INTERVIEW: Chef JJ Johnson On The Inaugural Hamptons “FHIT + Feast” And More

Over Labor Day weekend, Fhitting Room, a New York City-based HIIT and Strength training studio, and CookUnity, a chef-to-consumer personalized meal subscription service, are teaming up to host the inaugural Hamptons “FHIT + feast.”

On Saturday, September 5, you can burn off some of those holiday weekend calories alongside James Beard Award-winning chef, JJ Johnson, who will co-host two FHIT sessions with Fhitting Room Head Trainer, Eric Salvador, at the Fhitting Room’s pop-up at The Clubhouse Hamptons. The 45-minute workouts – which will have a maximum of 18 attendees per session – will take place at 8:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Following the outdoor classes, guests will take home a duo of delicious CookUnity meals.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with CookUnity, a fellow New York City-based mission-driven brand. With both brands committed to building stronger communities, CookUnity through healthy, handcrafted food and Fhitting Room through personalized, boutique fitness classes, this is a natural partnership. I’m very excited to introduce CookUnity’s elevated in-home dining experience and Michelin Star and Master restaurant chefs to our community and could not be more excited to have Chef JJ Johnson be a part of the event,” explained Kari Saitowitz, Fhitting Room Founder + CEO.

We recently spoke with Chef Johnson, who founded Fieldtrip in Harlem, about the “FHIT + feast” debut, CookUnity and more.

What will the inaugural “FHIT + feast” outdoor happening entail?

JJJ: CookUnity and Fhitting Room have joined forces to host the ultimate fitness and food outdoor experience in East Hampton. This summer, Fhitting Room has taken up residence at The Clubhouse Hamptons for outdoor HIIT and Strength workouts on the grass in the “backyard.” CookUnity, a chef-to-consumer meal subscription platform, recently launched their Creators Club, a new menu offering produced by nine of New York City’s top culinary icons, including myself. All the event attendees (including myself) will get a healthy dose of agility and conditioning in addition to high intensity intervals and strength training from FHITpro Eric Salvador. After the FHIX (workout) all will have the opportunity to meet and take (socially distant) photos with our hosts, and learn more about my unique concept in dining and FHITTING Room’s killer workouts. Each person will leave with two fully prepared CookUnity meals. Additionally, Fhitting Room has strictly enforced safety protocols and plenty of outdoor space.

Is this your first time joining forces with the Fhitting Room?

JJJ: It is! There’s nothing more rewarding than working with an outstanding fitness brand. A fitness enthusiast myself, I’m looking forward to getting my nutritious and great post-workout meals in the hands of Fhitting Room attendees.

What are you planning for your CookUnity meals and could you speak to CookUnity’s mission?

JJJ: Right now, as more and more people eat at home as a result of not being able to go to restaurants, CookUnity is probably the closest thing to having your own personal chef at home. I plan on bringing my salmon and veggie bowls from FIELDTRIP to people all across the North East. It’s a privilege to be able to provide my meals to people beyond the NYC/NY tri state area!

Earlier this summer, you showcased your culinary talents at Marram Montauk. Can we expect any other Hamptons appearances?

JJJ: I’m definitely looking to cook in the Hamptons some more. It’s a place of vibrancy. I want to understand the Hamptons markets better and I see FIELDTRIP/Chef JJ takeovers and pop-ups very soon.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

JJJ: Follow me @chefjj and @fieldtripharlem to see wherever we decide to pop-up next and for more delicious content, of course. For more about The Creators Club and CookUnity, follow @cookunity and check out #cookunitycreator.

The Clubhouse Hamptons is located at 174 Daniels Hole Road in East Hampton. For more information, visit www.fhittingroom.com.