Great Moments from Dan's Taste of Two Forks
Sayre Park in Bridgehampton was the happeningest place in the Hamptons Saturday night as co-host of Food Network’s The Kitchen Katie Lee and Michael Symon of ABC’s The Chew hosted Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, presented by Farrell Building Company.
We’ve rounded up a number of highlights to share a “taste” of Taste of Two Forks.
They can cook and they can dance. We spotted the chefs of Doppio Artisan Bistro grooving to “Uptown Funk.” “Oh yeah, it’s time to party,” they said as they gave us a spin on the dance floor. Not to be outdone, Chef Arthur Wolf of Smokin’ Wolf BBQ & More! was making up his delicious pulled pork BBQ sliders while dancing along to “Baby Got Back” with a wide grin on his face.
Manhattan Media Chairman of the Board Richard Burns contemplated purchasing the Hampton Watercraft & Marine Boston Whaler and dubbing it the S.S. Dan’s 1, the start of his fleet.
Kristen Taekman of The Real Housewives of New York City and husband John Taekman, who had been to GrillHampton the night before, snuck in after 9 p.m. The pair had been party hopping all night long and were ready for dessert. John graciously helped guests, like News 12’s Elisa DiStefano, take pics with friends near the dessert tables. As they went back for thirds on Joe and Liza’s scrumptious peach pie ice cream Kristen declared, “Oh my God, this is so good!” The couple will spend two more weeks in the Hamptons before headed out to Los Angeles.
Executive Producer of Live! With Kelly and Michael and GrillHampton judge Michael Gelman was back for seconds at Taste of Two Forks. On the red carpet with his wife Laurie Hibbard, Gelman announced “I came hungry!” Laurie joked that he had spent six hours that day working off all he had eaten the night before.
Architect turned Dan’s Papers red carpet correspondent for the night Peter Cook took his time before Taste of Two Forks began to chat with chefs and vineyard representatives making a list of go-to noshes and libations. He chatted it up with Rocco Carriero, of Ameriprse Financial Services, saying that if the architect thing doesn’t work out, being a reporter for Dan’s Papers was his back-up plan.
All good parties end up in the kitchen and that’s where we spotted presenting sponsor Joe Farrell, of Farrell Building Company, enjoying Taste of Two Forks with friends and family. The Sub-Zero fridge wasn’t just for show we found out, it was well stocked with water, Polar Seltzer, and Bai drinks. Wait staff kept the food–including oysters and tuna tartare–coming all night long so this designing man didn’t have to leave the party.
Not that there wasn’t enough food, guests behaved like kids in a candy store while charging up at the Town Residential tables. Oversized candy jars filled with lollipops, Lemonheads, and more were there for the taking. More than one person was spotted in the party giggling with a big bag of candy.
The libations tables were spectacular! Just a few who pulled out all the stops: Tito’s Handmade Vodka displayed a small copper distillery, Hendrick’s Gin filled a teapot with dry ice for a mysterious smoky look, Jagermesiter brought out the infamous shot-ski, Rum Diplomatico and Canti kept it simple, Sailor Jerry gifted guests with tin cups and fun shot glasses, Corona and Blue Moon set up their very own Tiki Bar.
The lovely Katie Lee arrived and dished everything foodie on the red carpet. The always sweet Lee looked gorgeous in a summery white dress and chatted with guests all night long.
Guests flocked to Hotel Indigo’s Bistro 72 for seconds and thirds as Chef James Junk offered up duck confit on an edible spoon. SO. GOOD. And a few feet away, Red Stixs Chef Skinny Mei was serving delicious chicken satay with peanut sauce. We heard one guest announce, “I could spend my entire night alternating between Red Stixs and Bistro 72!”
Honoree B. Smith took the stage in fabulous fashion and delivered a lovely speech about her career and the restaurant community. Her adoring husband of over 20 years, Dan Gasby beamed with pride.
The party started early for revelers who jumped on the Hampton Jitney shuttle bus and took selfies wearing bright blue shades.
Hardcore foodies were excited to spot esteemed food critic Gael Greene in the crowd, enjoying various dishes and treats. The 81-year-old foodie pioneer was just as sassy and lively as ever.
Several wineries including Bedell Cellars, Martha Clara Vineyards, Waters Crest Winery, and Jamesport Vineyards were among the sweet sixteen wineries present, giving guests a “taste” of Harvest East End, our August 22 food and wine event on the North Fork. Don’t miss it!
“I was a little sleepy, so I had two delicious coffees from Hampton Coffee Company,” remarked co-host Michael Symon when asked what his favorite dish of the night was.
Overheard at 668 The Gig Shack: “Are you here to try our crab-tasting crab cakes?” Yes, everyone was!
Many restaurants offered more than just a “taste,” some brought a while meal! The Long Island lobster roll from Tillie’s at Gurney’s Montauk, Bao Buns by Harlow, and smoked duck from The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island were crowd favorites.
Not a mosquito in sight thanks to the crew from East End Tick and Mosquito Control prepping the site before the weekend-long bash.
In case you were wondering, yes, you were allowed inside the BMW cars parked inside the Taste of Two Forks tent. Guests enjoyed experiencing the fully loaded models, pretending to drive and looking under the hood.
“I love [Taste of Two Forks] because the East End is the perfect combination of farmer meets food,” remarked Symon, who was attending the event for the first time. “The people who attend are super nice, very excited to be here and very excited to support it. It was a great event.”’
Katie Lee’s writing hand must have been exhausted by the end of the night after she signed 100 copies of her Endless Summer Cookbook and posed for photos with adoring fans.
East End public radio station WPPB 88.3 FM held a remote broadcast from Sayre Park with host Bonnie Grice. On-air interviews included Katie Lee, Montauk Yacht Club and Top Chef alum Ron Duprat, and Circo Southampton owner Mario Maccioni among others.
Joe Farrell smooching wife Kristen Farrell, who works to design many of his famous kitchens, in the Jonsar Studios photo experience, as a crowd of VIPs cheered.
On the way out, VIPs picked up hefty Blackman gift bags at the Ocean Electric Kohler Experience trailer, which displayed home and business power solutions.
While George Clooney did not make an appearance (hint, hint George!) his now famous Casamigos tequila was a big hit with Taste of Two Forks guests who lined up for margaritas on the balmy summer night.
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