Dan's Taste of Summer Countdown: Michael White, Altamarea Group

Chef and Altamarea Group partner Michael White will be heating things up at GrillHampton on July 22 at Fairview Farm in Bridgehampton. Top chefs will take sides as Team Hamptons competes against Team NYC in a one-of-a-kind cooking competition and tasting event. Enjoy the expertly grilled fare, beer and specialty cocktails, then be part of the action as you, and a judging panel of A-list palates, cast votes for the finest food of the night. White shares that Altamarea Group’s latest culinary venture Vaucluse “is now open on 63rd and Park Avenue, and we’re ready to serve you.”

How does cooking with fire affect your mood?
Cooking with fire is thrilling. It’s what fuels the kitchen and gives it that energy.

What fuels your creativity as a chef?
Always trying new recipes and ideas, both in and out of the kitchen.

How has the nose-to-tail movement influenced your work?
It has made me a harder worker.

What’s your favorite “off-cut” of meat?
The deckle steak.

What is your beverage of choice this season?
A nice cold beer

Which of your dishes would you most like to serve to another chef?
My spring menu at Vaucluse

How has the gluten-free eating trend affected your menu?
It has allowed to serve more of the gluten-free pasta, which we make in house.

What are you most looking forward to at GrillHampton?
Being able to cook for new people!

Please complete this sentence: I most feel like a well-fed caveman when I eat…
steak from Peter Luger’s steak house

I could survive on a desert island if I just had:
pasta with butter and Parmigiano, and an orange soda.

Who’s going to win the competition this year—the New York or the Hamptons team?
New York!

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton on Friday, July 22, and continues on Saturday, July 23, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, both on the waterfront at Fairview Farm at Mecox in Bridgehampton. The oceanfront food and drink fest ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk premieres on Saturday, July 30. Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, is Saturday, August 20, at McCall Vineyard and Ranch in Cutchogue. For tickets and more information on all Dan’s Taste of Summer events, visit DansTaste.com!​ A portion of this year’s ticket proceeds from GrillHampton and Taste of Two Forks will benefit All For The East End (AFTEE), a 501(c)(3) that showcases and provides support to the more than 1,000 charity organizations in the five East End towns.