I love when I stumble across fun things on the Vineyard. The other day, I was leaving Healthy Additions in Vineyard Haven, and I saw Shepherd’s Provisions, where Nicky’s used to be.
Of course I stopped, looked through every window I could, and decided this would be my next blog. On a rainy Monday morning, I met with Kira and John Shepherd, both chefs, married, and the owners of Shepherd’s Provisions.
Shepherd’s Provisions had a soft opening over the summer, but now is when things are really getting going. Kira and John are the dream team. Kira focuses on the sweet things, and John focuses on the savory things. Both focus on quality and flavor.
For a while now, the couple had been making foods for Swoozies, a company that sells online and has its own stores as well. Think gourmet cookies, chocolates, nuts and more in their commercial kitchen. People kept asking them to make things to buy here, on Island.
So, Shepherd’s Provisions was born. The space is tastefully appointed, and you’ll find lots of things that make you hungry.
If you’re craving something sweet, there are housemade marshmallows, orange, strawberry, or vanilla. I’ve never been so lucky as to have a housemade marshmallow. I’ll be back for some of these.
There are cookies, I bought peanut butter cookies and they were really delicious. There are biscotti, housemade graham crackers, chocolate bark and more. There were so many treats to choose from.
If you’re looking for savory, there are housemade crackers, even “Old Bay” ones, fresh made spreads, like olive pimento. There are pickles and beautiful sauces, and housemade pepper oil, made with peppers from the Shepherd’s garden. You’ll also find an assortment of specialty spices and rubs. The Shepherd’s want to help you have fun and cook better too.
In addition to items that are made there, John and Kira have carefully curated a selection of foods from other small businesses.
Think of the gift baskets (holidays are right around the corner), and thank you gifts you could make with all the great finds at Shepherd’s Provisions, and there’s plenty of parking at their shop, next to East Chop Sleep Shop.
Soon there will also be some prepared foods you can grab for lunch or dinner. Fresh soups, dumplings, and John wants to do crab cakes as well. Born in the South, there are some basics that he favors, like crab cakes.
Shepherd’s Provisions is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with flexible weekend hours. Also, Shepherd’s does have its wholesale license, so this place could be a great resource for people hosting weddings and events on Martha’s Vineyard.
You can learn about daily specials on the Shepherd’s Provision’s Facebook page. And don’t forget to “Like” Point B Realty on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Google+, Pinterest and Youtube.