We’re kicking off our annual Summer Smoker Series with guest chef Jake Vatalaro, Sous Chef at The Black Trumpet in Portsmouth.

Join us on Monday, July 7 as Jake takes over the Ore Nell’s Kittery patio smoker with a one-night-only plate that is refined, seasonal, and full of bold, smoky flavor.

Jake’s cooking is rooted in a deep respect for local ingredients and thoughtful technique, shaped by time spent in Italian kitchens and some of New England’s best restaurants.

Plates are first come, first served. Come early, grab a cold one, and settle in on the patio for a Monday night worth showing up for.

BBQ Plate:
Coal-Roasted American Unagi
Tomato Water Tare, Smoked Rice, Tsukemono Tomato & Agretti Salad

About Jake:

Jake Vatalaro grew up in the small town of Wolfeboro, NH, and began working in kitchens at the age of thirteen as a dishwasher. While attending the University of New Hampshire, he studied in Italy through the EcoGastronomy program. There, he worked in kitchens and explored the deep history of Italian cuisine. It was during this time that he developed a passion for the community that surrounds food, from farmers and fishers to foragers and hunters.

Jake carried these lessons with him as he cooked in kitchens from Portland to Boston, refining his skills along the way. In the summer of 2024, he found a home as the Sous Chef at The Black Trumpet. Landing at Black Trumpet felt like a full circle moment, as it embodies the philosophy Jake has spent his career developing: connecting with local farmers, foragers, and fishermen, and letting nature dictate what goes on the plate.

This connection has become central to Jake’s cooking. It allows for constant, organic growth and continues to shape the way he thinks about and approaches food.