3rd Annual Harvest East End and My 1st Harvest

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How appropriate that the Harvest East End at the Hampton Classic Horse Show grounds in Bridgehampton be my first post and gateway to the great bounty of Long Island’s East End. This event brought together 40 award-winning wineries as well as 30 regional restaurants and their finest chefs who featured locally-sourced creations in partnership with Farmers, Fishermen, Beekeepers and Cheesemakers, to name a few. The coming together for this special event--which supports land, the environment and the East End community making this region so great--raised $42,000 for these three charities: East End Hospice, Group for the East End and the Peconic Land Trust.

I had 3 hours to immerse myself into the world of these artisans. Although my time was brief, I was able to quickly take a journey to each vineyard, restaurant or farm and taste what makes each so special. There is a common thread amongst the East End Community and their artisans-it is a sense of stewardship to the land and sea. But what makes each stand out amongst one another is their philosophy, story and history. I am truly honored to have met each and every one of these artisans and look forward to telling their stories about what they thrive on and create.

SOME NOTABLES FROM THE EVENT

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The Fifth Season
Chef Erik Orlowski, Chef John Urbinati
Corn Infused Ricotta Cheese with Roasted Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes on Multigrain Crostini.

These little bites told such a tale of the corn fields and goat farms.

​Koppert Cress
Known for their outstanding flavored Micro-Greens, Micro-Vegetables and Specialties for chef or mixologist who want year-round rare ingredients in order to create his or her signature dish. I was fascinated by these folks. 

The punch these little morsels have to complement a dish or libation is incredible. Watch out for the Sechuan Button! 

Savoring the Hamptons by Silvia Lehrer, featuring Starr Boggs Restaurant
Chef Starr Boggs
Scallop Mousse with Lobster Mayonnaise and Fresh Tomato Relish.

The condensed flavor profile of the sea was sensational.

Farm Country Kitchen
Chef Tom Carson
Lobster Risotto with Fresh Local Tomatoes, Local Herbs and Spinach .

Unfortunately, I was unable to try his dish (was all gone which states the obvious) however this chef's passion was nice to see.

T’Jara Vineyards: 2008 Merlot.

Their not-yet-released wine was delish and the label designs were cool which I can appreciate since I am a designer at heart.

One Woman Wines and Vineyards: 2010 Gruner Veltliner.  

Hey power to the woman and the Gruner was fantastic and smooth.

Note: These two were my husbands favorites as I could not take him away from these tables so I figured I should make a special note here.

Clovis Point: 2010 Tank Fermented Chardonnay, 2008 Cabernet Franc and 2007 Vinter’s Select Merlot.
McCall Wines: 2011 Pinot Noir Rose, 2008 Merlot Reserve,  and 2007 Bens Blend

To read more about the Harvest East End and its sponsors and supporters:​ harvesteastend.com