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The winter’s a great time to explore the dining diversity on the island. Restaurants are less crowded, friends and neighbors exchange greetings and chefs have the chance to get creative with their cuisine. There’s an impressive array of international cuisines represented in island restaurants in the off-season. Travel from one end of the globe to the other as we present an international culinary tour of Martha’s Vineyard.
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Lattanzi's
Whether you’re in the mood for a wood-fire grilled pizza with the perfect crispy crust or a full Northern Italian meal, chef/owner Albert Lattanzi can deliver both as authentically as any bistro in Italy. He opened Lattanzi’s as two restaurants in one. The bistro serves up perfect thin crust pizzas, pastas and grilled Italian dishes in a casual family-friendly atmosphere. On the fine dining side you can enjoy a hearthside meal choosing from a menu of pastas and hardwood grilled specialties like the signature Lobster Aglio Olio with a bottle from Albert’s hand picked selection of his favorite Italian wines. After dining on either side, don’t miss the best Tiramisu this side of the Atlantic.
Where:
Old Post Office Sq., EDG
508-627-8854
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Wood-fired brick oven pizza
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Le Grenier
Thanks to Jean Dupon, classic French cuisine has been delivered from Le Grenier for 29 years. French native Jean worked in a number of Boston restaurants after first arriving in this country on the Queen Mary in 1978. He opened his own place in Harvard Square, patterned after the cheese shop/cafes that are popular on the Left Bank of Paris. After trying his hand at a cheese shop in Chilmark, he opened Vineyard Haven’s le Grenier to enthusiastic reviews. Jean remains true to traditional French cooking in which, he says, the key is using few ingredients and knowing how to put them together so as not to overwhelm the main ingredient. This formula works well in Jean’s more than capable hands. Although ¾ of le Grenier’s menu has remained unchanged since day one, Jean can boast regulars, even three generations of families, who return time and again for the classic French food he personally prepares every night.
Where:
Main St., VH
508-693-4906
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Classic Bouillabaisse |
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Richelle's Place at David Ryan's
Chef couple Jody and Scott met while both were working at a Chinese Restaurant in Vermont. There they acquired a love for Asian cuisine and, once they relocated here, they were anxious for a chance to share their combined talents in Asian cooking with Vineyarders . This winter for the first time, Richelle’s Place will feature some of the recipes that Jody and Scott inherited from their former boss, who, according to Jody, meticulously researched all his dishes on frequent trips to China.
Everything is served family style so that a group can sample each of the Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes featured every Thursday at Richelle’s Asian Nights. Owner/bartender Bobby will be mixing up Mai Tais and other Asian inspired drinks. Check out Richelle’s Place for a fun new weekly theme night.
Where:
11 N. Water St, EDG
508-627-4100
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Lobster with rice noodles and peanut sauce
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| MVOL | Quick Peanut Sauce - Courtesy of Leslie and Doug Hewson of Louis' |
- 1 ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp hot water
- ¼ cup canola or other neutral oil
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup tamari
- 2 Tbsp hot chili sauce (Leslie uses Sriracha sauce) more or less to taste
1. Dissolve peanut butter in hot water
2. Whisk in oils to emulsify
3. Add other ingredients and mix well
This sauce is great with chicken, fish, tofu or vegetables and can be tossed with pasta or rice. Will hold well in refrigerator for at least two weeks.
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Related links:
>Year Round Dining
>Martha's Vineyard Restaurants
>View Food Photos
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Tropical
In Brazil, many cafes serve local dishes buffet style so that patrons can pick and choose and pay by the pound. Antonio, owner of Tropical Restaurant brings the idea to his Vineyard Haven restaurant, along with popular Brazilian specialties like Churrasco, (grilled meat served from a skewer) and Brazilian style Chicken Stroganoff. Of course there’s always the staple rice and beans along with salads, including the popular Salpicao (Brazilian chicken salad). Everything is self-serve by weight, including the authentic Brazilian desserts. Antonio points out that along with the large numbers of his countrymen who frequent the restaurant, the buffet has become popular with non-Brazilians looking for a healthy well-balanced meal. It’s a great way for the uninitiated to try something different for lunch.
Where:
5 Corners, VH
508-696-0700
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Brazilian BBQ |
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Sushi at Season's
Amid the friendly atmosphere of Oak Bluffs’ popular sports bar, you can find a little bit of Tokyo. Season’s sushi bar has become a popular addition to the pub/restaurant and a destination for off season seekers of authentic sushi. While friends dine on burgers and potato skins, the more health conscious in a crowd can step up to the colorful sushi bar and order their favorites from chef Steve Loo. East meets West at Seasons as you watch the Patriots game this winter while enjoying a caterpillar roll and seaweed salad.
Where:
19 Circuit Ave, OB
508-693-7129
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Mixed Sushi Rolls |
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Bangkok Thai Cuisine
After years of anxiously awaiting the arrival of a Thai restaurant on the island, Vineyarders can now enjoy authentic southeast Asian cooking at Bangkok Cuisine in Oak Bluffs. Husband and wife Sam Sangworn and Tanaporn Boonsynhawong have just added the Circuit Ave location to their family of four Cape Cod Thai restaurants. Now islanders can dine on fresh colorful cuisine that can rival any Boston or NYC Thai restaurant. The characteristic Thai hospitality really adds to the dining experience and is one more reason why Bangkok Cuisine is packed every day for lunch and dinner.
Where:
67 Circuit Ave, OB
508-696-6322
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Chicken Pad Kee Mao
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by Gwyn McAllister
Photos by David Welch
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