Chef Gabe Thompson of L’Apicio Brings the Heat from NYC

Chef Gabe Thompson of L’Apicio will be a part of the contingent of New York City chefs heading east for Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, the ultimate grilling showdown on Friday, July 17. Eight chefs from New York grill off against eight chefs from the Hamptons, with attendees voting on their favorite tastes. Here, Thompson talks about the event, and what it means to eat local:

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s GrillHampton this year?
I like getting out of the city every once in a while and it’s super nice out there.

Why will Team NYC win GrillHampton?
I don’t know who is going to win, but I hope team New York shows well!

How are you preparing for the competition?
I try not to stress these kind of things too much. I’m just trying to come up with a dish at this point.

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.

What is one thing everyone should try to cook on the grill at least once?
Lettuce. I love grilled lettuce in a salad.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever cooked on the grill?
I’m not sure if I have ever grilled anything unusual. I’m pretty normal.

Perfect drink for a summer night:
Aperol and soda.

Why is the grill the ultimate summer accessory?
Because you can cook so much on the grill, and I love to spend as much time as I can outside in the summer.

What is the best pairing of food and Long Island beer? Long Island wine?
I guess it depends on the style of wine or beer. Most beer is good with fattier foods because the carbonation helps cut through
the fat.

If we looked inside your refrigerator right now, what would we find?
Some milk. Some eggs. I think we have like 2 or 3 Sixpoint beers in there. We just moved so there isn’t much in there.

Food that defines summer on the East End:
I don’t really know. I think I have been out there like two times. Both for work.

If you had two forks in your hands right now, what would you like to stick them in?
Some summer fruit. I’m dying for some summer fruit right now.

What is your favorite local ingredient?
Berries, stone fruit and corn.

When you hear the phrase “local,” what comes to mind?
Working with farmers. Knowing where you food comes from. Freshness.

Where do you find inspiration, inside and outside the kitchen?
The market. Katherine. My chefs. Other restaurants I eat at.

If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring?
Watermelon, potato salad, corn on the cob.

A great meal always begins with…
Family and friends.

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.

L’Apicio, 13 East 1st Street, New York. 212-533-7400, lapicio.com