Clementine Wiley
If Edgartown is known perhaps as the most uppity of MV’s towns, the Quarterdeck is a refreshing change of pace. A quaint shingled stand where you can grab some of your favorite seafood or American classics at a good price, this place has a history and culture as rich as its fried clams. The crew’s music blares in the hot, crowded kitchen from which the fresh food comes through a window, to be delivered to you across the counter. Chef David Dalpe has been working here for four summers, gaining experience in the culinary world at The Quarterdeck before moving on to culinary school.
This Week: Where are you from, David?
David Dalpe: Tucker, Rhode Island.
TW: How did you learn to cook?
DD: From being with my mom and grandmother in the kitchen. I’ve been at The Quarterdeck for four summers now.
TW: How did you start out working here?
DD: I came out here to work as a fry cook and moved my way up.
TW: What’s your favorite item on the menu?
DD: Probably the fish tacos.
TW: The Quarterdeck’s menu has a nice variety—how much of it have you invented?
DD: One or two dishes: pretty much the fish tacos and lobster burger.
TW: How has the place changed since you’ve become head chef?
DD: There’s just a lot of repeat customers, and people who hear about it from family members or friends. A lot of word of mouth.
TW: What influences your cooking?
DD: Just basic, kind of work-related (influences). I do plan to go to culinary school eventually, but for now it’s just working for the summers before finding work elsewhere. I’d like to get classically trained, either French or Italian, and eventually open my own restaurant.
TW: What’s your favorite spot on MV?
DD: My house (laughing). No, I mean, I enjoy the nightlife. Depending on where the biggest crowd is going to be. Other than that, I pretty much work and go home.
TW: Had you ever heard of MV before or come here before?
DD: No, one of my friends came and started working at the Shanty and I came out after that. But other than that, I had no idea about Martha’s Vineyard.
TW: What’s your favorite place to eat take-out? And where’s the best place to eat it?
DD: Probably the Square Rigger take-out, and one of the beaches would be the best. Just to sit and relax.
