Nantucket Noel

The Sailor and I spent a festive, fun-filled weekend in Nantucket celebrating Christmas Stroll. It was everything I imagined a charming New England Christmas should be and more! Christmas trees decorated by local organizations lined the cobblestone streets, and the shops competed in a window decorating contest. Santa arrived via boat, greeted by carolers in Victorian costumes, while the Town Crier wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

I hardly know where to start when it comes to a weekend recap. We ate and drank, shopped and strolled. And repeated it all again!

On Thursday, our first night on the island, we had sushi, sushi and more sushi at Lola. There's just no place in the 518 (or surrounding region) that even comes close to having sushi as tasty as Lola.  It's so good that it's our sweet Lola's namesake!

Friday night's dinner was at Ventuno, a new-to-us restaurant...well, sort of new. When we were on our honeymoon a few year's ago, we visited 21 Federal, the restaurant previously in the space. But Ventuno was far better!

I ventured out of my comfort zone and tried something new- Piccata di Capesante e Gamberi (Scallops, Shrimp, Cauliflower, Pinenuts, Caperberry and Lemon). Sooo delish!

via 3sixtie5

The highlight of Ventuno however was the bomboloncini-- Doughnuts with bittersweet chocolate inside, served with coffee gelato and chocolate sauce. Seriously, it was the best dessert I've ever tasted. The Sailor went so far as to suggest it was the best thing he ever tasted. Thanks to the ladies at The Lovely for recommending the bomboloncini (just sounds way  better than "doughnuts") and assuring me that they're worth the calories!

And, as the saying goes, we saved the best for last on Saturday night. American Seasons. After I'd talked it up since my solo visit to Nantucket in September, the Sailor had pretty high expectations, which I think it exceeded!

They had a special limited menu for Stroll, but there were still plenty of options. I was pretty thrilled with my selection.

amuse
Green Onion Biscuit

Pimento Cheese, Ham Cracklin & Pickled Mustard Seeds

appetizer
Bartlett’s Farm Turnip Bisque

Lobster Hush Puppies, Pickled Apple, Kale & Local Honey

entree

Duck Breast & Crispy Confit “TOT”

Parsnip Puree, Pistachio Vinaigrette, Brussels Sprouts, & Cara Cara Orange

dessert
American Seasons Grand Dessert tasting

In between eating, strolling and shopping, we warmed up by the fire at the White Elephant with some Irish coffee, stopped in for a beer on the heated patio at Ventuno, and sipped a night cap at Proprietors, which had a number of seasonal specialty drinks (Who would ever have thought cider and gin would go so well together? Check out their drink menu).

The Brotherhood of Thieves is a summer favorite, so we ducked in to the tavern one afternoon and wandered out to the outdoor party there too. Lots of crazy hats, elf costumes (and a candy cane too) and more ugly sweaters than I've ever seen in one place before!

That is Alvin with a hula hoop...

The weekend was an absolute blast, and I'm so happy that we decided to visit for the holiday celebration!