Didn’t get enough? Or maybe you missed out on Southforker’s 3rd annual celebration of food, wine and all that makes the Hamptons the place to be in the summer. Either way, we’ve got more memories from our June 14 fete under the beautifully lit 80′ x 200′ tent (thanks, Ace Party & Tent Rental!), where the flavors were irresistible, the music unstoppable and the energy high.
“It was all warmth and good feeling under the Taste Tent this year — the vibes are always excellent,” said Julienne Penza Boone, executive director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. ‘Westhampton Beach is having such an incredible renaissance, and events like this really highlight what a destination the Village has become!”
There were goodies galore, from a Dryvebox gold simulator courtesy of presenting sponsor California Closets, to souped-up cars and yachts ready for summer fun. (Photo credit: longislandphotogalleries.com)
At the heart of the event’s success was presenting sponsor California Closets of the Hamptons and Suffolk County, led by Vera and Anthony DeVincenzo. Their Dryvebox mobile golf simulator was a star attraction all night, as was their generous $5,000 garage makeover giveaway featuring a “Closets to the Pin” competition.
Luxury met lifestyle on the courtyard, where over $2 million in boats and premium vehicles were ready for guests to take an aspirational tour, thanks to Modern Yacht, Strong’s Marine, INEOS Grenadier, Empire Volvo and Riverhead GMC, who created an impressive land-and-sea display.
(Photo credits: Barbara Lassen Photography, Longislandphotogalleries.com, Amy Zavatto)
This year’s platinum sponsor was Intelli-Tec, always bringing energy and innovation to the night. Gold sponsors included My Mochi Ice Cream, a returning favorite with their cool, crowd-pleasing bites, and Point 32 Investment Partners, whose lounge experience made guests feel right at home. We also thank our silver sponsor Ocean Electric for always safely powering our events!
Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino, Ciao, Long Island Ice & Fuel, and Renewal by Anderson were also key in helping us bring this experience to fun fruition.
Bronze sponsors like White’s Apothecary, Fishers Island Lemonade, our 360 photo sponsor ACS Smarter by Design, WHBPAC, Corona Premier, Corona SunBrew, Blue Moon, and JM Designs added flair and flavor, creating a full-circle experience for every attendee.
“We love having the opportunity to spread the word about WHBPAC and getting to connect with patrons or would-be patrons in such a relaxed, happy environment,” said Penza-Boone.
Revelers indulged in a whopping 32 local East End restaurants, serving incredible, original dishes until the final moments, showing once again that Southforker’s annual shindig is one of the premier culinary events on the East End. Guests sampled standout bites from local favorites like Justin’s Chop Shop, Grace & Grit, Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn, Flora, Fauna, The Pike, and Aki’s Kitchen among the culinary talents at play.
(Photo credits: Barbara Lassen Photography; Amy Zavatto)
The beverage scene was just as impressive with 19 vineyards pouring 76 unique wines, 14 local breweries offering signature sips and seasonal releases, our longtime partners at Manhattan Beer pouring Corona, Blue Moon, Stateside, and Surfside, and a first-class activation by Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino and the all-new Ciao, who delivered premium refreshment in style once again!
“I think the people of Westhampton are really proud to have this event in our town. There was a great buzz in the weeks leading up to it. The venue was beautiful, the music was great and the crowd had a positive energy, despite the rain,” laughed Brian Sckipp of Westhampton Beach Brewing Co. “As a business owner on the East End, one of the things I appreciate most about this event and an the other Southforker/Northforker events we have participated in is the dedication to making sure those of us in the local food and beverage industry are included. It’s very easy for an event like this to get a sponsorship from a national brand and leave the little guys out, but the total opposite has been true here. Can’t wait for next year!”
Live music from Southforker favorite “In The Groove” brought the boogie-down to the evening. Their signature blend of multi-instrument funk and soul had guests dancing and added to the night’s electric atmosphere.
Produced by Steve McKenna of Taste Long Island Events, the 3rd annual Southforker Taste of Westhampton Beach was more than just a food and drink event — it was a celebration of the region’s best, from land to sea, sip to sound.
A special thank-you to the Village of Westhampton Beach, and every sponsor, chef and guest who made this event shine. Your support didn’t just make the night possible it made it exceptional. Thank you!
Up next and not to be missed: the 4th Annual Northforker Wine & Food Classic on Thursday, August 28, at Borghese Vineyard in Cutchogue. Tickets available now at NFWFC.com – don’t miss it!
