Restaurant Hunter TV Pays a Visit

Two-time Emmy winner Rob Petrone, host of TV’s Restaurant Hunter took a road trip to the East End, aka the Hamptons see what exactly what George Hirsch Lifestyle is all about. What he found was exactly what you see on my public television series. We made a few stops at a couple of local sources for vegetables, cheese, seafood, meat, and wine. Next, with cameras in tow, we returned to my patio to grill and entertain George style, while chatting about how food has changed throughout my career as a chef. 

Afterward, we continued to eat, and sip on some local small batch cream soda, while Rob sought the reason why after 20 years of television filming all over the world I would film entirely in the Hamptons. My response, “this is how I was raised - the bounty of the eastern part of Long Island, its farms, seafood, dairy, and now producers of wine, small craft beer, and beverages, raising livestock, and local artisan producers highlights what is happening all across this country. That is why I am so delighted to share my community of year-round friends in the Hamptons. My viewers are able to take away a lifestyle that is good for you for their own daily experiences. There will never be any ‘throwdowns’ or ‘restaurant disasters’ on my show. It’s about inspiring, and education through a visual food experience; hence my last line in each episode is “if I can do it you can do it.”

Rob Petrone Market Fresh Shopping with George Hirsch 

Milk Pail Farm Stand

George Hirsch Grilling for Restaurant Hunter

Restaurant Hunter visits Hamptons with George Hirsch

I hosted FiOS1 news Rob Petrone, Emmy award winner of Restaurant Hunter and we chatted up George Hirsch Lifestyle, the Hamptons and Grilling.

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George Hirsch on Restaurant Hunter

I toured Rob & his crew around the beautiful scenic Hamptons and we stopped into one of my local farm stands run by a 12th generation Halsey, one of the oldest farming families on the East End. We built up an appetite, so we returned to my home lit up the grill and filled it with fresh off farm ingredients, local caught fish and steak. We also had time to sit and discuss George Hirsch Lifestyle TV series and why it was so important that after 20 years I would film the entire season in the Hamptons with my artisan friends who grow, raise, craft and make everything from cheese to fashion.  

Click to watch Get Hooked with Restaurant Hunter TV segment videos

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Craig Claiborne & Pierre Franey Cookbook Revolutionaries in East Hampton Exhibit

Craig Claiborne & Pierre Franey Cookbook Revolutionaries in East Hampton Exhibit

Top Left: Entertaining classical style, Pierre serves a perfect souffle; next to Pierre is Lauren Bacall. Bottom Left: Pierre Franey, on his public television set. 

This exhibition tells the story of how Craig Claiborne and Pierre Franey pioneered a whole new approach to preparing fresh and local food that has continued to influence generations of cooks, chefs, and cookbook writers, not only on the East End but all over the country.  We have augmented it with loans of objects, books, and an exciting collection of photographs and menus from Pierre Franey's family albums that document the East End activities of Claiborne and Franey, including images of the famous Gardiner's Island picnics. The East Hampton Historical Society

Craig Claiborne & Pierre Franey Cookbook Revolutionaries in East Hampton Exhibit

Chefs Michael Romano, Joe Luppi, Daniel Boulud and George Hirsch share personal quotes regarding the masters.

Craig Claiborne & Pierre Franey Cookbook Revolutionaries in East Hampton Exhibit

Top left: a fish poacher over an open fire used by Chef Pierre for an outdoor cookout. Hmm..great idea! Center: Craig & Pierre serving traditional Thanksgiving dinner with classical trimmings. 


Craig Claiborne & Pierre Franey Cookbook Revolutionaries in East Hampton Exhibit

A must see exhibit for any culinarian and foodie; for me, a look back at ones roots. Bottom Middle Photo: Le Pavillon chef brigade shows another public television chef Jacques Pepin, second row, second from left. 

Clinton Academy, The East Hampton Historical Society- Exhibition on display thru July 13th. If not able to visit, keep in touch at the family web site: Pierre Franey.

Egg Up!

National Egg Day is June 3rd; though there is conflicting information as to when it originated and by whom. The egg has been an object of celebration for millenniums in every culture and with so much symbolism surrounding it. But, you don't have to jump on the bandwagon because of National Egg Day; how about just because they are so versatile. Whether you enjoy eggs in quiche, eggs with ham & sunny side up, poached into eggs benedict, or hard boiled and deviled - give eggs a break! That's no yoke!

These poached eggs I enjoyed at the Park Hotel Kenmare. Thank you Chef Mark Johnston.

Tips for cooking successful poached eggs:

Use the freshest eggs for poaching.

Add a few drops of white vinegar to the water before poaching.

Spin gently simmering water with a spoon- like a whirlpool, gently add cracked eggs one at a time. Note, water temperature will lower to proper poaching temperature once eggs are added.

Use a slotted spoon to gather poached eggs in water.

image: Hirsch Media