Food Stand Serves Far More than Typical Seafood Entrees
by James Reagan
Equipped with a scenic view of the beautiful Edgartown Harbor, Quarterdeck is a must-see while visiting the island. The hut is located in front of Seafood Shanty and it’s eclectic menu features fried clams, burgers, seafood, and lots of other fried treats.
Created back in 1960, Quarterdeck is the oldest burger stand on the island. It offers more than the average burger stand though, with fried deserts like chocolate onions and Oreo cookies.
A lot of the diversity on the menu can be attributed to Chef John Petrosinelli, who prides himself on his creativity in the kitchen. This Week recently sat down with Petrosinelli and talked a little about his work as Quarterdeck’s chef.
TW: How long have you been working here on the island?
JP: 13 years, I came over here from my original home in Providence, Rhode Island.
TW: What inspired you to become a cook when you were younger?
JP: My family owned a bakery so being around food at a young age inspired me to begin making my own creations.
TW: What kind of food do you like to cook at home?
JP: I really like to cook Northern and Southern Italian food like Lasagna and Carbonara.
TW: What are some of Quarterdeck’s best sellers?
JP: The deep-fried Oreos and deep-fried chocolate chip cookies have been really popular. Our overall best seller though is the Colossal Burger, which consists of two beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, four pieces of cheese, four onion rings and barbecued mayonnaise.
TW: What are some of the new choices being offered on the menu?
JP: We are offering yogurt-based smoothies for the first time this year. The best seller out of those has been the Elvis peanut butter banana smoothie.
TW: Why do you think Quarterdeck has stayed around and been successful for so long?
JP: I think a major reason is because everything we serve is fresh and we are constantly trying to come up with new and innovative ideas.
TW: Does Quarterdeck have any advantage that puts it over the competition?
JP: We are open later than most other Edgartown restaurants. We are open till 11 on weeknights and to 2 a.m. on weekends.
