August on the North Fork is about squeezing in all the summer you can before the dreaded pumpkin pops up at the farm stand.
Sure, there may be opportunites for true firsts in August — that first bite of a local tomato comes to mind — but this month is often about the first of the lasts.
That possibility that it will be your final dip in the bay or a parting chance to get out on a boat. Soon enough the local beaches will be mostly empty.
The Fall is a magical time of year here, frustrations aside, but right now we’re 100% focused on making the most of the last full month of summer. Think of this month’s northforker magazine, which hits newsstands this week, a summer review issue.
That’s why our staff was eager to take you out on a sailing excursion and for a summer stroll. We wrote about beach plums, cocktails and ice cream.
Perhaps my favorite piece in this month’s issue, from contributing writer Charity Robey, talks about the best types of heirloom tomatoes and the simple ways local chefs incorporate them into tasty dishes. It gave me major inspiration to have the tastiest August yet.
I also felt like I was standing on Shelter Island, feeling the bay breeze on my face, as I read Lauren Parker’s profile of sculptor James Salaiz and his outdoor studio. When I saw David Benthal’s photographs of the space, it was easy to see why that’s his preferred place to work.
September will bring with it plenty more opportunities to step outside and embrace nature. And the North Fork bounty will still be flavorful.
But I’m going to miss August. At least we’ll have this issue to remind of us what a special time of year it is until it rolls back around again.
