Recently, my co-worker Nicole Galland and I hit Katama Kitchen for lunch. We took a moment to ooh and ahh over the red open-cockpit biplane operated by Classic Aviators out of Katama Airfield before we went inside. After a moment of feeling airsick, I desperately wanted to go for a ride.
Katama Kitchen is co-owned by Zared Shai, who is a pilot, and is currently in Los Angeles trying to pitch a TV series about the Wright brothers. The TV series project is still in its early stages, but Shai promises to keep the community in the loop on its progress.
The restaurant is small and quaint, with decorations of model planes hanging from the ceiling. There are several tables inside, and a large outdoor seating area with a full bar. Customers can also sit in the area outside the deck at picnic tables and watch the planes take off. Folks order at the counter, and a friendly staff member delivers food to your table. Galland and I sat outside on the deck and faced the field so we could be a part of the action.
Katama Kitchen has merchandise — hats, T shirts, and coffee mugs — and a cooler with drinks available for purchase. They also have coffee and ice tea.
The menu includes starters such as wings, fries, or tots, clam chowder, and more. Salads include Caesar, Mediterranean, Nancy’s Quinoa Bowl, and a beet salad. Handhelds include falafel wrap, cheesesteak, smash burger, blackened tofu, and more. There is a kids’ menu too, with kiddo favorites including grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders.
I ordered a house ice tea and a quinoa salad, with cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, feta, olives, and chickpeas. Galland ordered the falafel wrap and a house ice tea. And of course since we are both fans of sweets, we got a chocolate cookie to split.
The Quinoa Bowl was tasty — bright, fresh, with a hint of sweet. The olives added a tartness and the balsamic dressing was light and delicious.
“The food [falafel wrap] was tasty and came in a generous portion,” Galland said. “It was a little light on dressing, but when I asked for more, they immediately gave me a side of dressing and a side of hummus.”
The chocolate chip cookie was tasty as well, and just the perfect way to close out our meals. The food is good, but the best reason to go, above all else, is the setting. We got to watch the red plane take off with a happy, paying customer in the cockpit. This is a fun place that is a must-see, and absolutely worth the scenic drive to the southeast corner of the Island.
Katama Kitchen remains open through at least early October. 12 Mattakesett Way, Edgartown. katamakitchen.com.
