A Taste of the Vineyard draws record crowd

Although the weatherman said rain, the weather was clear for the start of the iconic two-day event in Edgartown that typically indicates the start of summer. 

Guests in floor-length dresses and tailored suits gathered on the lawn of the historic Dr. Daniel Fisher House on Main Street and enjoyed everything from PBRs in red solos from the Ritz Café to caviar from Rosewater Market.

While it is a big party, A Taste of the Vineyard, better known as the Taste, is also the Vineyard Preservation Trust’s most important fundraiser of the year, with tickets starting at $250. The two-day event, which includes the Thursday night event and Patron’s Party and auction on Saturday, not only raises money for the continued preservation of some of the Island’s most historic and iconic landmarks but allows vendors to showcase their food and drink to almost 1,600 people. 

Julie Hatt, events and cultivation director for the Preservation Trust and organizer of the Taste, said that this year’s crowd was the biggest they’ve ever hosted. “I can’t imagine a better community event than this,” Hatt said. “Every dime goes back to the buildings that we preserve, restore, and maintain for future generations. Can you imagine the Flying Horses? If we didn’t put the money back in there, they wouldn’t keep going.”

“If there was anything I can say, it’s just the appreciation I have,” Hatt said. “The vendors are happy, and that’s what is important to me, because the vendors are what make it happen. It wouldn’t happen without them.”

The Taste is a celebration of Island life, and especially of those who keep the people fed and happy. There were tables for Black Dog Bakery, Fishbones, Offshore Ale Co., Our Market, the Ritz Café, Black Dog, Edgartown Diner, Rockfish, MV Salads, the Lookout, Behind the Bookstore, and many more.

Some restaurants have been vendors at the Taste for years, while others are new to the scene. This year, 13 new vendors joined the ranks, including co-owners of the maker Chef Carlos Montoya and Sheenagh Caridi, who were excited to be at the Taste for their first year. “The majority of people that have stopped at our table have never been, so the exposure is great.” Caridi said. “You walk around, see everyone, taste some really good food.” They were serving bigye tuna tartare, which will be added to their menu later this month. “It’s a nice reprieve before it all blows up. See you all in the fall,” joked Caridi.

Chef Ting from Black Joy was celebrating her first year at the Taste as well. Serving a “Peach party in your mouth,” a dish that included local produce. She said that food offers a bridge between communities. 

Although their storefront is currently closed for a big renovation project, the Net Result had a table serving crab cakes, which will eventually be added to their menu. Cassie Walton, who was present at the booth said that people were excited to see them. “It’s a great opportunity for restaurants to show face,” said Walton, who added that they are on schedule to be open by the end of the month. 

The Pawnee House (in Oak Bluffs) was all about bananas, serving banana pudding, milk-clarified banana daiquiri, and vegan pulled pork, which was made with banana peels. Alex Cohen, who owns Pawnee with his wife Debbie, said that the Taste is a great celebration of community. “It’s sort of a nice balance of tourists, seasonal and year-rounders,” said Cohen. “It’s nice to see businesses that work hard all year get to cut loose a little.” 

Nils Leaf who runs M.V. Smokehouse is a fisherman who catches and smokes all his own fish and was serving smoked whitefish spread and tuna spread. “It’s a great event this year,” said Leaf, who added that while this event kicks off the summer, it also serves as almost a goodbye to the people in the industry. “It’s the last time I see a lot of local people until September,” he said. 

Tom Smith’s attended the event for the last two years as a guest and emphasized the importance of coming together as a community. “It means good food, good people, and good times,” said Smith. “There’s nothing better than supporting my own community, and any part I can play in that is a dream come true.” 

Linda Simard, who was representing Clausthaler Schofferhofer Beer, has  come to the event for the last 15 years. “Having the opportunity to taste, not just food but each of these companies is beautiful,” Simard said. “The best part is people are so open to trying new things, and I love that.” 

As the night went on, the lines at the booths thinned, and the crowd drifted toward the dance floor, where the Vine Shakers kept the energy going. For locals, it was a pause before the pace of summer picks up; for visitors, it was the start of the season’s celebrations. For everyone, it was a chance to reconnect, celebrate, and take stock of the community before the Island shifts into full swing.