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 the East End’s summer events, like Southforker’s Taste of Westhampton Beach. There, you’ll see Kowalenko, lanky and convivially 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. It’s all the turning gears and syncing behind the scenes that 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.
The lifelong surfer with a penchant for healthy eating was born in Centereach, Long Island, and moved to Westhampton Beach in 1970, where the energy of the summer scene fueled his penchant for party planning. He and Stair met Labor Day weekend pre-gaming for a party in 1982 when she asked him to make her a drink. “She said, ‘I can’t drink this; it’s disgusting!’ and I thought, ‘Oh, I like this girl!’ ” he laughs.
The two have carved out a pretty delicious life together, living in Springs and feeding off each other’s good ideas.
Here are a few of John Kowlenko’s favorite things:
Favorite local charity
The East Hampton Food Pantry (159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, 631-324-2300), where I was on the board for five years. I got involved with Island Harvest picking up and distributing food and started seeing how large the need is for food pantries, especially for kids in day care and seniors. It’s so important to be able to give back … because I know where I came from and I know where I am now.
Favorite comfort place to eat out
I love Provisions (7 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-3636). I went macrobiotic at one point and love the Baby Buddha Bowl. I also like Naturally Good (779 Montauk Highway, Montuak, 631-668-9030) for the Bruce Sandwich or the Montauk Monster Wrap. It’s local tuna and to me it’s really satisfying.
Favorite South Fork town
Springs, where I live. It’s just because I ride my bike a lot and the Paumanok Trail runs through it. I can ride in the woods, get back on the road and go to the beach. To me, it’s beautiful and not crowded, even in summer.
Favorite Long Island-grown ingredient in late summer or early fall
Squash! There are so many different ones. It’s amazing how many varieties you can get here! Cut them in half, put tamari on it and bake it in the oven. They’re just great.
Favorite local farm
Green Thumb (829 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-726-1900) has been a family farm since 1640. They’re organic; I love them. And Balsam Farm (293 Town Lane, Amagansett, 631-267-5635). Ian [Calder-Piedmonte]’s corn is the best in the world!
Favorite local chef
If Cheryl were in a restaurant, she’d be famous. It’s because of how caring she is about what she does. There are a lot of talented local chefs, though. I admire Mike Rozzi at 1770 House. He sources local. I love to go to [chef Jason Weiner’s] Almond (One Ocean Road, Bridgehampton, 631-537-5665) and sit at the bar. It’s relaxing. There’s great food at the Inlet, too (541 East Lake Drive, Montauk, 631-668-4272).
Favorite thing about the Hamptons that’s still the same
Early spring and late fall – because you can walk on the beach and be by yourself and take a ride someplace and stop and get a cup of coffee or lunch and see your friends; the people who’ve been working their butts off all summer long.
Favorite thing about the Hamptons that’s changed
My perspective on what’s important to me is what’s changed. When I first came out here, I was excited to be out east so I could surf. Then it was getting involved with the Hamptons scene. Then it was, okay, how much publicity can we get? What event can we create? Now, I just appreciate my friends and my family and the precious time we have.
