Taste the work of Chef Todd Mitgang of South Edison in Montauk and Crave Fishbar in New York at the new Dan’s Taste of Summer event Dan’s Corona MonTaco presented by Don Julio at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Adam Richman, Travel Channel host, author, food and travel explorer on July 7. You never know what culinary surprises Mitgang may have up his chef’s jacket sleeve. His favorite dish to pair with summer’s rosés? “A local porgy crudo with heirloom tomatoes, a fresh herb oil and something crunchy, like popped sorghum.”
A portion of proceeds from MonTaco goes to benefit The Retreat, which provides safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and works to break the cycle of family violence.
When did you know you’d have a career in food?
I realized while attending undergraduate [studies] at the University of Buffalo. I was inspired by the Food Network of old and the amazing grocery superstore of Western New York, Wegmans. Put my interest together with these tools, and I was on my way.
What Long Island wines are currently in your home wine library?
One of my nieces’ names is Channing, so how could my home wine library not include Channing Daughters Rosé?
Why should consumers seek out local produce and wine?
To support their local community and the vibrancy everyone wants out of it. Farms and vineyards supply many jobs for people who care about, and care for, the very land that may be in your township.
Would you agree that chefs and farmers are both a little crazy and overworked?
After many years of crazy it’s hard to imagine I’m crazy anymore, because after many years of anything, crazy or not, it becomes your normal. Chefs and farmers both work hard and both work long hours—but doesn’t everyone?
What crop could local farmers grow that you would be excited to use?
Nasturtium leaves
If I got a tattoo tomorrow it would depict: an old wooden spoon.
Tell us about the best or most surprising thing you’ve ever eaten.
Best is often what I’ve last eaten. Most surprising, hmmm, I’d have to say shad roe.
What do you have in your kitchen that would make another food pro jealous?
Smoked beef ribs from the other night’s barbecue!
What local ingredients will you be using in the high summer season?
Eggplants, heirloom tomatoes, wax beans, BASIL, BASIL, BASIL.
I could create a fine meal with just these five ingredients: local fish, artichokes, lemon, ginger, chives.
You’re playing DJ. What’s on your playlist for Dan’s MonTaco at Gurney’s Montauk?
Hopefully some of Cold War Kids’ new album. Their music brings me back to the opening season of South Edison, and their new album is amazing.
Gurney’s is one of the most spectacular beach getaways in the universe. What’s one of your favorite beach dining memories?
Al fresco dining with my wife in Positano, more specifically the langoustines.
What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Dan’s Taste of Summer?
Eating tacos on the beach with EVERYONE!
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 DansTasteofSummer.com. Follow Dan’s Taste of Summer on Facebook, on Twitter @DansTOS17 and Instagram @DansTasteofSummer. Event Hashtags: #DansTOS, #RoseSoiree, #MonTaco, #ClambakeMTK, #GrillHampton and #TasteofTwoForks.
