NEW YORK—It’s not a summer “out east” without Dan’s Taste food and wine series, which has captured the luxe lifestyle of the Hamptons through food-forward events for more than a decade. This year, for its 11th summer season, Dan’s Taste hosted five soirees.
First in the lineup, Chefs of the Hamptons took place on June 9 and highlighted the affluent area’s most celebrated chefs with an evening of fine dining, followed by Chefs of the North Fork on June 25, a gastronomic gathering that featured a six-course tasting menu. And July kicked off with the Rosé Soiree, where guests dined on tasting bites and—more importantly—wined on more than a dozen local and international Rosé blends. Then on Aug. 6, famed TV personality Foodgod hosted GrillHampton, and the final event—Bubbles—simultaneously bid adieu to Dan’s Taste Series and the summer season with champagne showers and seafood towers.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the series, plus hear from the executive vice president of the event production company behind Dan’s Taste on the standout moments from the five-part summer extravaganza.
Chefs of the Hamptons
Chefs of the Hamptons took place on the East Hampton waterfront at EHP Resort & Marina, which Elizabeth Aloni, the executive vice president of Events at Schneps Media—the production company behind Dan’s Taste—said “was selected for its scenery and excellent representation of the varied beauty of the East End.” Hosted by celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, “Chefs of the Hamptons included funky, hip decor against the backdrop of EHP’s jaw-dropping views of the water,” Aloni explained.
Decor featured rentals courtesy of TGIF Event Services, including a welcoming, Instagram-worthy vignette outfitted with florals, and—fittingly—a grocery cart filled with disco balls and neon lights.
Decor featured rentals courtesy of TGIF Event Services, including a welcoming, Instagram-worthy vignette outfitted with florals, and—fittingly—a grocery cart filled with disco balls and neon lights.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Angela LaGreca
The evening highlighted the Hamptons’ most celebrated chefs so, fittingly, guests dined on high-end eats from the renowned honorees. Participating chefs included chef Bob Abrams of Calissa Hamptons, chef Tom Bogia of Manna Restaurant, chef Dan Sayles of EHP Resort & Marina, and so many more. VIP tickets sold for $175, while general admission ran guests $125, and a portion of the ticket proceeds benefited 501(c)(3) organizations, including All For The East End (ATEE), which raises funds to support nonprofits throughout the Hamptons.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Angela LaGreca
Chefs of the North Fork
As the event name suggests, Chefs of the North Fork gave attendees a taste of the 30-mile East End of Long Island’s best in culinary class. Taking place at Atlantis Banquets & Events, a cocktail hour featured gastronomic creations in a room modeled after an aquarium. And in a nod to the space, fare was provided courtesy of chef Tom Schaudel of A Lure Chowder House & “Oyster-ia,” among many others.
A sit-down dinner followed where guests enjoyed a six-course dinner, each paired with a local wine.
A sit-down dinner followed where guests enjoyed a six-course dinner, each paired with a local wine.
Photo: Rick Seigleman
“The greatest success of the events was the joy on the faces of our attendees, chefs, sponsors, and musicians,” Aloni said, noting that Dan’s Taste, aside from meeting the elevated expectations characteristic of the Hamptons, also “allowed attendees to experience new chefs, drinks, and destinations.”
Photo: Rick Seigleman
Rosé Soirée
The Rosé Soirée took place at the indoor-outdoor Southampton venue The Muses and celebrated the “unofficial drink of summer,” Aloni explained. Here, each tasting bite—from the likes of chef Rocco DiSpirito, Village Cheese Shop, Chocology, and Union Sushi & Steak, just to name a few—was accompanied by a glass of pink wine. Participating wineries include Maison Mieabeau, DAOU Vineyards, and Wolffer Estate, among others.
Photo: Of the Art Photography, Ed Shin, and Rick Seigleman
Aloni noted that the venue’s “old-world architecture” was photo-worthy and, with “the design of abundant pink floral arrangements and cabanas with flowing pink fabrics,” was the perfect nod to the rosy beverage. Another standout? Stilt-walkers donning pearls, blush floral hats, and glittered pink boots.
Photo: Of the Art Photography, Ed Shin, and Rick Seigleman
Chef Rocco DiSpirito—known for starring in the TV program The Restaurant—was on-site signing copies of his cookbooks for VIP guests.
Photo: Of the Art Photography, Ed Shin, and Rick Seigleman
GrillHampton
Activations and photo moments ran wild at GrillHampton, which put a spin on the event’s destination in Bridgehampton, at Nova’s Ark. Debatably the most highly anticipated event of Dan’s Taste, GrillHampton pits East End chefs against Manhattan chefs in a cooking competition and tasting event.
One playful photo op boasted an oversized fork twirling spaghetti and neon signage.
One playful photo op boasted an oversized fork twirling spaghetti and neon signage.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
GrillHampton was presented by Corona, which boasted a playful booth characterized by its tropical neon lighting and playfully patterned bar. Beer and specialty cocktails were accompanied by grilled fare, live music, and dancing.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
Participating grill masters included Blue Smoke, Pig Beach BBQ, Justin’s Chop Shop, and Meats Meat, just to name a few. Bronx-based Hudson Smokehouse walked away with the people’s choice award—the first Manhattan restaurant to take away the prize in years—and chef Peter Ambrose was the judge’s pick.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
Also on the menu at the Aug. 5 event, LaCroix activated with a branded cart decked out in cascading florals.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
Celebrity TV personality Foodgod hosted the event.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
Bubbles
Dan’s Taste concluded on Aug. 6 with the first-ever Bubbles: A Fried Chicken, Seafood, & Champagne Affair. Also hosted by Foodgod at Nova’s Ark, the event series staple said “cheers” to the end of summer with no shortage of the boozy beverage. Take this photo op, for example, where an oversized champagne bottle bubbled with balloons alongside signage that read, “Pour it up.”
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
DJ Jonathan Peters spun tracks behind an LED-flanked booth.
Geo Events helmed lighting, sound, and fabrication, Wilson Protection handled security, and tents were courtesy of Chris Starr Tents.
Geo Events helmed lighting, sound, and fabrication, Wilson Protection handled security, and tents were courtesy of Chris Starr Tents.
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
Fare was prepared by 15 esteemed local chefs. On the menu? Bajan seasoned prawn and pumpkin chowder from chef Trevon Stoute, chef Marco Barrila’s homemade prosciutto ravioli, and chef Jennie Wers’s sweet tea-brined fried chicken served with hot sauce, honey butter, and thai basil on a biscuit (pictured).
Photo: Of the Art Photography and Ed Shin
