Dan's Chefs of the Hamptons, a highly anticipated culinary extravaganza, unfolded in the picturesque setting of Sí Sí Mediterranean Restaurant at EHP Resort & Marina. East 27 Creative, your local Hampton event photographer, had the pleasure of capturing the essence and excitement of the evening. From savoring extraordinary local cuisine to basking in the energetic vibes of the VIP lounge, and even meeting the legendary Dan Rattiner, founder of Dan's Papers, the entire experience was an extraordinary feast for the senses.
One of the highlights of the evening was the delightful interactions with the attendees. It was a joy to meet and engage with the enthusiastic crowd. What made the experience even more special was the instant gratification we offered by providing a curated gallery of photos directly to their cell phones. Witnessing their excitement as they quickly shared the captured moments on social media added an extra layer of exhilaration to the event.
We embarked on a mouthwatering culinary odyssey that celebrated the local ingredients sourced from the South and North Fork of Long Island. We enjoyed photographing and experiencing the culinary talents of an incredible lineup of participating chefs from across the East End. From the exquisite dishes by Buongiorno at EHP and the vibrant Mediterranean flavors of Calissa to the bold and flavorful creations at Crash Cantina and El Verano, each restaurant brought its unique culinary vision to the event. Enchante Bistro impressed with its French-inspired delights, while Peter Ambrose showcased their farm-to-table expertise. Fauna, Gurneys Montauk, Little Fish, and Naturally Good Café offered diverse culinary delights, each capturing the essence of the Hamptons' local flavors. The freshly shucked oysters from Peeko Oysters, the elegant dishes from Sel Rrose, and the mouthwatering cuisine from Si Si at EHP added to the gastronomic journey. The vibrant and creative offerings from 668 The Gig Shack and Sunset Harbor at EHP delighted attendees, while William Greenberg Desserts provided the perfect sweet ending to the culinary adventure. These exceptional restaurants made Dan's Chef of the Hamptons a true celebration of the region's diverse and outstanding culinary scene.
The incredible floral arrangements from bFloral and the captivating entertainment from Sarina Suno, a violinist known as The Violin Diva, also enthralled us. The jazzy notes of Marino Sax Entertainment and the incredible drumming of Jules Radino kept us rocking all night! DJ Theo tied it all together with his awesome smile and fantastic music spin that just kept Sí Sí pulsing with good vibes. The stunningly arranged flowers added an elegant touch, while the talented musicians and performers brought a vibrant energy to the event. Through our lenses, we captured the visual splendor and immersive experience of Dan's Chefs of the Hamptons, where culinary excellence seamlessly intertwined with beautiful florals and engaging entertainment, creating an unforgettable evening for all attendees.
Within the exclusive VIP lounge in the upstairs loft and deck of Sí Sí, there was a curated selection of premium brands that added an extra touch of sophistication to the ambiance. These esteemed brands, including Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Calvisius Caviar, Peeko Oysters, and Casa Dragones Tequila Bar, enhanced the exclusive VIP lounge at Dan's Chef of the Hamptons, ensuring a truly unforgettable and elevated experience for all attendees.
Guests at Dan's Chef of the Hamptons were treated to an array of delightful libations provided by esteemed vendors. The event offered diverse drinks to complement the exquisite culinary experience. From refreshing choices like Adamas, Corona Premier, and LaCroix, to the unique flavors of Fresca Mixed, Simply Spiked, and Great Jones Whiskey, there was something for every palate. For those seeking a taste of the spirits, 400 Conejos Mezcal, Thomas Ashbourne, and DAOU Vineyards craft cocktails and wines added a touch of sophistication and complexity to the evening. The carefully crafted libations showcased the skill and artistry of the vendors, taking the drink experience to new heights.
Finally, to top off our evening, we met Dan Rattiner, the esteemed journalist and visionary behind Dan's Papers, along with his wife, Christine, who added a profound significance to our experience. The opportunity to personally connect with Dan, who has played a pivotal role in showcasing the essence of the Hamptons through his publication, was truly special. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the region's cultural landscape. As photographers, we were deeply honored to capture the spirit of his creation, immortalizing the harmonious fusion of gastronomy, art, and the distinctive Hamptons lifestyle in our photographs. The encounter with Dan and Christine served as a reminder of the immense impact one person can have on a community, and it further enriched our appreciation for the remarkable event that unfolded before us.
Don't forget to buy tickets to the rest of Dan’s Taste Series this summer!
July 13 is the Clambake at Gurney’s Montauk Resort. Rounding out the series is the GrillHampton barbeque event on August 5th with a live concert at East Hampton Clubhouse and then the summer is Dan’s Taste x Gurney’s curating top chefs from across the country on August 17th! We will see you there!
All photography and writing (c) Jennifer Heffner - East 27 Creative