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Archive for August, 2009
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
On Monday, I got a call from a friend asking if I’d like to try Faith’s Seafood Shack and Sushi Bar. Of course I said yes and off we went to try the newest dining experience in Aquinnah. Located by the Aquinnah Circle in the shadow of Gay Head Light House, it’s the perfect location to grab refreshments after viewing the cliffs and surrounding beaches.
We went right before sunset and set up camp outside of Faith’s at the convenient picnic tables she has for her diners. I had been eyeing her menu online for a few days as well as her live streaming web cams which capture the hustle and bustle of the light house and Philbin beach. From the menus I decided I needed to try the angus beef chili and some tuna/avocado sushi. A strange combination I know but they really do go together.
The sushi specials change nightly and we were lucky enough to order the Spider. Containing soft shell crab, avocado, tuna and goodness with a special sauce that needs to be bottled and sold. Our order also included clam chowder and a shrimp tempura roll. While waiting for our food, we claimed a table and opened wine just in time for the sunset show to begin. The sunsets up island continue to amaze me. Every time I see one, it makes me so grateful that this island is my home.
Our food was brought out to us by a very friendly woman who obliged our requests for extra napkins, soy sauce and chop sticks. We were a very needy bunch. The chili was perfect, just the way I like it, not a lot of beans, lots of meat. The Angus Beef really gave it a rich flavor and the shredded cheddar cheese on top was the icing on the cake, or the cheese on the chili…
The sushi was unbelievable! I truly think it might have been some of the freshest fish I’ve ever had. And it complimented my chili perfectly. Everyone at the table enjoyed the sushi and chowder, I meant to share my chili but I again got caught up in deliciousness and neglected to share. Writing this blog has made me quite selfish.
Faith’s Seafood Shack and Sushi Bar is a perfect place to bring the family for healthy and delicious meals. It’s also an excellent date night spot, especially around sunset. And don’t forget to watch the webcams! While doing research for this blog, I happened to be on the web cam the same time President Obama and his family happened to be touring the Gay Head Lighthouse. Thanks for the live feed Faith! No pun intended!
Tags: Aquinnah Martha's Vineyard, Faith's Seafood Shack and Sushi Bar, Gay Head Lighthouse, Martha's Vineyard Web Cams, sushi martha's vineyard, Up Island dining
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Wow–what a weekend! Right about now the only thing that sounds appealing is lying flat out at the beach. But with Labor Day only weeks away, there are so many better ways to pass the waning days of summer. Still lots going on at the galleries: I hear Con Brio! the upcoming show at the Dragonfly is not to be missed. And, at Warren Gaines’Gallery, visitors can observe as this well-known artist creates one of his much sought after nautically themed pastels, now through September 18.
On August 27, The PikNik Gallery, home of unique art and fashion, will be ‘hobknobbing’ while hosting a fashion show on the Hob Knob’s porch previewing their fall collection. Fun and refreshments too. Tan fading? Try on a new look for fall at the Mansion House on August 25 where Macy’s will be hosting a day of beauty including demos, makeovers and new fragrances to try.
As we approach September 1, many of the summer’s weekly events will be going the way of beachwear and bikinis: On September 18th Grace Church will serve the last of its Friday night Lobster Rolls for 2009. Get your fill now while there are still buns a’plenty. Featherstone’s Flea Market closes shop on September 1 and the last of the Community Sings at the Tabernacle takes place this week on August 26. But not to worry…on August 29 the Union Chapel hosts The First Annual Martha’s Vineyard Classical, Bluesical, Jazzi Festival (The CBJ Festival) at 7 pm at the Union Chapel. Free and a great way to send summer out on a high note.
Have a great week and keep a sharp eye for those smoky-windowed SUV’s…you never know who you’ll be standing next to in line, waiting for your lobster roll!!
>View greetings to President Obama and his family around the Island<
 Photo: Dillon Lawson-Johnston Looking for details or more to do?… Check out MVOL.com’s Calendar of Events
Tags: Dragonfly Art Gallery, Featherstone’s Flea Market, Grace Church lobster roll, Island Living, Martha's Vineyard, mvol.com, Obama Martha's Vineyard, obama vacation martha's vineyard
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
I’ve become quite fond of up island this summer; I am fond of getting away from the crowds and enjoying a more peaceful beach experience. One of my new favorite activities is to visit the Galley in Menemsha. I admit in past summers it hadn’t been on my radar as I was normally down island making the rounds at my favorite summer restaurants.
This summer however, I find myself spending more and more time up island. Lying on the beach at Menemsha where sail boats float by and lobstermen check their pots and the sound of the waves overpowers the sound of people, babies and teenagers. It’s heaven actually.
And what better way to enjoy the Heaven of Menemsha than by eating. The Galley has become my go to spot. Two take out windows take care of anything you would need to order, there is the soft serve window and the food window, a perfect example of summer efficiency.
 View of Menemsha Harbor The meat loaf dinner is delectable and a bargain that includes French fries and cole slaw. The Galley specializes in beach food with grilled chicken sandwiches, lobster rolls, hamburgers and hot dogs, ribs and pretty much anything that you would want after a day on the sand. Root beer floats, hot fudge sundaes and ice-cream cones finish what you started at the first take out window. The staff is friendly and patient while advising indecisive patrons with a smile.
The best kept secret of the Galley is the sitting porch behind the building. Two picnic tables hold the larger parties but I prefer the bench that borders the porch and overlooks the inner workings of Menemsha harbor. Beautifully stained and lacquered wood makes up the counter above the benches and the view is a post card in every direction.
The food is simple and delicious and the best bargain you will find on island. It’s become a weekly tradition for me and where I make the hardest decision of the week, meatloaf or chicken?
Tags: Beach Martha's Vineyard, dining on martha's vineyard, Island Living, Island of Martha's Vineyard, local food, Martha's Vineyard Life, Menemsha Martha's Vineyard, MVOL Foodie, mvol.com, The Galley Martha's Vineyard, Up Island Martha's Vineyard
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
 Illumination Night Here it comes! August’s big triple header week starting off on Wednesday with Illumination Night in Oak Bluffs (8/19), followed by Martha’s Vineyard’s own Agricultural Fair (8/20-23) and punctuated smack in the middle by Oak Bluffs’s always spectacular fireworks display (8/21). Luckily the 4-day spread leaves plenty of time to not only hit all the high points but also to catch all the specials events at the Fair. Fresh lemonade, skillet throw and oyster shucking contest here I come!
If you’re in the mood for some raw emotion and riveting theater you’ll want to get over to the Vineyard Playhouse for their current production, Kathleen Tolan’s Memory House, on stage now through September 5th.
At last Wednesday’s first preview performance, award-winning actor Kathy Baker and Natalie Payne won curtain calls and applause for their portrayals of Katia (Payne) and her adoptive mother Maggie (Baker) as the two women work through the complex embrace of challenges, pain and love that binds them as a family.
Beautifully staged, with a set so full of detail and personality that it can almost be considered a character in its own right, Memory House is a theater experience you won’t easily forget.
The only disappointment was that, it being a Wednesday, I couldn’t head over to the ArtCliff diner’s food-mobile after the show (the play’s subtext of a pie being baked had made me hungry!) Open
Thursday through Sunday, you can pick up yummy snacks, sandwiches and desserts from 5 pm until after midnight.
I really wanted to reprise the amazing fruit cobbler (with real whipped cream!) that I had the week previous. If you’re out and about in Vineyard Haven, or even if you have to come over from Chappy, make a point of stopping by and checking out Tisbury’s latest foodie attraction. Menu prices are so affordable you won’t have to decide whether to have the savory pork taco ($5) or the spot-on falafel plate ($7) but whatever you do, leave room for dessert ($4). Just don’t order the last fruit cobbler, I’m heading on over in just a minute…
Looking for details or more to do?… Check out MVOL.com’s Calendar of Events
 See you at the Fair
Tags: ArtCliff diner, Family, Illumination Night, Island Living, Martha's Vibeyard Agricultural Fair, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Oak Bluffs Fireworks, Vineyard Playhouse
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
One of my favorite summer routines on the Vineyard is visiting the Farmers Market in West Tisbury on Saturday mornings. I try to get there early to have my pick of the fresh produce and baked goods. Fresh flowers, bread, herbs, vegetables and a host of island made products greet you as you walk into the market.
There are many famous venders who return year after year to serve islanders and visitors with their unique contributions. There is the egg roll lady who always has a smile and a line in front of her cart, the Katama honey guy who sells sweetness all morning, the wheat grass man who makes healthy shots to keep you going through the day and a whole cast of players who make coming back each week a reunion of sorts.
Last weekend I was able to take advantage of almost everything the Farmers Market had to offer. I was attempting to make my very first roasted chicken, a dish that I’d been told was so easy that it barely counted as cooking. While this should have been reassuring it instead instilled a deep panic in me, what if I couldn’t do it? What if I couldn’t make the easiest dish in the world? Would the Cooking police come to my house and remove my stove and spice rack?
My day at the market wasn’t quite as relaxed as it normally was, as I was on a mission. I got some beautiful Zucchini and Summer Squash from The FARM Institute booth and lots of lovely fresh herbs from a very helpful and informative woman who sold me rosemary, basil, baby red potatoes and confidence. To hedge all my bets I also bought some home made biscuits for strawberry shortcake, figuring that while a chicken may fail me, dessert never will.
And the outcome? A roasted chicken is in fact the easiest dish in the world to make as well as one of the most delicious. If you heard a woman yelling “I did it’ at the top of her lungs Sunday night, do not be alarmed it was just me fulfilling a dream.
Tags: farmers, Farmers Market Martha's Vineyard, Fresh produce Martha's Vineyard, The FARM Institute, West Tisbury Farmers Market
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Friday, August 7th, 2009
August 2009
It’s August and, it’s all about President Barack Obama and his family vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard! Keep up with the latest news, blogs, press, chat, and gossip right here on MVOL.com.
 Martha’s Vineyard Welcomes the First Family
President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia and Bo Bama are on vacation on Martha’s Vineyard this week (August 24th, 2009). MVOL.com put together a message board so you can write a message to the First Family.
Click here to send your own greeting to the first family>
 Martha’s Vineyard,
Presidential Vacation Spot
As Martha’s Vineyard anticipates the visit of President Obama and his family, now expected to take place in late August, MVOL takes a quick look at the long history of high-power and presidential visits to the Island.
Read Article >
 Beetlebung Dry Goods
Fashion for the first Family
The visit of president Barack Obama and the first family has Martha’s Vineyard dreaming of what they’ll wear. There are so many options for our fashionable first family. Here’s a few suggestions from Beetlebung Dry Goods….
Read Article >
 Obama Ate There - Blog
It’s official, the Obamas are coming! They have decided to vacation on Martha’s Vineyard and I couldn’t be more excited. I was thinking of ways that I could be of help to the President and first family and it occurred to me that the best way to serve my country would be to offer my advice on where they should eat during their time here.
Read Blog >
 Obama Family Martha’s Vineyard Vacation - Press
Want to know what’s up with President Obama’s impending visit to Martha’s Vineyard? Join MVOL.com as we track the latest updates on the webfor the latest info on the upcoming Presidential visit to MV.
Read Article >
 Martha’s Vineyard Celebrates Obama Inauguration - Photogallery
The official invitation to the Inauguration celebration, January 20, 2009 at Chilmark Community Center.
Photos by Steven L. McCullough
View Photos >
 Follow Barack Obama on Facebook
Yes, our President has a facebook page. Check out what the President Barack Obama Facebook page and become a fan.
Barack Obama Facebook Page>
Latest News
Vineyard businesses are abuzz with ideas focusing on the upcoming Presidential visit.
Read more >
“We are delighted and honored that the President and First Family
have chosen to vacation on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard.
This is a wonderful opportunity to show the world all the aspects that
make the Vineyard a fabulous vacation destination - the natural beauty,
arts and cultural attractions, the exquisite cuisine and so much more
that contribute to a truly unique and memorable experience.” ...
Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce
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Tags: barack obama central, first family martha's vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life, michelle obama martha's vineyard, mvol.com, Obama Martha's Vineyard, obama vacation martha's vineyard, President Obama, sasha and malia obama martha's vineyard
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
It’s official, the Obamas are coming! They have decided to vacation on Martha’s Vineyard and I couldn’t be more excited. I was thinking of ways that I could be of help to the President and first family and it occurred to me that the best way to serve my country would be to offer my advice on where they should eat during their time here.
The most important meal of the day is breakfast and with all the activities that will be happening , the first family should fill up in the morning for energy throughout the day. I highly recommend Waterside Market on Main Street in Vineyard Haven. The portions are huge and they have everything from banana pancakes to wheat wraps to fruit salad. Fresh coffee or espresso, bottled juices and water and you have fed the foundation of your day.
For lunch, I’m thinking a picnic would be nice. Perhaps on the beach or gardenside at the farm. Fella’s Takeout in West Tisbury makes truly fabulous sandwiches. My favorite is the roasted turkey sandwich in a wheat wrap, it comes with bacon, avocado, romaine, tomato and chipotle mayo. Michelle Obama will have many delicious and healthy options here for the whole first family. Call ahead as the lunch hour can be crowded with sandwich seekers.
Since the Obamas are on vacation and probably are going to be off their regular dining routine, let’s throw in an afternoon snack for the girls. Off to Edgartown to watch the boats in the harbor and do some shopping, why not stop at Mac Phails’s Corner Café for one of their fresh baked brownies or cookies. The treats are huge and can be shared if Michelle and the President don’t want Sasha and Malia to ruin their appetites for dinner.
Speaking of dinner, where should the first family eat the last meal of the day? I think Jimmy Seas is the way to go. Chef owned and operated Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta Restaurant has been an Oak Bluffs favorite for seventeen years and counting. Pasta dishes cooked al dente to order and are served fresh in the same pan. A reservation is a must for the first family and anyone else wanting to eat at Jimmy Seas, crowded is an understatement but well worth it.
And for Desert? A drive up island to watch the sunset and get some soft serve at the Galley in Menemsha. I think we’ve covered some delicious option for not only the Obamas but for anyone visiting Martha’s Vineyard. However, if President Obama and the first family need any more suggestions for where to eat or should they need someone to guide them through the menus of the island, please let them know that I am here and waiting to serve.
Click here for more details about the Obama’s Vacation on Martha’s Vineyard
- President Obama visits Martha’s Vineyard
Tags: eating on martha's vineyard, Fella's Takeout Martha's Vineyard, first family martha's vineyard, Jimmy Seas, Mac Phail's Corner Cafe, Martha's Vineyard, michelle obama martha's vineyard, Obama Martha's Vineyard, obama vacation martha's vineyard, sasha and malia obama martha's vineyard, The Galley Menemsha
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