Hamptons Chefs Take on South Beach Food Festival

Two Hamptons chefs escaped the cold dreary weather of the South Fork and headed south for work.

George Hirsch, a chef, lifestyle TV host and Sag Harbor resident, and Joe Realmuto, the executive chef of Nick & Toni's and Rowdy Hall in East Hampton, La Fondita in Amagansett, and Townline BBQ in Sagaponack, were featured at one of the country’s top food festivals — SOBE, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, a star-studded four-day event. 

They participated in the weekend's kickoff events, The Q Hosted by Paula Deen and Sons.  Hirsch and Realmuto were among 40 of the country’s top BBQ chefs serving up their own signature dishes that are sure to make your mouth water. Hirsch prepared Grilled Fillet of Beef Chilaquiles, and Realmuto made Grilled Lamb Loin on a Johnny Cake with Yogurt BBQ Sauce. 

Hirsch also co-host the Sears Grilling is Happiness Lounge with Ty Pennington throughout the festival, and was also featured at two other events — Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray on Friday and Guy Fieri’s Reggae Jam with Ziggy Marley Live, the Official Festival Closing Party on Sunday.  

Hirsch also was a judge at the Burger Bash, judging top burgers from notable chefs including Bobby Flay, Laurent Tourendel and Marc Murphy, and prepared a grilled pina colada dessert burger for attendees.  For Guy Fieri’s Reggae Jam, Hirsch made "George's One Love Wings."