On Saturday, May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. EST, Hen of the Woods Market (HOTWM) owners Jonathan Bernard and Suzy Yang mark one year in business by welcoming cookbook authors Stacy Dermont (The Hamptons Kitchen) and Stephanie Villani (The Fisherman’s Wife) for a joint signing event inside the gourmet shop. Located at 48 Hampton Road in Southampton Village, Hen of the Woods Market has quickly become a go-to for gourmet specialty items and the best local foodstuffs.
The shop reopened earlier this month after a winter break. Bernard and Yang have been “filling in the gaps” in their gourmet offerings. Newly added, shelf-stable items include Canadian duck fat, Hudson Valley foie gras, and sardines. And they’ve expanded their grab-and-go offerings.
The shop is a hub for seasonally driven produce, exotic grocery items, and locally sourced specialty products. Right now, they’re offering ramps from upstate and local stinging nettles. And Bernard is working with the nearby East End Food Institute, located on the Stony Brook Southampton campus, to develop his own jarred pickled mushrooms.
“I’m really impressed with these cookbooks,” says Bernard. “I’m going to do up a special gift basket for my mom, Teresa, with these cookbooks and all the foods she likes!”
“The Fishermen’s Wife” features nearly 100 practical recipes, as well as techniques and fish handling tips. You’ll also find the answers to the most common seafood questions and a wealth of firsthand information about sustainable fishing practices, stories, and photos from the boat. The eponymous “fisherman,” is Alex Villani, captain of the one-man fishing vessel Blue Moon, and Stephanie’s husband. In addition to Stephanie’s original recipes, the book includes recipes from chefs Marc Forgione, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Raij, Carmen Quagliata, Ray Bradley, and Hiroko Shimbo.
“The Hamptons Kitchen” is divided into five chapters—Spring, Low Summer, High Summer, Fall, and Winter, to enjoy local ingredients at their peak. Chef Eric Ripert says it “captures the spirit of cooking and eating simply, seasonally, and locally.” And the dishes come with Stacy’s regional pairing suggestions, featuring many North Fork wines.
Hen of the Woods Market features signed copies of The Hamptons Kitchen ($29.95) and The Fisherman’s Wife ($25.00) in its retail space, alongside international cookbooks. Bernard and Yang have created Mother’s Day gift baskets featuring the books and an assortment of goodies.
Both The Hamptons Kitchen and The Fisherman’s Wife are available from area bookstores and from all major online booksellers.
The May 7 cookbook signing will be held rain-or-shine. Photo courtesy StacyDermont.com.
