Culinary Celebration at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks
Presented by Hampton Jitney, Dan’s Taste of Two Forks was a celebration of the great chefs from North and South Fork, serving up an exciting culinary extravaganza. A showcase of their gourmet creations amid the historical backdrop of the Southampton Arts Center, the finest chefs of the Two Forks shared the most delectable eats from the restaurants that make the East End a major foodie destination with event guests.
Hosted by Chef Rocco DiSpirito, now at the wheel of the kitchen of Southampton’s Bijoux, the event is the second in the 2024 Dan’s Taste Summer Series. DiSpirito stated, “Coming out to the Hamptons means access to incredible local produce, local fish, and probably the single greatest population of diners that I can think of in the Northeast… These are people who have great taste, know their stuff, and appreciate artists.”
Participating restaurants included Baron’s Cove, Barrila’s Pastaria Ristorante, The Biscotti Company, El Verano, Honest Plate, Insatiable Eats, Kira’s Cookies, Newlight Breadworks, The Pridwin, Shinnecock Lobster Factory, 75 Main, Swizzled and The Wine Room.
Local Chefs and Excitement for the Event
“It’s fun, we totally enjoy [the event],” said Mark Militello, the executive chef at 75 Main. “We get so busy … I don’t even know half of these restaurants … I work seven days a week. Usually, we are off on Mondays, and Mondays are the days that most places are closed… You’re going to have to bring us a plate from each so we can taste it!”
Also excited about the event was Hampton Jitney President Geoff Lynch, who expressed, “Dan’s Papers has been around even longer than Hampton Jitney and has been a big supporter of Hampton Jitney for many, many years… We are proud to sponsor this event. The food has been excellent, the booze has been good, and everybody is having a great time. It’s a fantastic party… Local celebrities, great food, and a chance to talk to some other local businesses and network with them.”
Dan’s Taste of Two Forks is a great opportunity for chefs to become more involved with their community and draw attention to their restaurants. El Verano, Chef Julian Medina said, “I think the most important part of all this was to have exposure to the restaurant right in the town of Southampton… I think that was great because the people there were locals; they had houses there, and they’d lived in Southampton for a while. It was a great event. It was great because a lot of people attended; they loved the food, the food finished quickly, and everybody loved it.”
Beyond cuisine, representing North and South Forks was the Wine Bar serving Bedell, Corey Creek Tap Room, Borghese, and Peconic Bay Vineyards representing the best of the North Fork and Channing Daughters, DuckWalk, and Wölffer highlighting the best of the South Fork.
“We went through and looked at 100 different wineries that we sampled, tasted, and we selected what we think is a very curated portfolio that really showcases the uniqueness but also the skill that winemakers have in the Southern Rhône Valley,” said Andrew Calvaruso from Souledra Wines.
The second in the Tom’s series is followed by Chefs of the Hamptons at Sí Sí at EHP Resort & Marina on July 18, Dan’s GrillHampton at The Clubhouse Hamptons on August 3 and Dan’s White Party X Gurney’s on August 17.
