For the past eight years, one of the most anticipated events of the fall season has been the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival, a celebration of all things culinary on-Island, complemented by fine wines and spirits. For the second year in a row, The MVTimes is the festival’s local media sponsor. This year, led by co-directors Nevette Previd and Amy Foster Devore, the festival will feature 25 food-centric events for guests to enjoy throughout the long weekend. Here are some highlights.
Four days of mouthwatering events at Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Fresh Off the Farm, Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 to 9 pm. The kickoff event of the festival brings together local farms and chefs under one roof at the Agricultural Hall. This party is all about the Island community, and attendees will have a chance to meet and greet local chefs and farmers while sipping on 16 well-curated pours. Local band Good Night Louise will provide entertainment for the evening. Proceeds from this evening will benefit Island Grown Schools and the Agricultural Society’s Farmer Program. Tickets $60.
Fisherman’s Widow Cocktail, Friday, Oct. 16, 5 to 6:30 pm, the Grand Tent on Mayhew Lane, Edgartown. A nod to the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby and thirsty widows, this cocktail-driven event will showcase drinks by artisan rum producer Rumson’s from Salem, along with small bites and “tall tales” of what those widows sipped on. Tickets $20 for Derby passholders, $30 general admission.
Sea, Farm, & Vine with a Touch of City Grit, Friday, Oct. 16, 6 to 9 pm, Lighthouse Grill, Harbor View Hotel. This winemaker cellar event is inspired by a collaboration between Harbor View’s Executive Chef Caleb Lara and special guest chef Sarah Simmons, founder of New York’s legendary City Grit culinary salon, and chef and owner of Birds & Bubbles. Guests will share tables of 10 hosted by wine personalities presenting exclusive wines from their cellars. Tickets $250.
Hojoko on the Rock with Tim and Nancy Cushman and Nathan Gould, Saturday, Oct. 17, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, the Beach Plum Restaurant, Chilmark. For the first time ever, and for one night only, Tim and Nancy Cushman of the O Ya team, whose latest venture, Hojoko, a new izakaya (Japanese tavern), opened at Fenway this past summer, will bring a pop-up version of their high-energy eatery to “the Rock.” Hosted by Chef Nathan Gould of the Beach Plum Inn, it promises to be a wild night of Japanese fare (presented as sharable dishes) made better when paired with sublime sake in celebratory cups. Tickets $150.
And then, of course, there’s the Grand Tasting on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Grand Tent on Mayhew Lane (tickets $135 for general admission; $175 for VIP). The cornerstone celebration of the festival brings together more than 25 chefs, farms, fisheries, shellfish producers, and local artisans, plus over 250 pours from around the world, presented by Ruby Wines. Other events, such as chef demos, will be part of the Grand Tasting as well. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit mvfoodandwine.com.
