Long Island Food Critic

GrillHampton was a Summer extravaganza like you've never seen before! Eight of the finest NYC chefs cooked-off against eight top Hamptons chefs for the Judge's and People's Choice Awards. It's only right that such a fantastic culinary competition deserved a panel of A-list stars to judge. Robert Irvine from Restaurant Impossible on Food Network, Marc Murphy known for the restaurants Landmarc, Kingside and Ditch Plains and also his role as judge on Chopped, Pat LaFrieda, Michael Gelman, and Dan Rattiner all judged that night on such a fierce culinary competition.

Guests came from all over Long Island to Sayre Park in Bridgehampton on a beautiful summer evening to taste and judge the best of the best. Everyone received a flattened Blue Moon bottle cap to vote for their favorite dish by placing it in the voting box of the restaurant of their choice. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed listening to the rock band New Life Crisis and indulged on libations from various vendors.

For the Marc Murphy fans, attendees got the chance to get his latest cookbook "Season With Authority" personally signed by the executive chef himself. While sampling from each NYC and Hamptons restaurant, It was obvious to see that the chefs really put their heart into their cooking. With mouth-watering cuisine like Grilled Veal Braciole, Tacos Al Pastor, Kobe Beef Burgers, Ribs, Pecan-Smoked Lamb, and so much more served with exquisite side dishes, it was a challenge to decide who was number one.

However, the victor of the night chosen by the people was NYC restaurant Black Tap whose craft burgers were so delicious there was none left by the end of the night. As for the Judge's Choice Award, The Beach Club at Gurney's Montauk won not only for their delectable charcoal-smoked short rib sandwich, but also for their amazing beach set-up that made you feel like you were in a small resort. Everyone went home a winner that evening after experiencing the kick-off to Dan's Taste of Summer GrillHampton 2015.