Eating Local with Chef Philippe Chow

This summer, New York City favorite Philippe heads East. Chef Philippe Chow will serve his signature, classic Chinese dishes at Phillipe before the hotspot turns into a club for late-night gatherings. Chef Chow will also be on hand for Dan’s Taste of Two Forks on July 18. Here, he discusses the importance of freshly prepared food and eating local.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Summer this year?
We are looking forward to sharing the flavors of Philippe with our friends in the Hamptons.

One dish everyone should try at least once in life:
Peking Duck. It is a delicious combination of texture and flavor. Imagine this: a perfectly crisp skin, melt-in-your-mouth tender meat, sweet plum sauce, fresh cucumber and scallion all wrapped in an impossibly thin pancake.

Best pairing of food and local wine:
…A nice Wölffer or Duck Walk Chardonnay with our American Black Bass is always a winner.

If you were to eat at Philippe as a guest, what would you order?
We are known for our Chicken Satay, Peking Duck and House Mignon. However, one of my favorites is the whole steamed fish and mixed vegetables.

The perfect drink for a summer night:
One of our specialty cocktails, such as the Lychee Martini or Summer Light Margarita.

Food that defines summer on the East End:
When I think of summer on the East End, light and fresh come to mind. That’s why I’ve introduced some steamed seafood salads to our menu for this season.

If you had two forks in your hands right now, what would you like to stick them in?
I love seafood. My favorite dishes are steamed whole fish and bok choy.

What is your favorite local ingredient?
My favorite local ingredients are fresh fish and seasonal produce…and, of course, the Long Island duck for our world-renowned Peking Duck.

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the East End’s culinary culture?
We strive to provide our guests with quality food, excellent service and a great dining experience that we have become known for.

What does “local” mean to you?
Local means that it comes from within the community. I am proud to be part of this amazing community, making everyone feel as if they are a part of our family.

Three things you would pack to eat at the beach:
Cold steamed salmon or shrimp salad, duck spring rolls and a nice bottle of local white or rosé wine.

A great meal always begins with…
The best quality ingredients and the ones you love.

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton on Friday, July 17, and continues on Saturday, July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, both at Sayre Park, 156 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, rounds out the trio of events on August 22 in Cutchogue. For more information on all three events, including tickets and VIP packages, visit DansTaste.com.

Philippe, 44 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton, 631-324-3332 philippechow.com