Martha’s Vineyard Living Local Festival

Martha’s Vineyard is as progressive and very eco-friendly as it is beach-filled and gorgeous. We’ve embraced the living local movement with gusto, many members of our community are actually leaders in the rally! All spring, summer and fall, the markets are filled with local produce, meats, art and music. The restaurants plan their menus around what island farms are harvesting. Even our grocery stores carry local goods.

And every fall, the Island Grown Initiative throws a massive festival to celebrate the Vineyard’s local community. The Living Local Harvest Fest runs this weekend, Oct. 2 & 3 and is “a rich program of free community events that aim to increase awareness and accelerate the uptake of sustainable living on Martha’s Vineyard.”

From food, live demos, panel discussions to a gorgeous market from local artisans, herbalists to energy specialists – this festival has it all. There are stories from the Wampanoags, kids activities, music and even community yoga. Everything can be found at the West Tisbury Ag Hall…I’ll meet you at the pie eating contest!

For the full schedule, please visit http://www.livinglocalharvestfest.org/

Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs

Okay, so it’s not quite warm enough to hit the beach, but the fun on Martha’s Vineyard really doesn’t stop when the cool breezes start to blow. This Saturday, September 19, is Oak Bluff’s annual Tivoli Day Festival. Marking the end of the summer, this party is one big neighborhood celebration meets huge street fair.

Live music, awesome food from local restaurants and arts and crafts for the island’s artisans fill the streets. Not to be missed, many of the Circuit Avenue merchants will be offering bargains left over from their summer stock. Tivoli Day is a always a family event and super kid friendly, with the children’s parade taking the top spot as one of the best parts of the day! The island’s youngest decorate bikes, wagons and, sometimes even their pets – before taking to the streets to show off their finery.

Oak Bluffs is known for the picturesque and charming Cottage City, a wonderful neighborhood of gingerbread cottages just beyond Circuit Ave. where Tivoli Day takes place. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit to OB, make sure you take time to take a stroll through to see the colors as they hold the warmth of summer just a little longer than the rest of the island!

Admission is free and the festivities run from 12-5 pm. FYI, the rain date is September 20. For more information contact Dennis daRosa at 508-693-0110 or dendarosa@yahoo.com.

If you’re looking for an Oak Bluffs vacation rental, please contact me!

Morning Glory Farm, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

The Farm Stand is open! Locally grown, friendly people, good food, family business, picturesque setting. How much more Vineyard can you get than Morning Glory Farm???

Morning Glory is a working family farm in Edgartown with a ‘farm stand’ – which is really an incredible farm store full of just picked produce (and some shipped in), homemade baked goods, a superb salad bar and steaming soup from their kitchen.

You can grab some food and sit outside on picnic tables looking out at the beautiful fields, letting the kids run around and play in the trees, talking to other picnicers…it’s true Vineyard style!

Morning Glory has a new, gorgeous book as well – so you can take a piece of the Vineyard home with you, recipes, images and all. The photos were taken by world-renowned photog, Alison Shaw and the book is:

…an evocative look at how a once-worthless piece of scrub land became Morning Glory Farm. This book captures in pictures and words the work, the family, and the food of this best known Martha’s Vineyard farm.

The farm is right on the bike trail…perfect for an Edgartown vacation rental…or even West Tisbury – the whole family can ride down through the State Forest and stop for lunch on the way to South Beach. Call me and we’ll find you the perfect Martha’s Vineyard summer rental!

The Private Cooks and Chefs of Martha’s Vineyard

I don’t know about you, but when I’m on vacation, I enjoy taking a break from cooking…and cleaning up the kitchen when the eating is done! But, part of the reason that you want to rent a house on Martha’s Vineyard, is so that you’ll have a kitchen and you won’t have to go out for every meal – as you would if you were staying in a hotel.

Private cooks and chefs are the answer and the Vineyard has some special chefs to offer. You can arrange for them to make a single meal or every meal for your entire stay – just for one, two or the whole family (and your friends). These women specialize in listening to your dietary needs and your taste bud desires!

Nisa Kontje Webster gets right to the heart of a true Vineyard meal. Born and raised on the island, she can turn anything into a gourmet meal and she’s a wonderfully calm and personable addition to any kitchen – you’ll hardly know she’s there and you won’t want her to leave! 508.566.0464

Elizabeth Germain is the slow food aficionado on the island focussing on foods made from scratch with original recipes – the antithesis to fast food (think McDonalds) with emphasis on local, organic and healing recipes. 617.5159279

Laura Silber specializes in coastal fusion pulling from many different coastal cultures uses all local ingredients but with Asian and French flairs. Clean and simple enough that you can eat it everyday.

Heather Gude
A little bit richer and a bit fancier than the rest, Heather’s fusion style has South American and Southeast Asian influences. 508.930.8519

The Caterers of Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a prized destination for special events – weddings, anniversaries, reunions and more. And, of course, no celebration is complete without lots and lots of food.

The Vineyard has many incredible caterers. They know the island, the venues, the local fare. Here’s a quick list of some favorites and what makes them special. But, food is a personal thing so I highly recommend that you meet these caterers and taste test!!! Not a bad way to spend an afternoon…

Jan Buhrman, of The Kitchen Porch, highlights her New England country style. Seen in her menus and presentations, she goes for the fresh, local and abundant feel of a big old country meal. She’s also available for private cheffing.

Jamie Hamlin is known for both her catering to the stars and her aesthetics in the food and its presentation which is elegant from start to finish.

Dee Smith of Tea Lane Caterers is proud of the diversity and quality of the food she creates. Everything is made from scratch and is created to match your event perfectly. Dee also does private cheffing under the guise of the Phantom Chef.

Perry Ambulos of Truly Scrumptious Catering and Cafe is always a highlight at fundraisers around the island and known for his incredible hors d’oeuvres.

Annie Foley has been cheffing and catering for over 15 years, creating the perfect atmosphere for your event – from the traditional New England meal to the something more on the wild side.