Tom Colicchio Reveals His Favorite Culinary Stops on New York's North Fork

After a summer marked by significant changes, renowned chef Tom Colicchio is embracing new adventures as he steps away from his Manhattan restaurant Craft, which closed its doors in June after a remarkable 25-year tenure. Now, Colicchio is redirecting his focus toward the waters of Long Island Sound, where he recently acquired a fishing boat to pursue his passion for fishing.

Colicchio, known for his role as a judge on Top Chef, has spent over twenty summers with his family in a charming 1850s farmhouse located on the North Fork of Long Island. This picturesque peninsula, stretching 30 miles, offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling atmosphere of nearby Brooklyn and the upscale Hamptons. "It’s the kind of place where kids run in and out of neighbors’ homes at any time," he shares, highlighting the region's strong sense of community.

With its fertile land ideal for a variety of crops, including seafood, wine grapes, and stone fruits, the North Fork aligns perfectly with Colicchio’s culinary philosophy. While he enjoys the local farm-to-table dining experiences, he prefers to cook at home using ingredients he has either grown himself or sourced from the area's top producers. He praises sustainable farms like 8 Hands Farm in Cutchogue for their commitment to raising animals responsibly and their impressive array of local products.

Colicchio has shared some of his preferred local purveyors, each offering unique ingredients perfect for creating memorable meals. At the Southold Fish Market, owned by Charlie, he finds a wide selection of fresh fish, including fluke, sea bass, and seasonal hard-shell crabs. "The fish is as good as anything I get in my restaurant," he asserts, revealing his love for their prepared foods like chowder and fish and chips. Recently, he crafted a delightful paella using ingredients from the market, showcasing the quality of the local catch.

For cheese enthusiasts, the Village Cheese Shop has been a staple in Mattituck for over two decades, offering an impressive selection of hard-to-find cheeses. Under the ownership of Michael Affatato, this shop continues to thrive, featuring artisanal cheeses from both Europe and local producers. Colicchio enjoys curating a variety of cheeses for his meals, often including selections from Catapano Dairy Farm, a beloved local cheesemaker. The shop also has a space for patrons to enjoy cheese and meat plates paired with wine.

Lastly, Colicchio highlights Peeko’s, an oyster bar where he became friends with the owners during the pandemic. Known for its exceptional oysters—briny and sweet thanks to the Peconic Estuary—Peeko’s serves freshly shucked oysters on a scenic patio. Colicchio appreciates the simplicity of the seafood offerings here, emphasizing that they capture the essence of the region’s rich maritime culture.

Source: www.cntraveler.com