[ad_1]
By early May, many of us on the island had been vaccinated and could finally lower our shoulders with a sigh of relief that perhaps life could begin to resume… life. All of a sudden, we had to jump first in the summer planning. We started seeing friends again, and we missed them! Island businesses have shifted from being cautious to preparing for a full-fledged season ahead, with no masks, ready or not.
It has been a year that has been life changing in one way or another for all of us. We found out what mattered – friends and family – and what didn’t. We have seen a lot of people who have drastically changed their lives: relocate, quit corporate life, end a long-term relationship, or find new magic with the one they love.
It was a year to start a new business or change the way you run your business. The restaurant industry has been ravaged around the world and is arguably one of the most drastically changed industries. Many are gone forever, and those who have held on are rushing forward with new ways of doing things. Towns and villages everywhere, including here on the island, have relaxed what now appear to be archaic rules – allowing alfresco dining where possible. (What a great idea, right? The weather is nice out here, why not eat under the stars? We even realized that it could be done in the cold.) Our old reluctance to drive everything … the. .. way … to … the take-out city evaporated during the pandemic as we searched for ways to support restaurants run by our friends and family. This year has changed our routines and opened our eyes to what a real ordeal is and what could be our own self-imposed limits instead. We longed for “normal” or what we thought was normal, but even that changed.
Our island farms have continued to be remarkably industrious and have thrived, creating a more sustainable food chain, encouraging open land, local food, healthy, lively soil, and an extra-long growing season. Check out Molly Glassgow’s photos of Hoop Houses – those structures that withstand a longer season. There’s more: Geoff Currier’s story of founding Black Dog 50 years ago, a visit to Seaweed’s on Kennebec Ave., a “Guess the Chef” game by Molly Doyle, and Done !, where Rebecca Haag from IGI celebrates all we have to be thankful for here on Martha’s Vineyard – Larsen’s dinner while watching a sunset at Menemsha, enjoying Manhattan with friends at Beach Road, and all the amazing people who work hard for it. ensure that all islanders eat well.
Bon appétit and have a good summer.
– Tina Miller and Jamie Kageleiry
[ad_2]
