Vacation: Nantucket

Yes, yes, I know I promised The Blog a recap of our week in London, and I haven't gotten to it yet. I blame it on the difficulty of transferring pictures off my very ancient phone. Since making that promise, I (we) have gone to New Hampshire for one family reunion and then to Nantucket for a different branch of the family's reunion.

Today we talk about Nantucket. Everyone from my mom's immediate family showed up for at least 4 days. We all stayed in Madaket in various rental houses, which permitted us some privacy while still allowing us to run back and forth to different houses all day. This proved useful for the people who don't do much in the kitchen, in that they could drop by and bum food from those of us who do like to cook and bake.

We ate out more than usual. I no longer remember the exact sequence of days and times, but I know that we

1) had dinner at Black-Eyed Susan's, which was yummy except that the pork curry was so hot it made me cry, but so tasty that I couldn't stop eating it. The tuna tartare appetizer was lovely, and the cod entree was exceptional. If you go, be aware that they only accept cash and the prices run in excess of $30 per entree. On a happier note, the corkage fee is only $2 per bottle.

2) got smoothies twice at Nantucket Ice Cream and "Juice Guys". I got a Nantucket Red (excellent) and a Pink Cloud (almost nearly as excellent) and highly recommend them for excellent product and service. They're a little off the beaten path; you have to go most of the way out on the wharf for the Hy-Line Ferry and look to the left.

3) had lunch at Millie's of Madaket. It took us a while to get a table but the wait was absolutely worth it! The oyster po'boy was luscious and their rice side salad is truly stunning. My cousin said his shrimp taco was terrific and my aunt loved her quesadilla but I can't remember which one she got. Scallops, maybe? So really, only mom's redfish po'boy was less than exceptional. As with most Nantucket eateries, prices run about 50% higher than I'm used to seeing here in inland New England.

4) had dinner at The Rose and Crown. The poutine was disappointing but my Mixed Salad (mixed greens, dried cranberries, toasted goat cheese, almonds, carrots, and radishes in a cider vinaigrette ) was fantastic, and a very good price. I don't remember what everyone else got, but they all seemed to enjoy their food.

5) had two meals at Brotherhood of Thieves. I got the crab cake burger with sweet potatoes fries and it was fantastic both times. The rest of my extended family had beef burgers and seemed to enjoy them.

6) got ice cream The Juice Bar. I thought the ice cream was good but not so fantastic as to warrant standing in line for nearly an hour. My cousins, however, disagree with me and went in most evenings to brave the line and the mosquitoes.

7) got donuts at Downyflake. I didn't go myself - this was at the tail end of an unsuccessful morning crabbing expedition - but the guys were kind enough to bring me back a donut.

I also made time for exquisite yarn store next door to Downyflake. This is Flock, a small but well-curated shop that seems to specialize in Madelinetosh. I went in hoping to find self-striping sock yarn. The collection of Regia was tiny and did not match what I wanted, but I allowed myself to be seduced by two skeins of Tosh Sock. (Pictures to follow when I unpack enough to actually locate said yarn.)

So overall, a very nice visit! Next year I hope to schedule a nature tour, and maybe get into Black-Eyed Susan's for breakfast.