New tastes in town
By Eleni Collins
Published: May 7, 2009
A Chinese restaurant at Balance? An Irish pub at Park Corner Bistro? Rumors are flying. Here's the scoop on changes in the dining scene.
There has been a shift in owners at Park Corner Bistro. Several owners remain, including chef Jesse Martin. The inside, however, is completely remodeled: larger bar, more secluded dining area, no more stone wall. There are many additions to the menu; sides and appetizers starting at $3.95. Look for a name change later on in the season.
Paul O'Connell restores a piece of history with his soon-to-open Chilmark Tavern, formerly The Cornerway, and before that, The Feast of Chilmark, and still before that, Chilmark Tavern when it was owned by Bette and Curly Carroll in the 1940s and 50s and known for its square dances. Owner of the Latin-French Chez Henri in Cambridge, Mr. O'Connell, who has previously worked for noted restaurateur Todd English, plans to use as much local food as possible.
Mary and Jackson Kenworth, former owners of The Sweet Life Café and Slice of Life, venture into West Tisbury this year with State Road Restaurant. Slated to open in the beginning of June, the Kenworths will serve locally-inspired fare all day, year-round.
Husband and wife team Josh Aronie (formerly of Sharky's and Park Corner Bistro) and his wife, Angela, bought Menemsha Café, open every day except Mondays until the busy season. Offering breakfast and lunch, the Aronies are using local eggs, produce, and meat as much as possible, and plan to offer Islander discounts in the summer.
Stephen and Susan Bowen, co-owners of Waterside Market, recently opened The Blue Canoe Waterfront Grill in Vineyard Haven, which occupies the former site of Mediterranean. Offering lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers harbor views and both inside and outside seating.
Deon and Emily Thomas, past owners of Deon's and The Cornerway, will open Deon's Restaurant where Pomodoro used to be. The inside, which includes a large bar, is still undergoing renovations. They expect to open by Memorial Day weekend.
Brian and Jennifer Langhammer are opening Dinghy Dogs, a hot dog and breakfast stand, formerly Bubba's, at Dockside Marketplace in Oak Bluffs. Awaiting inspection, the Langhammers expect to open later this month.
Zapotec in Oak Bluffs has a new owner, Cybele Sprague. Ms. Sprague presents a more traditional Mexican menu for lunch and dinner.
The soon-to-be owners of what used to be Balance would not comment on their plans, as they had not signed a lease yet, but when they do, the news will be shared with you.
Send all things about dining to eleni@mvtimes.com.
Look for Eleni Collins's new dining feature every week in The Martha's Vineyard Times.
