There aren’t a lot of faces in food media more familiar than Katie Lee’s. You might remember her as the host of Top Chef Season One, pre-Padma. Or you may know her from one of her cookbooks, which your mother undoubtedly has in her kitchen. Or, even more likely, you’ve heard of her from her relationship with ex-husband Billy Joel. Katie Lee’s name is chronically synonymous with the Manhattan dining scene these days and, out on the East End, she is essentially the Martha Stewart holly homemaker of the Hamptons.
On Thursday, June 9th, Katie is one of the judges for Tasting Table’s upcoming Lobster Roll Rumble. Nearly twenty different lobster rolls from all across the country will compete in an all out butter-bath for charity. For more information and to buy VIP tickets, check out the Rumble’s website. We’ll see you there. Our money is on Luke’s Lobster or Mary’s Fish Camp.
Also make sure you’re following Katie on Twitter , and for more info on Katie’s books, recipes and media appearances, stop by her website sometime.
Katie’s “Perfect For” Picks
Authentic Ethnic Eats
Wondee Siam (729 9th Ave.) – “A friend recommended this tiny Thai restaurant to me years ago, and I’ve been a loyal customer ever since. I always order the spicy tom yum soup, and the fried whole fish with green papaya salad. Since there are only a few tables, there’s usually a wait, but it’s totally worth it.”
Fine Dining
Marea (240 Central Park South) – “I am so impressed with Michael White’s cuisine. I go to Marea when I have something I want to celebrate, or just have a really special New York City night. The food is really spectacular.”
Eats with a View
Duryea’s (65 Tuthill Rd. – Montauk, NY 11954) – “I think it’s safe to say the best sunset on Long Island can be seen from Duryea’s. There is no better summer evening than surfing Ditch, going to Duryea’s for lobster, drinking really great wine (it’s BYOB), and watching the sunset over the water. Heaven.”
Quality Fish
Dave’s Grill (468 West Lake Drive – Montauk Harbor, NY 11954) – “My favorite restaurant on all of Long Island, absolutely everything on the menu is out of this world. I love love love the cioppino.”
Vegetarians
Pure Food and Wine (54 Irving Place) – “Anybody can add a stick of butter or grill a great piece of meat and make it taste good. What’s really impressive is taking raw vegetable and nuts, and turning them into dishes that are as fine as those of Pure Food and Wine. The lasagna is so good, and the desserts are incredible!”
Katie’s Twitter People
@CurbedHamptons – “I catch up on all the real estate gossip, restaurant openings, etc. in the Hamptons through Curbed.”
@KathyFreston – “Kathy is the author of The Veganist, and several other books, and she always posts interesting info and articles.”
@InStyle – “Love all their links to stories about fashion, workouts, style, etc.”
@KellySlater – “He’s my favorite surfer.”
@kkrader – “Kate Krader is the restaurant editor of Food and Wine, so I know if she’s raving about a restaurant, it’s gotta be good.”
