Hamptons Eats: Stirring the Pot: Conversations with Culinary Celebrities, was held at Guild Hall in East Hampton on 3 different Sundays this summer. The third and final event of the series featured Daniel Boulud, internationally renowned French chef and owner of over 16 restaurants, including Daniel in New York City.
The event began with a meet-and-greet brunch with Daniel. Complementary glasses of sparking wine were provided by Cantí Prosecco as well as virgin sangria cocktails by Baì teas and an espresso bar sponsored by Nespresso.
Brunch bites were made by Food Gourmet East Hampton and included salmon and goat cheese crostinis as well as a variety of vegetable frittatas. As food and beverages were enjoyed, Chef Daniel mingled through the crowd, engaging in conversations, and taking photos with fans.
Following brunch was a conversation with the chef in the John Drew theatre hosted by Florence Fabricant, a food writer and columnist who contributes to the New York Times dining section. The interview played out well with interesting questions and smooth transitions. Florence mentioned Daniel’s new book Letter to a Young Chef, available for signing, and touched upon significant points in his life in which Daniel expanded on, taking us through a series of experiences from the beginning of his journey to the present.
A highlight and perhaps most memorable moment, in which the audience reacted with attention and interest, was in his description of how he prefers to cook a striped bass. Bass is currently in-season and also native to these Hamptons waters so the conversation became very relatable to the group. Daniel exclaimed that he would not cook the bass in an oven but over a wide open grill, stuffed with a variety of herbs such as coriander and thyme, and dressed with sliced lemons and a drizzle of olive oil. The fish would sit upon a bed of salt above the fire to help seal in the juices and provide a lovely smoky flavor.
In the last 20 minutes audience members were given the opportunity to ask questions of their own. By the end, Daniel wrapped up the discussion by giving advice to a young aspiring chef on how to start and what to focus on to be successful. Tips included learn basic knife skills, follow cookbooks precisely, get experience in a kitchen working with a good chef, and one we have all heard before; practice.
From beginning to end chef Daniel was charming, humorous, and engaging. He seemed quite down-to-earth for the success he’s acquired and the empire he’s built, and because of this, proved himself quite admirable. Needless to say I have promised my next dinner out in New York to be at Daniel.
2014 Hamptons Designer Showhouse is still Open until Labor Day
There are 2 more weeks left to see the 2014 Hamptons Designer Showhouse…if you are looking for something to do in the Hamptons.
I had the pleasure to tour the 2014 Hamptons Designer Showhouse on the opening day, and I was very pleased. Every room was cohesive with a theme that seemed to be comfort, warm and inviting. I felt the warmth of each room I visited and most of the designers did an extremely wonderful job at making their rooms look like actual people would live in the house. I ran into the lovely and talented designer Libby Langdon, and we chatted about the house and whats new at Libby Langdon Interiors. Congratulations Libby on the Libby Langdon line be picked up by Walmart.
I loved majority of the rooms in this year’s Showhouse, but my favorites were The Great Room, designer: Patrik Lönn Design
The Living Room: Lillian August Furnishings + Design
Bedroom II: Phoebe Howard
Lower level Lounge: Loria Design Group
This is a must see if you live in the Hamptons or if you are visiting the Hamptons this month. The 2014 House was built by Paramount Custom Homes and the 2014 designers were:
Allison Hennessy Design
The Alpha Workshops
Anne Tarasoff Interiors
Bakes and Kropp
Caleb Anderson Design
Ciuffo Cabinetry
Delrose Design Group
Elsa R. Soyars Interiors
Eva Art & Design Inc.
Gil Walsh Interiors
Greg McKenzie Design
Henry & Co Design
India Hicks
Kate Singer Home
Katie Leede and Compan
Lillian August Furnishings + Design
Loria Design Group
Lucille Khornak Photography
Mabley Handler Interior Design
Mancaves
Mark Borghi Fine Art
Mark Humphrey Gallery
Mecox Design Services
Melanie Roy Design, LLC
Patrik Lönn Design
Phoebe Howard
The Rinfret Group
Tobi Fairley & Associates
The 2014 Hampton Designer Showhouse Presented by Traditional Home, Benefiting the Southampton Hospital: located at: 408 Pauls Lane, Bridgehampton, New York
Open Daily Monday-Sunday until September 1st 11am-5pm
Admission is $35 and includes a Journal.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or may be purchased in advance.
No admission 30 minutes before closing.
No strollers, infants, children under 6, or pets are admitted.
House built by Paramount Homes of the Hamptons, Inc.
Hillary Clinton Book-signing in the Hamptons at BookHampton in East Hampton
East Hampton Main Street was Happening in the Hamptons today August 16th, with people from throughout Long Island drove out to the Hamptons for the day to see Hillary Rodham Clinton. The event was held at BookHampton a small book store with 3 locations in the East End, Southampton, East Hamptons & Mattituck. Owner Charline Spektor secured the book signing with Hillary Clinton at the East Hampton location. The Clintons are vacationing in Amagansett this week and this kick off was a huge success, fans and supporters drove from all over to have an opportunity to meet her. Edna Lanier-Dewitt of Miller PlaceWhen I arrived at 3pm the line was rapidly growing and I took a moment to speak with Edna Lanier-Dewitt of Miller Place who was the 1st person on-line. Edna told us that it took her an hour to get to East Hampton was on-line since 10am this morning; she was very excited to meet Mrs. Clinton and have her book signed.
Everyone waiting on-line for a signed copy of Hard Choice by Hilary Rodham Clinton pre-paid for the book in advance; and of course there were some who wanted to cut the line, but thankfully they were told they needed to wait in-line as well. The Media Frenzy was out in full force, but Hamptons Mouthpiece and my amazing photographer arrived early and got the premium spot. Andy Cohen/Bravo & Charline Spektor owner BookHampton
Spotted before the festivities started was Andy Cohen out walking his dog and chatting with Charline, he took a minute to pose for a picture with BookHampton owner Charline Spektor. We also spotted Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook & friends
I am told there were over 1000 people standing in-line waiting to get their book signed, it was crowded and at times seemed chaotic, but the secret service and the local police had it under control. There were men & women of all ages of all ethnic groups standing in-line, everyone was calm, patient and excited to have an opportunity to meet Mrs. Clinton, a woman who could just be the first female President of the United States. There was only one protestor that was not there to give her support to Mrs. Clinton, owner Ruth Vered of Vered Gallery in East Hampton. She was dressed in all black wearing an eye patch protested by holding a sign that said “the worst sec. of state”….Ruth Vered,
The secret service and the local East Hampton police department were in-sync and worked together to make-sure that the former 1st Lady, Former NYS Senator and Former Secretary of State was protected and safe. It is always fascinating to watch the secret service in-action. Selected and pre-approved members of the Media were cleared to enter BookHampton for photo-opts with Mrs. Clinton signing copies of her book. Mrs. Clinton looked beautiful,relaxed and happy to be there.
I loved how she genuinely interacted with the public as she signed their book, I know she is a seasoned politician but this seemed like anything but politics to me.Hillary Rodham Clinton, East Hampton, BookHampton
After getting all the pictures I needed, it was time for us to go, we were amazed how the line had grown in 2 hours, it was from the front of BookHampton and went past John Papa’s around the back parking lot in East Hampton. I am told people were still waiting on-line way past 630pm, Wow. What a successful day for BookHampton. Bookhampton buyers wait to have book signed
photographer: Kurt Leggard, www.photographybykurt.net
Things are spicing up this summer in Sag Harbor….Everyone can agree that Harlow East…formally known as B’Smith’s Restaurant has the best location in the Harbor, but did you know that they also have a Back Bar? I remember when B’Smith’s first opened the Back Bar was always opened, but as the years went on and staff was limited, this area was only open for private events. This summer Jon Krasner has decided to do something different. He has turned “The Back Bar” into a very relaxed scene in Sag Harbor. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Back Bar has the BBQ for $25 5-10p, on Sunday’s live Music. The scene is relaxed and very different from the front part of Harlow East, both operated and managed by Richard Notar and Notar Hospitality.
Last week Jon invited Hamptons Mouthpiece to stop by to hear the band and taste the BBQ… since the prior week was my birthday and I was very sick and unable to celebrate, I decided to invite some friends to spend an evening listening to some good music and eat some delicious BBQ. What a great time we had.
Back Bar tells me that they will have live music every Sunday…this Sunday come listen to Reggae Lution who will be there again this Sunday, August 10th 7-11pm, If you like Reggae brings some friends and stop by for an afternoon of fun. The vibe is positive, because Reggae music is Happy Music, the BBQ is good and this Sunday the beer is $5 and on the menu: Jerk Cornish Hens, Corn fritters, and Carribean Cole Slaw ;).
Celebrating 10 years of a Hamptons Happening to support Cancer Research
On Saturday, July 26, among the many events Happening in the Hamptons was the 10th Annual “A Hamptons Happening” to benefit The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation featuring Chef David Burke and honoring fashion designer Betsey Johnson and co-founder of Row for Hope Paul Ridley on at the home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel in Bridgehampton, New York.Betsey Johnson, Dr. Samuel Waxman, Maria & Kenneth Fishel
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Fantastic top-of-the-line research technology like brand new centrifuges (take a look at scientific centrifuges if you’re interested to learn more) will likely play a huge part in making massive breakthroughs in this field of medical science, which this foundation contributes money towards. Since the foundations’ inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $85 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org.
Tastemakers from the Hamptons and New York City indulged their appetites for cuisine and philanthropy at the tenth annual “A Hamptons Happening” fundraiser on July 26, raising an estimated $400,000 to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). I happened to not be feeling great that day, but I managed to taste the crab cakes from the BoatHouse Restaurant in NYC. These Crabcakes were the BEST crab cakes I have ever tasted!!!Boathouse Restaurant,NYC
Staged at the scenic Bridgehampton estate of Maria and Kenneth Fishel, the event’s tented venue was resplendent in white accentuated by décor and floral arrangements in the SWCRF’s cancer research awareness color Orchid for the Cure. The event honored celebrity chef David Burke, iconic fashion designer Betsey Johnson, and Paul Ridley, co-founder of Row For Hope, to support the SWCRF’s funded research programs to reprogram cancer cells and develop less toxic treatments for patients.Dr Samuel Waxman & Fishel Family
Approximately 400 guests, including former stars of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” Jill Zarin and Allyson Shapiro, and Christine Silverstein, a contestant on the current season of FOX’s Master Chef and contributor to The Savory.com, enjoyed cuisine presented by the top chefs, restaurants and food and spirits brands in New York City and the Hamptons. Cheesecake lollipops Chef David Burke.
The evening included an awards presentation and live auction presided over by WCBS-TV Channel 2 News anchor Chris Wragge, “A Hamptons Happening” founding co-chair Laurie Schaffran and SWCRF founder and CEO Samuel Waxman, M.D., who announced a $25,000 grant for brain cancer research established by the Fishel family in memory of Avi Concool. Wragge galvanized the audience by holding an impromptu auction to match the Fishel’s donation.
Howard Schwartz, principal of Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia, conducted the primary auction, which was highlighted by the appearance of Gianni Russo, one of the stars of the classic film “The Godfather,” to present his donation of an authentic Sicilian dinner for eight and a serenade of Italian classic songs performed by Russo himself. Dr. Waxman then presented SWCRF awards to honorees David Burke, Betsey Johnson and Paul Ridley for their support of fundraising and awareness for cancer research.Gianni Russo,Chris Wragge
“A Hamptons Happening” was chaired by event co-founders Marion Waxman and Laurie Schaffran as well as Jennifer Gould Keil and Jill and Bobby Zarin. The night’s raffle was chaired by Jennifer Myles, who sourced an exciting line-up of designer products donated by Calvin Klein Home, Tori Burch and Lauren Cecchi New York, among many others. Erica Fineberg was the journal chair.
An after party to celebrate the SWCRF’s new Millennial Society committee was hosted at Red Stix by chairpersons Bradley Fishel, Melissa Fishel, Allyson Shapiro and Joanna Wexler.
In addition to David Burke, participating “A Hamptons Happening” chefs, restaurants and food brands included: 75 Main, Peter Ambrose Catering & Events, Arlotta Food Studio, Bostwick’s Chowder House, Bareburger, The Candied Anchor, Carlyle on the Green, Joe Cipro, Chris Coleman, The Cuddy, Dawn’s Delights, Delmonico’s, Elegant Affairs, Erica’s Rugelach & Baking Co., Fresh Hamptons, Georgica, Hampton Chocolate Factory, Hampton Coffee Co., Komegashi, The Living @ ? The Maidstone, The Loeb Boathouse Central Park, Marcony, Pizza Luca, Red Horse Market, Red Stix, The Seafood Shop, Sen Restaurant, Smush and T Salon and The Golden Pear was unable to attend but donated several cases of water.Fresh Restaurant
As we left this beautiful event we were given a beautiful gift bag that consisted of a gift box of assorted tea’s from Harney & Sons, Body Cream from Orogold Cosmetics & gift card for a Complimentary Facial, Probelle Nail grow…A perfect ending to a beautiful and wonderful event.
