberries, and raspberries.
How do local ingredients and markets in the Hamptons influence your cooking when you are out East?”
The ability to visit the farmstands and fish markets allows for spontaneity in the menu. The meals revolve around what is freshest and what is available each day.
