I usually receive an email or two every week or so from people opining on my column. I always try to promptly reply, and I enjoy hearing from everyone. I’ve built up many friendships over the years through such correspondence.
It’s satisfying to know that more than one person (my wife?) reads what I write. Thank you.
But in the past week, I received an unusual number of emails about my column that ran last week that questioned yours truly of being of Russian descent. It was very interesting, and I thought it would be appropriate to address them for those who are curious.
In short, folks were convinced that my last name, Diat, was of French origin more than anything else. How could it possibly be Russian?
And you know what, they are absolutely correct. I too would assume Diat is French. Please allow me to briefly explain.My last name was shortened from Diatlovich well before I was born in 1961.
My father, who graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, as well as receiving an M.B.A. from St. John’s University, was forced to shorten his last name by his first employer on Wall Street back in the 1950s. Why was that?
Well, they told him that if he wanted to get paid, he needed to make the change. You see, having a Slavic last name was not appropriate back in the days of the Cold War. Better to receive a paycheck than none at all, so he made the decision he had to.
Some have also incorrectly assumed that I’m connected to Louis Diat, the famed French chef of the Ritz-Carlton in Paris. Back in 1917, Diat created vichyssoise, the famous cold soup of potatoes, leeks, butter, milk, cream, and other seasonings, among many other classics.
He was and remains a long-regarded legend in culinary circles and would likely have been bigger than Bobby Flay on the Food Network is if he were alive today.
But he and I are not even remotely connected. While I love and take pride in what I cook, I’m no Diat.
I still have the first cookbook he authored back in 1946.
As for the local fishing scene, anglers pay heed: The popular Montauk Grand Slam charity fishing tournament, put on by the Kiwanis Club of East Hampton and the Montauk Friends of Erin, will once again be held at Uihlein’s Marina in Montauk on July 19 and 20. The marina’s owner, Henry Uihlein, has been a most charitable host for nearly 20 years.
The two-day charity event has commercial, recreational, and party fishing boats competing to reel in and weigh in the largest bluefish, porgy, sea bass, and fluke. For more information and to sign up, check out mtkgrandslam.org.
In addition to prizes for adults, 10 kids under the age of 13 will have a chance to win a new rod and reel and tackle box as part of the Wayne Clinch Memorial Kids Catch program. Clinch is sorely missed by many. It’s so nice to see his name live on.
As well, those under 13 are welcome to weigh in any species to win a seven-foot inflatable boat with an outboard motor in remembrance of Capt. Barry Kohlus. That’s a pretty cool prize. I wish I were under 13 again.
Finally, the tournament will honor Capt. Rob Aaronson as the Fishing Legend of the Year. The Bronx-born fisherman, known best as Bro, has been a fixture in Montauk since 1979 and has operated his charter boat Oh Brother! since 1982. It’s a well-deserved honor.
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Fishing tips, observations, and photographs can be sent to [email protected].