Nantucket is a little island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, 45 square miles in area and most of our supplies, whether bricks for building for food for the table, comes over on the Steamship Authority ferries and barges.
In recent years however, Nantucket has experienced a resurgence of farming and locally grown food – much to the credit of Sustainable Nantucket, an Island treasure.
Marco Pierre White’s Eton Mess – at the September 9, 2016, SN dinner at the Chanticleer in Sconset
From their website – “Sustainable Nantucket is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that is cultivating a healthy Nantucket by building a more locally-based and self-reliant food system on-island, and a strong local economy. These efforts include expanding agricultural production; increasing access to local food for the community,through our farmers market and in our restaurants, schools, hospital and other facilities; and educating our community about sustainability.”
In other words, Sustainable Nantucket is educating our community about the value and importance of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, fish as well as providing outlets for the small artisans for their art and craft items.
SNs Nantucket Grown Dinners are a partnership between the growers and the restaurants. We recently enjoyed a beautiful dinner with friends at the Chanticleer in Sconset, one of our favorite restaurants. The four course dinner included Local Trap Caught Black Bass and Hibiscus Scented Moors End Beet Tartare with Watermelon Creme Fraiche, A Melange of Nantucket Grown Summer Vegetables in a Classic Tikka Masala Sauce, Local Lobster Mac N Cheese (the best I have ever had) with Bartletts Farm Corn, Roasted Mushrooms and Moors End Farm Herb Foccacia Bread Crumbs, finishing with the beautiful desert shown on the right – with Organic Strawberries and Raspberries, layered with Meringues from Boatyard Farm Eggs Vanilla Gelato and Pumkin Pond Farm Spearmint and Chantilly Whipped Cream – Whew!
The artisans, chefs and food purveyors get an early start each Saturday in the summer
The Sustainable Nantucket Farmers Market, sets up early every Saturday morning just a short walk from the Brass Lantern, just off Federal Street between the Post Office and St. Mary’s Church. The Farmers Market on September 12 will feature local honey growers, several organic produce growers, a lavender infused short bread cookies an cheese cracker delights, and over 25 artisans who create jewelry, paintings, sea glass, sculptures, hand painted gifts, ceramics, shell sculpture – truly, something for everyone!
From the SN website – ‘Sustainable Nantucket’s Farmers and Artisans Market is designed to support and strengthen our traditional industry of agriculture; to support the local economy and encourage entrepreneurs; to help keep downtown vital and to enhance our experience of community. All vendors are seasonal or year round residents of Nantucket, and all goods sold are grown or produced on the island. Vendors include growers, artisans, and prepared food purveyors. There are live music performances, kids’ activity tables, demonstrations and more. Visitors to the market have noted a “street festival” atmosphere that welcomes year round residents and visitors alike to shop, mingle and enjoy the downtown experience.’
Sustainable Nantucket is another Nantucket treasure…
