Food and Dining
“ This magical , marvelous food on our plate , this sustenance we absorb , has a story to tell . It has a journey . It leaves a footprint . It leaves a legacy . To eat with reckless abandon , without conscience , without knowledge ; folks , this ain ’ t normal .” – Joel Salatin , farmer and author
A s stewards of the earth , we must consider that our actions , however small , have discernible consequences . Island non-profit Sustainable Nantucket ’ s mission is dedicated to “ cultivating a healthy Nantucket by building a more locally-based and self-reliant food system and a strong local economy .” The NantucketGrown Food Festival – an inaugural event sponsored by Sustainable Nantucket – took place in mid- October 2016 and featured a unique , multi-faceted series of events – from chef demos and tastings to shellfish hatchery tours , films and hands-on cooking lessons – showcasing the importance of sustainability to our local food system .
Owing to its unique location nearly 30 miles at sea – and the pristine waters of Nantucket Sound – the island ’ s local seafood is prized for its freshness and flavor , particularly the inimitable bay scallop which is world-renowned for its sweetness . The island also boasts two Restaurant Weeks – in Spring and Fall – featuring participating restaurants offering special prix fixe menus . Oenophiles venture to Nantucket in droves for the annual Wine Festival in May , and in mid-October , the splendid serenity of autumn – and the colorful , windswept moors – provide a stunning visual backdrop for our everpopular Cranberry
Harvest Weekend .
Nantucket may be acclaimed for its miles of unspoiled beaches and historic downtown , but the island ’ s homage to the fruit of both vine and bog , a biannual salute to fine dining in June and September , and the sheer variety and number of world-class restaurants islandwide contribute to its enduring allure as a vacationer ’ s paradise . We invite you to come taste what you ’ re missing !
FOOD & DINING
Inset photo © nathancoe . com nantucketchamber . org • 89