Where Iron Chef Eats When He Hits the Hamptons

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Even one of the busiest chefs in America needs to eat.

Geoffrey Zakarian, who'll be on the North Fork Saturday hosting the Dan's Harvest East End event, said when he heads to the Hamptons, he takes a much-needed break and spends some down time enjoying local bounty.

Zakarian, best recognized as the Food Network’s Iron Chef, is also known for Chopped, The Kitchen, Top 5, and his newest Food Network show, Cooks vs. Cons.

He's also penned a cookbook, My Perfect Pantry, and is the chef and owner of The Lambs Club in New York.

Zakarian helms other restaurants, including The National in New York City and Greenwich, and The Water Club at Borgata in Atlantic City. And he also has two restaurants, Georgie and the Garden Bar, at the Montage Beverly Hills in California.

When looking to pair his culinary creations with local wines, the chef said local North Fork vintners have garnered national attention. McCall Wines in Cutchogue, where Saturday's event is slated to unfold, creates some of his favorite East End wines, he said.

“I have been drinking Wolffer for years. McCall is a more recent discovery that has my attention. I love that they are a family business, as well," he said.

But when he's not in the kitchen, Zakarian never tires of tasting the best of the East End's offerings.

Levain Bakery, in Wainscott, is his favorite spot for cookies. "They never disappoint," he said.

Where does the busy chef find a moment of peace? "At the coffee counter at Sant Ambroeus. After fighting the traffic from New York City, I stop here to get the first of many double espressos. It immediately takes the edge off of the stress of the ride. And if there was no traffic, I still stop there anyway. It's just the best."

Zakarian also frequents Pierre's in Bridgehampton. "“I can’t stay away for breakfast,” he said.

Another of his go-to spots is Shelter Island’s Sunset Beach, where he and his wife enjoy lunch. “Heading there in the afternoon makes Margaret and me feel like we are a million miles away. It kind of has the fun St. Bart’s ambiance.”

Sunset Beach is also a favorite dinner spot, he said.

The East End has long been a retreat for Zakarian. He's been heading east for so long, "I don’t remember when I first started coming."