This week… ‘The Delicious Difference’ Carolyn’s Kitchen
by ge muller
Winter is about to bid us goodbye and although it’s still a bit cold out I believe we have seen the last flakes of snow on the East End. As Spring approaches quickly you are most certainly planning your summer visits to the Hamptons and the Mill House. I am convinced that our breakfast is always in season and, with that said, you may be wondering what’s new on the menu and in our kitchen. Last summer you were introduced to the food of our new Chef Carolyn Stec and as she approaches her one year anniversary I thought a proper introduction was in order. We are thrilled to officially welcome Chef Carolyn Stec to the stoves at MHI…
Having spent my life in the food biz I know its almost impossible to ask a chef to sit still long enough to have a short conversation, much less a lengthy discussion encompassing a variety of topics. So I agreed to spend a few hours, most likely more, tagging along behind our new Chef. My plan was simply to gain an insight into the passion that fuels her life and love of food and cooking. I wanted to know abouther past, how she felt about moving to East Hampton and taking over the stoves at The Mill House. Almost 18 years ago I had taken the same journey and was excited to hear about her new adventure. What I learned was so much more and I am looking forward to sharing her story with you.
It’s 6:45AM and Chef is already setting up her kitchen for breakfast service. With a cup of Baby’s “Hemingway” Coffee in hand I asked the obvious questions: from where did she hail and why East Hampton? Well the first answer was Chicago, Chef’s home town, and we began our conversation by trading stories about our favorite places to enjoy cocktails & dinner. We spoke about the originals, Morton’s Steakhouse in the basement and Harry Cary’s at North River for the cache they hold. Our discussion moved to the Chef’s like Rick Bayless for the food meccas he has created in Frontera Grill and Topolobampo and of course we lamented the loss of the iconic Chef Charlie Trotter.
I asked Chef to list her absolute favorite places in her home town: Chef’s dream dinner is Stephanie Izard’s “Girl & the Goat”, her favorite bar is Cantina 1910 and of course everyone has their favorite “after too many cocktail cure all” and Portillo’s works just fine for this Chef! I learned we have a bit of shared heritage when Chef touted that Helen’s Polish Deli has the best smoked kielbasa and most awesome pierogi in all of the Windy City! One last thing… Carolyn’s favorite place to hang out sans the food aspect – and it is simple to figure if you know her well, the Shedd Aquarium Penguin Exhibit!
As breakfast service begins we agree that our conversation needs to continue a bit later, we agree to discuss Why East Hampton and what it’s like to spend 4 years on a boat visiting seven continents!
The Delicious Difference continues next week as we revisit “Carolyn’s Kitchen.”
“Now for the rest of the story” Something you would like to hear about, want a recommendation or a recipe? Just drop me a line @gemuller.
That’s all for now… Enjoy your week, eat good food & drink great wine!
to your home in the Hamptons at the Mill House Inn
“My friend hasn’t stopped talking about how you have the best food he’s ever eaten.
It is seriously the only thing he has talked about for the last 3 days”
Wow what a selection and not an extra charge that is amazing”
the cider & tea is amazing, and you guys are the best”!
it was a lot of food so I couldn’t finish it but it was delicious!”
Why have I never eaten here before?!”
