Restaurants : Eat, drink, and be merry
Culinary treats and a full-blown dance band greeted revelers who mingled, danced, and dined at last Thursday's Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll on the lawn of the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Upwards of 700 people attended the sold-out event to sample the offerings of 80 restaurants, caterers, and other vendors. The Stroll is a major fundraiser for the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, which preserves and manages many Island landmarks.
Some vendors were veterans, while others were participating for the first time. John Farrissey, manager of The Blue Canoe Grill, which opened in Vineyard Haven last month, was encouraged by positive feedback about a dish they offered featuring ahi tuna with wakami ginger and wasabi. "People were coming back repeatedly to get more," Mr. Farrissey said, adding that the event was a great way for people to get a taste of what the new restaurant has to offer.
"It was a fabulous night," said Chris Scott, executive director of the Trust. He estimated that the Trust raised approximately $175,000 from the Stroll and Saturday's Patrons Dinner and Auction that was held outside the Dr. Daniel Fisher House. "The restaurants did a phenomenal job," he said. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate the effort they put into it."
