Dining
Gourmet ballpark food is not the sort of cuisine that historically draws cultish crowds to the ArtCliff Diner. The Vineyard Haven eatery is better known to be abuzz in the morning with repeat patrons hankering for a warm stack of blueberry pancakes or a bacon-tomato-cheese frittata over potato wedges.
The Home Port restaurant in Menemsha has turned its back door green.
New owners Bob and Sarah Nixon and chef Johnny Graham saw environmental sustainability as an area where the landmark restaurant could improve in this, its 80th year of business, and they are starting with the huge volume of disposables that go through the eatery’s back door take-out facility every day.
The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant atop the Gay Head Cliffs is a morning ritual for many early risers. What it lacks for convenience, it makes up for with spectacular vistas. The scent of blueberry pancakes, or the homemade fishcakes, adds to the sensory seductiveness. A metal spoon jingles in every hot coffee that is served, always in a glass cup.
There’s lots of wonderful things to eat, And wonderful games to play ... Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
And for us humans? When the gods provide the weather — and they’ve been holding back so far this summer, so let’s hope they’ll be generous from here on — the Vineyard provides many an idyllic spot for a picnic and no shortage of sources to fill the basket with delectables. Pretty much any taste and budget can be satisfied. Seriously, where to begin?
Who is Mr. G?
His name is Greg Wilson and apart from widespread recognition for his locally crafted Mr. G’s Hot Sauce, he can be easily identified by his charismatic nature, sincere smile and animated personality, which coincide with unwavering passion and a determination to produce and brand the best hot sauce available on the market — locally, and worldwide.
That’s pretty spicy stuff.
Slow Food Potluck
Slow Food Martha’s Vineyard is holding its June community potluck at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Thursday, June 25, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. In addition to the potluck there will be an update on plans for the July summer potluck and fundraiser and request for volunteer help for this event. In the Slow Food tradition please bring a dish to amply feed six — including a local ingredient if possible — your own place settings, and BYOB. For details, e-mail [email protected].