Martha's Vineyard Seafood. Tell 'em Dog sent ya.

We were on Martha's Vineyard this past weekend for my lovely sister-in-law's wedding. One benefit of our cab to bus to cab to plane trip from NYC to the Island was a little bit of local color in the form of Dog, a New Bedford Mass cabbie. He had driven cabs on the Vineyard for years and told us we must go to the Menemsha Fish Market, ask for Stanley and tell him Dog sent you. Sold.

Menemsha is located up-island as the locals say. Spielberg used it (and lots of other Vineyard locations) in "Jaws." It's a small working fishing village with a beach, a smattering of stores, and two fish markets. A perfect backdrop for a dockside lunch of fresh shellfish.
We ventured inside and found Stanley, a short line, and a gigantic lobster. At least three times the size of his tank companions, Lobsterzilla will pose for a picture with you for $5 (which goes to a local charity). We ordered clam chowder, lobster bisque, two lobster rolls and crab jalapeno dip (for later).

Both the chowder and bisque were amazingly rich and creamy, with the largest pieces of clam/lobster I have ever seen in these kinds of soups. I can confidently say that the chowder was the best I have ever tasted. Pefect chunks of potato, tons of whole, huge clams. Perfect temperature to warm up my insides without burning my tongue.

The lobster roll, which cost all of $12, a steal compared to $30 in the city, was positively overflowing with lobster meat. Enormous chunks of tail and claw meat with little else than celery and mayo. Truthfully, I could have used a bit more mayo, but without dollops of my favorite condiment, the subtle taste of the crustacean did shine.


Lastly. The view. Pefect rustic New England meal in its natural location. Heaven.