Ambience: Overlooking a grassy hill that led on to Menemsha Beach, sunset in the distance. In a word? Romantic. Also, the Obamas ended their summer vacay with a date at Beach Plum. So there's that.
Variety: There wasn't a vegetarian menu, but the mark of fine dining for me is the eagerness with which a restaurant accommodates our folk. With fine dining that doesn't have a detailed menu I've come to expect a "let me see what I can do" set of options from the chef. Didn't happen. Our only choice was the Black Pepper Fettucini (Heirloom Tomatoes, Grilled Summer Squash, Fresh Basil & Parmigiano-Reggiano).
Dessert was the high note: apple rhubarb crisp.
Quality: Martha's Vineyard and Beach Plum in particular are known for food. Maybe this was why I had such great hopes. As far as ingredients go, the place hit all the right notes. Great service, great ambience. But for a place the NYT says you cannot miss with only 36 hours on the island, I raised the bar a bit too high. It was good enough, I guess.
Bottom line: If you're in Martha's Vineyard and are vegetarian, lower your expectations. Dinner will be good, but you'll be left envying the omnivores. At least there's dessert. Be sure to make a reservation here, unless your last name is Obama.
http://www.beachpluminn.com/
