The promised land

LORI CHEMLA, Carrissa’s the Bakery

CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine

LORI CHEMLA • co-founder & managing partner • Carrissa’s the Bakery
Neighborhood you live in: Amagansett

It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
While most people look forward to Friday afternoons, our “weekend” at Carissa’s actually happens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when we close the shop. Lately, I’ve been foraging local flowers and herbs during my free time for our executive chef Scott Murray. He pickles and ferments them for vinegars, simple syrup, and to make capers. I also love exploring the trails around the East End, or getting out on the water to kayak or canoe with a friend. I have this little house in Lazy Point in Napeague — also known as “The Promised Land.” It’s an extraordinary place: The sunsets are a burst of color. It’s where I put down my shoulders, take a breath, and clear my head. 

Where are you drinking or dining this weekend? 
Since we're in service Friday through Sunday, I stick close to home for meals. I take turns cooking in the kitchen with my three daughters and sons-in-law, supplemented with bread from my co-founder Carissa Waechter. We also have “at home” treats from Carissa's, like sorbet, brined chicken, and a salmon dinner. 

If I were going out to eat, though, it would be at Léon 1909 on Shelter Island. They cook with an open fire, use seasonal ingredients — the place has a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a little excursion by ferry. Like me, I think the owner, Valerie Mnuchin, feels very connected to the East End, and wanted to do something special for the community. And that’s what this restaurant does.

How about a little leisure or culture?
The Church in Sag Harbor, a nonprofit founded by artists (and married couple) Eric Fischl and April Gornik for concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. As an opera fan, the bel canto recitals at Guild Hall are wonderful, and the Summer Dance Project overlooking the bay is enchanting. And in October, the Hamptons International Film Festival comes to town — it’s the best. 

Any weekend getaways? 
My Tuesday and Wednesday “weekends” are usually in Manhattan. I try to spend my time seeing and listening to beautiful things, so I take in galleries, go to the opera and hear music. I recently saw Enchanted Reverie: Klee and Calder at Di Donna and Joe Bradley at David Zwirner’s gallery. I highly recommend both shows, and do not miss the 2024 Whitney Biennial, curated by Chrissie Iles and Meg Onli. 

What was your last great vacation? 
I was recently in Milan for my godson’s birthday. I’m not there for the shopping — I buy more clothes for my husband than myself — and prefer to soak up the local architecture, especially from the Brutalist period and forward. I love Milan! I never miss the Pinacoteca di Brera to revisit one of my most favorite paintings called “The Kiss.” Pasta and more pasta, and Prada’s Marchesi 1824 bakery for design inspiration. 

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love? 
My spring coat from The Row is my new daily wear. My life is very casual, so I dress accordingly: During the day, I prefer pieces from my daughter Lili Chemla’s line Leset, then I throw on this The Row coat to pull everything together. 

What store or service do you always recommend?
Juan for manicures and medical pedicures at Aida Bicaj in NYC!