Daily Front Row

2012 July 13

From The Daily Dan! Taste of Two Forks: Jean-Georges Edition

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Hearty appetites required: the mouthwatering 2012 iteration of Dan’s Papers’ Taste of Two Forks foodie-friendly bonanza on Saturday is headlined by master chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, with Nicole Miller serving as this year’s “Ambassador of Taste.” A dream team of design and deliciousness! Vongerichten, who will host the food and vino bash at Bridgehampton’s Sayre Park, dished on his summer fling with chili peppers, the seasonal salad to whip up ASAP, and his fave Hamptons ‘hood!

First things first: why don’t you have a Hamptons outpost yet?

Honestly, I haven’t been there for like five years, but I’ve heard there have been a lot of changes. I’ll look around and see what’s happening. A lot of people say I should bring ABC Kitchen here. I’ll keep my options open. If I find a beautiful farm somewhere…

Fingers crossed! So how did you get involved with Taste of Two Forks? 

I love the Hamptons, so it’s a great opportunity, a good cause, and a beautiful event. Nicole is a great friend whom I’ve worked with in the past. I’ve known her for years!

So where do you get away for the weekend, if it’s not the Hamptons? 

When you live in New York you want to escape to the country, which is why people go to the Hamptons! I have a house in Westchester, though I’ve been to the Hamptons and Fire Island many times to visit friends. 

What are your aquatic pastimes of choice?

When I go to the beach, I’m in the water for, say, six out of every eight hours! I love to windsurf, lay by the beach, and do nothing. 

What’s a typical summer Saturday?

I’d probably be in the country—peddling, fishing, swimming in the lake, and spending time with my wife and daughter. I’d also be in my garden, where I grow tomatoes and fruits. I return to my roots when I cook food from the garden, which my mom and grandmother did when I was a kid.  I like mixing sliced heirloom tomatoes with blueberries and strawberries, some herbs, basil, and lemon. It tastes like a sunny day. 

Any other steamy-weather staples? 

I do a lot of grilling outdoors—and my new passion and obsession is chili and jalapeño peppers. They make the first bite as exciting as the last bite. Chilies are also very good for you; they’re a natural anti-inflammatory, so I try to put them in everything. 

Where can we find you in NYC?
In the summer I’m often at Jean Georges, my flagship. When you put your name on the door, you have to be more present. I’ll be there during the day, then will stop by two or three of my other restaurants each night. 

Where do you eat in the city when you’re off duty?
After work, I often eat around 11 at night—I like Sushi Seki on Third Avenue, Company for pizza, and when I’m in the mood for a burger, I go to Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. I always follow my cravings!

 

THE 411 ON TASTE OF TWO FORKS
Didn’t nab your tickets to tastiness yet? Any self-respecting food savant on the East End would be wont to miss a smattering of bites from the likes of Nick & Toni’s, 1770 House, Navy Beach, Beaumarchais East Hampton, Banzai Burger, The Lobster Roll, Nobu at The Capri, and Race Lane. Hit up TasteOfTwoForks.com/Tickets or call (631) 227-0188 ASAP, chéris: general admission costs $150, and VIP access for $225 affords entrée (and a drink) to the afterparty at Georgica.