Chatting with Lynn Calvo of Lynn’s Hula Hut in Montauk

When you think summertime cocktails, you think Lynn’s Hula Hut. The Montauk establishment makes delicious fresh purées that are used in owner Lynn Calvo’s signature cocktails. Calvo is working on a tropical mixology book with James Fraioli, a James Beard award-winning cookbook author, to be called Have Tiki Will Travel, due out next April. It will feature more than 80 of Calvo’s creations. Indulge in Calvo’s tropical flavors at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks on Saturday, July 18. Here, she offers up her thoughts on eating local and the beauty of the East End:

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Two Forks this year?
I’m really excited to check out the great food from all the talented chefs on the East End. 

One food or dish that everyone should try at least once in life:
Ceviche. I use scallops or fluke in mine, with a bit of mango.

What is the best pairing of food and Long Island wine?
A while ago a friend of mine brought over a bottle of Coalescence from Shinn Estate Vineyards. We enjoyed it with some local grilled oysters and some skewers of fresh monkfish that I prepared with Mandarin orange and fennel purée. I’m not a trained chef, but I love to cook for friends.

Describe the adrenaline rush of working in a Hamptons kitchen.
I wouldn’t know, as we do not have a large kitchen. What Lynn’s Hula Hut is really known for are my organic infusions and delicious fresh purées, which I create my signature cocktails with.

What drew you to work on the East End?
I guess my family. My mother is getting up there and my dad was a lobsterman in Montauk.  He is long since retired, but Montauk will always have my heart. If you love beautiful beaches and fresh fish, then where else would you be?

If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring?
A pitcher of my Shark Bite Margarita, some ceviche and some watermelon

Food that defines summer on the East End:
Fish and corn, fresh veggies

If you had two forks in your hands right now, what would you like to stick them in?
Seafood cioppino

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the culinary culture on the East End?
There are so many passionate and creative chefs and bartenders out here and an abundance of fresh produce to choose from. I’m truly inspired by it all.

The perfect drink for a summer night:
Lynn’s Hula Juice of course!

When you hear “local,” what comes to mind?
Seafood, as my dad was a fisherman.

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on Friday, July 17, and continues on Saturday, July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, both at Sayre Park, 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 info, including tickets and VIP packages, visit DansTaste.com.

 Lynn’s Hula Hut, 426 West Lake Drive, Montauk. 303-482-5047