My Journey to Page in Sag Harbor

I was born and raised in Church Lincoln, a village near Negril in the central part of Jamaica. My path started at Beaches Sand Bay, part of the Sandals Company, where chef Michael Gilligan recognized my talent and invited me to work in Miami — a life-changing opportunity that arrived via late-night phone call in October 2007.

America

After six months at the Conrad Miami, an opportunity led me to the Hamptons, where I started at the Maidstone Country Club.

I worked my way around the US, from Florida to Texas and back to New York. This included five seasons at Bostwick Chowder House; I juggled early mornings at Cittanuova with sous chef duties at East Hampton Point.

Turning to Page

I joined the Page kitchen in September 2014, briefly left to help open a restaurant, then returned in 2015 as a line cook. Through hard work, I became head chef in April 2017. I’ve held the role ever since, staying open to inspiration and always evolving.

My Culinary Philosophy

I bring an open-minded, all-American approach to the table — using everyday ingredients in ways that surprise people. Dishes like my crispy shad roe with caper lemon butter, a seasonal curry that changes often, and a jerk chicken sandwich are all part of that philosophy.

Inside Tip 🪄

If you want to know me through my food, try the curry or the duck. They’ve developed a following. I’m always experimenting with sauces, but those two dishes represent what I’ve learned and what Page stands for.

Contact

🌐 Page Sag Harbor

About

Jamaican-born Chef Cleon Clarke brings his distinctive blend of Caribbean, Asian and New American cooking to Page Restaurant in Sag Harbor, where regulars return for his signature seasonal curry, duck served two ways, and a meticulously-crafted tuna tartare.

When not in the kitchen, you'll find Chef Clarke sampling other cuisines, taking nature walks with family, or writing down new recipes that came to him in his dreams.

Images

Lead-in Image - Wonder Shuffle; Back of Card Image - @pagesagharbor / Instagram