The season of celebrations is upon us here on Long Island, and if you’re of the mind that this time of year is about the whole eat, drink and be merry vibe, you are in the right place. Well, you will be, once you join us on this week’s episode of Long Island HOME: The Podcast, presented by Maidenbaum Tax, and meet Chef Steven Amaral of North Fork Chocolate Company.
Amaral takes us to a place where they handcraft small-batch artisanal chocolates using local farm and purveyor products—Long Island wine, local bourbon and whiskey, fruits, cheeses, honey, sea salt…hungry for more?
Chef Steven AmaralPhoto EPF
Growing up on his family farm in Massachusetts with a profound love of food and a passion for pursuing new experiences at every turn, Amaral is not only an acclaimed culinary star—he is a man who loves to share his story. It’s a journey that has taken him from the jungles of Hawaii to the Stony Brook University Incubator at Calverton, from a pop-up in Tanger Outlets Riverhead to his current space in Aquebogue, a true local culinary destination.
Courtesy North Fork Chocolate Co.
Yes, there are the chocolates, but also pies, cakes, homemade ice cream and fudge, Belgian liege waffles, espresso, avocado toast (which, to Amaral, means foraged Juniper, pickled organic egg and East End potato focaccia), plus a local gift and art gallery supporting small, local business.
Courtesy North Fork Chocolate Co.
It all part of the vision and let’s-take-a chance style of a true original. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales He was nominated for the James Beard Award on the Pacific Coast. He traveled through Europe; Spain, Italy, France learning from the world’s top Chefs! He’s an artisan inspired by a passion for creativity and discovery and giving of himself to bring joy to others, which feels just about right at this time of year.
Come meet Chef Steve Amaral…
