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In Oak Bluffs . . .
“You forget how beautiful the architecture is here,” our companion Paul said, as we took in the colorful Victorian Gothic gingerbread cottages that make up the 34-acre Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Passing by the Tabernacle on Sunday morning, we heard voices raised in song, a perfect way to begin the day.
But we had things to see, like the former Flavors MV, now 11 Circuit (www.elevencircuit.com ), a new dining and entertainment concept by chef Ralston Francis, who bought the place with his wife Mavis. Chef Francis and crew renovated the porch and bar, added cool graffiti by local artists to the walls, and are currently (July through Labor Day) open seven nights a week with DJs and curtained VIP rooms. This lively, inviting joint, with outdoor seating along Circuit Avenue, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including a late-night menu) that reflects the chef’s Jamaican heritage: “It’s American soul food with a hint of the Caribbean,” he says. Jerk chicken and fresh whole snapper with Caribbean spice are among the menu highlights.
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With bars open until midnight on the island, the late-night party crowd needs sustenance. OB favorite Midnight Taco has moved across the street to the space formerly occupied by Juice by the Sea. They now offer indoor and outdoor seating and drinks (not to mention, killer tacos like lime & garlic-marinated shrimp) in an expanded, 50-seat home. Midnight Mediterranean (@midnightmediterranean), meanwhile, has opened in Midnight Taco’s former space. The menu features a medley of fire-roasted and spit-roasted gyros and gyro bowls, with prices starting at $16 for the Harissa Chicken Gyro. Salads, crudo, and beef arayes round out the menu. It’s takeout only; owner Jordan Wallace is especially proud of the fire-roasted lamb.
Also on the food scene, Notalot Farm Shop (https://notalotfarmshop.com ), a small seasonal farm stand selling pre-made foods and local products, will be open by the time you read this.
New boutiques are blossoming like dahlias in Oak Bluffs. CurioMV (https://curiomv.com ), across from Back Door Donuts, is a woman-owned shop specializing in “coastal curiosities’ including painted oyster shells (good for holding rings), Vineyard-made salt and honey, and ocean-themed items aplenty. Nearby, along the 42 Circuit Avenue block, Jubilee MV (https://jubileemv.myshopify.com ) has taken over the old Tangerine MV space. This is the shop’s first full summer season (they opened last August.) Among the not-found-elsewhere-on-MV items in this shop, owned by Kahina Van Dyke, are gorgeous, one-of-a-kind kimonos by LaSonja Polk Designs. For lovers of vintage clothing, there’s a new “upscale resale” shop in Dockside Marketplace, Boutique on the Buy Way (www.boutiqueonthebuyway.com).
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Down Edgartown way . . .
When we learned that Christopher Stam, chef/owner of Alchemy, was opening a burger joint this summer in the old R & B’s Eatery space, we had to try it. Wicked Burger (www.wickedburgermv.com) is just as the name implies — wicked good smashburgers, veggie burgers, fries, onion rings, slaw, and milkshakes. The spot is pretty basic — a few tables, a couple of plants, a food counter — but it’s great for a quick meal, or takeout. The smashburger, served as a double, has plenty of flavor, while the skinny fries are well-seasoned (and one order is plenty for sharing.) The veggie burger is one of the best we’ve had. Wicked’s version features mushrooms and kelp ground to a burger-like consistency, nicely crispy on the edges, and topped with the usual suspects, American cheese, and “wicked good sauce” on a soft burger bun.
Lilikoi Café is gone, but a coffee/pastry shop has opened in its place on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road: Cozy Corner Café (https://cozycornermv.com.) We can’t vouch for the food (we were full of smashburger) but the space looks sleek and inviting, with a case of luscious-looking treats and a full coffee menu. They also serve toasts, paninis, breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, smoothies, and shakes.
Down by the harbor, not far from Faraway Martha’s Vineyard (formerly the Kelley House — reopened last year), look for the Erica Wilson shop (www.ericawilson.com ), in the old Bryn Walker space. Erica Wilson, who passed away in 2011, was called “the Julia Child of needlework” by the New York Times; her shop on Nantucket, and this new MV outpost, are operated by daughter Vanessa Diserio. Erica Wilson specializes in breezy contemporary clothing (including adorable pjs) and needlework, needlework supplies and classes.
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Did you know there was an outpost of FatFace in Edgartown? Neither did we, which may explain why it’s gone. In its place, and new this season, is Dune (https://dunemv.com ), by co-owners (and husband and wife) Annette Luna and Jamie Kiersted. The shop, painted in nautical navy, has an NYC-meets-Vineyard vibe. Think summer suits, beach attire, fine-knit polos — everything he needs to look effortlessly cool (but smaht) on vacay.
There’s also a Free People pop-up on Main Street this summer in the old Rochelle’s Boutique space. A quick pop-in revealed bikinis in sherbet hues and boho-style dresses.
What’s new in Vineyard Haven . . .
If you’re seeking a cool (literally) escape from the tourist throng, there’s La Strada on Main Street, a café/deli/wine bar by Salvatore della Torre and Dusan Veselinovic, the proprietors of Salvatore’s Ristorante. There are a few tables in the cool, dark downstairs, where you can order wine, cheese, and dessert (sounds pretty perfect.) Upstairs is a small shop selling Italian specialty groceries and sandwiches, paninis, and charcuterie to go.
Alongside the Mansion House, 9 Craft Kitchen & Bar (www.9craftkitchen.com ) recently opened its doors. The owners are Joe and Emily Monteiroso of 19 Raw Oyster Bar; here they offer a menu of well-curated small plates (mussels puttanesca? Yes please!), pasta and risotto, and entrées including miso cod and cilantro-cured tuna. Joining the local dining scene in September: Quitsa Kitchen, in the former Life at Humphrey’s location. This one is helmed by chef Theresa Manning, co-owner of Cliffhangers Aquinnah and Quitsa Cuisine Catering.
If eating all of this good food doesn’t deter you from bikini shopping, stop into the two new Brazilian-owned clothing boutiques, Gata Fields (@gata_fields_) and Lapie (@uselapie) on Main Street. Colorful, skimpy swimsuits and slinky dresses vie for your attention, and if that’s your zone, own it, baby.
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There’s more, but we’re out of space. For details and the latest opening updates, check websites and social media feeds. For more information about the island, including summer events, visit www.mvy.com.
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Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com
