If you know me, you know I spend a lot of time on the Internet. You could say it’s part of my job, but the reality is I also enjoy some corners of it. Recently, while browsing the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website, I came across Bill H.3409. You might be wondering, what is the bill? I’m glad you asked. It’s an act establishing the official ice cream flavor of the commonwealth, and said flavor was established to be Cookies and Cream.
Now listen, I know I’ve lived in said commonwealth for only 15 of my 40 years of life, but Cookies and Cream, to best represent the delicious state of Massachusetts? Was Boston Cream Pie ever considered? Did they think about how chocolate chip cookies were dreamed up in a kitchen in Whitman by Ruth Wakefield? Quite possible to make a Fluff-inspired ice cream, since it was created in Lynn.
So many ideas to represent us, but I want to hear from you. If you were to create a flavor that represented Massachusetts, which would it be? Send in your ideas. On that ice cream note, in town we have a new shop! Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium has moved into 22 Dock St., so make sure to welcome them to the neighborhood by ordering a few scoops of your favorite.
A few other things in the culinary world are coming up: The Edgartown Village Market re-opened for the season this week. Stroll through this charming open-air market featuring local artisans, fresh goods, and classic Vineyard charm. Held weekly in downtown Edgartown, it’s the perfect midweek stop. It’s at 99 Main St. at Daniel Fisher House, on the lawn. Enter off Main Street, from 10 am to 2 pm (edgartownvillagemarket.com).
Consider yourself lucky if you scored a Taste of the Vineyard ticket, happening June 12. Set amid the Trust’s Edgartown campus, between the historic Daniel Fisher House and the Old Whaling Church, the grand tasting tents will welcome a record number of vendors and sponsor partners. More than 80 of the Island’s finest restaurants, wineries, and breweries will come together to serve up delicious small bites and beverages in commemorative glasses. New this year is the Taste debut of the Vine Shakers, the Island’s top band, led by the popular, powerhouse vocalist Joanne Cassidy, sure to keep revelers moving on the expansive dance floor.
If you weren’t lucky enough to score tickets to the Taste, What’s Open on MV (whatsopenonmv.com) states there are 55 restaurants, cafes, and markets open in Edgartown currently, so you have your fair share of places to support locally. Where will you go this week?
Other than all this foodie news, June buzzes with “Jaws” energy. Amity Week (amityweek.org) is coming up. The 50th anniversary of “Jaws” with events at Harbor View Hotel and the Winnetu are sold out or selling out soon, and I’ve seen plenty of new “Jaws” merchandise gracing the local shops. Consider taking a historic walking tour with the Vineyard Preservation Trust or a “Jaws”-specific tour with Experience M.V. Tours. I’ve done the latter, and look forward to doing the walking tour next week. I’ll make sure to report back!
In the meantime, birthday congratulations go out to Joan Hawkins Burden on June 9, and Joshua Robinson-White on June 10 — may your days be filled with your favorite ice cream, and maybe a screening of “Jaws”!
If you have any Edgartown Town Column suggestions, email Marnely Murray, marnely@gmail.com.
