If you’ve not started planning your Thanksgiving feast you at least may want to turn your attention to what you’ll be serving for dessert.  Island bakers and bakeries are taking orders for pies, offering old favorites such as apple and pumpkin along with more exotic options such as white chocolate pumpkin cheesecake from Cakes by Liz.   Order now, the holiday will be here before you know it!

Meanwhile there’s still lots to do during the lengthening Island nights. Irish music fans have a lot to look forward to this week:  Over at the Katharine Cornell Theater Buille with special guest Karan Casey performs in concert in at the Katharine Cornell Theater as the KCT Concerts series continues to bring live music to the Vineyard Haven stage on Friday November 20th.  If you can’t wait, be sure to catch the weekly Irish session that take place every Wednesday at Offshore Ale. While you’re there, order a few rounds of their fresh shucked oysters to go with the house-brewed ale.

If you feel like the luck of the Irish is upon you head on over to Casino Night at the Edgartown Yacht Club.  The Friday event  benefits the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls and the  $10 admission includes a light harvest supper.  How can you lose!

Autumn on Lagoon Pond

Even if you missed Part I last week, don’t forego the chance to revisit the world of the dashing Rhett Butler and tempestuous Scarlett O’Hara at the West Tisbury Library this Monday Nov. 9th for a free screening of Gone With the Wind, Part II.  Popcorn is provided but bring lots of hankies.

On Wednesday Nov. 11th chef Levon Wallace from the Water Street restaurant at the Harborview Hotel stops by Le Roux in Vineyard Haven to share some of his expertise. With Thanksgiving just around the corner,  its always good to pick up a few pointers from the pros.

Thursday finds West Tisbury poet laureate and theVineyard Gazette’s DAW quatrain-ist, Dan Waters, reading his poems, great and small at the Oak Bluffs Library.

The week wraps up with a free guided “winter’ walk out at the Polly Hill Arboretum.  It’s always fun to explore a familiar landscape in an unfamiliar season with someone knowledgeable about all the hidden treasures, so easy to overlook.  The walks begin at 10 am and run a little over an hour so you’ll still have time to celebrate National Gaming Day over at the OB Library where you can brush up on your chess, Wii and other games.

Wrap up the day with a stop at the Vineyard Playhouse to see what the 4th Grade Theater project has in store this year or support the Plum Hill School out at Nectar’s where Chris Velan and special guests take the stage.  Till next week…

A look at MVOL’s calendar makes it clear however that  the lost hour of daylight hasn’t put a damper on Island socializing. In fact, more seems to be going on after dark than ever.

The week kicks off Tuesday, November 3rd with Piano Night at Che’s Lounge featuring Island favorite David Stanwood.  Come listen in the living room-style performance space, treat yourself to a great cup of coffee to keep the conversation flowing and have a mellow mid-week night out. Or, if your in the mood for something more lively, get your dancing shoes on and drop by the Island House Bar & Grill in Oak Bluffs for a spin around the dance floor at Marla’s Dance Café.

The warm neighborly atmosphere at Offshore Ale kicks up a notch Wednesdays at Offshore Ale when Greg and Mary fill the comfy space with the sounds of Ireland.  Snag a seat by the cozy fire and call it your lucky day.

Wondering what wines to serve with holiday dinners?  Well wonder no more.  Join Ted Oceki of Classic Wine Company & chef Michael Brisson this Thursday, November 5th for a Chef’s Perspective on Choosing Wines at l’etoile restaurant in Edgartown.

The week winds up on a high note on Saturday, November 7th at Sharky’s in Edgartown for the first ever Wingfest.  Don’t miss the fun as and the tasty wings at this all you can eat fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club.  You vote on your favorite–winning wings will be added to Sharky’s menu for the coming year.  Cash bar and tee-shirts too!

Sated with wings, head over to the Katharine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven for a 7:30 pm showing of Medicine for Melancholy. Check out the synopsis/trailer and see if you don’t agree if this doesn’t look like the perfect date flick.  See you at the movies!

Ready, Set… Spook!
This is the last week before Halloween… if you haven’t picked out your pumpkin and  found yourself a suitable costume do it now!  You’ll find lots of pumpkins on Island farms and at the grocers - I picked up mine last Sunday at Morning Glory Farm.  For one stop Halloween shopping try Shirley’s, the hands-down headquarters for makeup and costumes for yourself, your home and the jack o’lantern destined for your front porch. Island thrift shops, in Vineyard Haven and in Edgartown, have both set aside a rack of costume-appropriate clothing. (Hmmm, pretty nice…I wonder what it means when you actually consider some of the stuff on these racks suitable for every-day wear!?).

Attention all spooks: Both Vineyard Haven and Edgartown businesses will be handing out treats on Halloween, so get your goody bags ready!

No Rest for the Wicked
Though common sense might lead you to want to rest up for all the Halloween parties this coming Saturday, the week ahead has so much going on you might not have time: l’etoile hosts two culinary events this week; the first a cooking class on the 28th and the second on the 29th focusing on wine selection.  Also in Edgartown on the 28th, Sharky’s Cantina and Felix Neck team up to introduce a new cocktail, the Felix Neckarita.  Free passed apps add to the festive atmosphere.  The folks at Mediterranean restaurant take a culinary trip to France this Thursday, October 29th. Join them and linger over the sunny wines and foods of Provence.

Jump start your weekend this Thursday at Mediterranean’s fabulous 5-course wine tasting.  This week chef Doug Hewson focuses his talents on the delights of the Italian table with each course being paired with wines selected by a representative of Martignetti Wines. Eat, explore, taste and compare…alone or with a crowd, it’s a great way to extend the pleasure of dining out (and pick up a few pointers to impress your friends in the future!).  If you can’t make it this week, the series will continue with culinary visits to other countries and vineyards.

Keep on Dancin’
Summer over?…who sez?! Be part of the hometown crowd out at Nectar’s this coming weekend as, Island son Phil Darosa wails the night away.  Though Island weather can be expected to pack a chill, a few turns around the dance floor will make it seem like summer again…

When You’re Hot, You’re Hot
Now that you’ve got your groove on, move on over to Mediterranean on Saturday night for the YMCA’s Salsa fundraiser featuring  DJ Jose Sanabria. Salsa lessons begin at 7:30 pm and dancing starts at 8;30 until????   Support a really great cause while having a really great time.

Richard Paradise checked in with MVOL this morning with a great new line-up of films at the Katharine Cornell Theater.  This week ‘Saraphine,’ the winner of Seven Cesars (France’s equivalent of the Academy Award) including Best Picture and Actress, comes to the Katharine Cornell Theater. It is the true story of  painter Saraphine de Senli, a turn-of-the-century  Susan Boyle, who began painting at age 41 and achieved worldwide fame.

Around town pumpkins and their artistically altered cousins, jack-o-lanterns, are popping up everywhere. To make things even spookier, The MV Public Charter has announced the return of their yearly Scarecrow Contest fundraiser. Over the  next two weeks expect to see scarecrows in front of businesses all over the Island. A $75 donation lets you  sponsor  a scarecrow the and builders may win prizes including gift certificates from  Bunch of Grapes, Edgartown Books, Educomp, Island Entertainment, Summer Shades, and Vineyard Electronics. The school hopes to raise $6000 this year to kick off their Annual Drive towards upgrading their Science Lab. For more info call Paul Karasik 293-4059

It is the coming weekend, October 16th through18th, that plays host to some of Martha’s Vineyards best attended and most compelling autumn events:  the wrap-up of the 64th Annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby and the annual MV Food & Wine Festival now moving into its third consecutive year.

Even if you don’t know a fly from a sinker, the closing ceremony of the Derby is a party you won’t want to miss. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th at 1 pm at Nectar’s out at the MV Airport. Raffles, awards and great food. Be on hand to see all the  prizes including the boat and truck given away! Bring the family, all ages are welcome.

From October 16-18, The Food and Wine Festival again offers attendees a weekend of eating, learning and socializing. Celebrity chefs, locally sourced ingredients, menus and events that entice on so many levels combine to create a masterpiece culinary weekend.  Check out the schedule and make your plans now.

Leading up to this blockbuster weekend, events continue to percolate. Shakespeare for the Masses returns to the Vineyard Playhouse with Antony and Cleopatra; Galactic takes the stage at Nectars.

Stop by le Grenier for dinner and dancing any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. Enjoy a night on the town at Zephrus which has reintroduced its Local Wednesday dinners. Dine out and 20% of the prix fixe price will be donated to the evening’s charity du jour.

Poetry and author events return to local libraries. And of course, the Island’s most spectacular asset-its protected open spaces- is always available for you to explore in the golden October sunlight.

Yes, the Island is still ‘open’ and is waiting to welcome you.

Wine & Dine

Meanwhile, the current of island life continues:  The Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby moves into its 4th week with the competition tightening day by day.  Stop by the weigh-in station at the Edgartown harbor for a first hand look at the what’s coming in off the boats. Art and chocolate lovers (doesn’t that mean everybody?) alert:  Featherstone Center for the Arts readies for its annual Art of  Chocolate Festival.  Pencil in its Patron’s Preview party for October 9th,  then nosh your way through the weekend.

If it’s corn your after, remember there are only a couple of weeks left to be challenged by this year’s Corn Maze out at the Farm Institute in Katama.  Once you’ve triumphed, head over to the Native Earth Teaching Farm’s Popcorn Festival up in Chilmark on October 10th. Besides oodles of popcorn for all, you’ll have a chance to observe the farm’s own wool being dyed, check in with the animals and observe a working farm in action.

Later in the day, the American Legion Post in Edgartown hosts an antique auction with lots of Island memorabilia on which to bid.  Up in West Tisbury’s Grange Hall the annual Columbus Day Artisan’s Festival will be in full flower.  Keep this in mind in the morning as you’re running or cheering on the runners taking part in the 5K Road Race & 1-Mile Fun Run benefiting the Island Affordable Housing Fund. You’ll want to save some energy for some serious early holiday shopping.

Another unique shopping opportunity will be taking place out at the Decorator Show House and Gardens in Edgartown.  Following a successful summer showcasing the creativity of Island artisans, decorators and landscapers, fundraising efforts continue as the designer furnishings, artwork, plants, shrubs and outdoor furnishing go on sale.  A not to be missed opportunity!

Happy Columbus Day!

Fall on Martha’s Vineyard means many good things. The days are sunny and still fairly warm, meaning my “to do” list contains plenty of long walks on deserted beaches and wooded trails. Potluck dinners with friends I haven’t seen all summer are also a high priority. The never-ending schedule of summer activities – and in my case – hours of dog biscuit baking (Vin-Yips!) for the Farmers’ Markets is just a blur. My laugh journal is crammed with entries from summer craziness and the cool evenings are now perfect for sleeping – and PAJAMAS! In my opinion, after the last ferry boat has left the dock in Vineyard Haven on Labor Day, every islander should don their most comfortable pajamas until Memorial Day weekend. Vineyard fashion is already known for its casual and quirky style, so how much of a leap would it be to take dressing down one step further. Apple crisp in the oven. Pajamas and fleece boots 24/7. Works for me. Have a cozy & relaxing Fall!

The coffee house itself is very comfy and warm with hardwood floors and lots of space to sit and work on your laptop or people watch.  Lots of characters pass by the window and I enjoy watching them as I wait for my sandwich.  There is a cool soundtrack playing in the background that will make you feel like a hipster at any age.

Their baristas are well trained and can make pretty much any combination or caffeine level you find yourself needing.  Daily specials for drinks and food keep me curious to check in on them frequently.  Personal size Pizzas are served after 4 pm and the toppings and combos are incredible in their variety.

It’s nice to have a place to run in and grab a hot lunch or an afternoon pick me up of coffee or tea. And don’t forget to check out their dry goods store on Main Street after lunch.  You can pick up t-shirts and souvenirs to prove you were there.   Beetlebung Coffee House has a won a place on my walking tour of Vineyard Haven.

From The Beach Plum in Menemsha to the Lambert’s Cove Inn in West Tisbury and  from Deon’s in OB to The Grill on Main in Edgartown prix fixe dinner specials abound.

Mediterranean continues to offer it’s $2 tapas in its comfy bar from 5-7 pm, Sunday through Thursday.  $10 gets you five tempting tastes that tally up to a light meal, add a few more and you’ve grazed your way through dinner. (Tempus fugit! Chesca’s closes on October 11th - satisfy your bento box cravings now.)

Events around Island also reflect the Island’s fall feeding frenzy.  Détente kicks off the month on October 1st with one of its spectacular wine-tasting dinners.  If you remember these from last year you’re probably already running to your calendar to save the date.  Following close on its heels on October 2nd and 3rd with a different take on dining is the annual Living Local Harvest Fest.  Community potluck, cider pressing, a look at wild edibles, bee-keeping and gardening is just some of the hands-on fun revolving around sustainable agriculture that will be explored.  This is one of those quintessential Island events you won’t want to miss.

In the same October 3 time slot, Jan Buhrman of Kitchen Porch Catering offers a seminar focusing on whole grains.  Held from 9 am-noon, you can still make it over to the Harvest Fest for the afternoon and participate in the potluck with your new-found skills with cereal foods.

As the month progresses, Featherstone’s Art of Chocolate fundraiser (October 9-11) and the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival (October 16-18) will pique the Island’s culinary appetite. But these are feasts for another day.  In the meantime you can still catch Meryl Streep as American food icon Julia Child in summer foodie favorite, Julie and Julia at the movies.  Or pick up the book at Bunch of Grapes, still a great beach read…Bon Appétit!