Dan's Taste of Summer Countdown: Arthur & Alexa Wolf, Smokin' Wolf BBQ & More

You can meet Chef Arthur Wolf and his daughter Alexa of East Hampton’s Smokin’ Wolf BBQ & More at all of the Dan’s Taste of Summer events—Dan’s Rosé Soirée, the official kickoff event of summer in the Hamptons on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28); the new Dan’s MonTaco, a Mexican-themed fiesta at Gurney’s Montauk on July 7; Dan’s ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8; Dan’s GrillHampton (July 21), celebrating its fifth anniversary; and Dan’s Taste of Two Forks (July 22), now in its seventh year returns to the shores of Mecox Bay.

Actually, the Wolfs take turns attending these events, so that someone is always minding the store. You’ll likely see Alexa at Dan’s Rosé Soirée because her dad is not as fond of the blood of the grape as she is—though when we talked inside his friendly restaurant Arthur was looking into purchasing some alcohol-free wine to try out. Arthur shares some of his other dislikes—and digs—with us below. And he wants you to know about the “More” in Smokin’ Wolf BBQ & More, as he says, “we’re more than just meat, we have veggie burgers, salads with chicken, salads with fish. Our collard greens and baked beans are vegetarian. We have a lot of vegetarian—and vegan—regular customers. We’re very accommodating.”

Would you agree that chefs and farmers have a lot in common in that both are a little crazy and overworked?
Yeah and we’re underpaid. A farmer loves what he does too and that’s why we love what we eat.

Why should consumers pay more for local, organic produce and wine?
I’m a firm believer in putting out the best product—people are going to pay for it. I believe in quality.

What do you have in your kitchen or pantry right now that would make another food pro jealous?
The smoker, a $20,000 toy.

What skill or concept have you learned recently that you’re eager to use in your work?
I’ve just been playing around with more baking ideas and offering more baked products.

How old were you when you knew that you’d have a career in food?
This is a story. When I was in sixth grade our school cafeteria was overcrowded. I’d run home at lunchtime and watch The Galloping Gourmet.

Please complete this sentence: I could create a fine meal with just these five ingredients: steaks, potatoes, vegetables, salt & pepper, garlic & herbs

What local ingredients will you be using in the high summer season?
Everything we can get from Balsam Farms [based in nearby Amagansett], including beets, corn, fennel, kohlrabi and zucchini. We’re looking forward to a great season. I like to be busy.

How is East End dining evolving?
Now there are more healthy options—which we’ve been gearing toward at Smokin’ Wolf.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
Our barbeque. I’m a meat-eater. I eat meat all day—I’m a “grazer.”

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever eaten?
Alexa: This man eats EVERYTHING.
Arthur: I hate mayonnaise—if it’s on potato salad I’ll eat it. The commercial stuff is different from what you have at home—I’m okay with the stuff here.

Please complete this sentence: If I got a tattoo tomorrow it would depict:
Alexa: He HATES tattoos! [Mine would read] “I love my dad!”
Arthur: A smokin’ wolf.
Alexa: “I heart Smokin’ Wolf BBQ”

What animals could local farmers raise that you would be excited to cook?
Arthur & Alexa: PIGS!

Find the latest info on all of Dan’s Taste of Two Forks events this summer—Dan’s Rosé Soirée, the official kickoff event of summer in the Hamptons on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28); the new Dan’s Corona MonTaco presented by Don Julio , a Mexican-themed fiesta at Gurney’s Montauk on July 7; Dan’s ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8; Dan’s GrillHampton (July 21), celebrating its fifth anniversary; and Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company (July 22), now in its seventh year—at DansTaste.com. American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit card holders have exclusive access to the Dan’s Taste of Summer Pre-Sale through April 16, 2017. Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 17, 2017.