East Hampton - The Second Annual Crayfish Dinner celebration was held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at c/o Maidstone in East Hampton - and there was nothing fishy about this great evening.

Hotel c/o Maidstone owner Jenny Ljungberg keeps guests singing and sipping. (Eileen Casey)

Hotel owner Jenny Ljungberg, artist Mary Heilmann, and BOMB magazine's Editor in Chief Betsy Sussler, hosted the evening where guests donned party hats, bibs and celebrated the Swedish tradition of gathering to eat crayfish, mingle with old friends and make new ones. Just in case you don't like crayfish, other Swedish dishes were offered, and of course one must honor tradition and drink, sing, sing, drink, drink, drink, sing, sing and then go to bed!

At the dinner Ljungberg introduced a new tradition: the limited edition c/o The Maidstone Crayfish poster. This year's limited edition poster, inspired by the eponymous crustacean, and the festive Swedish tradition was based on an original painting by artist Michael Williams that was featured in BOMB's summer issue. The original work is now on view at the hotel.

With live music during the cocktail hour, all guests had an opportunity to practice their language skills with the sing-along Swedish songs. During dinner, a booklet was available that Ljungberg prompted guests to sing along to - do crayfish have party songs - you bet they do, and for those who don't speak (or sing) Swedish - nodding your head and raising your glass appeared to be sufficient. Toasting two couples that were celebrating 25th wedding anniversaries ensured the libations kept flowing.

Poster artist Michael Williams (left) with animated guest. (Eileen Casey)

Ljungberg revealed, "Our Swedish custom has been embraced by the Hamptons crowd as well as our international guests. "We are delighted with this year's co-hosts, excited to support the arts and pleased to introduce our first poster."

In response to last summer's overwhelming success, Swedish based Consulting Chef Bjorn Ericsson made a special guest appearance to oversee this year's dinner. His menu included shellfish boiled with dill, Vasterbotten cheese tarts, locally produced rye bread, and other accompaniments. Ljungberg explains "Bjorn consults on all the restaurants in the c/o Hotels family and has been instrumental with adapting traditional Swedish dishes for the regular menu at our Living Room."

Founded in 1981, BOMB "Delivers the artist's voice by publishing in-depth interviews between artists about the creative process, in its quarterly magazine."

Luxury Swedish mattress firm Hästens (the source of sleep filled nights in all 19 rooms at the hotel) also co-sponsored this year's event, and had a fantastic bed out on the lawn during the cocktail hour. Many guests were seen trying to keep their eyes open after resting on the comfortable and beckoning bed.

About The Hotel
Purchased in 2008 by Sweden's c/o Hotels and with 19 newly renovated rooms, c/o The Maidstone hotel is tailored to the guest who appreciates sophisticated design, gourmet dining, and personalized service. The hotel's restaurant, The Living Room, and its Cozy Lounge are leading proponents of the slow food movement. An experience enhanced by one of East End's most substantial wine cellars.

A fun evening that introduced new foods, traditions and songs to the Hamptons. Skal!