By now you might have figured out that I like Chef Josh Aronie’s food, since I follow his every move. And though I miss The Food Truck, I am glad to see Josh at the Home Port restaurant in Menemsha.
With Josh there, it means that it was time to hit the restaurant’s “Back Door” for take-out and taking in the view.
With summer nights being so special, almost sacred, I don’t want to be inside if I don’t have to be. The Home Port helps solve that problem. There is a pretty diverse menu available for take-out.
Simply place your order and grab a seat at one of the many tables on the deck. Soak up that late afternoon sun, and watch life unfold in the small fishing town of Menemsha.
Sound good, well it’s actually great, since the food is really good now. My husband and I both had the fish tacos. They were well seasoned, had a little spice, and were topped with a scrumptious mango, red onion housemade salsa.
The kiddos split chicken tenders, I tried to get them the fish and chips to no avail, and of course we got the “Special Fries.” If you know Josh, you know those fries — the ones with rosemary and sea salt. They’re so good, a family favorite.
Josh’s cooking did not disappoint, and it was nice to see him so happy in a kitchen. The Home Port is a good fit for this talented guy.
Be sure to save room for some oysters. Alex Karalekas was there shucking them to order. Nothing better than a couple of locally caught Katama Bay oysters. There are others too, but the waters of Katama do wonders for oysters.
Sitting outside at the Home Port having dinner feels like you’re on vacation. It is pretty special. People are just relaxing, enjoying good food, and are happy to be there. Though it is summer, chances are you might run into friends there.
The Home Port is still BYOB which works well for us. I brought a mixed six pack of beer from Our Market and the Otter Creek White IPA I had was a nice pairing to the fish tacos.
There are lots of other great menu items like just harvested local fried oysters (a treat since most are frozen). How about locally caught calamari too! You can even get a Caesar salad with lobster salad on it.
We got to the Home Port early, around 5:30 p.m. It was perfect timing, since when we left at 7:30 p.m., the place was packed. If you’re going closer to sunset time, you might want to call in your order ahead.
Bike Service
You go to Menemsha to go to the beach — not eat at a restaurant. Not a problem. Soon, you’ll be able to call in your take-out order and someone will ride your order on down to you at the beach. How about that for service?
The Home Port
Though we ate outside, I had to check out the restaurant. There is now a bar area where you can grab a bite to eat and watch oysters being shucked.
The bar was Josh’s suggestion. It’s a great new addition to the restaurant but he hopes it will help bring people in after the summer months when the crowds leave.
It’s a causal and perfect for a bite to eat. The Home Port will be open until at least Columbus Day.
The restaurant menu looked enticing, and I need to go back to try more of Josh’s food.
There are a number of seafood options, like pan-seared U-10 Sea Scallops with cauliflower puree, crisp green apple slaw, red onion jam and beurre blanc which caught my eye. Lobster, steak, pasta and more. A diverse menu that you can really sink your teeth into!
The Home Port is open daily, Back Door 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and the dining room from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. seven days a week.
The Perfect Ending
Back Door at the Home Port has desserts on the menu, but we had to go to the Menemsha Galley for some ice cream. I think the Galley has the best soft-serve ice cream on the Vineyard.
A plain old vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles and I’m immediately lost in my childhood in New York, when we would go to Kurver Kreme in Albany for ice cream.
Then a stroll down to the docks, check out the progress of the Menemsha Coast Guard station being rebuilt, and voila, there’s a night where summer memories are made.
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Also, when I asked Josh about The Food Truck, he said it will be back. Stay tuned for details . . .