June Square

Ok....here is June and my fifth for that row.  It's difficult to tell from the photos, but the first is a heathered blue and the second a medium heathered green.

Vineyard Knitworks

Ok....I've finally been able to do more than just shop at the local yarn shop in Vineyard Haven....finally some knit nights.  Alix is a groovy gal who loves knitting, loves the island and makes a great host in her small but beautifully stocked store.  All the gals I've met, of all ages, have been kind, welcoming, funny and beautiful knitters.  I'm lucky to have met them and enjoy their company.

Chesca's in Edgartown

Ok.....so Chesca's is another restaurant I like to check out when on the island.  The food is good, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun and the staff is always friendly.

This was another lovely dinner with Katherine....both of us enjoying a little shopping in town first then slowing down to savor a lovely meal and a few moments of sisterhood.

My start was of course....yes....a dirty martini...yum.  We tried the house made gnocchi, hot Gorgonzola dip with pancetta and Maine shrimp and the Anjou pear salad.  Now the gnocchi is a new one for me and an absolute do over....the dip and salad, well those are favourites of ours.  

Whenever I'm here with my friends Kathleen and George...and Chesca's is open (many businesses close down after the summer season here and sometimes I miss it because I'm an off season kind of gal).....we have some of this dip.  So very good.

Kathy went with the grilled salmon in a Thai chili barbecue glaze while I had the spinach and roasted garlic tortolini for entrees. Both so good, but as usual....two apps and a salad equal take home food.  

Another lovely meal.

Fisherman

Ok...so I have been walking along the shore whenever I get a chance and have noticed that as the sun is starting down after the work day, the fisherman appear.  Tonight I asked a man, "What are you fishing for?".  "Stripers", he's said.  It seems that dusk is the best time to fish for these yummy guys.  Apparently they run a bit small this time of year but he said he would have been happy if he caught a "24 incher". I sat on the beach for such a long time watching them all....cast and reel, cast and reel.  And although the man I spoke with didn't go home with a prize, I couldn't help wonder at his patience.  As he left he said he would be back tomorrow.  "The fish are always there.  I just have to be here when they want to be caught".  He was spent from the work of it, yet content and happy....huge smile on his face.  Ah, fisherman.

Today I Walked Along the Atlantic

 

                                                                   

                                                                   

Twinleaf

Ok....so I brought three knitting projects with me to the island...three projects I specifically didn't work while home because I was saving them to knit here...three projects which I've done very little on because I bought a pattern and yarn here. Really? Yes, really.

I fell in love with the Twinleaf pattern as soon as I saw it and am now knitting the first of two I purchased yarn for...crazy I know, but it had to be done.  Lovely pattern and beautiful meadow yarn by The Fiber Company.  Supporting local shops don't you know...again.

Scottish Bakery

Ok...another favorite place....the Scotish Bakery in Tisbury is filled with wonderful treats...the best shortbreads, Congo bars, roasted garlic hummus, amazing egg, spinach and cheese sandwiches, yummy coffee and best of all...totally groovy people.  I tend to venture over for a sandwich frequently and enjoy the meal or coffee on one of their picnic tables.  Lovely start, middle or finish to a day on the island.

Morning Glory Farm

Ok.....the farm stand is open for the season....all kinds of joy here.

Spring Moon Farm

Ok....so over the last couple of years coming to the island and visiting the local yarn shop, Vineyard Knitworks....I have been checking out a lovely Romney wool from Spring Moon Farm...all natural colours, soft and perfect for my current knitting and spinning naturals phase.  I have not bought until now.  I just couldn't resist it anymore.  What a beautiful throw it will make.  Did I mention supporting local shops and farms?

L'etoile in Edgartown

Ok...so my favorite restaurant on Martha's Vineyard is L'etoile.  It's a small place in the lower level of a house on Water Street that packs a huge punch with flavor.  I am fortunate that they opened for the season during my visit...wonderful to sit at a familiar table often shared with friends to enjoy a lovely meal with family.

We started off with a startini and dirty martini to accompany the amazing seared, spice-crusted duck foie gras and warm baby spinach salad.  Both were a light and flavorful start.  

These were followed by another round if dirty martinis and the main course.....pan-roasted, citrus-rubbed game hen and grilled herb-rubbed Australian lamb rack chops.  Both were moist and loaded with amazing flavors...perfect bites.  

Notice all the hyphens in the menu....yummy and thank goodness for hyphens.  

Although we were near stuffed we decided to try the creme brûlée.  Smooth, creamy and a perfect consistency and sweetness.

Of course...this wonderful and memorable meal was accompanied with stimulating and exciting conversation, much laughter, plenty of visiting with our neighbors and most of all....a pace that evoked peace and contentment.  Mmmmmmm.......

May Square