Wow, we LOVE Martha's Vineyard and all of the treasures that it has to offer! The island is chock full of the finer things in life while still having that laid back, put your feet up and smell the salty ocean air kind of vibe. Just a 45 minute ferry ride out of Wood's Hole on the Cape, it is the epitome of a quaint New England town with endless historic charm! It's packed with sensational restaurants and their stellar chefs from every part of the Vineyard, and scrumptous food and fine wine awaits you around every corner. We were fortunate enough to attend the annual Martha's Vineyard Food and Wine Festival last Saturday, October 17th to enjoy the Grand Tasting in the Mayhew Tent right in the heart of gorgeous Edgartown - and boy did we indulge in some of the best of the Vineyard!
Surprisingly warm October sun was smiling down on us as we picked up Martha's Vineyard Food and Wine Festival souvenir wine glasses and made our way around the tent sampling tantalizing morsels, chatting with chefs and locals alike. We loved that some vineyard owners were representing themselves and sharing their masterpiece wines in person. One of our favorites was a former New York native who moved to California to make Russian River Pinot Noir. This is George, the sole owner and employee of George Wine Company out of Healdsburg, California. He spent some time getting to know us and described his Pinot Noir selection. We were thrilled to have met him and become familiarized with so many other amazing wines from around the world.
Every table had something unique and entirely exquisite to offer! Some of our favorite restaurants on the island were showcased like The Terrace from the Charlotte Inn sampling Veal Taurine and olive oil poached tuna pate and The Kitchen Porch from Chilmark featuring a delicious green pezole with a kick,hominy and hen of the woods mushrooms. The Boathouse in Edgartown made a Bluefin Tuna Toro with Furikake seasoning, sushi rice "al ajillo", garlic soy sauce, myer lemon, and masago caviar, which was to die for! The Lighthouse Grill from the Harborview Hotel right down the street had talented and oh-so-charming chefs - one of whom grew up on the Vineyard as a child. They had prepared Katama Bay Oysters wrapped in Neuske's bacon with blackening spices and a delicious glazed cranberry orange scones! The fresh oysters from the Blue Crab Kitchen were out of this world! Chef Peter Lodi has a mobile kitchen and can make any catered event special!
We were lucky enough to try Sid Wainer's divine charcuterie spread with artisinal cheeses from around the world. The table was so popular that it was difficult to even get near enough to grab a bite. The best part of all of this decadence is that you dont have to travel all the way to Martha's Vineyard to try them - they have a gourmet outlet in New Bedford, Massachusetts where you can sample before buying. The shop is open Monday-Sunday and the hours are right on the website. If you are looking for a unique date idea, every Tuesday from 2-4 they hold cooking demonstrations featuring their own expert chefs!
A truly memorable, beautiful day with amazing people in an amazing town! Can't wait to see what next year holds!