At some point, you’ve likely experienced the spot-on event planning and grand gastronomy for which the Art of Eating (264 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, 631-267-2411) is known in the Hamptons. At weddings, intimate catered affairs, or even one of the East End’s summer events, like Southforker’s Taste of Westhampton Beach, you’ll see John Kowalenko, lanky and loquacious with a broad, welcoming grin, alongside his pint-sized, powerhouse chef wife, Cheryl Stair.
Kowalenko’s talents have long lain in the logistics at the near-40 year-old event planning and catering operation — the turning gears and syncing behind the scenes motivate him. From his past life as a music and concert promoter to a sales and marketing stint for a well-known hotel chain, and as the man who now makes your perfect party dreams come true, Kowalenko likes to be the guy driving the bus.
Find Kowalenko and Stair’s business at this year’s Northforker Food & Wine Classic on Sept. 3 at Borghese Vineyard (17150 County Road 48, Cutchogue, 631-734-5111).
Who else is pulling out all the stops and bringing some serious savory (and sweet) bite and beverage action this year? Our list is growing by the minute:
- Art of Eating
- Balo’s Foods
- Borghese Vineyards
- DJ Chef
- Ficarra Ristorante
- Goomba Johnny’s Pizzeria
- Grace & Grit
- La Plage
- Land and Sea Smokehouse
- Oysterponds Shellfish Co.
- R.AIRE
- Seaside Grill
- The Catered Fork
- The Pike
- The Treatery
- The Village Cheese Shop
- Uncle Giuseppe’s
- Kidd Squid Brewing Co.
- Po’Boy Brewery
- Take Two Brewery
- Twin Fork Beer Co.
- Übergeek Brewing
- Borghese Vineyard & Winery
- Chronicle Wines
- Harbes Vineyard
- Jamesport Vineyards
- JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
- Mattebella Vineyards
- Palmer Vineyards
- Paumanok Vineyards
- Pellegrini Vineyards
- Sannino Vineyards
- Casa J Tequila
- Fort Hamilton Distillery
- Twisted Cow Distillery
As is tradition, plenty of toe-tappin’, shoulder-swayin’ live tunes provided by funk master band In the Groove.
Tickets for the event start at $135 for general admission and may be obtained here. This is a 21+ all-inclusive event.
