Dan's ClambakeMTK Countdown: Becky Moody, Bex Waffles
Becky Moody of Montauk’s Bex Waffles is gearing up for Dan’s ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8. As she says, “the whole concept behind Bex Waffles is to take a new spin on an old classic and reinvent the concept of quick comfort food. ClambakeMTK gives us a unique opportunity to create a new signature waffle dish using the familiarity of fresh summer seafood in a new and exciting way! The event inspires innovation and fun!”
A portion of proceeds from ClambakeMTK benefits The Retreat, which provides safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and works to break the cycle of family violence.
How old were you when you knew that you’d have a career in food?
I was five years old when I started forcing my parents to sit at my “restaurant” every Saturday and order off whatever crayon brunch menu I created for the morning. I also was known to pull everything out of our home pantry, price it, and then attempt to sell my mom her own canned goods off our dining room table.
It wasn’t until four years ago that I realized I wasn’t honoring my inner child’s desire to be in the food industry and I switched careers. Luckily I found a new home and proper training in a renowned New York patisserie and for the first time, things felt right.
Why should consumers seek out local produce and wine?
Apart from the obvious perks of freshness and support of the local economy—community is the answer—local food is a window into the people of every area you visit. Eating local produce and wine allows you to be a part of that community even if it’s just for a moment.
What do you have in your kitchen that would make another food pro jealous?
It’s not “what’s in our kitchen,” it’s “what our kitchen is in.” Apart from our main kitchen in Montauk, we cook in an imported 1977 Citroen H-Van over gas flame irons.
What local ingredients will you be using in the high summer season?
Herbs, berries, peaches, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, upstate maple [syrup], etc.—so much!
What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Dan’s Taste of Summer?
Introducing our concept to the community and meeting new people—and tasting, of course!
What’s one of your favorite beach memories?
I was an exchange student in Spain and during the summer months would drink cheap but delicious (to my 21-year-old taste buds) Rioja on the pebbles of the coast every night and listen to the ocean. Absolute peace!
Find the latest info on all of Dan’s Taste of Summer upcoming events this summer—the new Dan’s Corona MonTaco presented by Don Julio at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Adam Richman, Travel Channel host, author, food & travel explorer on July 7; Dan’s ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8; Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda (July 21), celebrating its 5th anniversary; and Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Co. (July 22), now in its 7th year—at DansTaste.com. Follow Dan’s Taste of Summer on Facebook, on Twitter @DansTOS17 and Instagram @DansTasteofSummer. Event Hashtags: #DansTOS, #RoseSoiree, #MonTaco, #ClambakeMTK, #GrillHampton and #TasteofTwoForks.