Chef Colette Connor Grills for Team Hamptons

Eight Hamptons chefs will compete against their counterparts from New York City on Friday, July 17 at the annual Dan’s GrillHampton, presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, in the ultimate grilling showdown. Bringing the heat for Team Hamptons will be Colette Connor of the Inn Spot on the Bay. After the thrilling evening, Connor will return for Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, presented by Farrell Building Company, on Saturday, July 18. Here, she discusses the East End culinary culture.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Taste of Summer this year?
The creative synergy of all those culinary minds in one place!

One food or dish that everyone should try at least once in life:
A simple bowl of white beans with shaved fresh truffles and just pressed olive oil and sea salt.

What is the best pairing of food and Long Island beer? Long Island wine?
Southampton Publick House Imperial Porter with brownie ice cream; Osprey’s Dominion riesling with shrimp coconut curry. It really works with spice.

If you were to eat at your restaurant as a guest, what would you order?
The house-made chocolate fettuccine (no sugar) tossed with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, caramelized shallots with chipped toasted hazelnuts

Describe working in a Hamptons kitchen.
The rushing adrenaline to make everything perfect while we fulfill all the special orders. It is the Hamptons after all!  

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Fresh fennel, arugula, cocoa nibs, eggs from our own chickens and pecorino Romano

The perfect drink for a summer night:
Splendor in the Grass—a buffalo grass martini with a blue stuffed olive

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.

Food that defines summer on the East End:
White corn, lobster and our delicious calamari

If you had two forks in your hands right now, what would you like to stick them in?
A chèvre stuffed peppadew; Pecan smoked lamb au jus with brown rice pilaf and tomato confit

Favorite East End-inspired meal?
Lightly seared Peconic Bay scallops with brown butter, local sea salt and fresh herbs from my garden  

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the culinary culture on the East End?
Our access to such great local ingredients, and a clientele willing to try new ways of eating them

When you hear the phrase “local,” what comes to mind?
Fresh seafood and great organic produce

Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere and anything, especially when I travel. I hit all the local street markets and ask the little old ladies how they cook the various ingredients that are for sale. They love to show how they do it and it helps me think outside the box.

If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring?
Our house-made black truffle potato chips; lobster and corn quiche; organic watermelon from the Good Ground community garden

A great meal always begins with…
Foodie friends willing to try anything!

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.

Inn Spot on the Bay, 32 Lighthouse Road, Hampton Bays. 631-728-1200, theinnspot.com