With one week until Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of Summer for many, several local favorite restaurants are opening their doors this weekend, so we can enjoy these places before it gets to crazy on the Island. Here are four favs opening their doors this weekend.
Kennebec Ave in Oak Bluffs, A Mini Restaurant Row
Get ready all you pan pasta enthusiast, Jimmy Seas is opening this weekend — either Friday or Saturday, depending on how things go. You know what that means! Yummy roasted garlic to smear all over a loaf of bread and delicious huge hot pans filled with pasta! I guess since I am no longer pregnant, I can’t justify eating an entire pan of butternut squash raviolis any more. Oh well, I am still looking forward to indulging in some Jimmy Seas, but just remember to get there early, because it fills up fast, even now.
A local favorite is opening its doors tonight, Sidecar Cafe and Bar. Nestled between a private residence and The Madison Inn, this little hot spot has continued to grow in popularity among Islanders and visitors. Behind a little well placed greenery, you’ll find a small, well-appointed patio, perfect for dining or enjoying a cocktail, and of course people watching. Inside is cozy and inviting, and you’ll usually find one of the owners, Scott Mullin or Sam Cleland there, making sure everyone is having fun.
The menu is creative and full of culinary delights and local ingedients. I personally am a sucker for the lobster or lobstah, as some say, mac & cheese. The sweet potato fries are the best on MV! Also, Sidecar is known for its fantastic cocktails — especially their martinis — and be sure to have a Sidecar while there. A little insider tip – it’s a great late-night spot.
Proud To Be the Black Sheep in Edgartown
Opening tomorrow and enjoying the beginning of its second year on Summer Street in Edgartown, Black Sheep is a welcomed addition to the Island. You’ll find the most amazing selection of cheeses, think Chevre, Winnemere and amazing aged cheddar, along with olives (good stuffed ones for martinis), and a selection on gourmet crackers. Stop by here on the way to a party to pick up a couple of things, and you’ll be certain to impress your host and hostess. Thinking of something sweet? Try the delectable petit fours – luckily they’re small so you won’t feel too guilty eating a number of them.
At night, Black Sheep becomes Trio. Move around a display or two and presto, you have a chic wine bar. Opening next week, this little gem becomes the ideal place to relax with a glass of wine paired with the perfectly selected cheese. What a treat before dinner! Or, stop in after dinner for desert. Either way, Trio is not to be missed.
Dinner In Vineyard Haven With A View
We can’t leave Vineyard Haven out of the mix. Opening tonight is Saltwater Restaurant in the Tisbury Market Place in Vineyard Haven. With spectacular lagoon views and a gorgeoues dining room, with memorable blue up-lighting, this restaurant has some of the most delicious fish dishes on the Island, prepared by Chef Joe DaSilva.
Last year, I was obsessed with the Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with bamboo rice and b0k-choy. I also was a big fan of their crab cakes which I am very picky about. I can’t wait to see what Chef DaSilva has up his sleeve this year.
Now that you can get beer and wine here, you can just pop in for dinner. No more needing to plan it like an event — making sure you have the right wine, etc. It’s so nice to just walk right in and sit at the bar and grab a drink and a couple of oysters before having dinner there.
Also, don’t forget that as of May 9, you can grab breakfast and lunch at Saltwater, prepared by the fabulous Josh Aronie. I haven’t been able to get there yet but need to soon. Josh’s food at the Menemsha Cafe was delicious.
With more old favorites and brand new restaurants opening their doors this week and next week, it’s time to get together with friends and enjoy the culinary delights of Martha’s Vineyard before you need a reservation. We all have our favorites and this Summer is going to be tough on the waistline.
Let me know where you love to dine and can’t wait to visit, and while you’re checking out the On Point blog, please feel free to Like Us on FB as well. You can also follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.
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