Top Chefs from Manhattan to the Hamptons Cook for the 9th Annual Great Chefs Dinner

"Jeff believed that the growing, preparation and sharing of food is a primal human experience and the foundation of family and community" — Toni Ross of Nick and Toni's and the wife of the late Jeff Salaway

On Sunday, July 28, there were never too many cooks in the kitchen for the 9th annual Great Chefs Dinner to benefit the Hayground School's Jeff's Kitchen and the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund. The cocktail and tasting party was held under a tent on the rural grounds of the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. A symphony of top chefs from Manhattan to the Hamptons rolled up their sleeves and cooked for a cause; signature hors d'oeuvres were made using the local bounty, while brewers, winemakers and specialty drink enthusiasts poured. The generosity from the community went beyond the taste of the tongue: a silent auction featured works by renowned local artists and other food-related prizes such as a Dock-to-Dish family membership package and a set of Wüsthof knives.

The human spirit soared for the love of Jeff Salaway and his vision for the Hayground School's most innovative feature; Jeff's Kitchen, a state-of-the-art professional kitchen and classroom supported by a science lab, two gardens, a slow food Farmtek greenhouse and hen-house. Jeff's legacy has left an impact on the East End community and attracts celebrity guests including; Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and superstar chefs, Tom Colicchio and honoree Eric Ripert; their presence created a moment of pause from the feast.

Honoree Chef Eric Ripert and Fisherman Sean Barrett of Dock-to-Dish

I and some other folks were fortunate enough to congratulate the honoree or even get a fan photo with the master chefs and the Baldwins'. Their time at the cocktail party was brief and they breezed through the tent to meet with their chef friends before heading over to the VIP dinner hosted by Toni Ross, honoring Four-Star chef Eric Ripert

The support of the East End community was outstanding; food frenzied fans were meeting the chefs and cheering on our local and regional food and beverage stewards for their contribution to the Hayground Schools biggest fundraiser. The school's unique culinary arts program focuses on sourcing food that is grown and harvested from its own gardens; it does not get more tactile than that. In the early 70's, the closest I got to an edible school garden were the dandelion weeds growing through the sidewalk cracks; little did my school know that these were edible. 

Eve in the Hayground School Garden. She is the daughter of Chef Arjun Achuthan, one of the founders of the Hayground School and director of the culinary arts program.

Jeff’s Kitchen has been the model for many of the edible schoolyard projects on the East End. This farm-to-table routine is a daily classroom ritual; students from the ages of 5-13 spend mornings and afternoons planning, budgeting and serving lunch to the entire student and teacher body. Such a simple and powerful concept; students learn how to grow, prepare, and cook the bounty of the East End—there is no mystery around—"where did that vegetable come from?" 

The first time I saw Jeff's Kitchen was in 2012 for a Slow Food East End Potluck Dinner; I was in awe and truly enamored with the schools mission:

"Our mission at Hayground is to provide an open, community school where conventional teaching methods are replaced by new ways of teaching and learning. We are committed to a program of innovation in a community of diversity, both economical and cultural."

I daydreamed on what it would have been like to attend a school with this type of out-of-the-box curriculum, especially for someone like me who was taught by conventional teaching methods and fed tater tots for lunch; I struggled. But what is most encouraging are the children who attend this school, they will be shining examples of what it means to live a sustainable and bountiful life. Jeff's Kitchen and culinary arts program takes the mystery out of the meat, and brings children, chefs and the community together over a shared love of food; these children are the next generation who will carry the fork.

Since the fundraisers inception, this event has raised over $1,000,000 for Jeff’s Kitchen and the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund. If you missed this event, be sure to buy your tickets next year as Jeff's KItchen and culinary arts curriculum is a great example for our community and nation at large. Look at it as an investment for your future and your children's future.

 

Cocktail and Tasting Party Highlights

Foody's, chef Bryan Futerman and Hayground School chef Arjun Achuthan, and the Hayground School Kids. Tuscan Style Whole Roasted Pig and Hayground's Wood Oven Pizza

Chef Bryan Futerman and Kids from the Hayground School

Tuscan Style Whole Roasted Pig

Chef Bryan Futerman: There is so much to say about chef Futerman and his tremendous contribution as the educational coordinator for Slow Food East End; educating on the importance of edible schoolyard gardens. You can read all about him here. Now on to his whole roasted hog that was sourced locally. I tragically missed what the entire pig looked like as a whole, but I absolutely got to smell and taste this 6-hour, wood-fired roasted pig, porchetta-style with fresh lemon and rosemary. The pork sat atop a crostini that was drizzled with olive oil and the Hayground School kids made two sauces that was drizzled on top of the smoked pig: romesco and a kale pesto, all sourced from the schools garden. A sprinkle of rosemary flake salt, truly heightened the flavor of this "take me back to Italia dish", Bravo.

Chef Arjun Achuthan, manning the mobile pizza oven

Hayground Student who was serving the pizza and a man trying to get ahold of his cheesy pizza

Chef Arjun Achuthan: He is the co-founder of the Hayground School and the director of the culinary arts program. I met chef Achuthan at the Slow Food East End potluck dinner back in 2012 and was fascinated with their mobile pizza oven that I dream about having at Sheridan Green. The Hayground School kids helped with the making and plating of the pizza. Ingredients were locally sourced at: Mecox Bay Dairy for their sigit and fresh ricotta cheese that was made by Arthur Ludlow and Open Minded Organics, yellow and blue oyster mushrooms and black trumpet chanterelle mushrooms by David Falkowski. Chef Achuthan was a non-stop human machine, manning the pizza oven. The mushroom pizza and the tomato based pizza with eggplant and or squash were equally phenomenal. I would love to know how many pizzas were made that evening as the slices were flying off the table and the boy who served us was spectacular; his parents must be so proud.

 

Nick and Toni's, chef Joe Realmuto and chef Jessica Craig
Garden Basil Panna Cotta with Heirloom Tomatoes and Crisp Prosciutto

Nick and Toni's: Chef Joe Realmuto and Chef Jessica Craig

What a difference the weather makes as it was a perfect evening for this Savory Panna Cotta. Creamy, crunchy and refreshing all in one bite—well a few bites. I enjoyed the saltiness of the prosciutto that cut the creaminess of the panna cotta. The basil and heirloom tomatoes brought a summer brightness to the overall taste.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Classic White 2011, Rose 2012, Sagaponack Red 2011

Wölffer Estate Vineyard encompasses 55 acres and practices sustainable agriculture. Their wines are produced and bottled in Sagaponack, New York under winemaker and technical director Roman Roth. I tasted the Classic White 2011 and it was delightful; juicy, lush, fruity and crisp.

Almond, Chef Jason Weiner
Pikes Farm Corn Vichyssoise with Micro Basil and Marinated Sungold Tomatoes

What is so special about this dish? Feast with your eyes—it is so stunning! Reminds me of a beach summer sunset along the dunes of the South Fork. The depth of flavor unfolds a story of place; the East End of Long Island, fresh and bountiful. The vichyssoise is made from corn, local clam juice and potatoes from Bridgehampton. Then the soup is adorned with roasted lobster roe, basil oil from Pike Farm and micro-basil from Good Water Farms, Sensational.

Stone Creek Inn, chef Christian Mir and chef Robert Carpenter
Smoked Duck Loin with Sungold Tomato Confit and Pickled Watermelon

Chef Robert Carpenter in Action

I love anything duck and this was incredible.  On top of a thin crostini was the smoked duck loin that was perfectly cooked and the tomato and watermelon was placed on top. Great flavors from simple local ingredients; the tomato confit and the pickled watermelon had a unique flavor—would love to know how chef Carpenter prepared these—the tomatoes with the watermelon was a perfect combination; pungent, sweet and savory. The contrast between the smoked duck with the fruit was smart; the balance of ingredients was lovely. 

Ms. Michelle's Urban Gourmet, Michelle Gillette and Christopher Kelly
Organic Gluten Free Desserts

Owners and Bakers: Michelle Gillette and Christopher Kelly

I loved their desserts as much as I admired this couples enthusiasm and spirit for all things: sweet, natural, healthy, organic, locally sourced, 100% gluten and soy free, all the time! And the best part is—you would never know these desserts were gluten free— visit their store in Bayport, NY and give it a try, I promise you will never know. French Macaroons graced the table; the pistachio and lemon flavor was light and lots of punch, delectable. I could not peel myself away from the handmade mini-chocolate containers that held peanut butter whip and a drizzle of raspberry preserve; so elegant and light. Michelle and Christopher are getting married on August 10th and I have a hunch that their wedding cake is a peanut butter and jelly cake. For all of you lucky guests attending their wedding in Cutchogue, New York—forget about the chicken dance—you will be doing the peanut butter and jelly jig instead.

Topping Rose House, chef Tom Colicchio and chef Ty Kotz and Team
Beet Risotto, Catapano Dairy Farm Goat Cheese and Roasted and Raw Beets

Chef Ty Kotz and Staff

It was a celebration at the Topping Rose House table with chef Kotz and staff. There was a genuine camaraderie amongst this team and it was just as bright and fresh as their amazing beet risotto. The beets were picked from the Topping Rose Farm that day; farm-to-table within seconds. This is a beet lovers dream and mine came true. A beat risotto, with roasted beets and shaved raw striped beets and to top it off my favorite local goat cheese from Catapano Dairy Farm; heaven. I am looking forward to visiting with the Topping Rose House and if I am lucky, maybe chef Kotz will show me how he made his beet risotto.

 

Plain-T, Alessandro Teixeira
Artisan Ice Tea: Mango, Pure White, Pure Green and Passion-fruit

This tea is a healthy non-alcoholic alternative to any meal and looks gorgeous in a wine glass. I found the Pure White tea to be light with a fresh and smooth velvety flavor. This tea is low in caffeine and a great antioxidant. 

VerTerra, CEO, Josh Parker
Eco-friendly Dinnerware

Josh Parker, CEO of VerTerra

Finally, a dinnerware that is environmentally friendly. The design is absolutely gorgeous and comes in a variety of shapes. The plates used for the Chefs Cocktail and Tasting party was VerTerra. The dinnerware is modern and allows the food to be the star. I love a product you can compost, however I would have a hard time throwing them out as they are so beautiful. This would be the product I would use for our —not yet announced Sheridan Green party.

Lure Fish Bar, Chef Josh Capon
Blue Point Oysters

I am learning to enjoy oysters; slowly but surely I am getting there and chef Capon's bite may have done it. The oysters were fresh with a firm texture; a sweet aftertaste that sparkled with salinity.The oysters were topped with a jalapeño ponzu sauce and a pineapple relish that added a spicy kick. Keep on the look out for Lure Fish Bar at Miami's Loew's Hotel.

I met Leeann last year at the Harvest East End; it was my first event and blog post for Out East Foodie. She is the author and true ambassador for the chefs and artisanal growers of the Hamptons and Long Island; stories about their connection to the land and sea and the growers who inspire them. Some local chefs that were at this event are featured in her homegrown book: chef Lia Fallon, the Riverhead Project, chef Bryan Futerman, Foody's, chef Jason Weiner, Almond and chef Realmuto, Nick & Toni's. Leeanne sold two cases of books and 10% of the proceeds went to the fundraiser pot for Jeff's Kitchen and the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund. Honoree Eric Ripert made a special stop at Leeann's table and stated, "He loves the book". That is a true testament from the Four-Star Chef; a book that you can only love, cherish and cook from. If you want a copy of this fabulous Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook you can order it here or you can email Leeann Lavin at foodanddrinkny@gmail.com to get an autographed copy.

 

I did not attend the VIP dinner, but you can see some of the images here. 

 

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with Seared Scallops and Tastes for a Cause

Are you all still stuffed from Dan’s Taste of Two Forks or are you hungry for more food soriées? I gather you are ready to put on your "Eattendee" caps, but before you dash and dine here is a light meal that was inspired by my taste of local watermelon gazpacho with Jonah crab; prepared by Chef Randy Santos of Navy Beach in Montauk, NY. This dish will get your palates going, so loosen your belt buckles for the next wave of tastes for a cause which will be listed below my recipe.

 

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with Seared Scallops

ingredients

Gazpacho

  •  2 ½ pounds of ripe yellow tomatoes; blanched, peeled and cored.
  • 1 hothouse cucumber; chopped, peeled and seeded
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped and seeded
  • ½ jalapeño; seeded, chopped and cut in half
  • 4 cilantro sprigs
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons of sherry vinegar
  • ½ cup of good extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of Sea Salt
  • Pepper to taste

    Scallops
  • 6 large Sea Scallops
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter for searing
  • A pinch of Amagansett Sea Salt, Montauk Blend to sprinkle on top

    For Garnish

  • Pea shoots and currant tomatoes
  • directions

    Gazpacho

    1. In boiling water blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds; cut a cross hatch at the bottom of the tomato before inserting. Cool the tomatoes in a bowl of ice water and then peel the skin off the tomato. Remove the cores and chop the tomatoes, saving all of the juice.
    2. Place half of the yellow tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, shallots, vinegar, olive oil and ½ tablespoon of salt and a pinch of pepper in a blender or food processor.
    3. Puree until the soup is completely smooth. Taste for seasoning and repeat with the rest of the ingredients. You can chill the soup in the refrigerator or have it at room temperature.

      Scallops
    4. On high heat sear the scallops on both sides; approximately 2 minutes on both sides or just when the scallop gets a golden crust. Do not over cook.
    5. When done, place one scallop in the middle of a shallow bowl and pour the gazpacho around the scallop up to its middle; the top should peek out.
    6. Finish the Scallop with a sprinkle of the Amagansett Sea Salt, Montauk Blend.

      For Garnish
    7. Place tomato currants around the scallop as well as the pea shoots and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

      Serves 6
     

    Tastes for a Cause

     

    Food Riot, Saturday, July 27

    Benefiting Slow Food East End, this will be held at the Hamptons Preventative Health & Sustainable Technology Expo at Dodds & Eder in Sag Harbor, NY on July 27 and 28, sponsored by Turtle Shell Health. The casual cocktail party is from 5:30-7pm and the dinner party is from 7-9pm and will be cooked by Chef Todd Jacobs of Fresh Hamptons. There are various combinations and offerings to attend this action packed weekend. Go here for the full details.

     

    Great Chefs Dinner, Sunday, July 28th

    The late Jeff Salaway and one of the school's founders believed that the growing, preparation and sharing of food is a primal human experience and the foundation of family and community. In the state-of-the-art kitchen named Jeff's Kitchen students prepare lunch for their classmates. Manhattan and East End chefs will be cooking it up to benefit the Hayground School's Jeff's Kitchen to support its food education program and the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund. The cocktail party is from 5:30–7:30pm for $175 / $40 for children; the dinner is from 7:30–10pm for $1,000 (cocktail party included). 

     

    Share: A Celebration of Education, for Peconic Community School, Sunday, August 11th

    The mission of the Peconic Community School is to immerse children in the beauty and splendor that is the East End, so they can learn to be stewards of their communities. This cocktail reception will be held at the Golden Earthworm Organic Farm in Jamesport, NY from 5-8pm. Tickets are $75. Tastes of field-to-plate dishes prepared by top local chefs: Michael Meehan of H20 Seafood Grill, Lia Stanco Falon of the Riverhead Project, Todd Jacobs of Fresh Hamptons, Joe & Liza's ice cream, local beer by Blind Bat Brewery and wine being poured by Jamesport Vineyard, among others. 

     

    Harvest East End, Saturday, August 24th

    The 4th Annual Harvest East End is celebrating 40 Years of wine making in Long Island Wine Country; showcasing the region’s world class wines from 42 Long Island winemakers and featuring over 34 top regional chefs at McCall Vineyard & Ranch in Cutchogue, NY

    Festival Tasting: 7-9:30pm; $125 per person, if purchased no later than Sunday, August 11; $150 on or after Monday, August 12, and at the door (if available)

    The Vin-IP Experience, presented by Lincoln
    Private entrance 6-7pm; $250 per person or $2,500 per table of 10.

    This event is presented by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and organized by the Long Island Wine Council with support from Merliance. This fundraiser benefits four regional charities: East End Hospice, Group for the East End, the Peconic Land Trust and the Long Island Farm Bureau Promotion & Education Foundation.