Food And Beverage
Two Rock Star Chefs Change Tables
Fans of Almond’s Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Blutstein — half of the Kimchi Jews fermented food company with Almond co-owner Jason Weiner — will need to travel further east after February 24. That’s Blutstein’s last day at the Bridgehampton eatery. After that, he’ll bring his talent in the kitchen to Montauk, as executive chef of Gurney’s Star Island Resort and Marina, formerly the Montauk Yacht Club. Currently under renovation, the restaurant there will reopen in the spring. “Mad love for the unwavering support from my Almond family,” Blutstein wrote on his Facebook page. Here’s wishing him “a better tomorrow.”
And former North Fork Table and Inn Chef Stephan Bogardus, who returns from a stint at the famed French Laundry in California, is stepping up as Executive Chef of The Halyard at the Sound View hotel in Greenport, beginning on Valentine’s Day. “We are beginning my new tenure at the Halyard by honoring the seaside classics you expect from such a scenic location while creating seductive contemporary American cuisine to match the stunning venue,” Bogardus told The Independent. “We are sourcing local duck, seasonal vegetables, and identifiable American classics while being very focused on displaying what we are proud of — this place,” he said.
Aloha, Vegans!
Hamptons Hawaiian, a Wednesday pop up shop in Sag Harbor’s Dopo La Spiaggia on Bay Street, has unveiled Complete Burger, a chef formulated vegan option that supposedly tastes “amazing,” and is also a complete source of protein.
According to a statement from Hamptons Hawaiian, it is a vegan, gluten-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor and has the ability to be cooked just like a traditional beef burger, whether on a grill or a stovetop. “The Complete Burger is the new protein that vegans and non-vegans alike can really sink their teeth into,” said Jessica Taccone, co-owner at Hamptons Hawaiian, which is open Wednesdays 11 AM to 11 PM through the spring. “The Complete Burger will fill a niche that is much needed in the Hamptons,” said Drei Donnelly, co-owner at Hamptons Hawaiian. The Complete Burger can be purchased by visiting the company website, www.hamptonshawaiian.com.
Fancy Chocolates
Jean-Georges (of Topping Rose in Bridgehampton) is offering limited edition Valentine’s Day chocolates at all of the restaurant locations through mid-May. They are made with organic, single origin chocolate. Each box contains 12 custom flavors including Sesame, Passion Fruit, Peanut Hibiscus, Pistachio, Champagne, Toasted Corn, Nougat, Hazelnut Praline, Champagne Pop rocks, Raspberry, Sour Cherry Vanilla, Kirsch. For more information, visit www.jean-georges.com.
bridget@indyeastend.com