'Beyond Twigs, Sticks & Berries' Unfolds in East Hampton

EAST HAMPTON, NY — If you think eating healthy means eating a plateful of twigs, and missing out on really scrumptious gourmet meals, Gwen Bokine, of "Gwennie on the Go", was once again going to show you otherwise.

On Thursday evening, Gwen and Mauritzio Marfoglia, Master Chef/Owner of DOPO Il Spiaggio on Race Lane in East Hampton, presented a four-course plant-based meal that was more than convincing.

As with every "Beyond Twigs, Sticks & Berries" event, the meal was preceded by a few moments of meditation and centering, to help the guests focus on what was to come.

Bokine shared her passion for cooking with healthy ingredients, and explained their benefits and optimum quantities.

Master chef, food expert, and entertaining host Mauritzio Marfoglia demonstrated how to coagulate soy milk with magnesium sulfate to make tofu. Courses included caponata, gnocchi alla romana vegana, fagioli al fiasco, linguini al pesto di piselli, and the house's famous "fake banana".

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.