Peter Ambrose on GrillHampton: Team Hamptons Will Win!
Chef Peter Ambrose of Endless Summer Event Catering is preparing for Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors by doing “plenty of spatula twirls and margarita arm curl reps!” In all seriousness, he’s confident that Team Hamptons will take home the trophy. Ambrose’s catering company custom-designs menus for every event, and he also heads Pete’s Endless Summer Taco Shop in East Hampton. Here, he dishes on his cooking style and the July 17 competition.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Summer this year?
It’s a fun night to mingle with other great chefs and add a little competition to what we
are all passionate about.
Is Team Hamptons going to win GrillHampton? Why?
Is that really a question? Hamptons, of course! A grill is like a music instrument to us in the Hamptons, and we will certainly make sweet music.
How are you preparing for the competition?
Plenty of spatula twirls and margarita arm curl reps! All kidding aside, when you hire me to cater, I show up with my grill at my side. I am always practicing.
Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on July 17, and continues on July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, both at Sayre Park, 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.
What is one thing everyone should try to cook on the grill at least once?
Fruit, hardy lettuces, bok choy or anything else that some nice high heat will bring out the natural sugars and enhance the flavor of something you may not usually grill.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever grilled?
An oven mitt.
What is the best pairing of food and local beer?
Freshly caught top neck clams, steamed open on the grill with a little chili lime butter and a Montauk Summer Ale works for me.
Food that defines summer on the East End:
Fresh picked corn, tomatoes, catch of the day.
If you had two forks, what would you like to stick them in right now?
A great seafood fra diavolo and pizza. Sorry can’t leave off pizza, even though you will never catch me using a fork.
Favorite East End-inspired meal?
Pete’s Endless Summer Seasoning Salt Rubbed jumbo New York Strip Steak from Cromer’s market cooked perfectly on the grill alongside some fresh ears of corn with a little chili lime butter. Great Chimichurri whipped up with some fresh oregano and parsley from serene green and couple big fat slices of beef steak tomato with some Amagansett sea salt
If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring?
A really great ham and swiss sandwich on sourdough baguette with some grainy mustard, a tub of my own guacamole and some great tortilla chips
A great meal always begins with…
A toast with the great friends, family, fellow chefs you are about to enjoy it with
Endless Summer Event Catering, 631-806-7730, chefpeterambrose.com. Pete’s Endless Summer Taco Shop, 283 Pantigo Road, East Hampton. 631-527-5515.
Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on July 17, and continues on July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, both at Sayre Park, 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.