by Jeff Ragovin
The Hamptons have always been more than just a summer destination for me—they’re a part of who I am. I’m not just a visitor; I’m a full-time resident with deep roots here. I’ve built a life connected to the land and the sea, from co-founding South Fork Sea Farmers, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring oyster populations and supporting sustainable aquaculture, to spending countless days offshore, chasing the ocean’s most prized catches.
After running tech companies for over 20 years, I wanted to create a project that reflects the incredible bounty of the land and the sea, and the way they come together to define life on the East End. Bounty Uncharted follows my crew and me chasing some of the ocean’s most elusive and powerful fish. Montauk, known as one of the best fishing destinations on the East Coast, provides the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes pursuit. From the sheer adrenaline of hooking into a massive bluefin tuna to the speed and fight of yellowfin tuna in open waters, or hauling in big doormat fluke, black sea bass and weakfish along the rocky coastline, every trip pushes us to the limit. Out here, the hunt doesn’t wait for perfect weather or easy wins—it demands everything you’ve got, every time.
But the adventure doesn’t end on the water. After a long day of fishing, I bring in some of the best chefs to transform the day’s catch into extraordinary meals. Kerry Heffernan and Harold Dieterle deliver their expertise both on deck and in the kitchen. Restaurateurs Michael Chernow, Alex Pincus and Jason Weiner bring their unique culinary perspectives to the table, and chef Aliya LeeKong adds her global culinary influence to the day’s fresh catch. Drone videographer Michael Cuomo also joins Bounty Uncharted, bringing aerial ocean visuals.
The dinners showcase the elegance of freshly caught fish paired with seasonal ingredients from local farms. Expect toro nigiri topped with caviar, and fluke sashimi dressed in yuzu kosho and garnished with micro shiso. We serve bluefin tataki over charred farm leeks with a ponzu reduction, finishing with a tasting of refined crudo presentations. Each dish is thoughtfully composed to elevate the essence of land and sea in every bite.
Guests share stories, flavors, and a deep appreciation for the food and the process that brought it there. Two-time UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Peña brings her competitive spirit to the boat; Katie Couric, John Molner and Carole Radziwill also join me. Montauk-based marine biologist Gaelin Rosenwaks offers her expert perspective on ocean conservation and sustainable fishing.
From the thrill of the catch to the warmth of a shared meal, Bounty Uncharted is a reminder that the heart of the Hamptons lies beyond the shoreline, in the gifts of the ocean, the richness of the land and the connections we create when we bring them together. ragovinventures.com, bountyuncharted.com