Chef Francis Derby has been appointed Culinary Director at The Halyard at Sound View Greenport, where he brings his ingredient-driven approach and deep respect for seasonal, local sourcing to one of the North Fork’s most iconic waterfront restaurants.
Raised in Bellport and inspired by his grandfather’s duck farm, Francis began cooking at age 14 and went on to hone his craft in some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens, including WD~50, Momofuku Ssäm Bar, and Gilt, as well as the world-renowned Mugaritz in Spain. He earned critical acclaim as the opening chef at The Cannibal in both New York and Los Angeles before returning to Long Island to lead concepts like Prime in Huntington and The State Room in Patchogue.
At The Halyard, Francis champions the region’s bounty in dishes like pan-seared striped bass with summer squash salad and citrus buttermilk, pan-seared scallops with corn chowder and bacon, a grand raw bar tower with local oysters, clams, shrimp, and fluke ceviche, and seasonal, housemade favorites like cast-iron focaccia and ramp remoulade crab cakes.