Off the Beaten Path and into a Culinary Adventure
by Kendra Mills
“There is no love more sincere than the love for food.” The simple chalkboard encapsulates the two most organic aspects of the Aquinnah Shop—the top notch food and the sublime view.
The Aquinnah Shop is currently operated by father and son, the business having been passed down through generations. Jacob Vanderhoop, the son in the equation and also head chef, sat down with This Week to discuss his involvement in the business.
“I started working here when I was 12. I went to culinary school and came back to become a chef.”
Vanderhoop certainly puts his culinary education to good use; the food is exceptional, whether it be early morning fish cakes and eggs, local steamed mussels, sweet potato fries, or a dinner entrée like Chicken Picatta or Pan- Seared Striped Bass. When asked about his favorite dish, Vanderhoop replied, “I don’t really eat here because I’m cooking, but the spicy shrimp sandwich or the smoked salmon sandwich for lunch are really good.”
Every entrée is artistically crafted and forms a complete meal within itself. Highlights off the menu include the Pan-Seared Bass—flaky and tender—with grilled asparagus spears, creamy mushroom sauce, on a bed of lobster mashed potatoes and garnished with crispy onion strings. Each element of the dish fits perfectly in flavor and texture with the others, but the lobster mashed potatoes must be noted as a unique take on a comforting favorite and especially delicious. The corn chowder is served in a plate swiming with fresh sweet corn cut off the cob, red bliss potatoes, smoky bacon, and shrimp.
The Aquinnah Shop has a corner on the market when it comes to dining out up island but there is no sign of relaxed standards anywhere around the restaurant which seems to do everything. Not only does the restaurant offer unique and delicious fine dining options, there is also a take out window at the side of the restaurant which offers standard take out fare such as fried clams and milkshakes. Also, outside the dining area, there is an array of goods, including moccasins and sandals, for customers to browse before they are seated.
The sit down area of the restaurant offers tables both indoors and outdoors. The hardwood tables inside accommodate couples to large groups and are perfect during inclement weather. However, if the sun is shining, nothing on this island is more beautiful than the view from the restaurant deck over the Aquinnah cliffs. The ground drops away from under the deck railing into rolling green hills and an idyllic view of the ocean.
It is nearly too much to take in and, as a diner, it is a struggle to appreciate both the extraordinary view and the mouth-watering food which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week . With a view on the edge of the Earth and a meal fit for a king, the Aquinnah Shop’s love of food will enchant you and keep you wanting more.
MORE INFO:
27 Aquinnah Cir, Aquinnah
(508) 645-3867
www.theaquinnahshop.com
