May is a good month for anyone who likes to eat out on Martha’s Vineyard. Every week (this week, it’s more like every day) there is somewhere new to go, something new to eat.
The Coop isn’t the only open spot on Oak Bluffs harbor anymore. The Sand Bar is open and they will have a few new neighbors soon. Mikey Rottman, from l’etoile, is bringing his fine-dining cooking skills to Oak Bluffs. He recently signed on to take over the kitchen at Fishbones. Though the menu remains a mystery, we don’t have to wait long to find out: they open Thursday, May 24. Lobsterville opened last weekend with a new chef, Ray Schilcher, and a new menu.
Get ready for a dirty banana overlooking the Oak Bluffs harbor. Nancy’s opens for dinner this week, and will start serving all day, lunch and dinner on Friday.
After much anticipation, The Lookout is finally open. They did a major renovation this winter (hence the late opening). The new space is beautiful and great sushi awaits.
Ben DeForest is brining back his much-loved Red Cat, as the Red Cat at Ken ‘n Beck at 14 Kennebec, previously Ken ‘n’ Beck. He will offer a menu “like no other,” according to the chef himself, as well as a bar menu. Check them out for opening night on Thursday, May 24.
Christian and Greer Thornton of Atria will host the grand opening of their new venture, Hooked, on Friday night starting at 8:30 pm. To celebrate the transformation of Lola’s into Hooked, there will be live bands, DJ’s, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. After the big opening party, Hooked will close for the weekend to host a wedding, then reopen on Wednesday in full swing for summer. They will be open six nights (closed Monday) from 4 pm to 1 am and also serve Sunday brunch.
Sidecar opened with a bang last week. There was a big crowd there to kick off 2012. Sidecar has a diverse menu, offering appetizers, small plates, and entrees. It’s a perfect place to go with a group of friends and share. The specials board is one huge chalkboard that boasts fresh seafood, local veggies, and fun cocktails as well. Oak Bluffs favorite Jimmy Seas opens Friday, May 25.
Pirate Jack’s Burger Shack is still getting ready for their big opening. Owner Ed Charter is hoping to be open by this holiday weekend or shortly thereafter.
The Scoop Shack at 22 Dock Street in Edgartown is opening Friday, May 25, serving pizza and handmade ice cream, just in time for Memorial Day. Owner Bryan MacPhail, who also owns MacPhail’s Corner Café, makes all of his ice creams by hand. He will offer 24 exciting flavors such as ‘Smores, blueberry pie, coconut macaroon, and of course all the standbys with more than 40 toppings to choose from. The open, airy space features floor to ceiling shelves stocked with both modern and old-fashioned candy as well as barrels of saltwater taffy and freshly popped popcorn.
Just behind the ice cream parlor will be a small pizzeria, A Slice of Edgartown, with five outdoor tables. Mr. MacPhail spent three years in New York learning how to make the perfect Manhattan-style pizza, and he is very excited to share what he learned with the Vineyard.
Chef Jean Dupon of Le Grenier in Vineyard Haven is looking forward to sharing his latest venture on Main Street in Vineyard Haven. La Cave (The Cellar) sits just downstairs from Le Grenier (The Attic). When it opens in early June, La Cave du Grenier will serve French-bistro style breakfast and lunch. Mr. Dupon is looking forward to collaborating with Chef James McDonough, who was the chef at the Beach Plum Inn in Menemsha for the past 16 years. In turn, Mr. McDonough can’t wait to get in the kitchen to do some “real, classic French cooking,” he said. The space promises to be beautiful with black and white checkered floors, a brand-new kitchen, and outdoor seating.
Menemsha is abuzz with fried clams and frappes. Both The Galley and The Bite opened last week and welcomed the new Beetlebung Coffee House to the neighborhood.
Up-Island diners are in luck: the Chilmark Tavern opens Wednesday, May 23. Remember: in Chilmark, BYOB still rules.
