Vineyarders are ready for April openings

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Photo by Kaylea Moore

It’s finally spring, though the weather doesn’t quite feel like it. For me, this time of year is about scrambling to finish the projects and accomplish the things I had planned to do over the winter. The sunshine filled days that last until seven o’clock get me excited about the summer and motivate me to stop procrastinating and finish spring cleaning. They also get me excited about my favorite restaurants opening for the season.

April 1 is right around the corner, and so are the openings of many seasonal establishments, such as The Lampost in Oak Bluffs, with its inaugural April Fool’s Day opening. Expect to see a facelift to the façade of the Circuit Avenue institution, with the addition of patio seating and windows.

Atlantic Fish and Chop House in Edgartown will reopen on Wednesday, April 2, with the addition of a new street-side outdoor cafe section, as well as a completely private dining room that seats 12.

Chesca’s Restaurant in Edgartown celebrates its 20th season this year and opens its doors on Thursday, April 10. Be on the lookout for celebratory specials.

Coop deVille will open on April 18, and Petey says he’ll be stocking at least 100 beers this summer. And The Red Cat Kitchen at Ken ‘n’ Beck in Oak Bluffs opens Tuesday, April 15.

One of my favorite spring traditions is eating my first slice of Gio’s pizza of the season, which will happen on Thursday, April 24, when Giordano’s takeout opens.

What places are you excited about? Here’s what some Islanders had to say:

“I’m really excited about most recently State Road Restaurant reopening this Thursday [March 27], and then after that The Lookout [opens April 3]. That’s a sign of the summer. The Lookout is always good because of the location, seafood, and sushi. I’m also excited for The Port Hunter to open [opens May 15]. I’m really excited about local food being served, it’s a sign of spring and summer,” says Sarah Soushek of Vineyard Haven.

“A place that I am really excited about this summer is definitely l’etoile [opens April 24]. Their desserts are really good, they’re not overdone, and the prices are right. I like the bar menu too,” says Denis Toomey of Edgartown. “I also like The Lookout, sushi is always good, and I like eating outside on the deck, seeing the boats coming in. It’s always nice to get seafood right on the water down-Island. The outdoor seating and quickness of The Net Result is always pretty good. You walk in and order, and in three minutes it comes out. I like how much they give you on the fish and chips. They give you two big solid pieces of fish, and also the fries are pretty good. Also The Port Hunter rocks.”

“I can’t wait for Faith’s Seafood Shack to open: sushi, fro yo, and really good coffee. I also long for 7a [opens April 1]. I want to sit in the sun with my coffee, see my friends, and eat my Liz Lemon sandwich. Cannot wait,” says Aretha Brown of Chilmark.

“I’m excited about being on the harbor in Oak Bluffs and just being outside more, because it’s been very cold and I’ve been hibernating,” says Elyse Madeiras of Oak Bluffs. “I like to go to Donovan’s [Reef] to visit him. I love being on the beach with friends. We always manage to go to Norton Point to cookout. The best is when everyone starts to go fishing, and we grill on the porch at my house, and quahogs, quahogs, quahogs. Quahogs for days, that’s my candy. I do miss The Lookout a lot, but definitely look forward to spending time on the harbor in Oak Bluffs, people watching and seeing everybody outside.”

Word on the street is that there will be a few surprises this summer with new restaurants opening and changes in ownership. Stay tuned for updates.

Noteworthy

Chef Chris Fischer of Beach Plum Inn & Food, Chef Dan Sauer of 7a Foods, and Bennett Coffey and Kyleen Keenan of Not Your Sugar Mamas are being recognized by StarChefs.com as coastal New England rising stars. They will be honored at the Rising Stars Gala on Tuesday, April 15, at the Providence Biltmore Hotel, where they will showcase their signature dishes. Tickets start at $95. For more information, visit starchefs.com.

Last call

Sadly, this will be my last article for Good Taste. It’s been a fun ride. Thank you to all who have been so encouraging, helpful, and supportive. Keep cooking, and be sure to support Island restaurants and local food.