Dan's ClambakeMTK Countdown: Chef Erik MacMurray, Hoodoos
Hoodoos MTK chef Erik MacMurray is looking forward to “rubbing elbows with my brethren and seeing what the competition has in store” at Dan’s ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8, and at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Co. on July 22 in Mecox. You should look forward to sampling his brand of cooking at this event—we promise it will not feature haggis.
How old were you when you knew that you’d have a career in food or wine?
Very young, around 7 or 8. The moment I was allowed in the kitchen to make my first pot of sauce and meatballs was when I fell in love with the sights, sounds and smells of being in the kitchen.
I could create a fine meal with just these five ingredients: salt, meat, ice cream, bread, onion.
What do you have in your kitchen that would make another food pro jealous?
A triple-spindle shake machine—Burger. Shake. Repeat.
What local ingredients will you be using in the high summer season?
Greens, tomatoes and berries.
Why should consumers seek out local produce and wine?
It tastes cleaner and more natural than the crap these conglomerates try to pass off as “natural” or “organic.”
Would you agree that chefs and farmers have a lot in common in that both are a little crazy and overworked?
Absolutely. We’re all a bit off kilter and you need to be in order to deal with the daily B.S. that goes into owning and operating.
If I got a tattoo tomorrow it would depict: a severed, smiling pig’s head, wearing a chef’s toque.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve ever eaten?
Haggis.
What could local farmers grow that you would be excited to use?
Is haggis acceptable?
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.