Dan's Corona MonTaco Countdown: Christopher Cryer, Seamore's
Seamore’s Executive Chef Christopher Cryer hails from the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland, so he knows seafood. Cryer came to New York years ago to develop his craft.
You can meet Cryer at the new Dan’s Corona MonTaco presented by Don Julio on July 7 at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Adam Richman and at Dan’s ClambakeMTK on July 8 at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian. And here’s a tasteful morsel: a portion of proceeds from MonTaco and ClambakeMTK benefits The Retreat, which provides safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and works to break the cycle of family violence.
How old were you when you knew that you’d have a career in food?
[I was] 26 years old when I started working under my mentor Chef Julian Alonzo. He showed me that being a chef is a respected career path and there’s a true elegance to my profession.
My favorite dish to pair with a fine rosé is: “Half Cooked Scallops” from Montauk with lemon and sea salt.
Why should consumers seek out local produce and wine?
To better taste the true flavors of in-season produce. Shopping locally is amazing. A store-bought tomato is no match for a local, ripe tomato.
Would you agree that chefs and farmers have a lot in common in that both are a little crazy and overworked?
I couldn’t agree more—the hours, workload and passion behind it all.
What crop could local farmers grow that you would be excited to use?
Celtus. It’s a combination of celery and romaine. It’s very new to me; I was introduced to it this winter in Austin, Texas during SXSW festival collaborating with Chef Kevin Fink at Emmer & Rye.
If I got a tattoo tomorrow it would depict: even more Japanese art…
Tell us about the best or most surprising thing you’ve ever eaten.
Fresh uni [sea urchin] from Massachusetts. I was getting it straight from a diver weekly. Our buddies from Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. really gave us the pick of the litter on them.
What do you have in your pantry that would make another food pro jealous?
Jarred white asparagus and traditional paella seasoning from Spain. Also a jar of Uncle Pete’s preserved tomatoes from last year’s late harvest in New Jersey.
What local ingredients will you be using in the high summer season?
Heirloom beefsteak tomatoes and watermelon—for as long as possible!
I could create a fine meal with just these five ingredients: bucatini pasta, Jonah crab, guanciale, garlic, egg yolk.
What’s one of your favorite beach dining memories?
Back home in Southern Maryland, Stoney’s Seafood House is the place to go. Nothing beats eating crab cakes along the bay in the summer. It’s my first stop when I go back home.
What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Dan’s Taste of Summer?
The smells of ocean water, tacos and sunshine.
Find the latest info on all of Dan’s Taste of Summer events remaining this summer—the new Dan’s Corona MonTaco presented by Don Julio (July 7) at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Adam Richman, Travel Channel host, author, food & travel explorer; Dan’s ClambakeMTK (July 8) at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian—Geoffrey Zakarian is a star of Food Network’s Chopped, The Kitchen, Cooks vs. Cons, co-author of My Perfect Pantry, restaurateur behind The Lambs Club, The National in NYC, The National in Greenwich, Georgie and The Garden Bar at Montage Beverly Hills, Point Royal and Counter Point at The Diplomat Beach Resort and The Water Club at Borgata in Atlantic City and co-creator of Pro For Home food storage container system. Margaret Zakarian is President of Zakarian Hospitality, co-author of My Perfect Pantry and co-creator of Pro For Home food storage container system; Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda (July 21) hosted by Robert Irvine, celebrity chef, entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation and chef/owner of Robert Irvine’s Public House at the Tropicana Las Vegas; and Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Co. (July 22) hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli chef/owner of Butter, Judge on Food Network’s Chopped, author of Old School Comfort Food and soon-to-be released cookbook The Home Cook—at DansTaste.com. Follow Dans Taste of Summer on Facebook, on Twitter @DansTOS17 and Instagram @DansTasteofSummer. Event Hashtags: #DansTOS, #MonTaco, #ClambakeMTK, #GrillHampton and #TasteofTwoForks.