Labor Day on Martha’s Vineyard is often thought of as the last big Horrah – it’s our chance to full appreciate summer one last weekend, to enjoy our kids frolicking on the beach before they head back to school, to savor the flavors of summer in the most summery ways, and to wish well all our seasonal Vineyard neighbors, family and friends. There will not be a shortage of Labor Day party invites nor a shortage of energy surrounding our famous island…but take some time out to head to the water, whether a beach BBQ or on the waterfront deck of one of your friend’s lovely coastal gems – indulge in the sea air, the classic summer foods and good friends. Here are some of our top picks for a lovely and memorable Labor Day Waterfront BBQ…
Grilled fish done simply – with a splash of lemon, olive oil, salt & pepper speaks for itself. It’s the true flavor of the sea with little more than just that. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled at the market for local sword fish….it’s delightful this time of year. Check out some tips on how to make perfectly done grilled fish here.
The Atlantic Fish & Chop House in Edgartown serves one of the most delicious salads that screams summer…made with ice cold watermelon, spicy arugula, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction. We have been trying to replicate it for a year or so and we just can’t do it justice…so we decided to head into the restaurant when we need the real thing – but as a substitute for our Labor Day BBQ we love this rendition. You’ll love it too.
Grilled corn on the cob can’t be beat and then throw in a trip of flavored butters – chili, sundried tomato and truffle butter – wow. The char of the grill, the sweetness of the corn and the creamy, salty, flavor-packed putter combos are well heavenly. We love to grilled the corn in the husk for a portion of the and then give it a quick char with the husk removed.
The first word that comes to mind when we hop into Morning Glory Farm is – color. Meander through the aisles of produce and pick your favorite vegetables and make this recipe all your own. You can even throw in some cold shrimp, tofu or boiled chicken. These are perfect for on the go and can be made about 12 hours ahead of time. These are healthy an can change with the season so start brainstorming your favorite fall vegetables to add to them once the trees change.
Grilled Watermelon
Grilled watermelon has a smoky quality and an intensified sweetness, all at the same time. A perfect melding of summer’s flavors, the result is truly splendid. This grilled watermelon recipe is easy to prepare and lends its slightly exotic flavor to a variety of different dishes.
Enjoy it as-is, straight from the grill, put it into a traditional fruit salad, or drizzle it with a sweet honey lemon sauce for dessert. Alternately, you can enjoy grilled watermelon as part of a savory dish. Combine it with different cheeses, vinaigrettes, and salad ingredients for an elegant twist on the summer staple.
The Classic ‘Shandy’
Popular in the U.K., where it’s also known as a Shandygaff, this drink mixes equal parts beer with either ginger ale, ginger beer, or carbonated lemonade (some folks even use Sprite or alcoholic sodas like Smirnoff Ice and Mike’s Hard Lemonade). If the drink has multiple sources of alcohol, it’s called a TurboShandy. In the following recipe from Gourmet, fresh lemonade and mint are used instead of bottled products.
The Timeless Pimm’s Cup
A gin-based cocktail – a blend of dry gin, liqueur, fruit juices, spices, lemon soda or ginger ale, enter the Pimm’s Cup. Perfect to be mixed in a batch before the party, to let the mixture marinate a bit. Everyone doesn’t love gin but everyone loves a Pimm’s Cup – a crowd pleasing drink to make all make everyone a little schwilly.
…Cheers to an amazing Labor Day BBQ….
