BYLINES BY SCOTT
WHAT ARE CHEF MICHAEL WHITE’S HAMPTONS MUSTS?
Acclaimed chef Michael White tells us how he spends his summer out East.
Chef Michael White may not be known for throwing famous parties, but his Altamarea Group serves up hospitality and more at numerous culinary outposts around the globe, including Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, and New York City. Presiding over a mini empire gives him just enough time to enjoy the summer’s bounty. Here, White shares fond memories of his time out East with friends, family, and, of course, fine food.
Favorite time of year: Summer. It usually provides me with free time away from my restaurants to travel, most often to Italy and France, but there’s nothing wrong with a quick jaunt to the Hamptons.
Best summer host/hostess: Whoever is manning the front of East Hampton Grill when I walk in looking for my Hillstone/Houston’s fix. They always do it right.
Best farmstand: [Fairview Farm at] Mecox for pie and cheese.
In your spare time: I walk along the beach with my wife.
Most-used summer ingredient: Incredible tomatoes and sweet corn.
This summer’s cocktail: Aperol spritz, now and always.
Best Hamptons memory: My first visit to the Springs and walking along the water on Gerard Drive while thinking what a special place it is. I would love to have a small place here to go on weekends to read, write, do recipe work, then go to the Clam Bar on the way out to Montauk.
What’s on the table? Handmade pasta, of course, with fresh tomatoes, basil and Parmigiano; grilled lobsters; corn salad; and blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
What’s on the menu this summer? Fresh fish—nothing too heavy; anything that pairs well with light white and rosé wines or a spritz— and beautiful salads filled with colorful ingredients.
Go-to kitchen tool: Always my hands. I never have to worry about forgetting them.
Favorite places to eat in the Hamptons: Tutto il Giorno is always enjoyable—simple, fresh Italian food, which is how I like to cook and eat. But in the Hamptons, it’s really all about grilling poolside.
Best-kept secrets: Banana coffee at Hampton Coffee Company, fresh-baked mini doughnuts at Mecox farmstand, flagels from Goldberg’s, and fresh chickens from Iacono Farm… none of which are secrets.
Read the Article at Hamptons-Magazine.com HERE.
