Guest contributor, Molly Shapiro, sits down with Mass Foodies to talk about one of her favorite places: Nantucket. As a summer resident, The Preppy Hostess, has seen the island’s restaurant scene change over the years.
Nantucket. It’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been fortunate enough to spend twenty-five summers on the quaint island. Many of my childhood memories revolve around Nantucket in some shape or form, and what great memories they are.
Many moons ago, my father who owned a kite shop on the island with his two younger brothers, fell in love with one of the dessert chefs at the Jared Coffin House on Broad Street. That woman was my mother Sheryl. I guess you can say I get my knack for cooking, entertaining and event planning from her. She is beyond talented and I’ve always felt very lucky to follow in her footsteps. I call her the “Original Preppy Hostess,” because that she is! My mother and I have been cooking together ever since I was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter. Whether it was making the famous Amaretto Cheesecake from the Jared Coffin House, or trying to perfect the Morning Glory Muffin recipe from the old Morning Glory Café, you could always find us together in the kitchen and to this day, you still can.
In twenty-five years I’ve seen a lot of places come and go, specifically restaurants. Rent is high, business is competitive, and lets face it, the restaurant business is tough. For the most part though, the places I’ve been to hundreds of times since I was a little girl are still there.
There is the Downyflake Restaurant, which has been an island staple for over 80 years. They make these wicked cinnamon sugar donuts that are melt-in-your-mouth fabulous. Buy a dozen on Friday, eat one or two while they’re still warm, then enjoy the rest all weekend. Here’s a tip. Stick them in the toaster oven for a couple minutes to re-heat the following day. They’ll taste just as wonderful.
Looking for a cup of clam chowder’ and an awesome lobster role? The Brotherhood of Thieves is a Nantucket staple with a pub-like atmosphere and classic dishes. Don’t forget to order some curly fries and a local Cisco Brewery beer. If you’re looking to get what I call the “full experience” ask to sit in the basement where the establishment began, it really adds to the old-school Nantucket atmosphere.
Why would anyone wait in that gigantic line for an ice cream cone you may ask? If you find yourself asking that question you’re probably near the corner of Easy Street and Broad Street, next to The Juice Bar. Is the line slightly ridiculous? Totally. Is this ice cream that good? Definitely. Dare I say it’s the most extensive ice cream list on island and all of it’s homemade? Make sure to order your ice cream in a waffle cone. They’re also homemade and incredible.
As I said above, those are my staples that I’ve been coming to time and time again, year after year. Even though the restaurant scene is constantly evolving those spots have remained on my hot list. A few of my other must hit places are Cru, Lola 41, Straight Wharf, Venturno and La Languadoc.
Cru has one of the most visually stunning waterfront settings on Nantucket Harbor. They have a premier oyster bar and casual yet elegant cuisine. One step in Lola 41 and you’ll be saying “We’re not in Nantucket anymore!” It’s a chic hot spot, with an extensive sushi menu as well as a bistro menu. From the moment I walk in I feel like I’m in a swanky Manhattan restaurant. Last but not least is, Straight Wharf. It’s been an island staple for as long as I’ve been here and with their classic Nantucket dishes, it’s here to stay.
Looking for a hot spot with fabulous Italian? Order the Trozzapretti at Venturno. It’s filled with spicy chicken sausage, broccoli rabe and lots of pecorino. I’ve over heard someone say it was the best meal of their life. Now that is saying something! Did you really go to Nantucket if you didn’t at least have one lobster dinner? Didn’t think so. My vote for the best Lobster on island has to go to Languedoc. It’s pan fried and served with soft polenta and farm fresh asparagus.
There certainly is no shortage of delicious bites on this magical island. Even though the restaurant scene is constantly evolving, there is no shortage of mouth-watering options. My last bit of advice? Come hungry. You probably won’t read that in a travel guide!