First and South Chef Scott Leventhal Talks Dan's Taste of Summer

After touring East End Wine Country all day, a stop in Greenport for sustenance is a must. Local favorite First and South boasts an eclectic New American menu and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Chef Scott Leventhal will be on hand at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks on Saturday, July 18 and Dan’s Harvest East End in Cutchogue on August 22. Here, he talks about being a part of the East End food and wine culture.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Summer this year?
The energy

One dish that everyone should try at least once:
Pâté or cochon du lait

What is the best pairing of food and Long Island beer? Long Island wine?
I just moved to the North Fork, [so] it may be a bit premature to answer. I have enjoyed Greenport Harbor Beers, especially the summer brew, Beehave. Match that with some oysters, and I’m a happy man.

If you were to eat at your restaurant as a guest, what would you order?
The skirt steak. The mac & cheese. The spicy slaw. The mussels in saffron cream. Not in that order.

Describe the adrenaline of an East End kitchen.
Hot with a chance to cool down in close vicinity.

What drew you to work on the East End?
Location, location, location, and some great friends.

If we looked inside your refrigerator right now, what would we find?
The basics. Condiments, Sang Lee fresh greens, a few stinky cheeses, eggs & charcuterie.

The perfect drink for a summer night:
Whatever she’s drinking

Food that defines summer on the East End:
Tomatoes

Favorite East End-inspired meal?
Steamers

What is your favorite local ingredient?
Currently, KKs The Farm scallions [in Southold]

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the culinary culture on the East End?
The community

When you hear “local,” what comes to mind?
My neighbors and a few fire departments.

Where do you find inspiration, inside and outside the kitchen?
Where don’t you? Living and running a kitchen seasonally allows time for travel, which really opens your eyes into other uses of items; recreating the familiar.

If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are woukd you bring?
A six-pack, water, lemonade, my dog Murray, his toys and maybe some food.

A great meal always begins with…
The company

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, 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.

First and South, 100 South Street, Greenport, 631-333-2200, firstandsouth.com