Chef Marco Porlles is not a new face to the Island. He was previously sous-chef at the Harbor View Hotel, where he honed his skills among some of Martha’s Vineyard’s best chefs. This season, he has transitioned into the position of executive chef of the Newes from America Pub in Edgartown. “It’s a new challenge as a chef,” Chef Porlles said. He hopes to develop some exciting new dishes for the popular in-town pub.
Originally from Peru, Chef Porlles has been cooking ever since he was a little boy, learning his first techniques while perched on the kitchen counter. He will bring that Peruvian heritage to the Edgartown pub, but favorite classics — like some of the Island’s best fish and chips — will stay on the menu. Chef Porlles will also showcase daily specials from his world travels. During the off-season, Chef Porlles globetrots through Europe with friends, discovering their hometown eateries and accumulating ideas for future menu items.
The Newes from America Pub has some great initiatives up its culinary sleeve. Its popular breakfast menu will be back in mid-May; it’s one of my favorite spots in Edgartown to enjoy an early-morning breakfast sandwich while watching the town wake up. Once Wave Bar, the Kelley House pool bar, reopens, Chef Porlles will be focusing on revamping the menu with fresher, lighter items. If you follow him on Instagram (@otikram), you’ll get a chance to see his menu develop as he shares behind-the-scenes photos of what he’s cooking and testing.
The Newes will also offer a late-night menu of “Wee Bites” from 11 pm to midnight during the summer. This might be one of the few places in town where you can get a bite to eat that late at night. Chef Porlles described a cheesy bread dish inspired by his recent travels to Georgia, which might make it to the menu. He’s also thinking of fried chicken and curried fries, but we’ll have to wait and see.
It’s an exciting season for Edgartown, and I can’t wait to see what new and tasty things the Newes from America Pub will bring. Follow them on Instagram @newespubmv and connect with them on Facebook for updates and specials.