April showers may bring May flowers, but more importantly it’s the month Martha’s Vineyard really shakes off the quiet of the winter.
So many places open their doors for the beginning of the 2014 season. Here’s a list to help you plan your weekly excursions.
Edgartown
The Atlantic Fish & Chop House is already open, though limited, Wednesday to Sunday. The water views are spectacular this time of year since there is nothing obstructing them.
Also, you can get a sneak peak at the new outdoor dining space on Main Street which is super cute.
Chesca’s Restaurant will be opening its doors Thursday, April 10th. Chesca’s will be open Thursdays thru Sundays until June. I love having cocktails with friends on the porch, even if it’s a bit chilly.
Also, it’s a great place to people watch, even this time of year.
If you need gifts for Passover or Easter, don’t dismay. Murdick’s Fudge on Water Street in Edgartown is opening Tuesday, April 15th. Murdick’s Fudge is one of those things that is a great reminder of summer on the Vineyard.
Lure Grill is opening April 18th for Saturday and Sunday dinner service. Come mid-May and you’ll be able to dine close to South Beach Wednesdays – Sundays.
However, I should mention that you can get small bites at the bar Wednesday – Sunday during April, it’s dinner that is somewhat more limited.
Our neighbor in Nevin Square, Detente, is opening on April 18th. It will be open Thursday – Saturday for April and the beginning of May. I’m looking forward to Kevin Crowell’s Lobster Risotto! If you’re in town for the holiday weekend, you might want to head to Detente for brunch that Sunday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Just in time for Easter weekend, Among the Flowers opens it doors on April 19th. It will be so nice to have another place to get breakfast and of course lunch in Edgartown.
Speaking of porches and people watching, l’etoile is opening on Thursday, April 24th. I love the porch at l’etoile.
There is something about nestling into the comfy chairs with a bottle of wine, surrounded by the gardens at Fallon, and enjoying the fresh Vineyard air. It’s always special. Oh I can’t wait until it’s really warm out!
Vineyard Haven
Though Edgartown is really thawing out this month, Vineyard Haven is starting to open some more doors too. Porto Pizza, next to Stop & Shop, is opening Thursday, April 10th.
You’ll be able to grab a pie or two for lunch or dinner. If you want to do takeout, the number is (508) 693-6200.
Craving a fishburger or maybe some fresh local seafood to throw on the grill (I’ve already been grilling)? Well, John’s Fish Market is opening Tuesday, April 15th.
The Art Cliff is opening back up on Thursday, April 17th, and I bet you it is going to be packed all weekend long! We’ve waited patiently for this opening for two months and my stomach is rumbling just thinking about Gina’s pancakes.
Also, there is some exciting stuff happening in the Vineyard Haven food scene, details to come soon.
Oak Bluffs
The Lampost opened its doors April 1st, and you’re not going to believe the changes made to this Oak Bluffs restaurant. The next On Point will give the complete story and menu.
Shortly after on April 3rd, the Lookout Tavern opened, and there is once again time for some of the Island’s best sushi. This is one of my favorite three-seasons restaurant and always fun.
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium is now open too. You can get your ice cream fix, though selection is a bit limited at this time. However, there is plenty of candy available there.
You should see their selection of Easter candy. I had never thought to go there before, but now I know. From bunnies to eggs to gummies and more. One stop shopping.
Farm Neck Cafe opens on Thursday, April 11th. It will be interesting to see the menu at this golf course restaurant. Local chefs, Carlos Montoya and Michael Rottman are taking over the kitchen. These two young chefs are certain to make things a little more interesting I bet.
Red Cat Kitchen is opening on Tuesday, April 15th. Proud papa, chef Ben deForest ( he and wife Sarah just had a baby girl, Clementine), already has the first draft of the menu done.
You know that by September he’ll be on version 52 of the menu. That’s one of the best things about this place, the menu keeps you guessing, and of course the food is amazing.
It’s fritter time! Back Door Doughnuts is opening the evening of Friday, April 18th. Oh how I love being tortured by the smell of those doughnuts. Knowing I can have a warm, fresh ridiculously delicious apple fritter in two weeks is just plain awesome.
The actual Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Cafe & Bakery opens the day before, but I know it’s the Back Door Doughnuts you’re really looking for.
Also on April 18th, the Coop de Ville is opening, with the Shuck Shack soon to follow. This is my spot for shrimp and wings, and beers on Oak Bluffs Harbor. Afternoons with the sun on my face, the stress just melting away – oh how I can’t wait.
Got pizza? Soon you’ll be able to get a slice or two or some fried clams from Giordano’s. The take-out portion is opening Friday, April 25th. It will be great to grab a slice after a ride on the Flying Horses, which opens for weekends Easter weekend or after a bit of fishing at the new Oak Bluffs fishing pier.
West Tisbury
I almost forgot to mention that 7a is open in West Tisbury. This is a big deal for anyone who lives or likes to head Up-Island.
Having breakfast or lunch at 7a is always a good thing, and I know that I can’t wait to get one of 7a’s Asparagus Melt which has a little roasted garlic aioli, pickled red onions, basil, Fontina and dried blueberries on focaccia. This sandwich is so tasty. Plus my kiddos really like the pony ride.
In case you couldn’t tell, I am quite excited that so many places are opening their doors this month. Of course there are more places opening next month, but I feel like Aprils are something to get excited about regarding the restaurant scene on Martha’s Vineyard.
Hope you enjoy your dining adventures this month! Also, let me know if I forgot anything. The more the merrier.
Thanks for reading the On Point Blog. Please don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest and YouTube.