Good Taste : Hit parade: most requested recipes

By Eleni Collins
Published: October 29, 2009

At Sharky's, JB Blau says that their most often requested recipe, by far, is for the Gaucho Steak, which is marinated for 72 hours. The secret ingredient? "Ridiculously expensive grade A honey," Mr. Blau texts, and choice outside skirt steak. The rest of the marinade, which Mr. Blau insists cannot be duplicated at home, is cilantro, red wine vinegar, and garlic. The Gaucho comes in two sizes, The Poundah, at 16 ounces, for $19.99; and The Great White, two pounds, for $39.95.

At Espresso Love in Edgartown, many patrons ask for the recipe for blueberry scones. It can be found in co-owner Carol McManus's "Table Talk Cookbook." Photo courtesy of Thomas McManus

The Wharf's most requested recipe is the Steamed Mussels appetizer, according to bartender Vinny Mandarano. Made with white wine, tomato, onion, garlic, and lime, the dish costs $14.

At Offshore Ale Co., owner Phil McAndrews says their Kettle of Mussels is most requested. Made with a tomato and fennel broth, the dish is served during both lunch and dinner, for $13.95.

Cybele Sprague, owner of Zapotec, had a hard time naming just one. "By all means, it's the fish and shrimp taco," she says, then continues to list the burrito, and the Mexican Crab Cakes. The fish and shrimp taco entrée features two tacos with jumbo shrimp and a piece of flaky cod ($12.99). The burrito is "enormous, can feed two people," and is $10. The crab cakes are a regular addition to the menu, are also enormous, and are $14.99.

State Road Restaurant's kitchen crew says it's all about the soups, the cod, and the braised lamb. All three soups this year have gotten a lot of attention from diners - the Sweet Pea Soup, Corn Soup, and now the Cauliflower Soup ($8). The cod entrée is $30; the lamb, $28.

At Alchemy in Edgartown, it's the Asparagus and Crab Salad ($17), according to manager Anthony Carestia.

Seasons in Oak Bluffs has many requests for its nacho appetizer ($9.95), sweet potato fries ($6.95), and the Oriental chicken salad ($13.95), according to co-manager Amanda Dickson.

Most requested recipe at Espresso Love? Blueberry Scones, according to co-owner Thomas McManus. The recipe comes from "Table Talk Cookbook," written by his mother and co-owner, Carol McManus. The recipe calls for, among other things, buttermilk, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and blueberries. The scones, fresh-baked daily, are $2.29 each.

Prices are subject to change, and may not include tax.