Sagaponack Winery

Close to my home and located right in the heart of farm country at the Hampton's East End - which was once mostly miles of potato fields, now inhabits more than fifty acres of grapevines at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. The loamy soil coupled with the Atlantic Ocean air were ideal conditions for the grapevines, planted some twenty-five years ago. 

In keeping with European traditions, including the dedication to winemaking; Wölffer's stately Tuscan style villa was built in Old World traditions overlooking the acres of vines.

Come with me as we meet up with my friends; wine writer & enthusiast Michael Braverman, and Wölffer Estate Winemaker Roman Roth for a fun and informative segment from my TV show, George Hirsch Living it UP!

It's going to be another great summer in the Hamptons! Cheers..

George Hirsch Living it up! TV segment: Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Vintage Kitch

This week in May is Brimfield Mass. Week. Brimfield is considered the largest outdoor antique show in the country.  There are approximately 5000 dealers in 21 different show venues (often referred to as fields).  The show geographically covers one mile on each side of Route 20.  The show runs 3 times a year in May, July, and September. Bring a wagon!

Antique fairs and auctions can be fun for the whole family who enjoy tinkering and collecting vintage stuff. I was recently told that people who collect something, are said to be generally happier people. 

I especially appreciate collecting old mixing bowls and old hand tools. I have a few of my mom's vintage bowls and pitchers from the 50s; together, they are a mix of bright colors that bring me joy to my cupboards. I continue to add to my tool box whenever I come across a handmade tool, like my grandpa used to make. He was a mechanic and if he didn't have the right tool, he just made it!

With Mother's Day coming up; spending the day with Mom hunting for her favorite collectables, might be the right idea. Check out local flea markets, auctions and antique fairs in your neck of the woods. Collector's Show Guide

Join Me; I visited Bill Eckleberry's Auction House in New England Massachusetts and learned a thing or two about "the sport". Some people take it very seriously, I just had a good time. There was everything from antique cars, baseball cards, tin toys to kitch-collector finds, fine china and antique furnishings.

Watch TV Segment

George at Country Auction: TV Segment

More Than Potatoes

I had an enjoyable afternoon tea, at yet another one of my favorite Ireland locations with great history, Adare Manor, with mega TV chef and cookbook author Rachael Allen (Yes, the Allen Family from Ballymaloe). 

VIDEO: Watch the Segment. Rachel and I shared our foodie stories and the like beginnings in our culinary careers. See why Ireland's cuisine is more than just potatoes.

George Has Tea with Ireland's Rachel Allen

Typical Pub Lunch

There is so much more to celebrating St. Pat's Day than Corn Beef & Cabbage or Colcannon at a Typical Pub Lunch. Watch the TV Segment: and see why I keep returning to Ireland time after time, it's the people, places and stories. 

Here I am pulling a pint, which takes patience... about 3 minutes. Mike, the 3rd generation owner of the Collin's Pub in Adare, shows me the ropes.

Pulling a Pint in Adare at Colllin's.

Travel TV Segment: Adare, Ireland Pub Lunch

Midnight Buffet

Who wouldn't enjoy a tropical style midnight buffet? Here's a shrimp recipe that will make you want to hula - which I prepared on Live with Regis and Kelly. To get you in a tropical mood, watch my TV segment on the Caribbean Princess. We're somewhere in the tropics.

Sipping a Mai Tai, strongly suggested.

Watch George Hirsch TV Segment: Princess Cruises

Grilled Shrimp Salad Papaya Dressing 
Recipe Chef George Hirsch | Makes four servings 

Green papaya has a very mild, bland, taste. The green papaya soaks up the hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors, giving them a unique texture unlike any vegetable. Unripe papayas are readily available at many Asian markets. Select one that is very firm with shiny green peel. 

2 Medium green or half-ripe papayas 
12 large shrimp, peeled and devein 
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, split 
8 Lettuce leaves 
1/4 cup unsalted roasted cashews 

For Papayas Dressing
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 
Juice of 2 limes 
1 teaspoon lite-soy sauce 
1 Tablespoon honey 
1 Maui or sweet onion, grilled & chopped 
1 clove garlic, chopped 
1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 
1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes 

Peel skin off green papayas. Shred the green papayas into long strips using a grater or food processor. 

Mix all ingredients for papaya dressing. Add dressing to shredded papayas. Arrange four plates with lettuce leaves, top with marinated shredded papaya, tomatoes and cashews. 

For Shrimp Marinade
2 tablespoons Olive oil 
Juice from one lime 
2 teaspoons lite-soy sauce 
1 Tablespoon honey 
3 cloves garlic, chopped 
1 Tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Pre heat grill to a very high heat. 

Mix all ingredients for shrimp marinade and pour over shrimp. 

Cook shrimp on hot grill and cook two minutes on each side, turning once. Baste the shrimp with any remaining marinade. Do not over cook. Remove shrimp from grill and serve with the papaya salad. 

Mai Tai 
Recipe Chef George Hirsch | as seen on Live w Regis & Kelly

Makes one drink
3/4 oz. Light Rum 
3/4 oz. Dark Rum 
1/2 oz. Amaretto 
1/2 oz. Roses lime juice 
1 oz. Triple Sec 
1/2 Orange Juice and 1/2 Pineapple Juice 

Float 1/2 oz. of Grenadine on top 

Fill a tall hi-ball glass with ice. Add the ingredients. Garnish with mint sprig, pineapple wedge and serve with a straw.