Great Moments at Dan's GrillHampton 2015
This year’s Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors was an extravaganza of sizzling meat, great chefs, tasty libations and foodie fun on Friday night. To capture the spirit of the evening, we offer these bites.
Baseball home run legend Cecil Fielder loves barbecue. In a special event sponsored by Despatch of Southampton, Bridgehampton National Bank, Hampton Coffee Company, and Harlan Agency before the gates to GrillHampton opened, Fielder signed photos of himself as a New York Yankee and baseballs for lucky fans. He even paused from his duties to pose for photos with fans, much to the delight of everyone who remembers him as a vital member of the 1996 World Championship Yankees team.
Chef Michael Mosoilino of The Deli Counter Fine Foods & Catering boasted that Team Hamptons had the edge because unlike Team New York they didn’t have to travel. In fact, he spent his morning paddle boarding and relaxing before the busy night. Executive Chef PJ Calapa of Costata however, felt that Team New York should win not only for their food but because of “traffic!” Apparently, it was a hard ride out east.
Adjacent to the Farrell Building Company kitchen, designed by Ciuffo Cabinetry, Jonsar Studios was snapping away—shooting professional portraits of GrillHampton guests. Founders Robert Johnson and Katherine Sarkissian arranged fun poses and a team of editors quickly processed the photos. It was a huge step above a photo booth!
In the lounge area, among the white couches, were fun games. Guests played cornhole and oversized Jenga.
Whether folks watched others loading bags full of Smarties, Lemonheads, Atomic Fireballs and Necco Wafer, or did the loading themselves—it was fun to see all that candy at the Town Residential charging station. Who doesn’t like candy?
On the red carpet, judges Marc Murphy and Robert Irvine were talking about Murphy’s recent trip to China. Marc was there recently for a 10-day trip as a cultural ambassador, and while he admitted that he ate more than he could remember, he only learned a little bit of Chinese—the way to say thank you.
Irvine was all smiles, especially when it came to showing off his bulging biceps. The formal Royal Navy man was spotted throughout the evening posing with fans with “guns out” and even offered to show off his washboard abs.
Food Network stars, noted chefs and friends Alex Guarnaschelli and Scott Conant arrived together and said they came for the party. “To get drunk!” said Conant who then revealed that he had recently bested Irvine in an arm wrestling match. Guarnaschelli teased “sure you did” and suggested that he challenge MMA champ Ronda Rousey next.
Paul Mahos and Jeff Allegue of New Life Crisis got offstage and played a killer set of Johnny Cash tunes in the midst of an adoring crowd.
Watching revelers break into blissful smiles the moment they laid in the hammock bathtub in Blackman Plumbing’s gorgeous display and sipped Casamigos tequila margaritas.
Le Rivage Chef Paul Denamiel brought duck confit marinated ribs to the GrillHampton party. Chef Denamiel, who was also giving French lessons to a few lucky guests, seared the ribs off on the flattop and noted that he’d be adding these ribs to his NYC menu.
Cecil Fielder stepped up to the plates at the judges table, helping choose the GrillHampton winners. Between bites and taking pictures with the masses, the good-natured former first baseman took time to shake his groove thing to the sound of Paul Mahos and New Life Crisis.
Greg Miller was in the house showing off his amazing custom surfboards with Surfari Crossroads gallery. Did anyone see that Hampton Jitney board? Miller even makes a company logo look totally cool.
Jagermeister shots off a ski!
“I’m a foodie, so I have to vote for the best taste, right?” remarked at least one concerned Hamptonite as she put her token in for Hill Country Barbecue Market, a New York City restaurant. Hill Country brought green chili tri tips served with summer corn salad, much to the delight of GrillHampton attendees.
Dancing between not one but two BMW’s while looking for party pictures on the social media screens set up by Systems Design Co.
Who knew that BBQ paired well with gin? Though many would think that an ice-cold beer is the only choice when enjoying charcoaled delights, Hendrick’s Gin proved otherwise, serving two different concoctions—one with raspberry—and a gin-infused sorbet for dessert.
Cocktails! The well-stocked GrillHampton bar included concoctions by Rum Diplomatico, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, and Hendrick’s Gin, sparkling Canti and Somantano wines, as well as beers by Corona and Blue Moon.
“I love food. I like to cook. I like everything about it!” remarked Cecil Fielder before taking the stage next to fellow judge and Dans’ Papers founder Dan Rattiner to judge GrillHampton. “I’m a tough judge, because I’m a great BBQ guy myself.” You can’t say the teams weren’t warned!
Who needs bread? Not Peter Ambrose of Endless Summer Event Catering. If you were wondering what a “sea scallop and pork belly burger” is, it’s exactly as it’s billed—a succulent piece of pork belly sandwiched between two scallop halves. Delightful!
It was business in the front and party in the back at GrillHampton 2015. While the judges were hard at work tasting, the Food Network crew, including chefs Scott Conant, Alex Guarnaschelli and Anne Burell were hanging out in the lounge by Hampton Watercraft’s $194k Boston Whaler. Burell said that the friends had come out to show their support for buddies Robert Irvine and Marc Murphy and were enjoying a great time at Murphy’s home. Party at Marc’s house!
Overheard at GrillHampton in the Ocean Electric Kohler Expericene trailer: “I’m stuffed to the gills.” And why not? Who could resist all that great food?
After Chef David Hersh and Rumba earned the People’s Choice Award for two consecutive years, Black Tap | Craft Burgers & Beer Chef Joe Isidori took home the coveted Blue Moon trophy in 2015. Everyone just loved his Black Tap Kobe Beef Burger served with Mexican Grilled Corn—the burgers went fast! Attendees who had heard about the burgers and lined up too late were still all too happy to enjoy the corn, which was prepared with Mexican chipotle, fresh cilantro and queso.
New Life Crisis kept the tent rocking all night! Awards were announced just after 10:30, but no one wanted to head out before the band ended their set at 11 p.m. They kept the grilling competition lively with classic hits and top-40 tunes. Did we hear everyone cheer when they started playing “Uptown Funk?”
Team Hamptons regained the crown, unseating Team New York after losing to them last year.
Coming through in the clutch was Chef Jason Kallert and The Beach Club at Gurney’s Montauk, which won the Judges’ Choice award. The restaurant, which is new this year at the resort, brought their A-Game, setting up a small beach—complete with sand!—in front of their table. Guests enjoyed the charcoal-smoked short rib sandwich, served with fresh pickled cucumber and shallots, and a charred-jalapeno vinegar BBQ sauce.