Dan's Harvest East End Spotlight: Chef Steve Amaral, North Fork Chocolate Company

Chocolate and wine make for a great pairing, and nobody knows this better than the North Fork Chocolate Company. Known for their creative, delightful pieces, guests will be able to taste their wonderful chocolates at Dan’s Harvest East End on Saturday, August 22. We spoke with Chef Steve Amaral on what it means to be local, his favorite East End pairings and more.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Dan’s Harvest East End this year? 
Meeting all the wonderful people who attend the event.

One food or dish that everyone should try at least once in life:
Duck Tracks—a trio of Belgian chocolate dried fruits, nuts, and sprouted grain pretzels.

What is the best pairing of chocolate and East End wine? East End beer? 
Regarding wine, there are just too many to narrow down to just one! On beer, we go with Long Ireland Breakfast Stout, which we craft in a bonbon that is a fusion of milk and dark chocolate.

What drew you to work on the East End?  
Fresh air and sunshine.

If we looked inside your refrigerator right now, what would we find?
Lots of LOCAL ingredients.

The perfect drink for a summer night: 
Rosé.

Food that defines summer on the East End:
Roasted corn and oysters.

Favorite East End-inspired meal?  
Clambake.

What is your favorite local ingredient? 
Again, too many to choose. From the locally grown ginger to North Fork sea salt.

Describe the relationship between East End Wine and the agriculture, aquaculture and overall East End culinary culture.   
A vast diversity and abundance of all things local create a dynamic and unique destination for the culinary world.

What is your favorite aspect of being part of the culinary culture on the East End?
Using locally sourced products.

When you hear the word “local,” what comes to mind?
Supporting local business.

Where do you find inspiration, inside and outside the kitchen?
The four seasons.

If you were to pack a meal for the beach, what are three things you’d bring? 
Water, local fruits, cheese, veggies.

A great meal always begins with… 
A good chef and local ingredients!

The trio of Dan’s Taste of Summer Events wraps up with Dan’s Harvest East End, the food-and-wine classic, on August 22. Hosted by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, the event will showcase more than 40 East End winemakers, the dishes of 30-plus top regional chefs and purveyors. Tickets start at $125 for general admission and $275 for VIP admission. The event will be held at McCall Vineyard and Ranch in Cutchogue. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit DansTaste.com.

North Fork Chocolate Company products are available throughout the East End. For more information, go to northforkchocolate.com.