Sarah Mastracco has worked among some of food’s biggest stars, but now, she’s ready to settle down and serve Greenport.
Opening May 22, Flavor Fork (402 1st St., Greenport) is a grab-and-go specialty food store, inspired by Mastracco’s online business, as well as the countless countries, kitchens and meals she’s experienced over the course of her career as an ambitious foodie and creator.
While the home-cooked meals her mother made sparked Mastracco’s inquisitive palate and passion, it was her time at California Culinary Academy and a job in the restaurant industry that really pulled her in.
“It just clicked,” says Mastracco. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this [business] is totally insane, and I think this is a hoot and a blast,’ and I dove in.”
She then headed to Europe to complete a stage – or culinary apprenticeship program – in Tuscany, Italy deepening her drive to make delicious dishes.
Next up was New York where Mastracco worked with Bobby Flay, an American celebrity chef, at Mesa Grill.
“I didn’t know who he was,” says Mastracco. “But I knew that Mesa Grill was a popular, great restaurant.”
She worked on the line at highly acclaimed French restaurant Le Bernardin doing meticulous work; then front of house for Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group; later at Eleven Madison Park; and as the opening manager at the restaurant Blue Smoke.
After her time in New York, back to the West Coast Mastracco went, to work for William Sonoma doing product development.
Mastracco got a call from producers at “The Martha Stewart Show,” then entering its second season, looking for a TV chef to be on screen.
She took the role and finished out the show with the queen of do-it-yourself, home décor and cooking.
“Martha – there’s just so much to learn from her,” says Mastracco. “I have a really great relationship with her still.”
Her next jump was to culinary production, working with chefs on recipes, continuing some stints with Stewart and establishing work relations with Emeril Lagasse, the well-known New Orleans and Food Network chef.
In 2020, all production halted and Mastracco moved out to her Cutchogue home with her family.
She decided it was time to start Flavor Fork, an online business selling plant-based meals for customers to order and pick up.
“Everyone was really enjoying it and really happy to have this option,” says Mastracco. “To have really simply prepared, super flavorful food.”
Her Mediterranean style, using olive oil and fresh ingredients seemed to be a hit.
When she found the space in Greenport to expand her offerings, it felt right.
“I decided, I want to do something that grounds me here and I feel like this community is truly remarkable in so many ways and so supportive” says Mastracco. “It just feels like things are very doable here that seemed overwhelming in the city.”
Customers can check out Mastracco’s own Chili Pepp Crunch, salt blends and sauces among other original products at the store.
Flavor Fork will also feature Milla’s Puffs, NoFo Pot Pies and sundries from Vine Street Café.
“To be in a place like this, where you’re surrounded by so many farms and so many producers and makers, it’s just unbelievable,” says Mastracco. “This is a little slice of paradise, especially when you’re talking about the food community. I really want to lean into that.”
Flavor Fork will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mastracco is planning a grand opening for June 7.
