Restaurants

Chatting with Chef and Author Sarabeth Levine

By Stacy Dermont

6 minute 07/02/2015

Sarabeth Levine is an old friend to Dan’s Papers. She’s been bringing her great smile, her delicious cookies and her handsome husband and business partner Bill to the annual Dan’s Taste of Two Forks since it started in 2012. The Levines’ empire of Sarabeth’s restaurants now spans the globe, with the latest incarnation opening in Dubai in February. When not globetrotting or working at her New York bakery, jam factory or restaurants, Sarabeth spends time with Bill and family in their Water Mill home. Her latest cookbook will be released in October.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Summer this year?
I love seeing everybody, getting reacquainted with all of the chefs and…the tasting!

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the culinary culture on the East End?
I’m so lucky and grateful that everything is here for us. Savoring that connection chef-to-chef makes me feel a part of them.

What is one food that everyone should try at least once in life:
Uni. I liked it. It tasted like green roe.

What is the best pairing of food and Long Island wine?
Lobster and Wölffer rosé—I love their rosé, it goes with everything!

If you were to eat at a Sarabeth’s as a guest, what would you order?
The potato waffle at our Tribeca location or the velvety cream of tomato soup

What drew you to the East End?
It’s paradise—a place where I can relax. I love the people who live here. The farms and produce are so accessible. You have food, the ocean beaches, four seasons, everything. What more could you ask for?

What special features does your Hamptons home kitchen boast?
Amazing sunlight—the layout is great—so simple—I love that I can see 360°. It’s very open—I can be part of the action when I’m cooking.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
A little jar of your homemade jam that I’m still nursing; a bottle of maple syrup; French sheep feta from Citarella; olives; nice cheeses—Gruyère and a Parmigiano-Reggiano for grating; clarified butter; mayonnaise; ketchup; organic milk; English muffins; garlic; lemons; water. No veggies or bread—I buy them all fresh

The perfect drink for a summer night:
A Virgin Mary with pickles

Food that defines summer on the East End:
The corn and the Sungold cherry tomatoes

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on Friday, July 17, and continues on Saturday, July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, 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.

If you had two forks in your hands right now, what would you like to stick them into?
My own beautiful gravlax, a farm-fresh, ripe tomato with Maldon salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

When you hear the phrase “local,” what comes to mind?
Fish with a squeeze of Meyer lemon—the abundance of it all!

What is your favorite local ingredient?
The potatoes are great—the little fingerlings and the Yukon Golds.

Where do you find inspiration, inside and outside the kitchen?
I’m inspired by beautiful things. A beautiful dish can inspire me to make a pie. I’m also inspired by things that I like to eat. I enjoy the individuality of different flavors. I enjoy each component. I never have a plan in the morning for dinner—I shop for the best, fresh.

If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring?
Good potato chips, cold cherries in season, cream cheese and orange marmalade sandwiches on sour dough bread

A great meal always begins with…
Great bread

For more information and to order online, visit Sarabeth.com.