MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now

The delectable strip steak -- be glad you're not a vegetarian. Photo by Susan Safford

Judging from the crowd at Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs Monday, the bistro's delightful “Monday two-for-one night” is no longer a secret. But just in case someone hasn't heard, we want to spread the news because in this gray and snowy winter, everybody needs a bright spot at a good price. On Mondays, two diners can get main courses (entrées, pizzas) for the price of one; the highest of the two prices prevails.

There may be a wait; tables fill up early and stay that way well into the evening. But who minds a wait when the room is cozy and you can grab a glass of your favorite ale or wine from the bar, dip into the bottomless barrel of salted peanuts, and greet the familiar faces at tables all around.

Getting a table feels like getting a prize, and once seated, we found the service fast, efficient, and friendly, despite the heavy demand. We were seated by the hearth where a lively wood fire, along with glasses of a smooth, full-bodied shiraz recommended by the bartender, finally dissipated the day's wintry chill. Whether it was the warmth, the delectable cooking aromas, or the prospect of saving a few dollars, everyone there seemed cheerful and relaxed. The clientele was a comfy mix, Islanders of all ages from families with children to stylish 20-something couples, and plenty other groups out for the evening.

And the food… aah, the food. Sorry we can't report firsthand on the Wood Roasted Organic Chicken, the Portuguese Fisherman's Stew (clams, mussels, cod, linguica, more), the Baked Pasta (with sweet sausage, marinara, rigatoni, parm and mozz), the hefty Offshore Burger on foccacia with fries, or the several other enticing entrées on the menu. We can't even recount the pleasures of the pizzas, those colorful flying saucers with toppings as simple as tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, as exotic as roast duck and pancetta or chicken with pesto, as fresh as spinach, sundried tomatoes, and broccoli.

Because to most of our party, the Organic Strip Steak looked too good to resist. It turned out to be a great choice, a nearly-one-pound lean and tender cut, served with sinfully creamy garlic herb mashed spuds and a heap of roasted veggies. And - hats off to the chef - five out of our five steaks arrived perfectly cooked to our medium-rare specifications.

Lucky for us, one of our number ordered the “Center Cut Meatloaf,” so we all tried a bite of this robust and savory dish, laid out languorously on its oversized heap of mashed potatoes, lovingly ladled with mushroom gravy. Talk about comfort!

A few cautions: Not everything is included in the two-for-one offer, only entrées and pizzas. And unless you are unusually disciplined you may spend more than you planned. Because once you save all that cash on the entrées, it will seem silly not to order a second glass of wine, a bowl of chowder to start, a slice of cappuccino cake or pecan pie if you have room (give up, you won't, just bring the sweets home for later). And don't spoil your appetite with peanuts!

Wine lovers take note…

If you liked the movie “Sideways” you'll love chef Ryan Hardy's wine dinner next Wednesday, March 16, at the Coach House in Edgartown. Hess Collection Winery rep Kenny Powers presents Napa Valley wines and chef Hardy comes up with the food to match for a four-course gourmet dinner. Island Preferred Cards for locals get you a 20 percent discount. Corks begin popping at 6:30 pm at the Harbor View Hotel. Reservations are recommended. (508) 627-3761.