Dan’s Taste of Two Forks Countdown: Rugosa

You never forget your first time. So the premier Dan’s Taste of Two Forks event on July 16 will be particularly unforgettable for Bill Mammes, chef/owner of Rugosa in East Hampton. “I’m looking forward to the whole experience,” Mammes says. “This will be my first Hamptons food event. I look forward to meeting the other chefs, most of whom I have never met, and seeing what they are doing.”

With the top restaurants and wineries from the North and South Forks of Long Island coming together, we know it will be something spectacular—especially for those of you tasting their food and getting to meet them for the first time.

Your Favorite Dish at Rugosa…Any of our duck dishes, currently served with date chutney, baby bok choy and cinnamon-duck jus. As the only readily available local meat, we take a lot of pride in our duck.

The Moment You Knew Food Was Your Calling… I knew I liked the restaurant business when I started working as a busboy when I was 15. Three years later, when I got into the kitchen, I realized I loved cooking.

The Perfect Meal Is…One shared with my family.

What’s Great About Being Part of the Cuisine Culture in East Hampton…The summer bounty of the freshest seafood and produce.

Food That Defines Summer on Long Island… Sun Gold tomatoes.

Your Favorite Local Ingredients… Porgy, duck, sweet corn, and cantaloupe and musk melons.

Where Do You Find Inspiration for a New Dish… Everywhere—including guests’ suggestions.

The World Ends Tomorrow. Your Last Meal Would Be…A simple salad and roasted squab.

Who’s Taught You the Most About Food and Cooking… Professionally, the team of Joel Antunes, Frank Brunacci and Laurent Pillard—they all worked together at different times and I worked for each of them independently throughout my career. As far as learning the appreciation of food, it would be my grandmother, who was an exceptional cook and tended a large garden every summer.

If You Didn’t Work in the World of Food, You’d Be… A handyman. I’ve gotten really good at fixing things since taking ownership of Rugosa.

When You Get to Foodie Heaven, the Guy at the Gate Will Say to You… Get to work.

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.

Dan’s Taste of Two Forks Countdown: Nick & Toni’s executive chef Joseph Realmuto