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Archive for June, 2009
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
It’s Restaurant Week here on Martha’s Vineyard which means that Christmas has come early for me. All Restaurant Week participants agree to a three course meal with prices ranging from $25-$45. Last night I went to Chesca’s and didn’t want to leave. I adore Chesca’s and was so excited that they were participating in Restaurant Week. One of my favorite things about Chesca’s is the outside porch where you can have a cocktail pre dinner. There are beautiful wooden rocking chairs lining the porch overlooking the busy streets of Edgartown and is a great way to people watch and relax before dinner.
I went with a friend who knows my eating patterns and it was understood that I may be speechless for most of the meal. I began with the lobster bisque and it was everything a lobster bisque should be, creamy, flavorful with the perfect amount of lobster meat waiting to be on your spoon. It’s one of the best lobster bisques I’ve tasted on the island and you all know how delicate my palate is.
My next course was the main course of grilled salmon with a Thai chili glaze, chive mashed potatoes and fresh sauteed vegetables. The salmon was grilled to perfection and the glaze is a perfect union of sweet and tangy. My mashed potatoes and vegetables weren’t just accessories they held their own and shared the plate as a team with the salmon. I normally pass on anything resembling a vegetable but I have to tell you that I finished every bite of my vegetables and made many moms proud.
My third course was dessert, I opted out of the salad course in order to ensure I went over my calorie limit for the day. I ordered the brownie sundae with cappuccino ice cream and Callebaut dark chocolate sauce. The first bite was so amazing that I completely forgot that I was going to share with my dinner companion and I couldn’t stop eating. The brownie was soft but firm and was the perfect foundation for the ice cream which had a subtle caffine flavor that worked well with chocolate sauce which was generously ladled out. I tend to shy away from establishments that skimp on the chocolate sauce but Chesca’s did the exact opposite.
If you are on the Vineyard and looking for a dining experience that covers every course from soup to sauce while covering every flavor from sweet to subtle to savory this is the restaurant you’ve been waiting for. Located at 38 North Water Street in Edgartown.
Tags: Chesca's, cocktails on the porch, dining on martha's vineyard, Eating on MV, Edgartown, Island Living, local food, Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life, Martha's Vineyard restaurants, mvol.com, Restaurant Week
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Friday, June 19th, 2009
Normally, I write my blogs on the amazing culinary delights that are found on the island. This week however, I’d like to tip my hat to a wonderful little wine and spirit shop in Edgartown. Town Provision Company is a cozy hole in the wall shop in downtown Edgartown. The proprietor of the shop is one of those knowledgeable types that doesn’t make you feel silly when you ask what the difference is between a pinot noir and a pinot grisio. Not that I’ve done that…
The selection is huge and if what you want isn’t there, they will happily order it for you and make sure that you’re contacted as soon as it arrives. They are happy to give you suggestions on anything from the best type of champagne for mimosas to the best wine to serve with crab legs. Located right in the harbor (8 Mayhew Lane), it’s a convenient way for boaters to stock up. The added bonus is delivery! Island-wide!
I’ve come to rely heavily on the suggestions from Town Provisions. They have helped me to give the impression that I am not only a dinner party hostess, but a hostess with a truly sophisticated palate. I realize by writing this that I am blowing my cover but I feel the need to share this hidden gem with you, we’ve been through a lot together and there is no reason for me to hide this from you.
So whether you are planning your next clam bake or merely afternoon cocktails, remember my friends at Town Provisions and let’s toast summer in together.
Tags: Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard Life, MVOL Foodie, mvol.com, special and liquor delivery on Martha's Vineyard, Town Provisions, wine and spirits
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Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
I am going to copy my friend Mona and name this blog in the same style. I call this blog: ‘Thanking the farmers from the bottom of my heart while enjoying plate of fresh radishes and goat cheese from a neighborhood farm as I sit on the front porch watching my children play croquet.
We talk a lot about food at our house…and at work…and at sporting events…and while eating delicious food in one fabulous setting or another. We infrequently, however, talk about just who is bringing this food to us and all the time and effort these good people put into feeding us.
Yes, I am the Mummy who cooks the dinner each night (and the breakfast and packs the lunch) but I wouldn’t be able to feed my family healthy “strong food” without the farmers. Do you know who our local farmers are? They are the people who dedicate themselves to the earth, lovingly turning the soil, plant, weed, nurture, harvest, wash, tote, peddle and all this regardless of weather.
“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat nor gloom of night”...should be the farmers motto. From the up-Island meadows to the plains of Katama these farmers are feeding us for little more compensation than the food they grow. SO, the next time you stroll the farmers market or sit down to a bounty of fresh, local produce say a little ‘thank you’ to the farmers who gladly, lovingly have taken on the dirty job of making it all possible.
Tags: dining on martha's vineyard, Eating on MV, Family, farm fresh produce, farmers, farmers market, grass-fed beef, Island Living, local food, Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life, MVFamily Life, MVOL Mom, mvol.com
Posted in Eating on MV, Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | 3 Comments »
Monday, June 15th, 2009
I shall title this blog “Eating a piece of Dairy Queen ice cream cake on the deck at 2:30 on a sunny yes sunny Sunday afternoon after it’s been raining for 2 weeks.” Need I say more? Yes I will.
The sun has suffered a bad rap in the years since that silly SPF scare. In the future I think we will once again slather ourselves with a mixture of Johnson’s Baby Oil and iodine and frolic carefree from South Beach to Lobsterville after a scientific discovery funded by the Cape Cod & Islands Chambers of Commerce reveals that raw sun rays are beneficial after all. But I digress.
It’s been raining and chilly-damp for the last few weeks on Martha’s Vineyard. Our food and timeclocks are confused. People are eating chili again and are grumpily wearing socks. Summerinteruptus.
But today the sun is out! All is warm and well on Martha’s Vineyard. The High School graduating class of 2009 is celebrating today at the historic Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs admidst all the sunny glory of a perfect June day. Roses are blooming, strawberries are ripening and my deck is a sunbathing oasis. The only sounds I hear at this very moment are birds chirping, trees rustling and the caucophony of crows divebombing a stray hawk who oh so stupidly invaded their airspace. In the iconic words of Van Morrison’s “So Quiet Here”…”This must be what paradise is like…so quiet in here, so peaceful in here…”
Have a peaceful sunny happy summer.
Tags: Dairy Queen, Island Living, Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life, mvol.com, outdoors
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
This past weekend, I joined some friends for dinner at the Beach Plum Inn, yet another sign of summer coming to the island. We arrived a bit before our reservation and we were able to enjoy a glass of wine out on the patio overlooking the harbor. It was one of those crisp early summer nights where there was a bit of a chill in the air. Being the delicate creature that I am, I began to not enjoy being outside so much…but not to fear The Beach Plum was prepared for just such an occasion. There is actually a basket of lap blankets waiting to drape over adorable patrons who are sitting outside. How thoughtful is that?
 When our table was ready, we were escorted inside and led to a table that again overlooked the harbor (there really isn’t a bad seat in the house). The menu options incorporated island greens and produce and it was a delight to see that they had steak on the menu, and not just steak but a steak with bleu cheese on top! I think you know where this is going. Of course, I had to try it and I must give it my highest rating, 4 steak knives!
The portion was perfect and the bleu cheese carefully draped the meat like one of those capes that is in fashion nowadays. Figs made a nice border and reigned in the green beans and potatoes that completed the dish. I’d heard the expression “melts in your mouth” but I had yet to experience the true meaning until last weekend. That steak was amazing and the flavors blended into such a delicious combination that I began to wonder how often I’d be able to make it back to the Beach Plum during the summer.
My table companions enjoyed their dinners as well just not as loudly as I did…I must work on my table manners. Fresh fish and a soft shell crab appetizer were a few of the hits that appeared at our table. It was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had on the island. The servers were not only amiable and helpful but really knew the menu and made some great suggestions. The views are unbeatable and the lap blanket is just one of those touches that make you appreciate an establishment for going above and beyond.
Tags: Beach Plum Inn, dining on martha's vineyard, Eating on MV, local food, Martha's Vineyard restaurants, Menemsha, MVOL Foodie, waterview restaurants on MArtha's Vineayrd
Posted in Eating on MV, Martha's Vineyard Life | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
We’ve had quite a start to Season. Our sunny, beach days (I did not have enough sunscreen though the Littles were slathered) tempered with a few rainy days has many visitors wondering: What to do with the kiddos when a day out-of-doors is just not an option?
Well, here’s my list - it’s not complete by any means but it will get you out of the house and into the Island community even when the sun is hiding.
- The Island Libraries are awesome! Every day in each village you will find everything from puppet shows to drop in crafts or storytellers. Each library also has an extensive video selection.
- We LOVE Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks! The glassblowers (artists) are mezmorizing. The products magical and we always pick up a Holiday present or two to stash away until December.
- Strolling through art galleries is always fun if your children are old enough to appreciate - our youngest loves to play docent. Take a drive over the Featherstone Center for the Arts. It’s lovely and the gallery has quality shows throughout the year. The grounds are wonderful and there is a walking/hiking trail if the weather permits. The Red Barn at the Granary is so pleasant to visit. I like to ask the children what is their favorite and why. If it’s not quite rainy, our family likes to run through the yard and strike the poses of the statues at the Field Gallery. We always pop across the road to Alley’s for a snack and wonder through the Old Ag Hall where there’s always a flea market or antique show.
- Book stores for families…Vineyard Haven is home to one of our favorite book stores, Riley’s Reads. They are welcoming and fun and often have an activity geared for the kiddos while you browse. A Bunch of Grapes bookstore is opening again in the Main Street (VH) location this weekend! YAY, we’re so happy they are back! Edgartown Books has a fine childrens section and a porch out front to watch the people go by.
- The Flying Horses Carousel and Ryan Family Fun Center in Oak Bluffs is the A-#1 choice for the kids. We generally grab a slice at Gio’s and wonder around OB for the afternoon. If the weather holds we like to walk along the docks and look at the boats, too.
- Movies, movies, movies - everybody loves the movies! There are our (4) movie theatres on Martha’s Vineyard: one in Vineyard Haven , one in Edgartown and two in Oak Bluffs - check the listings; there is usually something for everyone even without a cineplex. If there’s not a movie in the theatre that will please everyone you’ll likely find one running in one of the libraries or community centers. Of course, you’ll find all these activities and more all over the site on mvol.com!
There is plenty to do here on Martha’s Vineyard - rain or shine. Don’t let fickle weather dampen your day - pick a township and stroll, you may just stumble upon a great adventure. You’ll find all these activities and more all over the site on mvol.com!
Tags: A Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, Add new tag, African-American Heritage Trail of MV, Aquinnah Cultural Center, art galleries, book stores, Edgartown Books, family activities on Martha's Vineyard, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Field Gallery, Flying Horses Carousel, Granary Gallery, libraries, Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, Martha's Vineyard Museum, movies on Martha's Vineyard, museums, MV Camp Association Cottage Museum and Gift Shop, puppet shows, rainy days on Martha's Vineyard, Red Barn Gallery, Riley's Reads, Ryan Family Fun Center, World of Reptiles and Birds
Posted in Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | No Comments »
Monday, June 1st, 2009
 Before last week I thought I had sampled every lobster roll available on the island. I was wrong, very wrong. Last Friday I met a friend for lunch at Henry’s in Edgartown. While seated at a table overlooking the Edgartown light house and surrounding Harbor, my friend started to talk about the Lobster Roll on the menu and how it’s her favorite. I heard the words but somehow they weren’t registering. Henry’s has a lobster roll? How could I not know about this? When did this happen? How many other lobster rolls are out there that I don’t know about?
Of course I had to order one and at Henry’s you can actually order a half sandwich if you want instead of a whole, a nice feature I thought. I ordered the half and regretted it immediately. Do calories really matter in a time like this? When the lobster roll, well half lobster roll arrived, I was struck by how pleasant it looked on my plate. A nice toasted bun with a generous serving of lobster that spilled over the top of the roll. Topped with capers and remoulade, it humbled me. I took a bite and changed my life forever. It was amazing. Sweet chunks of lobster meat, mixed in with the remoulade and cradled in the toasted roll made me wish my office was in the kitchen of Henry’s.
At one point my friend asked me a question and I told her that I couldn’t talk to her until I had finished my lobster roll. She understood and with a head nod we both returned to eating our lunches. When I regretfully finished, I stared wistfully at the last bite left on my friends plate and wondered if I was quick enough to grab it, unfortunately she caught me staring and popped that last bite in before I could make a move.
Don’t let that happen to you. Go to Henry’s, order the whole lobster roll and thank me later. Why are you still reading? Go…
Tags: dining on martha's vineyard, Eating on MV, Edgartown, Harbor View Hotel, Henry's, Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard, local food, MVOL Foodie
Posted in Eating on MV, Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | 2 Comments »
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