Meet Chef David Piacente of Gosman’s in Montauk
Likely the most iconic restaurant in Montauk, Gosman’s is famous for its fresh seafood—especially the lobster. Chef David Piacente, who will be on-hand at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, agrees that everyone should try it, steamed or broiled, at least once in their life. “Put on a lobster bib and have at it!” he says. Here, Piacente discusses the bounty of Gosman’s seafood and his favorite local ingredients.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Summer this year?
The night itself, i.e., the vibe, the tents with all its action, and the people who are enjoying my home.
One food everyone should try at least once in life:
Steamed or broiled lobster at Gosman’s. Put on a lobster bib and have at it!
If you were to eat at your restaurant as a guest, what would you order?
Steamers, chowder and the local fish specials
Describe the adrenaline of working in a Hamptons kitchen.
No one understands how hard it is to find good staff in a seasonal restaurant, and then get them ready for what comes during holiday weekends.
What drew you to work on the East End?
I have spent ever summer of my life here, so I guess I don’t know any better.
If we looked inside your refrigerator right now, what would we find?
Eggs, a fruit pie, smoked salmon and cream cheese, a few bottles of wine
The perfect drink for a summer night:
Mint Oreo milk shake
Food that defines summer on the East End:
Lobster, raw oysters, clams, fluke, corn, tomatoes
If you had two forks in your hands right now, what would you like to stick them in?
Open fire roasted suckling pig
Favorite East End-inspired meal?
Homemade pasta with heirloom tomatoes, eggplant and chilies. All from my own garden.
What is your favorite local ingredient?
Local blackfish and baby snappers in the fall, local squid in the spring.
Where do you find inspiration?
Through traveling and staging.
What does “local” mean to you?
People who went through the Montauk and East Hampton school systems. There are a lot of almost-locals.
If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring?
Peaches, almond butter and jelly sandwich, watermelon juice
A great meal always begins with…
Family and friends always starts a great meal.
Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton on Friday, July 17, and continues on Saturday, July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, both at Sayre Park, 156 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, rounds out the trio of events on August 22 in Cutchogue. For more information on all three events, including tickets and VIP packages, visit DansTaste.com.
Gosman’s, 500 West Lake Drive, Montauk, gosmans.com 631-668-5330