Alex Guarnaschelli is recognized as one of America’s most accomplished chefs, who can also boast leading Michelin-starred restaurants abroad. The celebrity chef and judge on Food Network’s “Chopped,” has been executive chef at New York City’s Butter Restaurant since 2003 and also spends much time on the East End.
Guarnaschelli spoke with James Lane Post about what she enjoys most in the Hamptons, her 2020 cookbook, tips for entertaining, and what she sees for the New York City restaurant industry.
When you’re in the Hamptons, what do you like to enjoy?
I like to walk on Sagg Main Beach and stop off for some corn at Pike Farmstand. I like the slices of pizza at American Pie. I love everything at Amber Waves in Amagansett. I also go out of my way for the turkey tacos at Provisions in Sag Harbor.
Tell us a little about your cookbook “Cook With Me: 150 Recipes For The Home Cook.”
I wanted this cookbook to be an exploration of what it’s like to cook in your home and feel like we are sharing the same ideas and recipes. There are a lot of comfort foods, party snacks, and tons of desserts and cocktails. I devoted a whole chapter to meatless main courses and a chapter on the slow cooker.
Are there any particular recipes that you would recommend for entertaining in the Hamptons during the summer?
There are some show-stopping desserts, which would be great for entertaining, like the red velvet cake with hints of strawberry. The sheet pan salmon with kale is a great main course. You can also substitute local farmstand greens that are in season along with the kale.
What do you see for the New York City restaurant industry? How has business been?
I definitely see signs of life in NYC. I feel like the downtown areas are really coming back bit by bit. Midtown will improve more when the theaters open back up again and perhaps when the Christmas tree is installed in Rockefeller Center. We need those reasons to come back to various neighborhoods in Manhattan and restaurants are certainly often the driving force behind the inspiration. Like a good friend of mine says, “Never bet against New York.”
Talk a little about the charitable work you do with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, City Harvest, No Kid Hungry, and others.
A few years ago I decided to hone in on a few philanthropic causes that really speak to me. I feel that in order to have a big impact, it’s sometimes easier to focus on a few specific causes. Alex’s Lemonade Stand (Cookies for Kids’ Cancer) and all childhood cancer charities really speak to me. I feel we can END childhood cancer. The same is true with food insecurity. City Harvest, Citymeals on Wheels and Food Bank for NYC are all organizations that want to help end hunger and food insecurity. So important.
What’s next for Alex Guarnaschelli?
I’m learning how to play tennis. I intend to take flower-arranging classes and learn more about botany. I’m so interested in the connection between plants and flowers and how that relates to what we eat. Like Michael Pollan says, “eat food, not too much, mostly plants.”
