Dan’s Taste of Two Forks Countdown: Nick & Toni’s

The inaugural Dan’s Taste of Two Forks is only 32 days away! As we approach this can’t-miss gathering of top restaurants and wineries from the North and South Forks of Long Island, we’ll be getting up-close-and-personal with the chefs and winemakers who are going to make Dan’s Taste of Two Forks sizzle.

Aside from sharing some incredible food at the July 16 epicurean event, executive chef Joseph Realmuto of the indelible Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton is most looking forward to “meeting some new chefs and customers,” he says. “There are a lot of new restaurants in the Hamptons and I would like to meet some of the new faces.”

DansHamptons.com caught up with Realmuto to talk about his dream meal, his favorite local ingredients, what he’d eat if the world ended tomorrow and more.

If you had two forks in your hand right now, you would like to stick them in…Clams on the half and a lobster roll. It yells SUMMER!

Your Favorite Dish at Nick & Toni’s…Whole roasted fish out of the wood oven. The oven cooks at high heat, which crisps up the fish nicely and adds a smokey element to the fish that is really nice.

The Word That Defines How You Feel About Food…Simple

My Perfect Meal Is…Going to the Balsam Farm Stand in the summer and getting some really nice veggies pot luck, then to the fish market, and cooking for family and friends while drinking rosé in my yard.

Where Do You Find Inspiration for a New Dish? Through the seasons—cooking is all about what is in season for me.

Food That Defines Summer on Long Island…Clams, oysters, bass, corn, tomatoes

What’s Great About Being Part of the Cuisine Culture in East Hampton…We have access to so much local product. We have a one-acre garden right behind the restaurant.

Your Favorite Local Ingredient Is…Tomatoes.

Who’s Taught You the Most About Food and Cooking? I loved eating my dad’s special prepared meals. My mom did most of the cooking day to day, but Dad always did the grilling with meats from the butcher and loved to cook on Sunday. On a professional level, Paul DelFavero, the original chef and Nick and Toni’s—he had a true love affair with food.

If You Didn’t Work in the World of Food, You’d Be…An accountant. Wow, how boring that sounds.

The World Ends Tomorrow. Your Last Meal Would Be…Hot dogs and a 12-pack.

When You Get to Foodie Heaven, the Guy at the Gate Will Say To You…“You’ve done some great work for the community with your cooking skills. We have a special place for you.” At least that’s what I am hoping for. I could use all the help I can get.

Dan’s Taste of Two Forks is Saturday, July 16, in Sayre Park in Bridgehampton, NY.

For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.