Football season 2011 is upon us and if your man cave is out of order, or non-existent, here are a few establishments where you can eat, drink, and cheer for your team, fantasy or not.
The Wharf
Its wood-paneled bar is adorned with sports memorabilia. They have 8 high definition televisions and 12 beers on tap, making The Wharf, in Edgartown, an ideal place to watch the game. The kitchen can whip up Island favorites like fish and chips and whole belly clams as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Or you could stock up on football finger food like nachos, popcorn shrimp, scallops wrapped in bacon, and fried oysters. And of course there are wings (choose from buffalo, teriyaki, Caribbean, and sweet chili), which are half-price from 3 to 6 pm nightly and during all NFL football games.
Seasons Eatery and Pub
Their extensive appetizer menu will keep you snacking for the whole game. The sushi bar is open and they are currently offering 25 percent off on Thursdays. Try Seasons’ award-winning chili, potato skins – or their seafood skins – the classic (cheese and bacon) stuffed with shrimp and scallops. If you’re with a group, the giant nachos should satisfy: crispy tortilla chips topped with cheddar and jack cheese served with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole with the option to add grilled chicken, chili, and jalapenos. Seasons, on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, has a whopping 17 TV’s for your football enjoyment and they offer free wings from 4 to 6:30 pm on game days.
Coop de Ville
The Coop, on the Oak Bluffs harbor, broadcasts NFL games but their true sports love is soccer. The Coop is the only place to watch the English Premiere League on Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 8. Standard and seasonal beer is on tap (but not till 10 am for you early morning soccer fans).
Nancy’s
Nancy’s, also on the Oak Bluffs harbor, has two TV’s inside and two more outside so you don’t miss a beat (or a play.) In celebration of the game Nancy’s offers special goodies that are not typically on the menu.
Sharky’s Cantina
There is always something going on at both Sharky’s (Edgartown and Oak Bluffs), and football season is no exception. Promotions vary week to week. Last Sunday was half-price wings at both Sharky’s and at the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co. But stay tuned for other goodies like beer specials, giveaways, raffles, and more. Edgartown Sharky’s has 15 TV’s and wireless speakers so you can hear any game right at your table.
The Newes From America
It’s not hard to get comfortable in the cozy Newes Pub, in Edgartown, where the game is sure to be on. Check out the pretzel fried chicken: boneless chicken breast with mashed potatoes, green beans, and mustard cream sauce.
Ocean View
The Ocean View in Oak Bluffs also celebrates the game with football fare such as fried raviolis (jalapeno or beef) served with marinara sauce. For a crowd (especially if it happens to be of four) check out the Ocean View Hodge Podge: 4 Buffalo wings, 4 beef and 4 cheese ravioli, 4 chicken wings, and 4 mozzarella sticks.
In other news
The Lambert’s Cove Inn Restaurant in West Tisbury has started Thursday night Tapas again. I went last week and it was fantastic. Tapas are traditional in Spanish cuisine, small plates or appetizers to be shared to create a full meal. Chef Max Eagan will switch up the menu every week. Last Thursday we enjoyed a plate of roasted mushrooms: crimini, shiitake, hen of the woods, portabella, and oyster mushrooms with shallots, garlic, and thyme as well as potatoes roasted in duck fat, and salt-cod-brandade fried ravioli served with warm heirloom tomato vinaigrette.
Diners are encouraged to order a few things at a time, so after enjoying a few bites of those dishes we ordered prosciutto wrapped pork with grilled melon, marinated olives, and pepper coulis; shrimp with Spanish saffron, garlic, sherry, and chickpeas; the local pear and endive salad with goat cheese and maple vinaigrette; and steak frites: flat iron Wagyu with house made pommes frites and chimichurri.
Calling it a great dinner feels like selling the experience short, it was more of a gastronomical journey. My table of four (including one vegetarian) left happy, full, and thankful for such a fun, well-rounded meal. Tapas Thursdays is expected to continue until Thanksgiving and remember Lambert’s Cove is BYOB.
In an unintentional oversight last week I neglected to mention that the Dreamcatcher on the Cliffs in Aquinnah is open until Monday, Oct. 10, and owner Donna Perry suggests you get up there to try their famous fish and chips and lobster roll which has been touted, “best in the business.”
And, Among the Flowers celebrates its last day for breakfast and lunch on Sunday Oct. 16. Dinner service stopped on Labor Day.
